Australian Best Winery Tour

Arrived in Sydney check in to Park Hyatt Sydney

Enjoy a few of Sydney’s tours to familiarise oneself with the city

Park Hyatt Sydney
Park Hyatt Sydney is uniquely positioned on the very edge of Sydney Harbour, with spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge above and the Opera House.

1:00 – 2:00pm
Enjoy lunch at The Waterfront Restaurant

Right in the historic heart of the world’s most beautiful harbour, Waterfront offers unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. One of Sydney’s oldest and most unique restaurant venues, the grandeur and character of historic colonial sandstone provides instant impact when you catch a glimpse of the absolute waterfront location of Waterfront restaurant..

7:30-10:30pm
Dine Around in The Argyle Precinct

Enjoy the best of multicultural Sydney dining in the historic Argyle Precinct. Dine at one of three restaurants – Sake showcasing modern Japanese; The Cut which serves the finest cuts of prime Australian beef and sustainable seafood; and The Argyle Bazaar presenting an Australian twist on Spanish tapas. Everyone will come together in the sandstone courtyard which dates back to the early 1800s to finish the night with cocktails and dessert.

12:10pm
Arrive at Cessnock Airport and Transfer to Audrey Wilkinson Winery for lunch.

12.30
Lunch at Audrey Wilkinson

Audrey Wilkinson
Established in 1866, Audrey Wilkinson is one of the region’s first vineyards; toDay’s wine makers are just as passionate about the region’s history and legacy. At this picturesque vineyard, enjoy a tasting of their award-winning wines and the expertise of friendly, knowledgeable staff.

2:30pm
Wine tasting/cellar door experience at Tyrrell’s Winery

Tyrrell’s Winery
Rich in history and pioneering achievements since 1858, English immigrant Edward Tyrrell established Tyrrell’s Wines in 1858 in the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Range. ToDay, Tyrrell’s is an acclaimed wine company exporting to the world.

4:30pm
To rest at Chateau Élan at the Vintage or Tower Lodge

Chateau Élan at the Vintage
This brand new beautiful, five-star resort is perfect for travellers seeking a rejuvenating getaway and pure luxury. Located in Rothbury, Chateau Élan is located on The Vintage championship golf course, designed by Greg Norman, and features a Destination Spa, 20 super-luxury spa suites and a selection of spa villas.

7:00pm
Enjoy dinner at Roberts Restaurant

Roberts Restaurant ‘Dine in the Vines’
Set in one of Australia’s premier wine estates, Roberts Restaurant is the perfect choice when seeking out the best that the Hunter Valley has to offer in fine food and wine. Combine this unique dining experience with a wine tasting at renowned Tower Estate or with the superlative accommodation of Tower Lodge.

5:00am
Hunter Valley Helicopter

A luxurious scenic helicopter flight over Sydney and up the coast, a private wine tasting at a Hunter Valley winery, wine tastings and a two-course gourmet lunch – what an indulgent way to spend the day!

08:00am
Breakfast at leisure

10:00am
Optional morning activities: Bicycle tour of the vineyards

Hunter Valley Cycling
Enjoy the freedom of cycling through beautiful vineyard surrounds, before stopping to try a peppery shiraz or a grassy verdelho. At the end of this easy cycling tour, reward all the hard work with a gourmet extravaganza.

Spa treatment at Chateau Élan at the Vintage

Chateau Élan Destination Spa
Destination Spa in this luxury resort has private spa suites for singles and couples, with a spa menu offering treatments designed to satisfy all the senses. Massage rooms, lap pool, beauty salon and a Reflection Lounge, for stillness and contemplation, make this a most luxurious retreat amongst the vineyards.

12:30pm
Coach transfer to ‘Esca’ Restaurant Bimbadgen Estate

Bimbadgen Estate
This pretty restaurant overlooking vineyards and a premiership golf course, is the ideal venue for a long lazy lunch in the Hunter Valley. Try tasting plates from the delicious contemporary menu and match with a local wine.

2:15pm
Transfer back to Chateau Élan at the Vintage

2:30pm

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop at Tempus Two Complex
Taste through a decadent world of cheese in the private room of this famous Hunter Valley icon. Enjoy a gelato tasting from Hunter Valley Gelato Company and meet the gelato maker.

