Exclusive Tour with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 20-25 March 2025
Join Lyndey on an inaugural bespoke tour for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival organised with Intrepid Travel
Indulge your senses with a six-day journey through Melbourne and regional Victoria, where world-class dining meets breathtaking scenery. From the vibrant heart of Melbourne to the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, this tour offers a feast for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. Time to relax is built in too.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday, 20th March 2025
Arrival in Melbourne
5:00 PM: Melbourne Bites, Sights & Skydeck
Begin your journey with a private guided exploration of Melbourne’s vibrant food scene. Wander hidden laneways, sample local delicacies, and uncover the city’s rich culinary traditions. The day ends on a high as you ascend the Skydeck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city bathed in golden evening light.
Spend the next few evenings at the newly opened boutique hotel and official MFWF partner “Melbourne Place” – in the heart of the CBD and surrounded by some of the city’s best and most beloved restaurants and bars. The property features luxe warm-toned rooms and a restaurant and bar by former head chef of Scott Pickett’s “Estelle”, Hatted Young Chef of the Year Nicholas Deligiannis. You never know who you might run into at breakfast or in the bar!
Accommodation: Melbourne Place, 19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Day 2: Friday, 21st March 2025
12:00–3:00 PM: World’s Longest Lunch
As the flagship event of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, the World’s Longest Lunch is an unmissable experience. Curated by celebrity chef Curtis Stone, this spectacular long-table feast showcases seasonal ingredients with wine pairings, at more than 600 metres of table winding through Melbourne’s superb Kings Domain. Tickets to this iconic event are some of the most sought-after of the festival, making it a true highlight of your journey.
Time to kick on or relax before
7:00 PM: Rare Spirits and the World’s Best Cheese
As night falls, immerse yourself in the art of pairing rare and refined spirits with world-class cheeses flown in especially for this event. Expert hosts will guide you through a sensory journey of bold flavours, leaving your taste buds delighted and your spirit lifted.
Accommodation: Melbourne Place, 19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Day 3: Saturday, 22nd March 2025
Have a lazy morning, go for a walk or discover more of Melbourne before
1:00–3:00 PM: Hungry Eyes
Ever wondered about how food photography looks so good? Melbourne’s most notable food photographers are showing their work – and you get to taste what you see! This culinary event will spark your imagination, as each bite and visual delight invites you to see and savour food in an entirely new way.
Time to relax again before dinner
Dinner: Suckling Pig Feast with Adrian Richardson
Gather for a warm and convivial evening hosted by acclaimed chef Adrian Richardson, celebrating 20 years of this popular dinner centering around roasted suckling pig, with paired wines and lots of fun as only Richo can create.
Accommodation: Melbourne Place, 19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Day 4: Sunday, 23rd March 2025
This morning, depart Melbourne by bus and head towards the Macedon Ranges.
11:00 AM–4:00 PM: Macedon Ranges Winemakers Luncheon
Nestled among rolling hills and vineyards, enjoy lunch at long tables, with five courses of the region’s seasonal produce presented by Cleveland Estates Executive Chef – Vivek Colac and complemented with regional wines presented by their makers.
In the afternoon, head towards the Bellarine peninsula. Upon arrival, there is free time to unwind, stroll along the waterfront of explore the charming town of Geelong.
Your accommodation for the next two nights is the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, centrally located, making it easy for you to explore Geelong City’s best cafés, bars and restaurants in your free time. The pier is only a 20 minute walk away.
After a long lunch, your evening is at leisure to settle in and discover a little of Geelong if you wish.
Day 5: Monday, 24th March 2025
11:30 AM–4:00 PM: The Q Train x Merne Express
Step aboard the Q Train for a journey that marries stunning views with a three hour degustation from Drysdale to Queenscliff. As the train winds through the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, you’ll savour a menu crafted with local ingredients by the best local chefs with local wines to match.
This evening is free time to relax or explore the Bellarine Peninsula’s coastal charm.
Accommodation: Stay at Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, an IHG Hotel, 40 Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220
Day 6: Tuesday, 25th March 2025
Morning: Bellarine Smokehouse Experience
Your final day begins with a visit to the Bellarine Smokehouse, where you’ll sample the finest smoked seafood and learn the secrets and artisanal craft behind their award-winning products. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere as you indulge in the rich, smoky flavours, hosted by their experienced chef.
This afternoon, return to Melbourne, with an option to end at Avalon Airport or Melbourne CBD.
Return home replete with new experiences and friends.
Costs, Contact & More Information
Intrepid have been taking travellers around the globe and connecting people from all walks of life since 1989. That’s more than 30 years of changing the way people see the world on small group trips with like-minded explorers and a local leader to show you around. Expect to travel with a tight bunch of like-minded adventurers in a small group – offering up new perspectives and new friends to share the journey with. There will be an Intrepid Tour Manager as well as me with you along the journey.
- Maximum size of group 12
- Price per person $4,800
- Single Supplement $1,465.00
- Tour begins and ends in Melbourne
- Given this tour is from 20 – 25 March, to secure a confirmed place please book before 31 January, 2025
Contact Lyndey: lyndey@lyndeymilan.com
Intrepid Contact for more information and booking details:
tailormade@intrepidtravel.com and P: 1300 854 439 | NZ: 0800 448 979.
Intrepid have been taking travellers around the globe and connecting people from all walks of life since 1989. That’s more than 30 years of changing the way people see the world on small group trips with like-minded explorers and a local leader to show you around. Expect to travel with a tight bunch of like-minded adventurers in a small group – offering up new perspectives and new friends to share the journey with. There will be an Intrepid Tour Manager as well as me with you along the journey.
