Melbourne's Food and Wine Trail

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Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges welcome you with rolling vineyards, charming villages, and lush mountain scenery.  Begin in Yarra Glen, home to renowned wineries such as De Bortoli Wines and Chandon Australia, where cellar doors and vineyard restaurants showcase the region’s award-winning drops. For the animal lovers, head to Healesville, where you can meet Australia’s native wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary or linger over seasonal menus highlighting local produce.

For something sweet, stock up at the Yarra Valley Dairy or Yarra Valley Chocolaterie before wandering through the fragrant fields of Warratina Lavender Farm, complete with lavender ice cream and fascinating farm sessions. Garden lovers are spoiled for choice with a variety of cool-climate gardens and arboretums bursting with colour throughout the year.

Wind your way east to Warburton, framed by pristine rivers and towering mountain ash trees, perfect for walks and riverside dining. Or head into the Dandenong Ranges, where a ride on the iconic Puffing Billy steam train offers a nostalgic journey through fern gullies and farmland with sweeping views all the way to Port Phillip Bay.

With indulgent wine, vibrant food, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking scenery, this region delivers a quintessential Victorian escape.

Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, De Bortoli Wines invites you to discover the legacy of one of Australia’s most respected wine families. Your experience begins with a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the winery, set amongst 240 hectares of vines, where you’ll gain insight into how red, white and sparkling wines are crafted. Learn about the estate’s origins dating back to 1928 and the De Bortoli family’s ongoing dedication to quality and innovation. After exploring the winemaking facilities, you’ll be welcomed into the Trophy Room for a hosted tasting of premium wines expertly matched with locally produced cheeses. This includes a pour of their internationally acclaimed Noble One dessert wine. With views over rolling hills and the option to browse the cellar door, guests can also enjoy a 10% discount on takeaway wines. This indulgent yet educational experience is a must for lovers of fine wine and local flavours.

Climb aboard a charming return train journey from Belgrave to Gembrook on the historic Puffing Billy Railway. This scenic ride through the Dandenong Ranges offers spectacular views and a nostalgic steam train experience. Travel on a beautifully preserved century-old steam train with open-sided carriages, providing fresh air and unobstructed views. Pass through lush forests, fern gullies, and rolling hills, and cross the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including kookaburras, wallabies, and various bird species. Enjoy a stop at Lakeside Station to explore Emerald Lake Park with its walking trails and picnic areas. Upon arrival in the quaint town of Gembrook, discover local shops and eateries. The Independent Gembrook offers incredible South American food and a great stop for a delicious lunch. Spencers store is another lovely cafe offering some amazing food options. Back onboard Puffing Billy, travel over the tallest Trestle bridge on the entire railway before returning back to Belgrave Station.

Yarra Valley is a famous Victorian winery region that has more than 80 vineyards dispersed throughout, which means you’ll have plenty to see from the sky-high vantage point of a hot air balloon. Let the breeze usher you along the corridors of grapevines and over the Yarra River as you lose yourself in the breathtaking views of mountains, vineyards and maybe even spot some kangaroos!

Depart the vineyards and rolling hills of the Yarra Valley and journey south toward the Mornington Peninsula, celebrated for its coastal charm, boutique wineries, and gourmet delights. En route, stop at Heathcote or Red Hill to explore boutique farm gates and sample local produce.

Continue to Arthurs Seat the Peninsula’s highest point, where panoramic lookouts showcase Western Port Bay, Port Phillip Bay, and the Dandenong Ranges beyond. Pause for a photo at the iconic Mornington Peninsula bathing boxes with their colourful façades lining the shores. Meander through quaint villages and rolling countryside, stopping at local cafés or farm gates before indulging in the region’s wine, food, and art experiences.

Situated on the Mornington Peninsula, Pt. Leo Estate provides a visual feast from the moment of arrival. Art, vineyards, and ocean vistas immediately command the view. As the driveway winds past cascading vines, the sight of the inspiring Grand Arch, a waved concrete structure, alongside a 75-year-old Queensland Bottle Tree and a striking entryway signals the beginning of something extraordinary. Inside, sweeping views stretch across Western Port to Phillip Island, revealing a 50-acre vineyard, grazing cattle, and the expansive 16-acre Sculpture Park, home to world-class, thought-provoking art. This experience is designed for true wine lovers and includes a bespoke Premium Wine Tasting while meandering through the vineyard, accompanied by a knowledgeable Pt. Leo Estate wine ambassador. Sample exceptional wines and gain insight into the growing season. Then, unwind beside a private lake nestled in the heart of the vineyard, enjoying a curated selection of local cheeses and fresh fruits. Back at the Cellar Door, select a bottle of Pt. Leo Estate wine to take home. Today, you have been upgraded to lunch at Pt. Leo Restaurant. This one-Chef’s Hat dining destination celebrates the Mornington Peninsula’s finest seasonal produce, offering a contemporary menu built around a striking wood-fired oven and chargrill. Indulge in a three-course menu, complete with house-made focaccia and Cape Schanck olive oil, a true culinary highlight to complement the day.

