Exclusive wine experiences, indulgent spa treatments, captivating tales of bushrangers and a taste of life as it was for those living through the gold rush era, this itinerary through regional Victoria has it all.
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The Nine Days in Victoria Exploring the Regions itinerary features Signature Experiences from six different collectives to provide a rich sample of the available attractions and activities.
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nine days in Victoria Exploring the regions
Explore Melbourne's Aboriginal heritage at The Royal Botanic Gardens.
DAY 1
Highlights
Learning about Melbourne/Naarm’s Traditional Owners is a perfect way to begin your Victorian adventure. Head to the stunning surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens to take part in an Aboriginal Heritage Walk, where your Indigenous guide will give you an insight into area’s rich Aboriginal heritage and thriving cultures. After lunch you can learn about a contemporary cultural icon, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The MCG Premium Access Tour provides behind-the-scenes access to “the ‘G” and entry to the Australian Sports Museum.
Following your tour, you can wander along the banks of the Yarra River/Birrarung to make your way to the vibrant Southbank precinct to indulge in a delicious dinner with a water view.
Overnight at the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne.
Put your athletic skills to the test at the Australian Sports Museum.
Enjoy rare on-ground access at the MCG.
DAY 2
Highlights
If you're a member of an affiliated golf club, you can explore the possibility of playing a round or two at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Known for its highly-acclaimed West Course, the club is hailed as Australia's finest and holds a place among the top 10 golf clubs worldwide.
After a relaxing afternoon, make your way to the National Gallery of Victoria for your Private Gallery Dinner: The Banquet of Cleopatra. This exclusive experience includes a tour of the gallery’s international collection before an evening of fine dining, wine and live music, held in the gallery space in front of Giambattista Tiepolo’s masterpiece, The Banquet of Cleopatra.
Hit a round or two as the sun sets over the Royal Melbourne Golf Course.
Enjoy post-game refreshments in the clubrooms.
Enjoy a taste of the 1850s goldrush at Sovereign Hill.
DAY 3
Highlights
Enjoy a scenic 1.5 hour drive north of Melbourne to Sovereign Hill, Australia’s premier outdoor museum, which recreates the original goldrush era township at Ballarat. You’ll step back in time during the 24 hours at Sovereign Hill experience, which will have you living life as it was on the 1850s Goldfields, complete with an overnight stay onsite in the Governor’s Room. Spend the day exploring underground mines, take a horse-drawn coach, and learn skills from yesteryear with an exclusive hands-on sweet-making experience. The delicious Devonshire Tea served at the famous New York Bakery is not to be missed.
The Lake House prides itself on creating delicious, seasonal cuisine.
DAY 4
Highlights
Spend the morning sightseeing in Ballarat, taking in the grandeur of its Victorian-era buildings and exploring Australia’s largest regional art gallery. Continue your journey with a stroll around Lake Wendouree, where you can admire the statues at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Then travel to Daylesford in the heart of spa country, only 40 minutes away.
Check-in to the iconic hotel, the Lake House, on the shores of idyllic Lake Daylesford and take the opportunity to walk the tracks encircling the water or leading into the Wombat State Forest. Book your evening meal at the Lake House's multi-award-winning restaurant, which champions local seasonal cuisine and is considered one of Australia’s best.
The Spa at Lake House offers a range of relaxing treatments.
DAY 5
Highlights
Relax at The Spa at Lake House, an oasis of tranquillity offering decadent treatments, mineral soaks and massages. Or you can book a private Tai Chi, Qigong & Meditation session to learn fundamental martial art principles to improve your wellbeing, including breathing exercises and still and moving meditation.
Spend the afternoon sampling the regional cuisine that has made Daylesford famous, then head up to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens to enjoy spectacular views over the region. The 19th century Convent building is definitely worth a visit. Now an art gallery and café, it includes historical displays detailing its fascinating past as both a convent and boarding school.
DAY 6
Highlights
It’s a three-hour drive from Daylesford to Milawa but it’s worth stopping at Glenrowan, in the heart of Ned Kelly country, to delve into the area’s rich bushranger history. Then continue on to Brown Brothers Milawa, which is one of Australia’s oldest and most loved wineries. Discover the art of winemaking during the Wine Blending at Brown Brothers experience. You’ll learn about specific wine characteristics and sustainable vineyard practices as you blend, bottle, and label your own beverage to create a unique souvenir.
For your overnight stay, book into the boutique hotel, Lancemore Milawa.
Discover the secrets to making great wine.
Blend your own unique drop at Brown Brothers.
Pizzini offers wine tastings, fine dining and accommodation.
DAY 7 – KING VALLEY
Highlights
It’s a 35-minute drive to the King Valley to experience the Pizzini Overnight Wine and Food Escape. Start with a tutored tasting at the cellar door, where you can sample a selection of current and back vintage wines, gaining insights into how the distinct characteristics of the land and makers’ techniques have shaped wine styles over the years. Then discover the magic that happens when these wines are thoughtfully paired with food.
After your tasting, take a seat at the Cellar Door with a glass of red or white in hand to enjoy an Italian-style grazing platter. Then make your way to your well-appointed accommodation at Mountain View Hotel to check in. You’ll return at 6:30pm to The Mountain View Hotel for a four-course dinner complemented by matched wines crafted by Joel Pizzini himself.
Sangiovese Shiraz is one of Pizzini's specialities.
Toast the setting sun over the vineyards.
De Bortoli's fine dining restaurant, Locale.
DAY 8
Highlights
Enjoy a sleep in and the comforts of your accommodation before the 2.5 hour drive to the Yarra Valley, stopping at De Bortoli Wines to indulge in the Ultimate Wine Lover’s Experience with Lunch. You’ll be captivated by the incredible story of the De Bortoli family’s almost 90 years of determination and triumph at their Yarra Valley Estate. Savour spectacular views of the vineyard while learning about viticultural practices, and don't miss the opportunity to taste wines from barrels and tanks. After a decadent private gourmet cheese and wine tasting, you'll be served an Italian-inspired three-course lunch with matched wines.
Overnight at Yering Gorge Cottages.
Dominique Portet offers a taste of Bordeaux in the Yarra Valley.
DAY 9
Highlights
Stock up on delicious treats at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for your road trip back to Melbourne via Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. This bushland setting is home to iconic Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Delay your return a little longer with a visit to Dominique Portet for its Andre Experience. You’ll have an enlightening behind-the-scenes estate tour with one of Dominique Portet's knowledgeable wine educators. Your tutored wine tasting will take place in the André room — above the working winery — followed by lunch, complemented by matching wines. It will be a memorable way to end your Victorian adventure.
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