Australia
Eater Journeys: Melbourne
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As experts in luxury travel, we know a thing or two about getting around the world in style.
That’s why we’ve combined our round-the-world travel expertise with the culinary insight of Eater. This slice-by-slice tour of Australian food, and the landscapes which gave rise to it, is the result, making use of our approach to truly bespoke, experiential travel. Scroll down to read the full itinerary or click the button below to browse more food-focused Eater experiences.
The fourth itinerary in our co-curated trip series with Eater, this Melbourne trip takes the food authority’s piping-hot recommendations and blends them with Black Tomato’s global travel knowledge. The result? The ultimate food-focused itinerary to Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Read below to find out more or see our other Eater Journeys here.
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 flavors from around the globe. For the next six nights, 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.
Make this itinerary yours
Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.
Start PlanningThe following morning is yours to explore Melbourne at your own pace. We recommend dipping into Eater’s self-guided Footscray Food Crawl, a relaxed meander around one of Melbourne’s most eclectic neighborhoods. Starting at the iconic Footscray Market, you’ll sample Lebanese breakfast favorites at Brunswick’s A1 Bakery, indulge in the best banh mi at Nhu Lam bakery, and indulge in tapioca dumplings at Pho Tam, all washed down perfectly with a no-frills Vietnamese soup at Tan Thanh Loi. 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 two nights at the urban-inspired Jackalope Hotel (and sampling one evening’s dinner at their impressive, upscale restaurant ‘Doot Doot Doot’). But first, do as the Aussies do – and brunch. St Ali is a pioneer in transforming the coffee culture of Melbourne, from its premium single estate coffees and specialty blends made my acclaimed baristas. Fuelled by a bespoke coffee tasting experience, sit back and indulge in St Ali’s legendary brunch menu. In the evening, 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 Charcoal Lane for lunch. Many of Melbourne’s leading chefs are inspired by the native ingredients used for hundreds of thousands of years, and this unique social enterprise ran by Indigenous Australians, uses these ingredients to create delicious modern Australian dishes. Belly full, slowly walk it off at the Alcaston Gallery, as your guide provides context to the traditional and contemporary Australian Indigenous Art. Finally, the day wraps up with the most refined Australian dining experience possible, with a dinner reservation at Attica, Australia’s most distinguished restaurant.
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.
Not found what you’re looking for? No worries; browse our full range of alternative Australian experiences here. Or why not sample our other food-focused series, Tasting Notes? Designed by Michelin-starred chefs and restaurateurs, these are truly trips to savor.