14 Day Epicurean Adventure in Australia
For the food and wine lovers, this itinerary travels outside of the main city centres and visits some of the rural regions where you can experience local foods and wines at a variety of locations.
Book by Mar 31, 2023
EPICUREAN ADVENTURE
14 days The Yarra Valley to Sydney
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Full Day Yarra Valley Tour
• Full Day Healesville and Philip Island Wildlife Tour
• Half Day Landes & Arcades Tour
• Full Day Great Ocean Road Tour
• Full Day Best of the Barossa Valley Tour
• 2 Day Kangaroo Island In Style with Island Life Tour and Flinders Chase Focus Tour
• Sydney Harbour Cruise
• Sydney Opera House Tour
• Sydney BridgeClimb
• Full Day Blue Mountains Tour
ACCOMMODATIONS AND OTHER INCLUSIONS
• 2 Nights in The Yarra Valley at Chateau Yering Hotel - Yarra Suite including Full Breakfast
• 3 Nights in Melbourne at the Park Hyatt Melbourne - King View Deluxe including Full Breakfast
• 2 Nights in the Barossa Valley at The Louise - Premium Suite Full breakfast, in-suite bar, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, gourmet dinner nightly in Appellation Restaurant
• 1 Night in Adelaide at the Mayfair Hotel - Luxury King Room including Full Breakfast
• 2 Nights Kangaroo Island at the Stranraer Homestead - Guest Room including Full Breakfast
• 3 Nights in Sydney at the Four Season Hotel Sydney - Deluxe Full Harbour King Room including Full Breakfast
• Private Car and Driver transportation between hotels and airports
Ask how we can help customize this tour further for you!
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: The Yarra Valley
Arrive Melbourne - Melbourne to Yarra Valley | Hotel: Chateau Yering Hotel in a Yarra SuiteIncludes: Private Car/Driver Transfer from International Airport (Tullamarine) to Yarra Valley.
The Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first wine growing district – with a history stretching back nearly 180 years. Vines were first planted in 1838 by the Ryrie brothers, on their property known today as Chateau Yering. Viticulture spread rapidly through the 1860’s and 1870’s, with wine exports to the British and European markets and were winning awards around the world. However, Valley wine production cease in 1921. Replanting began in the late 1960’s and by the early 1990’s and the area under vine passed the high point of the 19th century. The Wurundjeri people have occupied the lands around the Yarra Valley for at least 30,000 years and the Yarra River was a life-source.
This heritage-listed 1854 mansion is located in Yering, near Yarra Glen. A sweeping driveway through an old world garden meets the gracious property. It proudly takes pride of place on the 250-acre estate overlooking the Yarra River, is the perfect place to explore the vineyards, fruit farms, villages and stunning scenery this region is famous for. It has several lounge areas with antique furniture and open fireplaces as well as a library, which offers a variety of reading material and board games. The fine dining room, Eleonore’s, with its emphasis on regional produce matched with local wine has been recognised with numerous culinary awards and the vibrant Sweetwater Cafe serves breakfast, light meals and luscious cakes throughout the day. Luxury suites are each decorated in a unique style to showcase a range of antique furniture and fine art. All are presented with large white marble ensuite and expansive private balcony offering unsurpassed rural views.
Day 2: The Yarra Valley
Full Day Yarra Valley Private Tour | Hotel: Chateau Yering Hotel in a Yarra SuiteInclusions: Full breakfast, hotel pick up & drop off, 2 course lunch with a beverage (beer, wine or soft drink), wine tasting at a few local boutique wineries tailored to your preferences, entry to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, a private tasting with local produce.
This 6 hour tour provides you with an opportunity to visit one of Australia’s leading wine making regions, just a short drive from Melbourne. With a picturesque backdrop of the Yarra Ranges as well as renowned restaurants throughout the area, wine and food lovers alike will revel in everything the Yarra Valley has to offer. Enjoy lunch at one of the regions picturesque vineyard restaurants, either TarraWarra Estate or Oakridge Estate followed by more time exploring the region meeting local characters and sampling wine from boutique wineries such as Yarra Yering, Coldstream Hills and Yering Farm. Avoiding the crowds of the larger wineries – the tour will be tailored to suit your tastes. Visit the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, regarded as one of Australia’s leading wildlife reserves, the Healesville Sanctuary has over 200 species of Australian birds and animals in pristine ‘Aussie’ bush land.
