The Great Australian Gourmet Adventure
A circumnavigation of Australia's culinary highlights
The Great Australian Gourmet Adventure is a collection of
bite-size short breaks and multi-course, multi-state escapes
that combine to circumnavigate the continent showcasing
Australia’s finest foodie finds right across the country.
Tasteful, fresh and indulgent by design, these suggested Australian culinary journeys are sprinkled, spiced and seasoned with Southern Crossings’ signature luxury travel experiences and exclusives.
14 separate itineraries combine in a circumnavigation of Australia’s culinary highlights that is the Great Australian Gourmet Adventure.
Whether you are tempted by just one or would like to work your way through the full menu, these suggested culinary-focused itineraries are designed to provide a taste of the endless possibilities we can curate.
Our Travel Design team have sipped, supped, sampled and savoured their way around Australia to be able to serve up personalised culinary journeys that go behind-the-scenes and beyond-the-scenery to provide an authentic taste of our unique destinations.
Whether all-things culinary are your all-consuming passion or if you just love great food and wine, the Great Australian Gourmet Adventure invites you to start planning delicious journeys, tailored to your tastes, in whichever corner of the continent you choose to travel.
A circumnavigation of Australia's culinary highlights
Taste your way around Australia
14 culinary-focussed itineraries invite you to taste your way around Australia enjoying some of our team’s favourite foodie finds and exclusive culinary experiences.
Sample them individually or indulge in the full 103-night degustation adventure by combining them all!
A delicious 5-night journey in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers Region where Byron Bay’s scenic surrounds serve up fabulously fresh produce from both the land and sea.
Unwind at Gaia Retreat and Spa enjoying vibrant paddock to plate wellness cuisine, meet a collection of the region’s most passionate producers and providores with personalised introductions and samplings, dine at some of Australia’s most highly-awarded regional restaurants and bathe in the region’s relaxed coast lifestyle with a stay the chic and boutique Halcyon House.
- Inclusions
5 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Gaia Retreat & Spa and 2 Halcyon House), return transfers between Gaia and Brunswick Heads for dinner suggestion at Fleet restaurant, full-day private Byron Shire Food Safari, private paddock-to-plate cooking class, private guided gin tasting, daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 5 dinners per person, Coolngatta airport transfers and a contribution to local good charity. From $8090 for two people travelling together on a twin-share basis. (cost of meal at dinner suggestion not included).
Enjoy an in-the-know introduction to off-the-beaten track top drops, great eats and boutique stays in Mudgee and Orange.
- Inclusions
3 days touring in a luxury vehicle with private driver/guide, 2 nights’ accommodation (1 night Sierra Escape EcoLodge and 1 night Byng St Boutique Hotel), winery visits and tastings in Mudgee and Orange, 2 lunches, return dinner transfers from Sierra Escape.
- Notes
Sierra Escape is adults only. This itinerary is designed for travelers over the age of 18 years.
Calling all foodies: enjoy a fabulous foodie’s getaway on the scenic Sunshine Coast.
- Inclusions
4 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Spicers Clovelly Estate and 2 nights Seahaven Noosa Resort) inclusive of 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch per person. Private Sunshine Coast Hinterland culinary tour. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Enjoy the good life; from the Yarra Valley to Daylesford.
A fabulous four day foodie’s folly starts in the Yarra Valley, staying at Yering Gorge Cottages adjoining the Eastern Golf Club and only moments from some of the region’s most celebrated cellar doors including de Bortoli where we have included a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting
experience with lunch.
Continue the self-drive journey to the heart of Victoria’s spa country to stay at the lovely Lake House in Daylesford where you can enjoy long country walks, healing spa treatments and hatted dining.
- Inclusions
4 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Yering Gorge Cottages and 2 nights Lake House Daylesford) inclusive of daily breakfast and 1 lunch,, ultimate de Bortoli Winery Experience and 4 days rental vehicle with insurance (max. cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Gourmet getaway
A decadent combination of wining and dining, including hands-on and behind-the-scenes foodie experiences.
Begin your gourmet getaway as you mean to continue, in style, sipping champagne at the famed Lake House in Daylesford. Then roll up your sleeves to enjoy an exclusive hands-on cooking class the with the acclaimed restaurant’s talented chefs. Enjoy the spoils of your labour, a fabulous three course meal, with matched premium wines. It would of course be remiss to visit Victoria’s spa country without a visit to the day spa, so spend the following morning soaking in 100% pure mineral waters. We have included a one-hour relaxing massage to help you really unwind.
Journey to the Grampians through beautiful farmlands and towering eucalypts, stopping for lunch in the grand gold-rush city of Ballarat. On arrival at the Royal Mail Hotel, join the sommelier for a tour and tasting in the hotel’s impressive wine cellar before a degustation dinner in Wickens Restaurant, another hatted regional Victorian restaurant. After breakfast, join one of the hotel chefs to learn the sustainable philosophies of Australia’s largest restaurant kitchen garden. Then journey through the Grampians National Park and take the opportunity to hike to scenic lookouts, admire waterfalls and wildflowers and learn about the region’s rich Aboriginal history.