6:40pm
Dinner at Rock Restaurant

Located within Poole’s Rock Wine Estate, Rock Restaurant has become a regional star on the dining scene. The recipient of the coveted two chefs hats award (Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2011), Rock’s signature cuisine is modern Australian with classic French influences.

Breakfast at leisure

10:40am
Transfer to Tower Estate for an introduction to winemaking with winemaster, Samantha Connew

Tower Estate
At Tower Estate Winery, winemakers select the very best varietals, not just the local crop, but from vineyards around Australia. Classic wine styles are made from fruit grown in the specific Australian region that best suits a particular grape variety and style. A maximum of 1000 cases is made for each variety, creating a very exclusive drop.

1:00pm
Lunch in the courtyard at Tower Estate

2:30pm
Spend the afternoon in the Hunter Valley Garden Village.

Hunter Valley Garden Village is known as Pokolbin’s town centre. It features a variety of boutique specialty shops, restaurants, attractions, and a beautiful Chapel. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Village and explore the huge variety of shops, with something for everyone. Just the place for some Christmas shopping with an Australian flair! A shuttle service will operate between the village and the hotels throughout the afternoon.

6:30pm
Horse and carriage transport to dinner location

7:00pm
Dinner at Hope Estate

Hope Estate
Hope Estate is located in the heart of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, located amongst 420 acres of picturesque vineyards, and overlooking a tranquil lake. The Great Cask Hall, one of Australia’s most impressive barrel rooms, is the perfect place to enjoy the fine cuisine on offer at Hope Estate.

Optional Experiences

Hot Air Ballooning

Take to the skies and glide over the Hunter Valley in a hot air balloon, soaring high above and getting bird’s eye views over the wineries and picturesque countryside. An early-morning adventure activity for those who like a bit of a thrill, ballooning is a great way to start the Day. Those who are keen can help the pilot and crew to set up and pack the balloon before and after the flight and learn about how these amazing aircraft stay in the air!

10:00am
Arrive into Perth with Qantas

11:30am
Check-in to the Hyatt Regency Perth

Hyatt Regency Perth
Hyatt Regency Perth features the luxury expected of an internationally renowned five-star hotel. Situated near the banks of the Swan River, on the eastern edge of Perth’s CBD.

1:30pm
Fraser’s Restaurant

Fraser’s Restaurant places Perth at one’s feet, with panoramic views and exciting cuisine. Set in a magnificent parkland within the CBD.

Little Creatures
Little Creatures Brewery is set inside a massive converted boat shed right on Fishing Boat Harbour in Fremantle. Within the brewery itself is the “cellar door" bar and restaurant, perfect for ‘ hopheads’ needing that super fresh pale ale hit!

The brewery is totally open and visible to the cellar door and the beer is poured straight from the conditioning tank… beer doesn’t get much fresher than this!

6:00pm
Amberjacks freshest Fish and Chips, Western Australian Wines on a picnic blanket on the lawn overlooking a spectacular Cottesloe Beach Sunset, it can’t get much more extraordinary than this… just wait and see!!!

8:00am
Depart North Port Ferry Terminal (Rous Head) aboard.

8:30am
Arrive Rottnest – The vessel glides into Longreach Bay and passengers disembark onto the beautiful white sandy beach at Longreach. The adventure unfolds.

Rottnest Island
Rottnest, or Rotto as it’s called locally, is just a short ferry ride from Perth and features some of the world’s finest beaches and bays, as well as unique plant and animal life, including the famous rarity, the quokka, a small kangaroo-like marsupial.

Rotto is a car-free zone, which adds to its relaxed feel. And with 63 sheltered beaches to choose from, the island is refreshingly uncrowded. Hiring a bike is the best way to get around and find those secluded beaches and secret surf spots on the other side of the island.

11:30am
Depart Rottnest – The vessel departs from the main ferry jetty, destination Rockingham. Cruise past the “Stragglers Rocks” then turn and “blast” across the sheltered waters inside Garden Island. Look out for Dolphins before reaching Palm Beach (Rockingham).

12:30pm
Arrive Palm Beach Jetty Rockingham

12:45pm
Transfer to the famous Margaret River Region

1:15pm
Stop of en-route in Mandurah to get some lunch hampers from Cafe Pronto multi award winning Cafe in Mandurah.

