Epicurean Australia

Epicurean Australia

culinary travel: Gourmet dish

Epicurean Australia

Epicurean Australia

Taste, Sip, and Sample Your Way Through Australia's Premier Food and Wine Destinations

Days: 13 | From: $10,975

  • Enjoy accommodations at best-in-class hotels.
  • Curated tours with outstanding private guides: you’ll have an instant local friend with insider access.
  • Experience the culinary highlights of Australia.

This culinary-focused itinerary brings you to some of Australia's most revered food and wine destinations, while still exploring the region's cultural, historical, and natural highlights. Go wine tasting in the Yarra and Barossa valleys, sample traditional Aboriginal cuisine in Sydney, tour food markets in Adelaide, see wild coastlines, quaint towns, and native wildlife in and around Melbourne, and beyond.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Yarra Valley
    2 nights: wine and wildlife in the shadow of the Yarra Ranges
  • Melbourne
    3 nights: city life and staggeringly beautiful coastline
  • Barossa Valley
    2 nights: sip your way around some of Australia's finest wineries
  • Adelaide
    1 night: food and city tour in this slow-paced city
  • Sydney
    4 nights: Blue mountains and private access to some of Sydney's most iconic heritage sites

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne and Transfer to the Yarra Valley

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival in Melbourne, you’ll transfer to the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. With roots dating back to 1838, the Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first wine-growing district and today is home to more than 80 vineyards, known for their cool-climate varietals. This region also holds deep cultural significance for the Wurundjeri people, who have lived on and cared for this land for over 30,000 years.

After checking in to your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Choose to relax, take a walk through the surrounding countryside, or begin sampling the region’s celebrated wines.

Accommodations: Re em Yarra Valley , 2 nights

This property is situated on 80 acres of Helen and Joey Farm, 5 minutes' drive from Yarra Glen. It is very much an on-farm hotel, restaurant, and cellar door experience. There are also sculpted gardens around a small lake, pasture, an orchard, and a native bushland reserve. Each guest room has a private balcony or patio from which to survey the landscape. The rooms are all well-appointed and the top floor is made up of four extra-large suites with an oversized bath, positioned to maximize the spectacular views.

Day 2: Yarra Valley Wine

Today, enjoy a full-day private tour through the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s top wine regions. With the Yarra Ranges as your backdrop, you’ll visit a selection of boutique wineries—such as Yarra Yering, Coldstream Hills, and Yering Farm—tailored to your personal tastes, avoiding the crowds of larger estates. Savor a relaxed lunch at one of the region’s acclaimed vineyard restaurants, either TarraWarra Estate or Oakridge Estate, known for their seasonal menus and scenic settings.

In the afternoon, stop at another premier winery before making your way back to your hotel.

Accommodations: Re em Yarra Valley , 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Yarra Valley to Melbourne via Phillip Island

Today’s journey takes you from the Yarra Valley to Melbourne, with unforgettable wildlife experiences along the way. Begin with a tour at Healesville Sanctuary, one of Australia’s premier wildlife reserves. Accompanied by a private ranger, you’ll get up close to native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, and wombats, explore scenic bushland trails, and enjoy priority seating at the impressive Spirits of the Sky bird show.

Continue south to Phillip Island, stopping for a light lunch en route. At the Koala Conservation Centre, wander treetop boardwalks for close encounters with koalas in their natural habitat. Later, explore the dramatic coastline at The Nobbies, home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. As the sun sets, enjoy an exclusive viewing of the famous Penguin Parade from a private raised platform, watching as Little Penguins waddle ashore to their burrows. After this memorable day, return to Melbourne and check in to your cosmopolitan accommodation.

