The drive from Melbourne to Red Hill takes just over an hour, but the transition feels more dramatic than that – city energy giving way to vineyard quiet, the light shifting as you turn down our tree-lined driveway. For families seeking time together without the usual holiday frenzy, our Mornington Peninsula accommodation offers connection and a slowed pace.
Rather than packing up every morning to chase the next sight, a stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill becomes the centrepiece of your holiday. The estate’s gardens, vineyard, and thoughtful spaces are a destination in themselves. And with the Peninsula’s best experiences just a short drive away, the balance of rest and adventure is effortless.
Here’s how to make the most of five relaxed days in Red Hill.
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
Leave Melbourne mid-morning to avoid peak traffic and arrive in Red Hill just in time for check-in.
Choose from our beautifully appointed rooms with space to stretch out after your drive down, whether that’s a garden suite with direct access to the lawns or a balcony room with vineyard views.
Spend your first afternoon on the estate. The Little Explorers package includes an exciting welcome pack to set the tone for your kids’ stay. The estate’s lake and woodland trails tire out restless legs before dinner, and the guest lounges are serene indoor options once the sun dips.
Our on-site twice-hatted restaurant, The Dining Room, offers a menu focused on Peninsula produce, and the team will gladly accommodate younger palates without fuss.
Day 2: Coastal Exploration
After a restful night, drive to Sorrento Back Beach, where rock pools hold the attention of children far longer than a typical beach ever could. Sorrento’s main street offers plenty of breakfast choices, with excellent coffee for parents and something familiar for little ones.
Later, visit Point Nepean National Park for an easy, pram-friendly walk to Fort Nepean. It covers a three-kilometre return route with historical installations breaking up the distance – perfect for curious minds.
Return to Lindenderry for a relaxed cellar door lunch. The lawn provides the ideal place for children to play while adults linger over a glass of the estate’s 5-star Halliday-rated Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. It’s a setting where no one needs to rush off.
Day 3: Hinterland Adventures
Keep it close to home. Less than a 10-minute drive away is Arthurs Seat, which offers a gondola ride with sweeping views and operates year-round. At the summit, Seawinds Gardens provides short walking tracks through landscaped grounds. If you’re feeling adventurous, Enchanted Adventure is perfect with themed gardens, giant sculptures, and tree surfing.
The afternoon suits wandering Red Hill's farmgate trail. Green Olive at Red Hill (child and dog-friendly) combines olive grove walks and tastings with room to roam. Merricks General Wine Store blends casual dining and local wine, allowing families to linger unhurried.
Returning to the Lindenderry Estate in the evening allows for the downtime families actually need, ending the day in tranquil calm.
Day 4: Creative & Cultural
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, start your day at the Red Hill Community Market. It’s big enough to explore, but small enough to manage with children. Local producers sell everything from fresh pasta to honey, handmade toys and baked goods.
For adults seeking wine country experiences while children remain engaged, several Peninsula cellar doors have cracked this balance. Montalto combines wine tasting with sculpture trails that double as playgrounds, while Pt Leo Estate impresses with its vast outdoor spaces and family-friendly art installations, all within sight of the wine terrace.
If you’re celebrating something special during your trip, Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is also known for hosting events of all kinds. With breathtaking wedding venues on the Mornington Peninsula and flexible function rooms on the Mornington Peninsula. The gardens and vineyard create a beautiful backdrop, whether you’re here with a few loved ones or the entire extended family.
Day 5: Slow Morning, Gentle Departure
Take the morning slowly. Breakfast at The Dining Room runs into late morning, and a final stroll around the lake lets children stretch their legs while you take it all in one last time.
Check-out allows time for one final stop: Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens. Children delight in finding their way through the hedge maze, and it’s a lighthearted way to end the trip.
The return drive feels shorter, proof that the time spent here has done its job. Five days, one base, countless memories.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip
- Choose a timing that suits your itinerary. Weekdays see quieter attractions while weekends offer fuller market and cellar door experiences. If you’re visiting during school holiday periods, plan for longer drive times.
- Go with one major outing a day. The whole family deserves downtime, so exhaustion doesn’t result in fussy tantrums. Our Little Explorers package offers activities such as pizza making and treasure hunts for enrichment on estate grounds.
- Stay in one place. Unpacking once means time to settle in and zero fuss. Plus, as our staff get to know you, the property feels more like home than a hotel, giving you a unique experience of the Peninsula.
If you’re planning a corporate getaway, we also offer conference venues on the Mornington Peninsula and can curate an itinerary made for team bonding and relaxation.
Ready to plan your Peninsula stay? Explore availability and family packages today and slow down with Lancemore.
