Gourmet Journeys: Melbourne

Home of bohemian culture, creative hipsters and charming suburbs with no shortage of incredible dining experiences, Melbourne really does have it all. Australia’s trendiest city is a hotspot among coffee-fanatics and food-lovers alike, with every turn bursting with multicultural flavours from around the globe. For the next week, you’ll eat your way around Melbourne, before heading out to the coastal delights of the Mornington Peninsula and the vineyards of Yarra Valley to round up a truly tantalising Aussie adventure.

A true taste of Melbourne

Diving straight into the rhythm of Melbourne, the sleek QT Melbourne hotel will your base for the next two nights of food-focused exploration. Appetite ready, on day one your private guide will whisk you off for a Melbourne Food Trails tour, as you taste your way through five satisfying food stops. Layer by layer, we’ll peel away the highlights of food, architecture and history of a city bursting with community pride. Inspiring stories shared by your guide at the Immigration Museum will provide insight into how the migration of over 200 nationalities has evolved Melbourne and how food is celebrated as the heartbeat of its culture.

The following morning is yours to explore Melbourne at your own pace. We recommend dipping into a self-guided Food Crawl, a relaxed meander around one of Melbourne’s most eclectic neighbourhoods. Starting at the iconic Footscray Market, you’ll sample Lebanese breakfast favourites, indulge in the best banh mi, and indulge in tapioca dumplings, all washed down perfectly with a no-frills Vietnamese soup. As the sun sets on Melbourne, this evening you’ll be met by your guide and set out on a private night walking tour that will leave you feeling like a local. With the help of your guide’s insider knowledge, this unscripted experience is tailored to your desire on the day and guarantees to take you to the best culinary gems hidden up unmarked staircases and down darkened alleys.

Meet the makers

Venturing further afield to the idyllic climes of the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll be staying three nights at the urban-inspired Jackalope Hotel. But first, do as the Aussies do – and brunch. Fuelled by a bespoke coffee tasting experience, set sail at sunset on a private Cataline yacht as your host serves local sparkling wine and cheese whilst you soak up the views of Safety Beach, Mt Matha and Arthurs Seat.

Your Mornington Peninsula experience continues into the next day with a private wine tasting experience at Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove. Learn of the estate-to-plate philosophy with a stunning three-course, wine matched lunch. You’ll discover how the grapes are cultivated to produce their impressive wines, then meet with a local farmer and artisan producers before heading back to Melbourne and the QT Hotel.

Looking back, tasting forward

The following day you’ll head to the Royal Botanical Gardens, where your local Indigenous guide will share the fascinating tales of local history and customs, the traditional uses of native plants, and set up a traditional smoking ceremony for you to try. The next stop is for lunch. Belly full, slowly walk it off at the Alcaston Gallery, as your guide provides context to the traditional and contemporary Australian Indigenous Art.

Wind down at Yarra Valley

Today is all about wine. Just outside of Melbourne lies the picturesque Yarra Valley, home to some of the nation’s best vineyards and gourmet experiences. Greeted by the Head Chefs at Oakridge Wines, they’ll share their expertise as you tour around the estate’s kitchen garden, collecting produce for your paddock-to-plate experience. Blend your own wine with the guidance of the Chief Winemaker, then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a multi-course lunch served in a stunning vineyard setting. The remainder of the day will be solely catered to your personal taste, whether it’s visiting Four Pillars Gin, sampling the cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy, or exploring more of the region’s boutique wineries. After returning to Melbourne, one final night at the QT marks the end of your indulgent Australian adventure.