Melbourne L I NK I NG FOUR EXTRAORD I NARY REG IONS F O O D & W I N E The most delicious journeys 5 Day Itinerary If there’s one place in Australia you should visit for extraordinary gastronomic experiences, this is it. Internationally award-winning wines, chef’s hat restaurants featuring local produce from land and sea, culinary masterclasses, meet the makers, u-pick orchards. Stay on a vineyard, a luxury B&B, a lakeside retreat for even more gourmet adventures. FROM ESPRESSO TO NIGHTCAPS Planning your day is rather like browsing the mouthwatering menu of an excellent restaurant. Start with breakfast and superb locally roasted coffee at a village café, perhaps overlooking the beach or out in the country. Visit a boutique farm, take a tour, a cooking class, buy local produce for a picnic or for dinner in your apartment. Choose a winery restaurant for lunch, book a wine tasting masterclass. Head for a distillery tasting and learn some creative new cocktail recipes, a brewery for hand-crafted beer or a cider house. Choose accommodation where fine food and wine is part of the whole experience…an historic hotel, a lakeside retreat with casual and formal dining or a luxury apartment where you can prepare dinner from the day’s local produce and relax over a whisky nightcap from a local distillery. Just Go Beyond Melbourne and discover the extraordinary foodscapes of four adjoining regions. They are the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Bellarine. All full of gourmet adventures that you simply can’t find in the city. You can choose your route – from Melbourne to Geelong, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, then the Yarra Valley. Or you can head for the Yarra Valley, and do the circuit in reverse. YA R R A VA L L E Y & D A N D E N O N G R A N G E S P H I L L I P I S L A N D M O R N I N G T O N P E N I N S U L A G E E L O N G & T H E B E L L A R I N E
PASSENGER FERRY VEHICLE FERRY PASSENGER FERRY Melbourne Werribee Little River Wallington Portarlington Queenscliff Pt Lonsdale Sorrento Rhyll Mornington Red Hill Main Ridge Newhaven Marysville Belgrave Kinglake Dixons Creek Yarra Glen Coldstream Healesville AVALON AIRPORT YOU YANGS MELBOURNE AIRPORT Gembrook Warburton Wandin FRENCH ISLAND Dromana Somerville Moorooduc Cowes Drysdale CAPE SCHANCK PENGUIN PARADE PHILLIP ISLAND YARRA VALLEY DANDENONG RANGES GEELONG BELLARINE PENINSULA MORNINGTON PENINSULA TANTALISING TASTE TRAILS It doesn’t matter where your particular gourmet passions lie – we’ve got them covered. There are tantalising taste trails in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Bellarine Peninsula. And we’ve hand-picked a selection of Phillip Island’s gourmet treats too. If you’re a keen cook or have green thumbs, you’ll find plenty of options for learning more from local chefs, and from local producers about growing your own fruit and vegetables. For example, there’s an edible forest in the Yarra Valley which offers a hosted ‘tour and taste’ experience with over 350 species of edible and medicinal plants. On an orchard tour, ask questions about the 450 varieties of fruit. The Mornington Peninsula has the Wine Food and Farmgate trail and a boutique farm offering tours and farm picnics. The Bellarine Taste Trail and the Moorabool Valley Taste Trails take in more than 50 makers, producers, wineries and brewers. All these trails offer dozens of opportunities to taste and learn more about wine, cider, beer and distilling craft gin, rum and whisky. DOWNRIGHT DECADENT You’ll find some extra special treats too, such as a chocolate factory on Phillip Island where you can create your own edible masterpiece. But if you just want to sit back in beautiful restaurants for lunch and dinner, this is itinerary planning made simple. Spectacular wineries offer tastings and casual and formal dining, while restaurants reveal extraordinary views of deserted coastlines and rolling green hills. Some wineries feature magnificent sculpture gardens and several wineries are included in the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia’s portfolio. You can stay overnight at gourmet retreats with day spas, book a self-contained villa, sleep surrounded by pictureperfect gardens and vineyards, stay seaside or lakeside. 1 2 3 4 1. InterContinental Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula 2. Food & Wine, Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges 3. The Nobbies Centre Café, Phillip Island 4. Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Geelong & The Bellarine It is so easy to design your own journey linking the four extraordinary regions Beyond Melbourne. 1 Decide the order in which you wish to link each region. 2 Select EACH attraction and accommodation you wish to experience in your rst regional destination, adding them to Trip Planner as you go. Then move on to add options from your second regional destination and so on. 3 Note you can add up to 23 options (MAX) in total. 4 Once you have selected all the places you want to visit Beyond Melbourne, click on the TRIP PLANNER button at the top of your screen. 5 Once you are happy with the order of your choices, click on DOWNLOAD TRIP PLAN to see your entire journey both pictorially and mapped out with times and distances between attractions. DESIGN YOUR JOURNEY WITH TRIP PLANNER