Set off into the Mornington Peninsula hinterland for a day of indulgence among vineyards, food, and coastal charm. Begin with a long lunch at the stunning Montalto winery, followed by a stroll through its sculpture park. Continue on to nearby Polperro to enjoy more of the region’s celebrated cool-climate wines.
Switch gears and dedicate a few hours to relaxation at Peninsula Hot Springs, with a massage and a soothing soak in the geothermal pools.

Montalto's Discovery Tasting offers all wine lovers from beginner to seasoned tasters alike a unique insight into roles played by variety, site, and winemaking in producing these world-class cool climate wines. Set in the breathtaking Alto wine room, surrounded by panoramic views of the Red Hill Vineyard, you will be guided through a seated tasting of wine from current releases and back vintages, as well as limited bottlings unique to the estate. After your guided tasting, you move into the beautiful Piazza. Enjoy a casual, shared lunch with a glass of Montalto wine. After lunch, explore the 1km Montalto Sculpture Trail, winding through vineyards, boardwalks, and wetlands, showcasing permanent sculptures, many of which are winners of the prestigious Montalto Sculpture Prize.

At Montalto, they have built an amazing collection of contemporary sculptures showcasing the best of (mainly) Australian artists. 20 of these pieces were winners of the annual Montalto Sculpture Prize, with another 15 additional works acquired over the years. From 2003 through to 2023, the changes in form, material  and scale are a reflection of the art form: unique and inspiring. This collection now permanently represents our first 20 years of sculpture at Montalto, with some curated movements to reward visitors with a comprehensive journey over time. Allow around one hour to enjoy the one-kilometre trail, which is suitable for most ages and abilities. Entry is complimentary, ensuring all visitors can experience this remarkable permanent collection.

Time for relaxation and rejuvenation at Peninsula Hot Spring's exclusive adults-only bathing haven. Reserved for guests aged 16 years and older, this tranquil oasis offers an array of over 20 thermal bathing experiences designed to soothe the senses and restore vitality. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of mineral pools, invigorate your body with a plunge into the cold pool, and unwind in the rejuvenating saunas, including both infrared and traditional options. Delight in the Hammam experience, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating bamboo shower, and experience the gentle rhythm of Zen Chi machines. Relax and recline on poolside lounges as you bask in the peaceful ambiance. Indulge in a comprehensive wellness experience with access to over 70 globally inspired bathing and wellness encounters, encompassing both the Bath House and Spa Dreaming Centre. Lose yourself in the serene native coastal oasis surrounding the facilities, where you're free to explore all our pools, saunas, relaxation spaces, and more.

The Searoad ferry connects the Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road with a 40 minute journey across Port Phillip Bay. This ferry carries cars, motorhomes, coaches and passengers with easy drive on and off facilities. Sailing through Port Phillip Bay, you will pass coastal scenery and clifftop mansions, and may even spot various wildlife including seals, gannets, dolphins and migratory whales.

After your ferry ride from Sorrento, continue on to the Bellarine Peninsula, a scenic coastal region on the lands of the Wadawurrung people, celebrated for its charming villages, pristine beaches, and vibrant food and wine scene. The area is home to boutique wineries, olive groves, and local producers, many showcased along the renowned Bellarine Taste Trail. Explore historic towns like Queenscliff, Portarlington, and Barwon Heads, each brimming with boutique shops, cafes, and coastal character. Seafood lovers can sample the famous Portarlington mussels, while outdoor enthusiasts can swim, stroll along surf and bay beaches, or enjoy boating and fishing in Port Phillip Bay. For panoramic vistas, visit Jack Rabbit Vineyard, where sweeping views of Corio Bay perfectly complement cool-climate wines and local produce.

Step aboard a fully refurbished 40-year-old vessel for a unique coastal adventure. Cruise the sparkling waters of Port Philip Bay, surrounded by views of the You Yangs, the Melbourne city skyline, and more! Enjoy a local Bellarine wine while learning about the stages of mussel farming. Feel the mussel ropes as they’re pulled from the water and experience the entire farming process up close. Cooking demonstrations and tastings introduce delicious mussel recipes, paired with premium local produce. With a small number of participants and a spacious vessel, there’s always a peaceful spot to relax on the deck or in the saloon if a quieter space is preferred. The focus is on ensuring an unforgettable experience, leaving with a deeper appreciation for mussels, a thorough understanding of sustainable aquaculture, and lasting memories from a day on the bay. And if dolphins are spotted, consider it a delightful bonus!

Leave the coastal charm of the Bellarine Peninsula behind and make your way towards Melbourne. Stop in at Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, where the sparkling Corio Bay foreshore invites you to stroll past quirky bollard sculptures, browse the National Wool Museum, or enjoy a coffee at one of the stylish waterfront cafés. Continue the journey north through the You Yangs, a rugged granite landscape known for its hiking trails and world-class mountain biking tracks. Alternatively, detour to Brisbane Ranges National Park to wander among native wildflowers and spot elusive wildlife. On Melbourne’s outskirts, take a break at Werribee. Marvel at the wildlife on safari at the Werribee Open Range Zoo or step back in time with a visit to the stately Werribee Mansion, complete with manicured gardens and elegant high teas. From here, it’s a short drive into Melbourne, where the bustle of the city and its vibrant laneways await.

Explore more of Melbourne before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!