The Peninsula Picnic is a golden opportunity to imbibe in all of the things Victoria does best. First held on the Mornington Racecourse in 2015, the Peninsula Picnic quickly proved to be a hit with its alchemic combination of local food, wine, and music in a glorious outdoor setting. This year’s event is shaping up to be even better with a bigger musical line-up and some of Victoria’s most innovative restauranteurs serving up delectable autumnal fare.

Melbourne on the Move is running coaches to and from Mornington Racecourse with return tickets costing just $43.70 from Melbourne. So pack your favourite picnic blanket, a hat and your sense of culinary adventure and get ready for a truly Victorian day out. Here are some of our picks to help you get the most out of the day.

Drink: Montalto Winery

You won’t be driving anywhere so now is the perfect chance to enjoy some of the Peninsula’s best wines just a few kilometres from the vineyards they came from. Montalto Winery produces Mornington Peninsula wines that are brimming with character. One of the more experimental producers, Montalto sources grapes from seven vineyards around the peninsula and has developed a reputation for turning out complex, nuanced wines. If vino isn’t your thing, Fat Yak beers and ciders will be available throughout the day.

Eat: Dee’s Kitchen

Awaken your tastebuds with fresh Middle Eastern flavours made from the best of what the peninsula has to offer. Dee’s Kitchen combines the international with the local by taking the recipes of Dee’s Israeli mother and recreating them with produce from local gardeners and artisans. Expect fresh, flavoursome fare which makes the most of autumn vegetables like eggplant and fennel and capitalises on local products like Leontyna Olive Oil and Main Ridge Dairy cheeses.

Listen: Kim Churchill

Canberra born Churchill’s musical career thus far could be called quintessentially Australian. A busker and surfer, Churchill first rose to fame when he won the Byron Bay Bluesfest Busker Competition in 2009 and he has become a firm fixture in Australian festival circuits ever since. A true live performer, Churchill is known for his masterful guitar skills and eloquent vocals which he wields to great effect onstage.

How to save your seat on the coach from Melbourne/Frankston

The countdown to the Peninsula Picnic has already begun, so take the stress out of transportation and book your seat on our bus charter from Melbourne or Frankston.