Luxury Nature & Fine Dining Tour of Australia - 14 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy 5-star luxury with stays at top hotels and experiential retreats
• See the lush vineyards of the Yarra Valley at sunrise from a hot-air balloon
• Drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via landmarks and destination restaurants
• Sip some of the country's best red wines on a private Barossa Valley tour
• Spend two days exploring the landscapes and wildlife on Kangaroo Island

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne, Laneways & Alleyways Tour, Fine Dining Experience

G'day and welcome to Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia! On arrival, meet your private driver, who will transfer you to the luxurious 4-star Laneways by Ovolo. This eclectic hotel lies a stone's throw from Melbourne's thriving theater district, avant-garde galleries, and gorgeous boutiques, making it easy to immerse yourself in the city's creative scene. Drop your bags, then get lost in Melbourne's charming back streets, laneways, and arcades. This city is famous for its laneway culture, and on a three-hour private walk, you'll discover local designers, quirky cafés, and cool street art.

Return to the hotel to change ahead of a self-guided culinary adventure, starting with a sky-high lunch at Vue de Monde. From the 55th floor, you'll soak up a breathtaking view of the city. After, sit down for a traditional high tea at the Hotel Windsor, then take a stroll along the Yarra River to prime your appetite. Finally, sit down for a luxurious experience at Attica, one of Australia's top-rated restaurants, where chef Ben Shewry is known for creating innovative and cutting-edge dishes that tell a story about Australian culture.

Day 2: Full-Day Mornington Peninsula City-to-Country Experience

After breakfast at your hotel, meet a private guide in the lobby for a city-to-countryside adventure. Together, you'll explore the backstreets of inner Melbourne for a coffee fix somewhere wonderfully local. Wander a labyrinth of vibrant lanes and gorgeous Victorian arcades before you travel to the colorful bayside neighborhood of St. Kilda to meet passionate local characters, artists, and business people. From here, wave goodbye to the city as you make the short scenic drive to the Mornington Peninsula, one of Australia's prettiest coastal wine regions.

This region is renowned for farm-to-plate experiences at restaurants and cellar doors. Naturally, you'll taste a handful of classic pinots and premium chardonnay while enjoying a casual café lunch in the fresh country air. Then, spend the afternoon trekking along a coastal walking trail, meeting kangaroos and koalas at a local wildlife sanctuary, or sampling local wine and cheese with the makers. It's your choice! At the end of the afternoon, return to your hotel in Melbourne.

Day 3: Morning Yarra Valley Balloon Flight & Wine Tour

This morning you'll start the day (very early) with an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight at Balgownie Estate, an award-winning winery with spectacular views. Climb aboard a hot-air balloon and ascend to the heavens as the morning sun bathes the lush vineyards and rolling hills of the Yarra Valley in a golden glow. Marvel at the incredible landscapes, where the mighty Yarra River weaves its way through Melbourne's esteemed wine country. Upon landing, return to the estate for a champagne breakfast, celebrating the exhilarating flight and toasting to new heights reached.

Continue your day's explorations with a scenic drive to Yering Station Winery, where a guided tour awaits, unraveling the secrets of winemaking. Indulge in tastings at four premium wineries, savoring the region's finest vintages. End your enchanting day at Balgownie Estate, relishing a gourmet late lunch with paired wines. With hearts and glasses full, return to your hotel in Melbourne.

Day 4: Café Culture Walk, Drive the Great Ocean Road, Dine & Stay at Brae

Early this morning, you'll step inside Melbourne's world-famous coffee scene with this private, custom tour of the city's café culture. Meet your local coffee expert, who knows where to find the best sips and bites, and dive deep into the city's caffeine scene. With this custom tour, you'll take a unique journey through the city's gastronomic hideaways, meeting dedicated artisans skilled in the art of tea, coffee, and gourmet food. Then, grab the keys to your rental car and make the scenic four-hour drive to Brae, one of Australia's top dining experiences.

You'll cruise along the famous Great Ocean Road route, pausing in Anglesea to stretch your legs and then in Apollo Bay for lunch. Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant offers panoramic ocean vistas; for something more relaxed, the Birdhouse serves fresh, local dishes in a cozy setting. Then, turn inland, stopping at the breathtaking Beauchamp Falls, where a short forest walk leads to the cascades. You'll reach Brae by early evening.

Why only dine at one of the world's top restaurants when you can also spend the night? Brae combines a highly awarded restaurant with architecturally designed guest suites and a thriving organic farm. Set on a hillside in countryside Victoria, check into your luxe suite and take a walk through the gardens to connect food with nature. Brae embodies the essence of Australian cuisine with an ever-evolving set menu that's a tribute to nature, seasonality, and ethical sourcing. After an exquisite dinner, return to the suite, pop a vinyl record on, and enjoy the in-room cocktail bar.