4:30pm
Arrive at Indjidup Spa Retreat

With 10 luxury villas, all with their own private plunge pool and spectacular ocean views, one will get lost in a landscape providing total privacy unknown to most. Injidup Spa Retreat villas offer unexpected combinations of furniture and comfort which make them anything but predictable.

Check-in to the luxury villa on arrival – followed by a Sodashi Treatment.

6:30pm
Sunset Drinks and Canapés followed by Dinner overlooking the stunning Indjidup Beach
A selection of fresh local produce prepared by Private Chef accompanied by world class WA Wines are on offer to please one’s palate this evening.

Overnight: Indjidup Spa Retreat

11:00am
Depart for Margaret River Tour in the famous Margaret River Lady

In classic 50s style and timeless luxury vehicles, Lifestyle Margaret River is an exclusive invitation to a side of Margaret River one is unlikely to experience elsewhere.

11:15am
Arrive at the very yummy Margaret River Chocolate Factory

At the Margaret River Chocolate Company they’re mad about chocolate and want to share their passion for the “Food of the Gods".

12:00pm
Depart the Chocolate Factory

12:15pm
Arrive at Vasse Felix Winery for Wine Tasting. Situated in the sub-region of Willyabrup, visitors to Vasse Felix are welcomed by a unique underground cellar, a spectacular restaurant overlooking the original 1967 plantings and an exquisite art gallery, making Vasse Felix one of the great draw cards of the Margaret River Wine Region.

1:15pm
Depart Vasse Felix for Leeuwin Estate

2:00pm
Arrive at the world renowned Margaret River Winery Leeuwin Estate for an overview followed by a sumptuous Lunch

Leeuwin Estate Winery
Leeuwin Estate is a boutique, family owned and operated winery located in the picturesque Margaret River district, 360km south of Perth, Western Australia. One of the icon wineries of Australia, it has earned an international reputation for making wines that rank alongside the world’s finest and now exports to over 30 countries.

4:00pm
Depart Leeuwin Estate via the magnificent Boranup Forest for Cape Lodge.

Boranup Karri Forest lies between Caves Road and the coast, and creates a powerful contrast with the rest of the coastline. Karri is the third tallest tree in the world and the tall pale-barked trees, reaching 60 metres or more high, dominate the hilly slopes and valleys. The Boranup Forest as seen toDay is a re-growth forest and is just over 100 years old.

5:15pm
Approximate arrival to Cape Lodge

Voted Best Boutique Hotel in Australia, World’s Best 100 Hotels 2010 and World’s Top 20 Vineyard Hotels In the Heart of Margaret River Wine Country Surrounded by stunning forest, lake and parkland scenery Cape Lodge is only minutes away from pristine beaches, coastline and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean and neighbours the great Margaret River wine estates.

5:30pm
Cape Lodge Gourmet Retreat and Cooking School – with Executive Chef Tony Howell

7:30pm
Chef’s Menu Dinner: Cape Lodge Restaurant

Just over an hour’s drive north of Adelaide lies the Barossa – the heart of Australia’s wine industry, the home to gourmet delights and an area blessed with a rich cultural heritage. Comprising the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley, the region has an ever-changing and diverse landscape. Rows of vineyards connecting rolling hills, interspersed with charming villages and hamlets, and pristine working farmland – the Barossa is a visual treat. The Barossa thrives on a living heritage, food markets, quality wines, old preserved buildings, and a wealth of culinary pleasures. There is a strong sense of cultural identity and community spirit, which adds to the appeal of the region.

11:00am
Arrive at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop

There is time to explore the shop and taste items on display at one’s leisure.

An absolute must while in the Barossa is a visit to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Maggie Beer – cook, writer and founder of ‘Maggie Beer Products’, offers tastings and sales of her full range including limited edition seasonal produce. Customers can browse her personally selected regional specialty goods, purchase one of her signed books or simply sit back and take in the view. Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is a food haven where one can enjoy a light lunch, an espresso coffee or just enjoy a glass of Pheasant Farm or Beer Brothers wine.

2:00pm
Transfer to The Louise for check-in and a quick refresh.