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Enjoy farm-to-table Italian-inspired cuisine paired seamlessly with awardwinning wines, set amidst picturesque vineyard views. debortoli.com.au Araluen Boutique Accommodation Nestles in 4 acres of picture perfect gardens and bushland. Dip into the swimming pool, collect fresh eggs from the free-range hens and settle back in a self-contained villa. araluenlodge.com.au Chandon Enjoy stunning panoramic vineyard views, take a self guided tour and savour delightful wines in the Brasserie with perfectly paired dishes. chandon.com.au Re’em Yarra Valley – Opened December 2023 on the Helen and Joey vineyard and farm. 12 lavish suites with balconies, 4 super luxury spa suites, fine dining, cellar door, spa treatments, gardens, farm experiences. re-em.com.au Rochford Wines Much more than a winery! Sip award winning cool climate wines, ogle breathtaking views and hang out in versatile indoor/outdoor dining and tasting spaces. rochfordwines.com.au Oakridge Wines – Offers award-winning wines, wow factor architecture… and scenery to match. Contemporary cellar door and Chef’s hat restaurant offer spectacular valley views. oakridgewines.com.au Balgownie Estate –Offers a day spa, fine dining restaurant, award-winning accommodation, on-site activities and superb conference and wedding facilities. Dine, taste, indulge, and experience. Bliss. balgownie.com/yarra-valley/ Yarra Gables – This small luxury property set in stunning gardens offers a number of spacious family rooms and three 3-bedroom cottages. The perfect place to relax after winery and gin tastings. yarragables.com.au Coombe Yarra Valley – Once the home of Dame Nellie Melba, Seven acres of stunning gardens and beautifully appointed facilities in the restored motor house and clock tower offer a truly unique gourmet and cultural experience. Superb 150-seat restaurant, cellar door, guided garden tours. Gallery featuring Melba private collection. coombeyarravalley.com.au Edible Forest – Step into the magic of the Edible Forest, a lush haven where nature, flavour, and sustainability thrive together. Wander through six vibrant zones – from tea and berries to bush tucker and wetlands – on a guided ‘Tour & Taste’ experience. With over 350 edible and medicinal plants to discover, your senses will be awakened and your curiosity inspired. edibleforest.co Cherryhill Orchards – A leading Australian cherry producer and home to u-pick cherry adventures (in season Nov-Jan). Stroll through lush orchards, pick sun-ripened cherries and indulge in cherry-infused treats. In Spring, the Blossom Festival beckons with blooming cherry trees, guided tours, and picnics among the blossoms. cherryhill.com.au Cycling Vine Tours – Taste and buy along the way for spectacular picnics, nibbles and dinner. Guided/self-guided tours along quiet back roads and rail trails through premier wine and food country and beautiful coastal landscapes. A relaxed cycle experience pedalling through this renowned food & wine region on The Warburton Rail Trail. vinetours.com.au Four Pillars Distillery – This small distillery makes a truly modern Australian style of gin, which captures Asian spice, Mediterranean citrus and some native Australian botanicals. Their gins have won gold medals at the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. Gin tastings and a huge range of gin cocktails are served in the bar. fourpillarsgin.com.au Rayner’s Orchard – This boutique orchard grows 450 varieties of fruit and has fruit all year round! Take a fruit tasting tractor tour through the orchard and enjoy the best tree ripened fruit varieties depending on the season. U-Pick available on fruit tasting tours. Have lunch in the Peach Café, explore the retail shop and extensive fruiting plant nursery. raynersorchard.com.au
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES PHI LL IP ISLAND Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar – Features the region’s best: local beef, wines, beers and top local produce. And the best views of Cowes’ foreshore, Westernport Bay, French Island and the Mornington Peninsula. beachhq.com.au Phillip Island Apartments – Vibrant Cowes township location. Spacious 1, 2, 3 bedroom apartments – fully equipped kitchen, open lounge and dining area, private balcony or patio. Swimming pool, BBQ. stayonphillipisland.com.au Rusty Water Brewery, Restaurant & Bar Is all about real food and real people. Tuck into handcrafted ales and a seasonal menu using the freshest local ingredients and products, all crafted with love. rustywaterbrewery.com.au Genesta House B&B – A gorgeous guesthouse in Cowes. Three suites, oldworld charm with modern amenities, 100-year-old gardens. An easy stroll to Cowes town centre, the beach and restaurants. genestahouse.com.au North Pier Hotel – A relaxed dining experience with stunning ocean views. The bistro serves pub classics and coastal favourites. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, and a children’s play area. northpierhotel.com.au The Nobbies Centre Café – Love seafood? Tuck into sustainably caught, MSC certified seafood and chips while gazing out over Bass Strait. Then stroll the 500m winding boardwalks. penguins.org.au North Pier Hotel – is the ideal spot to base yourself. Just a stone’s throw from the beach with rooms to suit all budgets from dorms, suites, family rooms and spa rooms. northpierhotel.com.au Phillip Island Towers – Luxurious, spacious apartments just a few minutes’ walk from the popular dining precinct. Explore local wineries, breweries and producers, then prepare a feast in your own kitchen. stayonphillipisland.com.au Naturaliste Tours French Island Wine Tour– Head off to French Island for a food and wine adventure in a pristine, off-grid paradise. Enjoy handcrafted Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz at a historic waterfront vineyard, spot wild koalas, take a coastal walk, and experience exclusive 4WD touring in this fabulous eco-destination. naturalistetours.com.au Ocean Adventures – Experience the turquoise waters, stunning scenery and an unforgettable experience. The breathtaking granite coastline and abundance of wildlife are a must-see. Spot the fur seals, penguins, pacific gulls and rays. Select an adrenalinefilled adventure aboard the premium ’Thundercat’ racing boat. oceanadventures.co Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Sweetens up every day! See the chocolate factory in full non-stop chocolate-making action and create a personalised chocolate masterpiece. This is a fascinating, interactive and educational celebration of all things chocolate. Even your entry ticket is made of chocolate! phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au Churchill Island – Take a glimpse into Victoria’s heritage on this tiny island. A tiny and precious piece of history with a café featuring farm-fresh food, beautiful gardens, historic buildings and scenic walks. Enjoy farm activities, including milking, working dog demonstrations, and sheep shearing, with stunning coastal views. penguins.org.au Phillip Island Nature Parks Koala Reserve – See koalas in their natural environment, Wander the two tree top boardwalks for superb up-close koala viewing or enjoy seeing them on the walking trails. Enjoy the interpretative displays within the Visitor Centre and learn about Koalas’ habitat and conservation. penguins.org.au Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade – As dusk falls, witness these endearing little creatures emerge from the sea and scurry to their burrows. The Penguins Plus experience offers upclose viewing and a private boardwalk, while the Underground viewing area offers world-first eye level viewing. Ranger Guided tours offer an exclusive, experience. penguins.org.au
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES MORNINGTON PENINSULA Ten Minutes by Tractor – Superlative wines are a true expression of their terroir. Elegant, complex with superb length. Fine dining room awarded two Chefs’ Hats. A ‘must detour’ for food and wine lovers. tenminutesbytractor.com.au Flinders Hotel – Historic hotel, charming village packed with providores. A refined yet relaxed dining experience, showcasing fresh, local produce and Mornington Peninsula wines. flindershotel.com.au Trofeo Estate – Elegant, fruit-driven wines aged exclusively in Italian terracotta amphora (no oak). Red Hill cellar door and restaurant in spectacular 1930s reimagined cannery with deck overlooking vines. trofeoestate.com.au Jackalope Hotel – Jackalope offers a new standard in luxury accommodation – 44 luxury rooms, a 30-metre infinity pool, an on-site winery, two bars and two outstanding restaurants. jackalopehotels.com Pt Leo Estate – Art, rolling vineyards and ocean views. Perch yourself on the terrace, glass in hand, and take in the commanding views. Or truly spoil yourself with a two hatted fine dining experience. ptleoestate.com.au T’Gallant Winery – Rustic, relaxing piazza overlooking vineyards. A favourite spot for sharing fabulous wood-fired pizzas. Choose from the cellar door’s wide range including Pinot Gris and Grigio. tgallant.com.au Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill Features 40 elegant Hecker Guthrie designed spacious guest rooms with quality furnishings and fittings. Swoon over views, sample wines and savour farm-to-table dining. lancemore.com.au InterContinental Sorrento – Historic hotel meets contemporary design. 108 guest rooms and suites offer refined seaside elegance. This reinvented icon also boasts four restaurants, bars, spa and bathhouse. sorrento.intercontinental.com Green Olive at Red Hill This small and picturesque farm features olives, grapes, herbs, vegetables, sheep and chooks. It’s all about paddock-toplate sustainable farm tours, grazing platters, picnics on the farm and a shop brimming with natural products – all in one incredible place. greenolive.com.au Avani Wines – Discover Avani – where natural winemaking meets Indianinspired cuisine in the heart of Red Hill South. Enjoy seated tastings hosted by the family, sample museum wines, and dine on dishes by acclaimed chef Deepak Mishra, all set within a stunning mudbrick winery overlooking rolling vineyard avanisyrah.com.au Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm Pick your own luscious, sweet strawberries (November to April), indulge year round in the decadent Dessert Café (try the house-made award winning ice cream), buy