Accommodations: QT Melbourne , 3 nights

QT Melbourne is a design-centric hotel located just off Collins Street in the city’s fashion and theatre district, known for its bold interiors, local artwork, and playful sophistication. Rooms feature custom furnishings, oversized bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and thoughtful details like bespoke minibars and vintage-style lighting. The hotel offers a rooftop bar with sweeping skyline views, a laneway-style café, a European-style bistro, and a private dining room tucked behind a hidden door. With its theatrical style and creative energy, QT Melbourne captures the city’s eclectic spirit while delivering a high level of comfort and personality.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Alternative lodging options:
The Langham , Park Hyatt Melbourne , Treasury on Collins

Day 4: Melbourne Culture and Chocolate

Dive into the heart of the city with a privately guided city tour. Over four hours and starting at a time entirely up to you, your local host will lead you through Melbourne’s iconic laneways, showcasing the city’s mix of history, architecture, and art scenes. Discover independent boutiques, local designers, and specialty retailers unique to the city, with a stop at a chocolate salon for a sweet treat along the way. The tour includes a one-course lunch and a glass of local wine or beer, offering a perfect taste of Melbourne’s culinary scene.

Accommodations: QT Melbourne , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Great Ocean Road

Today you’ll set out on a full-day journey along the iconic Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Stretching 243 kilometers along Victoria’s southern coast, this route showcases dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, lush rainforest, and charming seaside towns.

Stop at famed spots like Bells Beach, known for its surf culture, and Lorne, a vibrant coastal village perfect for a beachside stroll. Keep an eye out for koalas in the wild at Kennett River and enjoy fresh local seafood in Apollo Bay. Continue inland through the rainforest of Cape Otway before arriving at Port Campbell National Park, home to the stunning limestone sea stacks of The Twelve Apostles.

Explore scenic coves, dramatic lookouts, and hear stories of shipwrecks and romance as your guide brings the coastline’s history to life. After a full day of discovery, return to Melbourne for the evening.

Accommodations: QT Melbourne , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Fly to the Barossa Valley

Today you’ll journey from Melbourne to South Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley, beginning with a private transfer to the airport for your short flight to Adelaide. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you for a scenic transfer to the Barossa, just over an hour from the city.

One of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, the Barossa is made up of a collection of small towns rich in history, character, and vineyard-draped landscapes. Explore the region’s charming communities—from Tanunda’s iconic Chateau Tanunda and Nuriootpa’s celebrated cellar doors to the German-influenced village of Angaston and the rolling foothills of Lyndoch. You may also stop at the remarkable Whispering Wall in Williamstown, an acoustic marvel over a century old. This evening is yours to relax and enjoy the valley at your own pace.

Accommodations: Le Mas Barossa , 2 nights

Le Mas Barossa is a boutique luxury retreat located in the heart of South Australia’s Barossa Valley, set on a tranquil estate surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside. Inspired by the rustic elegance of a French country manor, the property offers just a handful of individually styled rooms with high-end finishes, private ensuites, and curated local touches. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts, a swimming pool, beautifully landscaped gardens, and access to private wine experiences. With its intimate setting and personalized hospitality, Le Mas offers a refined and relaxing base for exploring the Barossa’s renowned wineries and gourmet producers.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
The Louise

Day 7: Barossa Valley Wine

Today, enjoy a full-day Barossan wine experience: a private 6.5-hour journey through the region’s rich winemaking heritage and evolving wine scene. Begin with a visit to one of the Barossa’s historic wineries—such as Yalumba or Langmeil—known for their classic varietals and deep regional roots.

From there, shift to the modern side of Barossa with a tasting at a boutique producer experimenting with new blends and techniques. Midday, enjoy a seasonally inspired multi-course lunch at the acclaimed FINO restaurant. In the afternoon, cap off your experience with a tasting at a top producer of Barossa Shiraz before returning to your accommodation for the evening.

Accommodations: Le Mas Barossa , 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Barossa to Adelaide

This morning, you’ll transfer by private car from the Barossa Valley to Adelaide. Known as Australia’s wine and festival capital, Adelaide offers a vibrant yet relaxed urban experience, surrounded by parklands, greenspace, and filled with character.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure; browse the stalls at the Adelaide Central Market, the largest undercover market in the southern hemisphere, hop on a tram to the lively beachside suburb of Glenelg, or unwind at the hotel.