Day 3: Yarra Valley to Melbourne (via Phillip Island)
Healesville & Phillip Island Wildlife Private Tour | Hotel: Park Hyatt Melbourne in a King View DeluxeInclusions: Full breakfast, hotel pick up & drop off, entry to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary with VIP Sanctuary Tour, light lunch, Koala Conservation Centre admission, 2 course dinner with beverage, Phillip Island Penguins Plus experience.
This 12 to 13 hour tour takes you to the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, an experience not to be missed. Regarded as one of Australia’s leading wildlife reserves, the Sanctuary has over 200 species of Australian birds and animals in pristine ‘Aussie’ bushland. Enjoy a 2 hour VIP private tour of this wildlife destination. Your ranger will share stories about native wildlife as you get close to koalas, kangaroos and many more. Wander through stunning bushlands with plenty of opportunities to grab a great photo along the way. Then sit back and be treated to VIP seating at the Spirits of the Sky bird show. After your sanctuary experience, we make our way down to Philip Island, stopping to enjoy a light lunch enroute. At Philip Island, you will come face to face with Australia’s most iconic marsupials at the Koala Conservation Centre. Exploring the tree-top boardwalks you can glimpse koalas up close in their natural habitat. Wander the extensive trails through Australian bushland, home to many animals including wallabies, echidnas, and bats. Visit ocean lookouts, spend time bird watching, or meander along coastal boardwalks at The Nobbies where you can view the treacherous Seal Rocks, a rocky outcrop home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Every evening at sunset the Little Penguins come out of the surf and return to Summerland Beach. They waddle up to their burrows, just as their ancestors have done for thousands of generations, meandering straight past eager visitors who wait in anticipation for the night’s performance. Watch this miracle unfold in front of you from an exclusive raised platform away from the crowds and see these unique creatures return to their nests in the sand dunes. Return to Melbourne, where you will be transferred to your Melbourne accommodation.
Day 4: Melbourne
Half Day Lanes & Arcades Private Tour | Hotel: Park Hyatt Melbourne in a King View DeluxeInclusions: Full breakfast, Inner City Hotel meet up, drink and snack.
Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool cafe you were told of and ended up missing everything? Enjoy a 3 hour walk through Melbourne’s beautiful back streets and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover local designers and specialty retailers that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and historical tales are found in these walkways. There is something for everyone. See over 30 stores on this casual stroll and return to those you like best in the afternoon.
Day 5: Great Ocean Road
Full Day Great Ocean Road Private Tour | Hotel: Park Hyatt Melbourne in a King View DeluxeInclusions: Full breakfast, hotel pick up and drop off, luxury vehicle, professional local guide, complimentary water, morning tea, 2 course lunch with a beverage (beer, wine or soft drink)
This 12 hour tour provides you with the opportunity to travel along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. One of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, the Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres along the southern coast of Victoria. Travel it and you will discover some of the world’s most inspiring scenery, an ever changing hinterland and charming towns and hamlets. Marvel at the huge cliffs, roaring seas, tranquil coves, magnificent waterfalls and secluded beaches. Get an insight into Australian surfing culture at Bells Beach, with rugged cliffs and big waves. Discover seaside villages such as the popular town of Lorne, where you can stroll on the stunning beach. As you continue driving you may see koalas in the wild at Kennett River. Indulge in quality local produce and fresh seafood opposite the sandy beaches of Apollo Bay. Head inland through Cape Otway’s towering trees and ferns of temperate rain forest towards Port Campbell National Park to behold the sculptured beauty of The Twelve Apostles. Many of these stacks of flat-bedded limestone rise 65 metres above sea level and are an inspiring sight to see. Visit incredible natural coves and lookouts and hear tales from your host of romance and shipwreck tragedies whilst marvelling at the landmarks.
Day 6: Melbourne to Barossa Valley (via Adelaide)
Hotel: The Louise, in a Premium SuiteIncludes: Full breakfast, Private Car/Driver Transfer from Hotel to Airport (Tullamarine), from Adelaid Domestic Airport to Barossa Valley. Hotel includes Full breakfast, in-suite bar, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, gourmet dinner nightly in Appellation Restaurant and use of lodge facilities.
Your flight today is not included in your travel arrangements.The Barossa Valley is located an hour’s drive from Adelaide City and is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. The area consists of many small towns. Nuriootpa, meaning ‘the meeting place’ is surrounded by vineyards. The town’s vine-lined main street becomes an amazing array of colours during autumn and is the business centre of the Barossa as well as home to some of the region’s best-known cellar doors including Penfolds, Elderton and, just a few kilometres from the town, Wolf Blass Visitor Centre.