Day 5: Drive the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians, Dinner at the Royal Mail

Rise slowly and gently at Brae, where an artisanal breakfast is served in-room. Sip freshly made coffee along with organic wood-fired sourdough and pastries with house-made preserves and seasonal produce, then step outside to wander the orchards, an olive grove, and flourishing vegetable beds. From Brae, you'll drive to the coastal Cape Otway National Park area and continue on the scenic Great Ocean Road. Today's drive time is around five hours.

Keep an eye toward the coast for whales and dolphins, or look inland, where you might see echidnas and bandicoots as you wind along the famous route. Pause at the iconic Twelve Apostles, a group of ancient limestone rock formations rising out of the sea, then continue to Port Fairy, once lauded as the world's most livable community. Refuel at Merrijig Kitchen, then turn inland toward the majestic Grampians National Park.

As you approach the southern base of the Grampians in Dunkeld, a farm-to-table dinner at the award-winning Royal Mail Hotel awaits. This classic country pub has been transformed into a gastronomic delight, with most of the fresh produce and meat sourced directly from the hotel's farm. Check into your luxe countryside suite, then sit down at the chef's table and watch the kitchen team in action.

Day 6: Drive to Adelaide, Free Time

Hit the road early—there's a 5.5-hour drive ahead to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. First, you'll pass through Dimboola, the gateway to the Little Desert National Park, and then continue along the Western Highway and over the border. Take the National Highway to Murray Bridge, the largest Murray River town. Pause to stretch your legs with the 3-mile (5 km) Rail and River Walk. Closer to the city, pass Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, where you can find quaint small goods outlets, bakeries, and pubs before pulling into Adelaide.

This small, progressive city is only one square mile yet boasts many distinctive attractions and is renowned for its many festivals, fine food, and wine. Check in at the iconic Mayfair Hotel, a 5-star historic luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Here, the thoughtfully designed rooms reflect the heritage-listed Art Deco facade. Drop your bags, refresh, and then venture out to sample the city's wine bars.

Day 7: Adelaide Market Tour, Aboriginal Cultural Tour, Wine, Dine & Discover Tour

South Australia's culinary icon opened back in 1869, and this morning, a private guide will lead you around the famous Adelaide Central Market, which is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Go under the surface of the historic market, taste a delicious selection of foods from South Australian artisan food producers, and meet families who have traded here for generations. Finally, sit down for a delicious market lunch.

This afternoon, immerse yourself in Australia's rich Aboriginal culture with a private guided tour of the brilliant Adelaide Botanic Garden. Led by a First Nations guide, you'll explore the beautiful gardens and discover diverse native plants growing on Kaurna Yerta. Discover the traditional uses of Indigenous plants, taste various bush foods, and understand the deep connection between Aboriginal people and their land.

Adelaide is renowned for its many festivals, fine food, and wine, so get a taste of the latter with a culinary walking tour. Start at one of the city's lesser-known wine bars for an introduction to the region's best wines. Wander Adelaide's back streets, admiring the architecture and street art on the way to the next location: a hidden bar to discover local spirits and creative cocktails. Hear about the laws and legends, saints and sinners, innovators, and creators who have shaped this unique Australian city. Finish with a local digestive and fresh cheese or sweet treats at a local institution.

Day 8: Full-Day Adelaide Highlights: Hahndorf & Adelaide Hills

Today you'll explore the best of Adelaide on a full-day private city sights tour. A local guide will share tales and stories, offering a glimpse into the culture and what makes it one of the world's most livable cities as you explore historic North Adelaide, a charming neighborhood with heritage homes, broad streets, and several parklands. Next, you'll visit the famous Adelaide Oval or the Gothic Revival-style St. Peters Cathedral. You'll also walk one of Adelaide's most historic streets to see the colony's first housing and learn the stories of the settlers who helped build South Australia.

Later, you'll venture out to the Adelaide Hills for lunch at the famous pub, The German Arms. Savor two courses, with a choice of their signature dishes for your main and German strudel or pastry for dessert. You'll then wander the picturesque German town of Hahndorf, followed by a visit to its iconic Migration Museum to discover the stories of the lives of Hahndorf's pioneering families. Finally, you'll venture to Mount Lofty Summit to take in spectacular views of Adelaide and the neighboring Adelaide Hills while keeping an eye out for koalas.

Day 9: Full-Day Barossa Valley Tour

The historic Barossa Valley might be Australia's best-known wine region, but today you'll explore its secrets. A private guide will take you to lesser-known boutique wineries that are big on character. You'll meet passionate locals, sample outstanding wines, and enjoy a tasting menu at one of the region's top restaurants. Over a full day of exploration, you'll taste the old and the new, the famous and the yet-to-be-discovered, with a tour itinerary flexible to your tastes.