Accommodations: Mayfair Hotel Adelaide

The Mayfair Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Adelaide, set within a beautifully restored heritage-listed building opposite Rundle Mall. The hotel offers elegantly appointed rooms with custom furnishings, modern amenities, and locally sourced minibar treats. Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar with city views, an on-site restaurant highlighting South Australian produce, and easy access to the city’s cultural, shopping, and dining precincts.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 9: Adelaide Food and City Tour, Fly to Sydney

Start your day with a private half-day Food and City tour, blending local flavor with city history. Begin at the iconic Adelaide Central Market for tastings of regional produce, then explore the cultural landmarks along North Terrace. In Adelaide Arcade, learn about antique jewelry sourcing from a local artisan before finishing in the East End with a glass of wine and a shared cheese platter at a stylish wine bar.

After the tour, a private transfer will take you to Adelaide Airport for your onward flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney, settle in and enjoy your first look at the city’s stunning setting and energy. From iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to Bondi Beach, The Rocks, and the stylish shops and eateries of Paddington, Sydney offers an exciting mix of culture, coastline, and cuisine.

Accommodations: Spicers Potts Point , 4 nights

Spicers Potts Point is a boutique hotel set within a trio of beautifully restored 19th-century terrace houses in one of Sydney’s most charming inner-city neighborhoods. Combining heritage architecture with contemporary interiors, the hotel offers just 20 stylish rooms and suites, all featuring modern amenities, luxury linens, and thoughtful local touches. Guests can enjoy a relaxed lounge and bar area, personalized service, and a peaceful atmosphere just steps from vibrant cafes, restaurants, and galleries.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Capella Sydney , Pier One Sydney Harbour

Day 10: Blue Mountains

Today, venture into the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on a full-day private tour. Begin with a visit to Calmsley Hill, a working farm where you can enjoy morning tea and see native wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas in a natural setting.

Continue to Eaglehawk Lookout for stunning, crowd-free views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, whose colors shift with the changing light. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Echoes Restaurant, perched on the edge of the escarpment with panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and rainforest. In the afternoon, stop at Govetts Leap, one of Australia’s most celebrated lookouts, before ending the day at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, home to diverse flora and the rare Wollemi Pine. Return to Sydney in the late afternoon.

Accommodations: Spicers Potts Point , 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Sydney Opera House and Harbor Cruise

Today you’ll experience two iconic sites in Sydney: its world-renowned Opera House and iconic harbor. Begin with a private guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, where you’ll explore one of the most celebrated buildings of the 20th century. Over the course of an hour, your guide will share the dramatic story behind Danish architect Jorn Utzon’s visionary design and the challenges he faced. You’ll visit one of the working venues inside the Opera House and enjoy a rich multimedia presentation that brings to life memorable moments from past performances.

Later, embark on a 4-hour Sydney Harbor lunch cruise. Cruise past famous landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as your crew shares stories about the city’s past and present. Enjoy a three-course lunch starting with an entrée at Watsons Bay, followed by a stop at a harborside restaurant in Balmoral for your main course. Indulge in dessert and a cheese platter with a wine pairing while cruising past the Spit Bridge, and, weather permitting, enjoy a swim before returning to the main harbor.

Accommodations: Spicers Potts Point , 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Sydney Food Tour and Bridge Climb

Your day begins with a 3.5-hour privately guided food tour that blends Sydney’s food, history, and culture. Beginning at Customs House, you’ll trace the evolution of Australian cuisine with stops for coffee, snacks, and stories along the way. Discover Sydney’s lively café culture, stroll through the historic Queen Victoria Building, and finish with a shared grazing platter of native Australian foods at an Aboriginal-led restaurant beneath the sails of the Opera House, overlooking Sydney Harbour.

In the evening, experience the city from a new perspective with the Twilight BridgeClimb. After a safety briefing, follow your guide along catwalks and ladders to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134 meters above the water. As day turns to night, take in sweeping 360-degree views of the Opera House, Blue Mountains, and harbor lights.

Accommodations: Spicers Potts Point , 4 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Departure

Say goodbye to Australia and head to the airport to catch your departing flight.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Spend a few days on a Great Train journey along Australia’s coastline

  • Journey to the Outback to visit Australia’s red interior, including iconic Uluru

  • Enjoy world-class snorkeling on a beach extension to the Great Barrier Reef

  • Enjoy a few days of tropical sunshine at the end of your Australia itinerary on a trip extension to Fiji.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Contact Us +1 (800) 342-1796

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