Lyndoch has evolved with the times into a mecca of contemporary ambience while maintaining its English foundations and strong German influences. Nestled at the fertile base of the Barossa Ranges, the town once featured the first flour mill north of Adelaide. This rich soil today boasts several of the Barossa’s finest wineries.
In Williamstown, of special interest is the Whispering Wall, the huge curved retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir that’s about 140 metres long and an acoustic miracle. Built between 1899 and 1903, the dam was a revolutionary engineering feat for its day and attracted attention from all over the world.
Day 7: Barossa Valley
Full Day Best of the Barossa Valley Private Tour | Hotel: The Louise, in a Premium SuiteInclusions: Full breakfast, hotel pick up and drop off, gourmet lunch, wine tastings, refreshments and wine & tourism information kit.
This 6 hour tour includes a city orientation tour and then travels through the scenic Torrens Gorge to the Barossa Valley, a natural chasm carved out of the Adelaide Hills by the River Torrens. Start your wine tasting experience by visiting smaller wineries such as Schild Estate or visit Trevor Jones’ Kellermeister. Travel to Jacobs Creek to visit some small wineries with rustic charm, making wines in traditional Barossa methods, such as Rockfords and Charlie Melton. Stop at Tanunda to discover the local arts and crafts shops. Enjoy a picturesque drive up to Menglers Hill for unsurpassed views over the entire Valley and then continue into historic Angaston. Visit Angas Park, specialising in fine dried fruits, or the local cheese maker who has won many awards for their farm cheeses. Lunch will be alfresco under the vines or at Vintners restaurant. For those more seriously into wine the next stop could be Henschkes winery in Keyneton, a fifth generation German winery producing outstanding wines that incorporate the best of old world and state of the art winemaking. Alternatively visit historic Yalumba, the biggest family run winery in Australia. Return to your Barossa Valley accommodation.
Day 8: Barossa Valley to Adelaide
Hotels: Mayfair Hotel in a Luxury King RoomInclusions: Full breakfast, Private Car/Driver Transfer from Barossa Valley to Adelaide Hotel
The wine and festival capital of Australia, Adelaide is a place to experience the buzz, culture and convenience of a city without the frustrations. The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a charming blend of historic buildings, wide streets, groovy shops and a huge variety of street cafes and restaurants. Visit the largest undercover market in the southern hemisphere and taste the best of South Australia at the Adelaide Central Market or enjoy a ride on Adelaide’s tram from the city centre to the historic yet vibrant beachside suburb of Glenelg. The city also provides a great launching point to the many attractions surrounding Adelaide, including world class wine regions, the Australian Outback, Kangaroo Island and much more.
Day 9: Adelaide to Kangaroo Island
2 Day Kangaroo Island In Style Small Group Tour | Hotel: Stranraer Homestead in a Guest RoomInclusions: Private Car/Driver Transfer from Adelaide Hotel to Airport. Upon arrival at Kingscote Airport (Kangaroo Island) you will be met by your guide and join a full day sightseeing tour. Plus 2 x full day shared touring, all admission fees and on island transfers.
Also included in your stay, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. Your flight today is not included in your arrangements.
Widely acclaimed as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is home to an abundance of native wildlife and spectacular natural attractions. Covering almost 4,500 square kilometres, it is Australia’s third largest island and offers the best of the mainland on a smaller, more intimate scale. With more than one third of the island declared as Conservation or National Park, visitors readily come face-to-face with prolific bird and animal species, such as the New Zealand fur seals, koalas, kangaroos, Australian sea lions, ospreys, echidnas, and much much more. Flanked by the indomitable Southern Ocean, dramatic coastal vistas and sculptured landscapes lie unspoiled by development and riddled with sheer limestone cliffs, sheltered coves, rocky headlands and deserted stretches of sugar-white sand.
