DAY TWO: YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES PHI LL I P I SLAND DAY THREE: PHI LL I P I SLAND MORNINGTON PENINSULA Global Ballooning (p48) eases you into a magical onehour sunrise balloon flight over vineyards and valleys for a soft landing in winery country where a champagne breakfast awaits. Flights depart 364 days a year. Churchill Island (p55) A tiny and precious piece of history with café featuring farmfresh food, beautiful gardens, historic buildings, farm activities including milking, working dog demonstrations and sheep shearing. Phillip Island Towers (p80) Luxurious, spacious apartments just a few minutes’ walk from Phillip Island’s popular dining and shopping precinct. Explore local wineries, breweries and producers, then prepare a feast in your own kitchen. Rusty Water Brewery, Restaurant and Bar (p56) 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. Naturaliste French Island Food & Wine Tour (p54) Head off to French Island for a food and wine adventure in a pristine, off-grid paradise. Enjoy wine tastings at a historic estate, savour a farmgate lunch, and explore the island’s wild beauty. The Nobbies Centre (p57) Take a leisurely stroll along scenic clifftop boardwalks, soaking in panoramic views of Bass Strait and Seal Rocks. Then, unwind in the café, enjoying sustainably caught seafood, fresh salads, and local wines. Genesta House (p78) A gorgeous guesthouse in Cowes. Three suites, old-world charm with modern amenities, 100-year-old gardens. An easy stroll to Cowes town centre, the beach, restaurants and shopping. North Pier Hotel (p79) 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. Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar (p52) Features the region’s best: local Gippsland beef, local wines, beers and top local produce. And the best views of Cowes’ foreshore, Westernport Bay, French Island and the Mornington Peninsula. MORNING ACTIVITIES (select from) MORNING ACTIVITIES (select from) AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES (select from) STAY OVERNIGHT (select from) Pt. Leo Estate (p63) is a visual feast with 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. Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade (p56) lets visitors experience the magic of little penguins making their sunset journey home to one of Australia’s largest penguin colonies. A not-to-be-missed wildlife experience. Phillip Island Apartments (p79) Spacious 1, 2 and 3-bedroom Cowes apartments with balcony or patio, outdoor pool, heated spa, BBQ area. Close to the best local dining and shopping. Swimming beach just minutes away. Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (p55) See the chocolate factory in full non-stop chocolate-making action and create a personalised chocolate masterpiece. Even your entry ticket is made of chocolate! Avani Wines (p58) Welcoming family-run winery producing premium cool climate wines in Red Hill. Come for a special seated tasting conducted by the family, learn about natural farming practices. Indianinspired restaurant menu. Trofeo Estate (p66) A unique story: 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. Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery (p65) Multiple awards for handcrafted beer and whisky. Relax with tastings of beer, gin or whisky, with woodfired pizzas. Explore the beer garden and mezzanine floor overlooking the action. 5 DAY ITINERARY – FOOD & WINE 31
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