Mt Langi Ghiran, regarded as one of Australia’s most celebrated producers of Shiraz, is the perfect spot to break up the return journey to Melbourne; and an exclusive tour and tasting experience is the perfect way to round off this escorted epicurean escape.
Continue to Melbourne by road, or finish on a real high with a scenic 75-minute scenic helicopter flight to the city.
- Inclusions
Private Cooking Class at Lake House Restaurant (3-course with beverages), one night accommodation, supper and breakfast in a Lodge Studio Room at Lake House Daylesford, Mineral Springs Bathing and 60-minute massage, one night accommodation in a deluxe mountain view room at the Royal Mail hotel including sommelier-led cellar tour and tasting, chef-led kitchen garden tour, breakfast and dinner in Wickens Restaurant, exclusive tour and tasting experience at Mount Langi Ghiran. 3 days private driver/guide and luxury vehicle (pick up/drop off within 10km Melbourne CBD)
- Note
Private charter tour can commence Tues, Weds, Thurs or Fridays year round, subject to availability
Enjoy an indulgence of fine wine, fabulous food and luxury lodgings with four days of private touring in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.
Begin your food and wine adventures with two nights at the luxurious new Sequoia lodge. Tucked away in the Adelaide Hills, Sequoia’s scenic and peaceful private setting is only minutes from the heart of Adelaide’s bustling foodie scene, and is surrounded by some fabulous boutique wineries. Go behind the scenes in the Barossa to enjoy barrel-room tastings, wine and chocolate pairings and sample past, present and future wines (including port from the year of your birth) with a private full-day tour of the Barossa Valley’s finest labels and celebrated cellar doors.
Enjoying sweeping views over McLaren Vale to Mt Lofty ranges, the following two nights are at the stylish and sophisticated Vineyard Retreat. Private tastings and personal insights pepper the following two days’ touring which also takes in a hike to Onkaparinga Gorge, a beach drive on spectacular Silver Sands and introductions to some of the region’s most inspiring and influential locals that are shaping South Australian viticulture.
- Inclusions
4 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Sequoia and 2 nights The Vineyard Retreat) inclusive of 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners per person. Full day private Barossa Valley tour, 3 day/2 night private McLaren Vale touring. Private transfers throughout.
Fresh air and fine food, beautiful waterways and breathtaking national parks.
- Inclusions
4 nights’ accommodation (2 nights at MACq01 and 2 nights at Freycinet Lodge) inclusive of daily breakfast and 1 lunch per person. Full day small group Seafood Seduction cruise, self-guided gin or wine tasting at Freycinet Lodge. Rental vehicle including insurance, unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Combining two of South Australia’s most iconic destinations, enjoy some of the state’s finest accommodation, wines, fresh produce and wildlife in the Barossa Valley and Kangaroo Island.
Hit the road and head north from the city to the beautiful Barossa Valley. Enjoying three luxurious nights at The Louise, surrounded by picturesque vineyard landscapes, explore the best of the Barossa with a full-day private guided tour of the region. Then roll up your sleeves and cook up a storm with an Italian cooking class steeped in colourful culture and full of flavour.
For a complete change of scenery, swap wines for wildlife with a three-night stay at the luxurious Sea Dragon Lodge on Kangaroo Island. With this tranquil seafront retreat as your base, enjoy two days private touring to explore this spectacular island and meet its many friendly locals (kangaroos and wallabies, seals, koalas and more). Stunning natural beauty, wonderful wildlife encounters and delicious local produce await at every turn.
- Inclusions
6 nights’ accommodation (3 nights The Louise and 3 nights Sea Dragon Lodge and Villa) inclusive of daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners per person. Small group Italian cooking class, Private full day Barossa Valley tour, 2 Full days private touring of Kangaroo Island. Return transfers from Kingscote Airport to Accommodation. Automatic rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
- Note
Return domestic air travel between Kangaroo Island and Adelaide is not included.
Experience the culinary delights and cellar doors, stunning scenery and local insights of Adelaide, Clare Valley, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Fleurieu Peninsula
Overnight in Adelaide to explore the city’s charms and thriving food scene before joining a multi-day guided, supported and accommodated cycling tour through South Australia’s wine country. Largely off-road, easy cycling trails wind their way between vineyards and cellar doors. Enjoy gourmet dining, farm gate produce tastings and wine tutorials along the way.
Then it’s time to sit back and let someone else do the driving, with a two-day private discovery tour of the Fleurieu Peninsula that combines breathtaking geology, and mouth-watering oenology, spectacular scenery and captivating local insights. Visit Onkaparinga Gorge and Silver Sands Beach, enjoying guided hikes and scenic beach drives, whilst also enjoying personalised introductions to some of the region’s most highly-awarded wineries.
