GOLDFIELDS & GRAMPIANS (GOURMET 3-DAY TOUR)
COMBINE THE HISTORIC CHARM OF DAYLESFORD WITH THE RUGGED SPLENDOUR OF THE GRAMPIANS, ADD SUMPTUOUS MEALS AT TWO OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING REGIONAL RESTAURANTS AND YOU HAVE THE PERFECT RECIPE FOR A LUXURY THREE-DAY GOURMET GETAWAY.
DAY ONE: HANGING ROCK & HISTORIC DAYLESFORD
Departing Melbourne (09:00am), your journey begins with a visit to a place of great mystery and natural beauty, Hanging Rock. Enjoy morning tea picnic in the shadow of this rocky outcrop as you familiarise yourself with the curious tale depicted in Joan Lindsay’s unnerving classic “Picnic at Hanging Rock”.
Pass through picturesque countryside to the quaint village of Daylesford. Nestled by a glistening lake and surrounded by towering gum trees, Daylesford is a peaceful escape replete with artists’ studios, cafes, and antique stores.
Visit Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, a 100-acre property once farmed by gold seeking migrants in the 1850’s. European style lavender gardens frame the original stone buildings and create farm-made body lotions and essential oils. A light cafe style lunch will be served in this bucolic setting.
Check in to your accommodation for the evening, the acclaimed Lake House and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Stroll around the lake, visit the stunning Convent Gallery, explore historic Vincent Street, or indulge with a spa treatment at the Salus Spa. The choice is yours.
Dinner this evening will be an unforgettable gourmet experience at Alla Wolfe-Tasker’s award-winning Lake House restaurant.
DAY TWO: FROM THE GOLDFIELDS TO THE GRAMPIANS
Departing Daylesford for the Grampians National Park, travel through rolling eucalyptus-dotted hills and past sheep and cattle farms. Break in the grand gold-rush city of Ballarat for a light lunch and time to explore the towns architectural highlights or perhaps catch the latest exhibition at Australia’s oldest and largest regional art gallery.
Arrive into the township of Dunkeld and check into your accommodation for the night, The Royal Mail Hotel. Take a moment to relax and freshen up or perhaps wander the grounds of the property located in the shadow of towering Mounts Abrupt and Sturgeon.
Prior to dinner at Parker Street Project, join the hotels Sommelier for a tour of their impressive 28,000 bottle wine collection. Including a vast range of local and international wines, the cellar offers the largest private Bordeaux and Burgundy collection in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy a comparative tasting showcasing iconic wines currently drinking exceptionally well.
DAY THREE: NATURAL WONDERS OF THE GRAMPIANS
Following breakfast, join one of the hotels chefs to learn the sustainable philosophies of Australia’s largest restaurant kitchen garden. The driving philosophy behind the garden is that food should be produced using organic principles with as little impact to the earth as possible.
Time to explore the sandstone grandeur of the Grampians National Park. Don comfortable walking shoes as we tackle one of the park’s breathtaking tracks suitable for the novice through to the experienced hiker. Take in arresting views of the rugged mountain range and the surrounding pastoral land. In spring, the region erupts in a dazzling display of wildflowers. Enjoy a casual picnic lunch at Mackenzie Falls, Victoria’s largest waterfall.
Regarded at one of Australia’s most celebrated producers of Shiraz, Mount Langi Ghiran Winery is a jewel in the crown of the esteemed Grampians wine region. Join your host for an exclusive tour and tasting before you return to Melbourne (Approx. 06:00pm).
INCLUSIONS
Private tour hosted by an expert local guide
Luxury vehicle with bottled water & travel snacks
Royal Mail Cellar Tour
Royal Mail Kitchen Garden Tour
Mount Langi Winery tour & tasting
MEALS
Lunch with beverages (Daily)
Dinner with beverages (Day 1, Day 2)
Breakfast (Day 2, Day 3)
ACCOMMODATION
Night 1: Lake House, Daylesford (Studio Lodge)
Night 2: Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld (Deluxe Mountain View Room)
(Twin-share occupancy with breakfast)
AVAILABILITY
Departures available on Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
We welcome requests to tailor tour itineraries and inclusions to suit specific needs, interests and budgets, so please contact us to discuss options.