Positioned atop a gentle hill with sweeping vistas across thousands of acres of verdant vineyards, the Louise is a luxury retreat in the heart of the Barossa. Fifteen suites offer absolute luxury and inspired design with private terraces, soft contemporary furnishings and spacious en suites, some with outdoor showers.

3:30pm
Meet in the courtyard for transfer to Yalumba winery.

Samuel Smith founded Yalumba in 1849 after purchasing a 30-acre parcel of land. Six generations and more than 150 years later Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family owned winery, it remains one of the most popular wineries with tourist because of it’s beautiful landscaped gardens and the winery’s Clock Tower (circa 1906). Yalumba Wines also have an on-site cooperage and they have a history and tradition combined with a reputation for innovation.

5:00pm
Transfer back to The Louise.

7:00pm
Guests to meet at Appellation, the in-house restaurant for dinner.

Appellation offers fine dining inspired by fresh food, wine and produce from the Barossa region. Executive chef, Mark McNamara leads the team developing the food and wine component of Appellation into an Australian beacon for guests.

The Barossa Farmers Market is the place to immerse oneself in the Barossa’s food culture. Held every SaturDay morning in the historic Vintners Shed near Angaston, the market showcases real food produced in the homes and farms of the Barossa. More than 30 local food producers offer the freshest of homegrown produce from fruit and vegetables to meat, poultry and free-range eggs, along with a huge variety of locally manufactured food products.

11:00am
Depart Barossa for Adelaide Airport.

Melbourne
Savour summer in the city: long Days and balmy nights make for perfect outdoor wining, dining and movie-going. International sports events draw crowds for tennis, cricket and people-watching, and around town a host of music festivals add to the carnival spirit

12.30pm
Enjoy lunch at The Point Restaurant

Situated on the edge of the Albert Park Lake, The Point embodies subtle sophistication, offering three superbly presented purpose built function areas and an award winning steak restaurant.

3.30pm
Following lunch check in to hotel: Crown Towers Melbourne

6.00pm
Enjoy a special event at the Melbourne Museum for the welcome function.

Situated in Carlton Gardens and next to the historic Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum is an exciting and innovative attraction – including permanent and touring exhibitions, dynamic performances and events, café and an IMAX Theatre.

12.30pm
Drive to Chris’s Beacon Point restaurant and lunch is served.

Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas has breathtaking views, stunning food and brilliant wine. Spectacularly situated on the cliff overlooking Apollo Bay Harbour, the Great Ocean Road and out to Bass Straight.

1.30pm
Transfer back to hotel

4.30pm
Depart from hotel by coach and transfer to Phillip Island.

6.30pm
Arrive at the Nobbies Centre here one can witness the thousands of Australian fur seals basking on Seal Rocks through high quality binoculars or via the live transmissions to the video screens.

Enjoy dinner at The Nobbies Centre Function room

Two kilometres offshore from the Nobbies, Seal Rocks is an important breeding ground and nursery for over 20,000 Australian Fur Seals. This is the closest seal colony to a major city in Australia.

The Nobbies Centre offers spectacular coastal scenery, viewing of the offshore seal colony at Seal Rocks and the chance to walk among nesting seabird colonies. It is a truly amazing natural experience! Entry is free.

From 6.30am
Enjoy a buffet breakfast available in the Alluvial Restaurant on the Flinders Lane level of the hotel

8.00am
Following breakfast at the transfer to the Yarra Valley.

Yarra Valley
Cross into the different worlds of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Escape to the Yarra Valley to indulge in life’s great pleasures of food, wine and nature. Disappear from the bustle of city life into the Dandenong Ranges’ secret fern glades, towering forests and eclectic villages.

10.30am
Depart and transfer to Domaine Chandon

11.00am
Arrive at Domaine Chandon at the green point room one will be met by a local guide for a tour of the winery including a demonstration of wine blending activity and a tasting.

Domaine Chandon
Located in the picturesque Yarra Valley, the Australian winery of French Champagne giant Moet & Chandon, Domaine Chandon exudes style and provides one of the valley’s most serene and memorable experiences. Sample some of the country’s finest sparkling wines in the Green Point room, roam through the picturesque vines and dine under the splendid Oak trees.

2.30pm
Depart Domaine Chandon and transfer from the Yarra Valley to Melbourne.

2.00pm
Depart Melbourne with Qantas