Hosted Australia Culinary Journey
Personalized experiences, exclusive culinary discoveries, and unforgettable cultural adventures.
HOSTED AUSTRALIA CULINARY JOURNEY
15 nights from Melbourne to Brisbane
Savour the warmth of Australia on your exclusive culinary and cultural adventure offering unique one of a kind experiences with a small group of only 20 passengers. Join your personal travel concierge to explore Australia by taste and discover its unique natural beauty.
Journey Price: CA $13,375 per person based on double occupancy
Includes Roundtrip flight from Vancouver to Melbourne, return from Brisbane.
Ask about air add-ons from other Canadian cities.
Internal Domestic Australian flights are not included.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Half-Day Private Lanes & Arcades Tour including lunch
• Australian Open Tickets
• Green Olive at Red Hill Farm Tour and Lunch
• Pt. Leo Estate Wine Tasting
• Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour
• North Bondi Fish Lunch
• Sydney Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting
• Full-Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral Cay including buffet lunch
• Tasting the Tablelands Tour including lunch
• Full-Day Private Tamborine & Lamington Tour including lunch
ACCOMMODATIONS AND OTHER INCLUSIONS
• Local Host
• 4 Nights at The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins - Savoy Guest Room with Full Breakfast
• 3 Nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney - Standard Atrium Room with Full Breakfast
• 4 Nights at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve - Jungle Walk Bungalow with Full Breakfast
• 2 Nights at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane - Queen Bed City View Room with Full Breakfast
• Private Car and Driver or Coach transportation between hotels, airports, and tours
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
January 22 2024: Depart Canada
Fly from your home city to Melbourne
January 24 2024: Melbourne
Arrive Melbourne - Tour BeginsIncludes: Private Car/Driver Transfer from International Airport to your hotel, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
There is a lot to love about Melbourne - just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne is less than 200 years old and never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing.
The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore, go shopping, or choose an optional sightseeing tour.
January 25 2024: Melbourne
Half Day Private Lanes & Arcades TourHotel: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins in a Savoy Guest room
Includes: Full breakfast, City Hotel meet up, drink and snack, 1 course lunch with a glass of local wine or beer
Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool cafe you were told of and ended up missing everything? Enjoy a 3 hour walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover local designers and specialty retailers that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and historical tales are found in these walkways. There is something for everyone. See over 30 stores on this casual stroll and return to those you like best in the afternoon. Enjoy a one course lunch with a glass of local wine or beer. At the conclusion of your tour, make your own way to your accommodation.
This afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore on your own.
January 26 2024: Melbourne
Australian OpenHotel: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins in a Savoy Guest room
Includes: Full breakfast, Australian Open night session ticket at Rod Lavar Arena (reserved seating)
Today is yours to relax and explore on your own.
The Australian Open is the first tennis Grand Slam of the year, when the biggest names in the game start off the season with a smash. It's also one of the best times to be in Melbourne, with the city set to serve up its laneway lifestyle, coffee culture and cool cafes, boutiques and designer stores, hidden bars and lip-smackingly good restaurants. There's an array of art, culture and music events to occupy any tennis down-time, while balmy summer nights are perfect for outdoor drinks with friends.
January 27 2024: Melbourne
Mornington Peninsular Tour & Farm TourHotel: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins in a Savoy Guest room
Includes: Full breakfast, Coach Transportation, full day tour to Mornington Peninsula, Guided Green Olive at Red Hill farm tour with lunch, glass of wine, beer or cider, a grazing plate, farm made dessert and farm roasted coffee or loose leaf tea. Wine Tasting at Pt. Leo Estate
Winding around the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay and taking in vast ocean views and sheltered beaches, Mornington Peninsula is home to quaint coastal villages and hinterland hamlets, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxurious spas and renowned golf courses. It is possible to travel from top to toe of the region within half an hour, passing colourful bathing boxes strung along the beachfronts of Dromana, Rosebud and Mornington, then inland through the rolling hills of the verdant hinterland to orchards, market gardens and wineries. With everything on the peninsula within easy reach, there's plenty of ways to fill your day.
Enjoy a guided tour of the farm learning about the biological approach to farming and paddock to plate food production. You will also learn about the water, waste and energy aspects of the property's sustainability program. After the tour, sit down, admire the view of the vineyard, the kitchen garden and the ducks on the dam whilst enjoying our grazing style food and wine. It will certainly be a Mornington Peninsula farm experience to remember.
Wine Tasting at Pt. Leo Estate - Pt. Leo Estate is a captivating celebration of internationally acclaimed art, design and world-class wine, providing the most sought-after cultural and culinary experience in Australia. Gracing 330 glorious acres on the southern edge of Australia’s leading wine region – the Mornington Peninsula, exists Pt. Leo Estates Halliday 4-star Cellar Door. Showcasing site-expressive wines, premium tastings are elevated by a modish tasting bar with spectacular views over Western Port.
