Victoria's Artisan Escape

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art. As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars, and world-class restaurants are just the beginning!

You will be met at the Melbourne Airport by the driver and transferred to your Melbourne accommodation.

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with modern and Indigenous Australian art. As a cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars and world-class restaurants are just the beginning!

Embark on a voyage aboard the Spirit of Melbourne, a luxurious floating restaurant where sophistication meets relaxation in perfect harmony. Step into a world of opulence and refinement as you are welcomed into an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance. Take your seat at a beautifully adorned table and brace yourself for an adventure like no other. Prepare to be dazzled by a culinary symphony orchestrated by masterful chefs, each dish a masterpiece meticulously crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients. Every bite is a revelation, a tantalizing fusion of flavours that celebrates Melbourne's vibrant heritage. As you indulge your senses, let your gaze wander through the expansive panoramic windows, revealing breathtaking vistas of Melbourne's iconic waterfront. Cruise along the majestic Yarra River, where each twist and turn unveils a new spectacle, a captivating tapestry of landmarks and cityscapes that dance in the moonlight. Let the ever-changing scenery cast its spell upon you, transforming your dining experience into a mesmerizing journey of discovery. From the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city to the serene beauty of the riverbanks, every moment aboard the Spirit of Melbourne is a testament to the magic of this cosmopolitan gem.

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The drive from Melbourne to Steels Creek takes you from the city’s hustle to the peaceful Yarra Valley. As you leave the suburbs, the landscape opens up to rolling hills and vineyards. The journey is scenic, with charming country towns and wide-open farmland along the way. The air feels fresher, and the pace slows as you near Steels Creek. By the time you arrive, you're surrounded by serene countryside, a true escape from the city.

The Yarra Valley is the region surrounding the Yarra River in Victoria, less than an hour drive from Melbourne. It is a popular area featuring quality local food and wine, breathtaking scenery, romantic hideaways and indulgent adventures. The area's climate makes it a great place for growing high-quality wine, particularly a production of chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wine. Not only wine, the area is also a popular place for micro-breweries and cider-makers. In addition, the region plays an important agricultural role, especially berry and fruit production. It remains Victoria's premier food & wine tourism destination.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of Victoria, Australia, Yarra Valley cellar doors beckon to those seeking a taste of indulgence and refinement. Each cellar door is a portal to the region's rich viticultural heritage, offering a sensory journey through the finest wines crafted with passion and precision.

Yarra Yering: Planted in 1969, Yarra Yering's unirrigated vines produce elegant, complex and powerful wines. Approachable as young wines, they have the ability to develop in the bottle for many years. Yarra Yering is one of Australia’s most iconic wineries with an outstanding international reputation. The Tasting Room is now open seven days a week with some of Australia’s most collected wines on tasting.

Tokar Estate: With majestic sweeping views of the Yarra Valleys finest vineyards, surrounding mountain ranges, stunning skylines and set in the picturesque dress circle of the acclaimed Yarra Valley, Tokar Estate is an ideal location in which to relax, soak up the Valleys beauty, taste some exquisite wines, and enjoy delectable cuisine.

Seville Estate: Seville Estate was awarded the Halliday Wine Companion 'Winery of the year' in 2019. From its first vintage, Seville Estate quickly established itself as one of the Yarra Valley's finest producers. Surprisingly in a region more renowned for its Pinot Noir, it was the Seville Estate Shiraz that received the most attention, quickly becoming one of Victoria's most sought after wines. Seville Estate has a picturesque location among rolling hills and pastures of the Upper Yarra Valley with the cellar door and winery nestled within a truly stunning garden of native plants. 

Balgownie Estate: Enjoy relaxed drinks and grazing on the deck immersed in the panorama of the valley. Unwind at endota spa located only footsteps from our restaurant and accommodation. Make Balgownie Estate your go-to destination for celebrating special occasions, romantic getaways, and quality time with family and friends.

Chandon: Established in 1986, Chandon Australia is a premium sparkling winery based in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Dedicated to creating exceptional méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, Chandon crafts wines which are complex, expressive and reflective of their origins.

Punch Wine Room: Cellar Door experience for Punch and Friends of Punch wines. Wine tastings, sales by the glass and bottle. Enjoy wines matched with food from one of the wonderful Punch neighbours - wood-fired pizza and sourdough bakery, cheese platters.

Oakridge Wines: A must-visit Yarra Valley destination, Oakridge Wines is an award-winning winery, cellar door and restaurant, located in Coldstream. Regarded as one of Australia and the Yarra Valley’s most pre-eminent producers, Oakridge is renowned for its distinctive and age-worthy wines, especially revered for it's chardonnay and pinot noir.

Embark on a journey that blends the best of both worlds with the Grape Explorations Perfect Balance tour. Designed for enthusiasts who appreciate the allure of renowned vineyards while craving the intimacy of hidden gems, this experience promises a diverse exploration of the region's rich winemaking landscape. Discover the essence of Melbourne's wine culture from a curated balanced itinerary, showcasing a mix of larger, acclaimed wineries alongside charming boutique venues. From iconic estates to hidden treasures, each stop offers a unique perspective, allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of the region. Indulge in the luxury of private transportation, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey from start to finish. With pick-up and drop-off available from the Melbourne CBD, convenience meets sophistication as you traverse through picturesque landscapes and rolling vineyards. Savor the flavors of the region with a delectable winery lunch, expertly paired with a glass of fine wine to enhance your tasting experience. From bold reds to crisp whites, each sip encapsulates the terroir and craftsmanship of the esteemed winemakers you'll encounter along the way. Join us for a day of discovery, where every pour unveils a new facet of Melbourne's acclaimed wine scene. Whether you're drawn to the prestige of renowned estates or the allure of hidden gems, the Perfect Balance tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of wine country.

The drive from Steels Creek to Melbourne starts with a scenic route through the Yarra Valley's rolling vineyards and lush greenery. Head south toward Yarra Glen, then join the main roads leading through suburban neighbourhoods as the landscape becomes more urban. Approaching Melbourne, you’ll spot the city’s skyline, guiding you into its vibrant heart.

Embark on the Flavors of Melbourne Night Trail for an unforgettable culinary adventure in one of the world's most vibrant and diverse cities. Melbourne, celebrated for its cultural fusion, offers a dynamic food scene where global culinary traditions converge. This evening tour will lead you through Melbourne’s eclectic cuisine and the lively Chinatown. Enjoy a progressive meal of an array of cultural tastes, mouthwatering desserts, and the city's renowned coffee, ideal for a decaf nightcap.

Explore more of Melbourne before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!