tempting local gourmet produce, wines and succulent strawberrythemed gifts to take home. Simply delicious! rockycreek.com.au JimmyRum Distillery Rum is the next big thing, and JimmyRum craft distillery is the place to sip and learn about this handcrafted spirit at Victoria’s first rum craft distillery. Uncomplicated, unpretentious and unruly, they’re putting together rums that are distinctive and downright delicious. Tours, tastings and master classes. jimmyrum.com.au Red Hill Lavender Farm Stroll through fragrant lavender fields, meet the farmers, and observe steam distillation, bunch stripping, and drying sheds in action. Discover hand-crafted botanical products and indulge in a lavender-infused culinary experience at the Garden Café, overlooking picturesque vineyards for a truly immersive farm adventure. redhilllavender.com.au Bass & Flinders Distillery Discover the art of gin in style! Indulge in a Gin High Tea with locally inspired treats paired with handcrafted gins. Or dive into a Gin Masterclass, blending botanicals to create your own signature gin. Explore curated tastings or seasonal cocktails crafted with artisanal gins, brandies, and liqueurs whilst enjoying rooftop views. bassandflindersdistillery.com
MORNING ACTIVITIES LUNCH ACTIVITIES WHERE TO STAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES GEELONG & THE BELLARINE Jack Rabbit Vineyard Unrivalled, spectacular, panoramic views across the bay to Melbourne. The winery has forged a reputation as a gastronomic showpiece for the Bellarine Peninsula jackrabbitvineyard.com.au Portarlington Grand Hotel Ticks every box! Boutique guestrooms, airy Atrium, fun Front Bar, stylish Dining Room. Classic pub faves, wood-fired pizzas, local produce, Bellarine wines, beers, cocktails. portarlingtongrandhotel.com.au The Q Train – A delightful dégustation dining experience that travels along a heritage railway line between Drysdale and Queenscliff. Showcases local wines, craft beers and produce. theqtrain.com.au Lon Retreat & Spa – Seven luxury suites are spread throughout the sandstone retreat, each individually designed with its own unique character and connection to the ocean, lakes and surrounding farmland. lonretreat.com.au Claribeaux at Curlewis Golf Course Geelong’s exciting sibling to Melbourne’s famed Chin Chin Restaurant. Tantalising feed-me banquets, sensational Chin Chin favourites, Geelong-only specials, fantastic cocktails, local beer and wine. claribeaux.com.au Club Chin Chin at GMHBA Stadium Geelong’s exciting sibling to Melbourne’s famed Chin Chin Restaurant. Tantalising feed-me banquets, sensational Chin Chin favourites, Geelong-only specials, fantastic cocktails, local beer and wine. clubchinchin.com.au Curlewis Golf Club Resort Contemporary and elegant eco-suite installations with spectacular views. On the doorstep of the region’s best food and wine experiences. accommodationatcurlewis.com.au BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Opposite the beach with luxury villas in beautiful gardens, indoor pool and gym. Follow your taste buds to Queenscliff’s quaint café strip, and the Bellarine Taste Trail. ingeniaholidays.com.au Portarlington Mussel Tours Ultimate seafood discovery on a lovingly restored vessel! Take a scenic boat trip to harvest fresh, plump mussels from the pristine waters of Port Phillip Bay. Enjoy hands-on harvesting, expert insights. Watch cooking demos, feast on freshly foraged seafood including oysters and scallops. Beautiful views and nature. portarlingtonmusseltours.com.au The Lon Spa Situated on 200 acres by the ocean, this adults’ only retreat and mineral spa awaits. Offering three unique treatment rooms featuring mineral water fed soaking tubs, steam rooms and breathtaking views of the ocean. Enhance your experience with a farm sourced grazing platter. lonretreat.com.au/spa The Bellarine Taste Trail Musters the region’s best foodie experiences. With over 50 food and wine destinations including unique wineries, beer and cider and award-winning cafés and restaurants. Or explore berry, olive and tomato growers, farmgates and farmers’ markets. thebellarinetastetrail.com.au Searoad Ferries and TARRA Queenscliff Queenscliff’s newest restaurant in a spectacular building on the harbour. Come from Sorrento with Searoad Ferries, which criss-cross Port Phillip Bay every hour to reach Queenscliff in just 40 minutes. Drive on, drive off and relax into a picturesque cruise. There’s also a café, lounge and retail store. tarra.com.au Little Malop Street Precinct The Little Malop Street precinct is culture central with an edge. It boasts a lively zone packed full of wine and cocktail bars, pubs, cafés, trendy eateries and live entertainment spaces. Select a venue (or two, or three) and be treated to a safari of beverage and epicurean delights. visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/things-to-do/ Villages of the Bellarine Discover the culinary gems of the Bellarine villages! Wander through Pt Lonsdale’s Lighthouse precinct, explore Queenscliff’s quaint shops and artisans then seek out the providores in Barwon Heads. A feast for food and wine enthusiasts amidst seaside serenity. visitgeelongbellarine.com.au
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