January 28 2024: Melbourne to Sydney (Warrane)
Hotel: Radisson Blue Hotel Sydney in an Atrium RoomIncludes: Full breakfast, coach transportation from your hotel to the Melbourne Airport, and from Sydney Airport to your accommodations at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney.
Your flight today is not included in your arrangementsSoak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. Cruise under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or wave at the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach or swim in the calm waters of Coogee. Lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks or in the markets, boutiques, cafes and pubs of Paddington. As well as a world-famous harbour and more than 70 sparkling beaches, Sydney offers fabulous food, festivals and 24/7 fun.
The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore, go shopping, or choose an optional sightseeing tour.
January 29 2024: Sydney (Warrane)
Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour & City TourHotel: Radisson Blue Hotel Sydney in an Atrium Room
Includes: Guided Backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House with breakfast, 6 hour Sydney City tour with Lunch and coach transportation
This 2.5 hour tour grants you unprecedented VIP backstage access to the Sydney Opera House. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the real life dramas behind this celebrated performing arts centre. Your guide will raise the curtain on what really goes on beyond the spotlight, revealing industry secrets that you will not hear anywhere else. You will walk in the footsteps of legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Pavarotti, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Cate Blanchett, Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Foo Fighters. You might even get to stand on the world-famous Concert Hall stage, take up the conductors’ baton in the orchestra pit or get a sneak peek inside the stars’ dressing rooms. Enjoy breakfast in the Green Room, the private haven of some of the world’s most famous artists. At the conclusion of your tour, make your own way to your Sydney accommodation. North Bondi Fish - Lunch. Located a few short steps from the sand and surf of one of the world's most famous beaches, North Bondi Fish is Bondi at its best. The casual restaurant is a relaxed space, which personifies beach-side chic and is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner and everything in between. Owned by Matt Moran and Bruce Solomon, and with Head Chef Zac Sykes at the helm, the kitchen opens at midday and the full menu is available all day and late into the evening. Specializing in fresh, high-quality seafood as well as serving amazing steak, salads, sliders and more, it's the perfect beach-side escape.
January 30 2024: Sydney (Warrane)
Sydney Oyster Farm TourHotel: Radisson Blue Hotel Sydney in an Atrium Room
Includes: Full breakfast, coach transportation, guided tour with oyster farmer, 18 premium oysters per person, fresh tiger prawns, in-water oyster tasting experience with refreshment, waders to wear on the day.
On this 2.5 hour experience, you will undertake a boat tour out to the oyster farm leases, and then you will slide into waders and disembark at one of the newer oyster leases where you will be met by more farmers who will guide you to your in-water table. Get ready to taste freshly opened oysters from the very waters you are standing in.
January 31 2024: Sydney to Port Douglas
Includes: Full breakfast, coach transportation from your hotel to the Sydney Airport, and from Cairns Airport to your accommodations at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve in Port Douglas
Your flight today is not included in your arrangementsLocated just north of Cairns, Port Douglas offers a sophisticated and low-key escape for travellers in an unpretentious and relaxed tropical environment. Shop in the boutique clothing stores, dine in the exquisite alfresco restaurants and enjoy the islands and coral cays of the nearby Great Barrier Reef. A visit to Four Mile Beach is essential where you can laze away the day on the pristine sand. Port Douglas is also a popular base from which to explore the rainforests of the Wet Tropics, Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve - this Eco-friendly wildlife retreat is located 10 minutes from Port Douglas and 45 minutes from the city centre of Cairns. It is set on 145 acres of native forest on a private headland and has its own private beach. It features an organic coconut plantation and natural swimming pools formed by granite boulders and waterfalls. Free guided nature tours are available and include tree planting, stargazing at an outdoor observatory, beach discovery, wildlife walks and bird-watching tours. The timber bungalows are built high on stilts and nestle in the forest canopy providing an unobtrusive relationship with nature. The bungalows have a stylish decor and offer ocean, mountain or forest views.
February 1 2024: Port Douglas
Full Day Outer Reef Mackay Coral CayHotel: Thala Beach Nature Reserve in a Jungle Walk Bungalow
Includes: Full breakfast, Hotel pick up and drop off, morning & afternoon tea, buffet lunch, snorkelling equipment, wet suites & floating devices, instruction and in-water assistance, guided snorkel tour, glass bottom boat viewing and reef interpretation
Your tour commences with a transfer from your hotel to the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, where you will board your vessel. You can sit back and relax on the beautiful yacht and set sail to the Coral Cays of Mackay or Undine Reefs. You will enjoy an authentic sailing experience, following the coastline and views of the Daintree mountains. Once at the protected sites at the Coral Cays, nature activities will include snorkelling over the pristine coral reef with a qualified marine biologist offering reef interpretation on a guided snorkel tour. A glass bottom boat coral viewing tour is also on offer. Premium reef sites showcase abundant marine life, including encounters with turtles and an amazing display of giant clam gardens, beautiful corals and a wide variety of fish. Exploring the white sands of the coral cays will relax the mind. Soak up the sun, peace and tranquility and swim in turquoise clear waters. Small numbers of guests ensure personal interactive communication with our experience guides. A tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas & coffees, supplied by local plantations, will compliment a day of adventure and relaxation. Expert guiding and 1st class services are all included from helpful, friendly crew.