After an epic day traipsing around the beautiful Barossa, you'll return to Adelaide. If you have the energy to hit the town, make a reservation at the very special Restaurant Botanic. Set within the 126-acre (51 ha) Adelaide Botanic Garden, this restaurant focuses on place and time, highlighting the micro-seasons of the garden and the day's weather. It's a luxe yet laid-back place—the kind of style that could only exist in Australia.

Day 10: Fly to Kangaroo Island, Kangaroo Island Adventure (Day 1)

Early this morning, a private driver will collect and transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch a quick 35-minute flight to Kangaroo Island, a favorite foodie and wildlife destination. Your private guide will meet you at the airport in Penneshaw. Together you'll spend the next two days exploring the island's top sights. More than a third of the island's total area comprises protected wildlife reserves, and you'll likely see the small wallabies that are almost extinct on the mainland, plus a species of kangaroo found only on this aptly-named island.

Start with a guided bush walk, where you'll learn about the fauna and flora of the island. Break for lunch at a private bush camp to enjoy a delicious meal featuring King George whiting (local sea fish), fresh salads, and fine South Australian wines. Tour Seal Bay Conservation Park to see Australian sea lions on a beautiful sandy beach. Watch pups nursing or playing in the surf, see old bulls with scars of territorial disputes, and learn about their unique breeding biology.

In the late afternoon, arrive at Southern Ocean Lodge, a resort celebrated around the world as a pioneer in experiential luxury. Enjoy welcome drinks on arrival, then settle into your deluxe room. Later, journey out to a bushland sanctuary near the lodge for southern sundowners. An architecturally designed viewing platform sets the stage for sunset, which you'll enjoy with a drink in hand, waiting patiently as local wildlife venture out at dusk to graze.

Day 11: Kangaroo Island Adventure (Day 2)

Enjoy an immersive breakfast in the bush this morning before meeting your private guide for another full day of sightseeing. Today you'll travel through the island's northwest and visit Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, an important private wildlife reserve. Learn about the programs for protecting endangered mammals and fire ecology, and then feed local kangaroos before taking a break to enjoy an elegant picnic surrounded by nature. 

After lunch, travel into Flinders Chase National Park and explore the massive shapes of the 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 that provides shelter for a large colony of long-nosed fur seals who swim effortlessly through the crashing waves. 

Day 12: Fly to Sydney, Asian Food Tour

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge, sampling local goodies, including free-range eggs, Ligurian honey from the island's hives, smoked salmon, cured meats, and lodge-made pastries. Savor every bite of your final moments on Kangaroo Island. Later, you'll take a return flight to Adelaide and then transfer to Sydney, Australia's most famous city. A private driver will take you from the airport to your 5-star hotel, the luxurious harborside Park Hyatt. Life in this city revolves around the expansive Sydney Harbour, so soak in the views from your room, then venture out. 

Day 13: Full-Day Sydney Sights Tour, Sunset Dinner Cruise

Today a private guide will connect you with Sydney's greatest sights and tales, starting in The Rocks, Sydney's oldest suburb, where you'll learn about Australia's convict history. Learn the story of Mrs Macquarie and why, of all things, she has a stone chair named after her, then journey past the Royal Botanical Gardens, the heritage State Parliament House, and the landmark St Mary's Cathedral. Hear about Sydney's seedy underbelly as you drive through the infamous Kings Cross, a former red light district, as you drive out to the eastern shores, bays, and coves of Sydney Harbour.

Pause for tea and coffee with Tim Tams (a famous Australian biscuit) at Watson's Bay, then say g'day to brilliant Bondi Beach, where golden sands and bronzed lifesavers await. You'll cross the heritage-listed Sydney Harbour Bridge, built in 1931, and venture over to Manly, a beautiful beachfront suburb that's popular for surfing. As a private tour, your guide can adjust the stops and sights to your interests and pace.

You'll return to the city just in time to change into something chic and step aboard a 52-foot motor yacht for a four-hour deluxe dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, where you'll watch day turn to night as you feast on a delicious Australian barbecue dinner and learn about the city as you pass by famous landmarks.

Day 14: Burrawa Indigenous BridgeClimb, Depart Sydney

You've seen the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge arching across the bay—now it's time to climb it. On your final morning in Australia, you'll join the Burrawa Indigenous Climb, a unique way to experience Aboriginal Australia. An experienced Indigenous guide will lead a special climb filled with stories, legends, and tales of traditions that have been passed down through generations—all while you enjoy panoramic views over the city.

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