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Adelaide Playford, 1 night Rising Sun Hotel, 1 night Clare Valley Country Club, 1 night Mana by Haus Villas Hahndorf, 2 nights Coastal Lodge) inclusive of daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 5 dinners per person. 5 day small group guided cycling tour including hybrid bike hire and a support vehicle for the duration of the trip, 2 day private tour of Fleurieu Peninsula. Private transfers throughout.
- Note
Guided cycling tour operates with scheduled departure dates (please check available dates with our Travel Designers. This easy-grade cycling tour can also be enjoyed outside these dates on a self-guided basis (information pack and maps provided). Hotels on cycling tour may be subject to change. Departure flights from Adelaide on the final day of this itinerary must depart after 5:00pm.
A Taste of the South: Adelaide. Port Lincoln, Limestone Coast, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne.
Begin your tasty adventures in Adelaide, enjoying an Eco-Caddy tour of the city and a guided tour of the bustling Adelaide Central Market by day; and a guided progressive dinner tour of some of the city’s lively local bars and restaurants by night. Your stay in the city also includes a guided day trip to the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale.
Fly to Port Lincoln for a refreshingly different taste of South Australia. Get hands-on and sand between your toes as you hunt and gather abalone and cockles, oysters and more in Australia’s ‘seafood capital’ whilst also enjoying organic wines and local craft beers, exclusive foodie experiences, wildlife spotting and scenic 4WD adventures.
Return to the Adelaide Hills to enjoy an indulgent stay at Sequoia luxury lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens and boutique wineries. Take up the opportunity of hatted dining and decadent day spas before jetting off with your private charter flight to the multi-award-winning Mayura Station to enjoy the ultimate Wagyu beef paddock to plate experience. After lunch, reboard your private aircraft for the onward flight to Melbourne. Staying in trendy South Yarra, enjoy a private tasting tour of Melbourne’s lively laneways and arcades with a knowledgeable local foodie, and a full-day foodie tour to the Mornington Peninsula, including a private cruise on Port Philip Bay.
- Inclusions
9 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Mayfair, 1 night Port Lincoln Hotel, 2 nights Sequoia, 3 nights The Olsen) inclusive of 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner per person. Half-day private Adelaide EcoCaddy & Central Market tour, Private hosted progressive dinner, Private wine tour to your choice of Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale, 2- day private gourmet tour of Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, Private charter flight Adelaide-Melbourne with paddock to plate dining experience at Mayura Station en route. Half-day private expert led Melbourne walking tour, Full day private tour to the Mornington Peninsula including a private cruise. Return scheduled commercial flights Adelaide-Port Lincoln, Private transfers throughout.
- Note
This itinerary is available September-May. The Adelaide EcoCaddy & Central Markets tour operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays.
Explore and unwind, discover and indulge in Perth and the Margaret River wine country
The sunny Western Australian capital of Perth sits on the banks of the Swan River and is fringed by a string of beautiful surf beaches. Stay three nights at COMO The Treasury and enjoy contemporary luxury in Perth’s recently revitalised historic heart. Join a local guide for an afternoon of exclusive private tastings in the beautiful Swan Valley followed by a sunset dinner at Perth’s City Beach.
Follow the road south from Perth to the magnificent Margaret River, which boasts some of Australia’s best surf beaches and most highly-awarded wineries. Stay three-nights at the iconic Cape Lodge, a private country estate surrounded by its own vineyards, manicured gardens and ornamental lakes, and renowned for its award winning restaurant. Spend a day with an in-the-know local and gain insights into this beautiful region while exploring some of the local galleries and vineyards, including introductions to interesting local characters along the way. Early morning swims, long vineyard lunches and scenic coastal walking tracks are just some of the other pleasures on offer in this wonderful corner of the country, before returning your rental vehicle to Perth.
- Inclusions
6 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Como The Treasury and 3 nights Cape Lodge) inclusive of daily breakfast, 1 lunch and 4 dinners per person. Private hosted afternoon Swan Valley & City Beach sunset experience, A fullday private hosted Margaret River tour and tastings. Rental vehicle including insurance, unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Discover even more great Australian Culinary Journeys
To Dine Out On
Escorted Journeys
In Good Company
Small group travels
On Roads Less Travelled
Self Drive Itineraries
many many many thanks!!!!!!
We have been blown away by everything - hotels, food, people, golf, wine - the list is endless. You did an amazing job
Planning a 7 week trip is daunting enough without the complications of COVID cancellations, rebookings, and closures. Yet every connection, every transportation detail, every accommodation, every meal, everything was flawless.
From our arrival in Sydney .. to our last stop in Queenstown .. we will carry with us the best memories of our trip and all of your efforts. The incredible private boat tours .. the bespoke wine tours with the best guides .. our accommodations .. and the excellent itinerary and pacing, made for a perfect trip.
We can't thank Southern Crossings enough for making this trip all, and more, than we had imagined. You allowed us to see the best of your countries: the people, the beauty, the culture. Five stars, a blue ribbon, and a gold medal to everyone at Southern Crossings!
Your country, its people and your team could not have made us feel more welcome.
Thank you for all the special moments you enabled us to experience.