February 2 2024: Port Douglas
Tasting the Tablelands TourHotel: Thala Beach Nature Reserve in a Jungle Walk Bungalow
Includes: Full breakfast, coach transportation, visits to Lake Barrine, Nerada Tea Plantation, Curtain Fig Tree, Gallo Dairyland, Mt. Uncle Distillery and Golden Drop Winery
Travel across the scenic Tablelands in air-conditioned comfort today on board a luxury coach as you partake in tasting the mouth-watering local produce.
LAKE BARRINE: Disembark from the coach and stretch your legs on a guided walk beside the waters of stunning Lake Barrine to the Twin Kauri Pines
NERADA TEA PLANTATION: Visit Australia's largest tea plantation. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and if your lucky spot a shy Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo in the tea rooms overhanging trees
CURTAIN FIG TREA: Stroll along boardwalks to the Heritage Listed Curtain Fig Tree. This awe-inspiring Strangler Fig Tree is amongst Queensland’s largest trees with giant aerial roots that drop over 15 metres to the rainforest floor.
GALLO DAIRYLAND: Delight in the cheese tasting on arrival and see the cheese-making process in action! View the Chocolatier at work, handcrafting delicious chocolates. Then partake in a tasty lunch in the café with stunning views across the surrounding farmland.
MT. UNCLE DISTILLERY: Sample the distilleries' best wares with 4 x tastings of your choice of Gin, Rum or Whiskey.
GOLDENT DROP WINERY: At our last stop for the day, relish tastings of Dry, Medium or Sweet Mango Wines and Liquors at the Cellar Door
February 3 2024: Port Douglas
Hotel: Thala Beach Nature Reserve in a Jungle Walk BungalowIncludes: Full breakfast
Today is free to relax and explore on your own.
February 4 2023: Port Douglas to Brisbane
Includes: Full breakfast, coach transfer from Port Douglas hotel to Cairns Airport, transfer from Brisbane Airport to the Hyatt Regency Brisbane
Your flight today is not included in your arrangementsThe river city of Brisbane is a modern and diverse sub-tropical metropolis. As Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane offers visitors a stimulating city experience in a warm, friendly and relaxed environment. It is well serviced by city infrastructure, including cultural precincts of theatres, museums and international cuisine. World class sporting venues, conference facilities, parklands and river walks create a vibrant metropolitan city. Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city, and home to nearly two million culturally diverse people. Visitors can enjoy the temperate year round climate at one of the city’s many outdoor areas including South Bank Parklands or Queen Street Mall shopping precincts.
February 5 2023: Brisbane
Full Day Private Tamborine & Lamington TourHotel: Hyatt Regency Brisbane in a Queen City View Room
Includes: Full breakfast, hotel pick up and drop off, lunch, afternoon tea
This 8 hour tour enables you to get high in the rainforest with a treetop walk at ‘O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat’. ‘Go bush’ and experience a variety of stunning Aussie mountain scenery on a remote and awesome 4WD mountain trek on Duck Creek Road. Visit lush World Heritage rainforest, waterfalls, rock pools and numerous lookouts over the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast. Walk options from 10 minutes to a 3 hour walk deep into the forest. Option to visit an award-winning distillery, fantastic microbrewery & wineries, and Tamborine’s Aussie arts & gifts. Spot gorgeous native animals and birdlife along the way. Travel back to Brisbane, where you will be transferred to your Brisbane accommodation
February 6 2023: Brisbane - return flight to Canada
End of TourIncludes: Full breakfast, Private Car/Driver from your hotel to the Brisbane Airport
Today ends your Australian Culinary tour.
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All rates are in Canadian Dollars based on double occupancy. Single rates are available upon request. Accommodations are subject to change. Your travel advisor will advise tour deposit, final payment and applicable cancellation penalties. Rates are valid for these specific travel dates only. All prices are subject to the availability of the specified services and contracted rates at the time of booking. COST EXCLUDES • Internal Australian flights (unless otherwise specified) • Airport porterage • Optional tours and services • Meals other than those specified above • Beverages • Gratuities • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone calls, mini bar, laundry, etc.) • Travel insurance (cancellations, loss of deposits, delays, etc.) • Australian Entry Visa.