Day 10: Kangaroo Island
Flinders Chase Focus Tour | Hotel: Stranraer Homestead in a Guest RoomIncludes: Full breakfast and small group guided tour
Travel the island’s north-west in an important private wildlife refuge with Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife. Check out wildlife surveys targeting tiny endangered mammals and get an introduction to the bush, so the fire ecology experienced later in the day has context. Break for an elegant picnic lunch in the bush, featuring marinated poached chicken, fresh salads, cheeses and fantastic South Australian wine, beer, soft drinks and spring water. After lunch, travel into Flinders Chase National Park and explore the massive shapes of Remarkable Rocks, a natural sculpture perched impossibly on top of a dome of granite emerging from the ocean. Evidence of the power of the Southern Ocean swell continues at Admirals Arch – a coastal grotto which provides a haul out for a large colony of Long-nosed fur seals who swim effortlessly through the crashing waves. Return to your accommodation late afternoon and enjoy dinner which has been included this evening.
Day 11: Sydney
Kangaroo Island to Sydney (via Adelaide) | Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Deluxe Full Harbour King RoomIncludes: Full breakfast, transfer to Kingscote Airport. Private Car/Driver transfer from Sydney Airport to City hotel
Flights between Kangaroo Island, Adelaide and Sydney are not included.Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Cruise under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24/7 fun.
Day 12: Sydney
Full Day Sydney Exploration with guided tours | Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Deluxe Full Harbour King RoomInclusions: Full breakfast, 2 hour cruise, morning tea served with coffee, tea and juice. Sydney Opera House private guided tour, BridgeClimb Sydney at Twilight
Begin your day with a sensational 2 hour morning tea cruise. Step aboard a 52 foot motor yacht. Your personal captain & host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and its foreshore as you take in the sites of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a light morning tea with coffee, tea, juice, water and 5-star service.
More than 60 years ago, Jorn Utzon designed what is now considered one of the greatest buildings of all time. But for Utzon, the Sydney Opera House story was no fairy tale. The 1 hour tour brings to life the saga behind the making of the world’s most famous house. Your guide will take you on an emotional journey inside this modern masterpiece, putting Jorn Utzon on centre stage and is a tribute to his creative genius. You will discover why Utzon was more than an architect: he was an architect of change. And how, against a landslide of political and public criticism, he created the youngest building ever to be World Heritage listed. You will be taken inside one of the working venues to experience the magic behind the world’s most extraordinary opera, ballet, symphony and dramatic performances.
Your 3 hour tour commences with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration, before you are led by one of BridgeClimb’s Climb Leaders, on a guided journey (including preparation and briefing), to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The tour takes you along the top arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on the surroundings, with the opportunity to witness 360 degree views of Sydney including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour City surrounds.
Day 13: Blue Mountains
Full Day Private Blue Mountains Luxury Diamond Day | Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Deluxe Full Harbour King RoomInclusions: Full breakfast, hotel pick up and drop off, private tour of the Blue Mountains, Calmsley Hill admission, morning tea, 2 course Lunch at Echoes Restaurant with 1 glass of beer, wine or soft drink per person, national park fee and bottled water on board.
This 9 hour tour travels to the Blue Mountains. Stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm also home to Kangaroo, Emu, Wombat and Koala. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley seeing beautiful vistas and enjoy a stress and hurry free environment. Arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous Three Sisters. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Enjoy lunch at Echoes Restaurant, perched at the absolute edge of the Blue Mountains, with views of mountains, cliff edges and lush rainforest valleys. After lunch, visit Govetts Leap, one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. Your last stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens where there is time for a short inspection of the flora including the ancient Wollemi Pine.
Day 14: Sydney
End of TourIncluded: Full breakfast, Private Car/Driver Transfer from your City Hotel to International Airport.
Today ends your Epicurean Adventure tour.
Plan Your Australian Adventure Now
Terms & Conditions
All rates will be quoted in the applicable currency and will be valid for travel during the seasonality dates booked. Should existing Government charges change or new charges be introduced prior to travel, we reserve the right to requote. International airfares may be subject to fuel surcharges at the time of booking. Rates are not valid over special event periods when surcharged rates and/or minimum stays may apply. All tours must be started and completed within the validity dates of the rates shown for the specific rate to be applicable. Travel that crosses between rate validity, or where there is a seasonality note, will be subject to a special quotation. All prices are subject to the availability of the specified services and contracted rates at the time of booking. COST EXCLUDES • Internal Australian flights (unless otherwise specified) • Internation flights • Supplier surcharges when date/time of service required occurs on a public holiday or outside of standard hours • Optional tours and services • Meals other than those specified above • Beverages • Gratuities • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone calls, mini bar, laundry, etc.) • Travel insurance (cancellations, loss of deposits, delays, etc.)