Carefully curated road trips and self-drive itineraries that showcase Australia’s finest plated pleasures and delicious diversions for the independent epicurious explorer.
From bite size short breaks to epic epicurean escapades, tastefully designed Australian self-drive itineraries allow you to explore and experience some of our favourite foodie finds at your own pace.
From New South Wales‘ Southern Highlands to Western Australia’s Margaret River, each ‘On Roads Less Travelled’ self-drive journey includes carefully selected accommodation and immersive local food and wine experiences in a collection of Australia’s most celebrated – and some yet to be discovered – foodie destinations.
Whilst a number of these self-drive itineraries follow some of Australia’s most popular touring routes, we take great pride in getting you off the well-trodden tourist trail to discover a collection of delicious local hidden gems.
Journey with us On Roads Less Travelled to discover an authentic taste of Australia peppered with authentic local food and wine experiences.
Contact our Travel Design team to curate culinary self-drive itineraries to suit your passions and preferences.
Chic boutique stays, cool climate wines and coveted country pubs; hands-on cooking experiences, barrel-room wine tastings and award-winning regional dining are just some of the inland indulgences between Sydney and Melbourne.
Savour the good life as you tour the high country with this 7-night self-drive itinerary that takes in the Southern Highlands and Snowy Mountains; the King Valley, Goulburn Valley and Yarra Valley.
Setting out from Sydney, the Southern Highlands’ sophisticated and elegant, yet relaxed and inviting Osborn House boutique country retreat is your first port of call, and a half-day private tour introduces you to some of the region’s most delicious diversions. (If you can peel yourself away from the Osborn’s tranquil surrounds, the Book Barn is our recommendation for dinner).
Travelling south, call into Jugiong, a small town packed with flavours on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River (the iconic Sir George is our recommendation for today’s lunch). Continue south to Nimbo Fork, on the fork of the Tumut River and Nimbo Creek in the scenic Snowy River valleys (their Three Blue Ducks restaurant is a must for delicous ethically farmed regional fare!).
Following the winding alpine route through Batlow apple country and the former goldrush town of Tumbarumba to Bright and overnight nearby at Feathertop winery, enjoying vineyard and valley views from the foot of Mt Buffalo. The scenic diversion for dinner at Templar Lodge is well rewarded with contemporary cuisine and homely comforts.
Head west to Myrtleford and Millawa in time to blend, bottle and label your own Brown Brothers-inspired wine. Then continue to the King Valley, the Australian home of prosecco. to overnight at 3BlackSHEDS with their contemporary country combination of cathedral ceilings, concrete floors, cosy fires and private outdoor decks. (The Mountain View Hotel is our top tip for this evening’s dinner).
A morning with the Pizzini family will introduce you to their Italian-inspired Australian Prosecco and Pinot Grigio, sample Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Canaiolo from the barrel and take you beyond the cellar door to learn the secrets to traditional Italian family favourites with a hands-on cooking experience and lunch.
Continue through Victoria’s high country and to Ngambie, calling in for tastings at Tahbilk’s National Trust-listed winery and settle in to the Mitchelton for your overnight stay (no need to head out for dinner this evening, the Mitchelton’s on-site rustic yet refined restaurant serves up regional produce and Goulburn River views).
Heading south towards Melbourne, the Yarra Valley calls and a two-night stay at the Farmhouse at Meletos en route is well-rewarded with opportunities to enjoy fabulous regional dining (Don’t miss Oakridge, Innocent Bystander or Levantine Hill) and sample cool climate wines (including the Yarra Valley’s signature sparklings). We’ve also included a private behind-the-scenes De Bortoli wine experience including tastings and lunch to round off the edible adventures.
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (1 night Osborn House signature suite, 1 night Nimbo Fork Snowy Cottage, 1 night Feathertop Peggy’s Adelaide Suite, 1 night 3BlackSHEDS, 1 night Mitchelton Hotel in a Mitchelton in a king vineyard room and 2 nights The Farmhouse at Meletos in a Tuscan Suite), 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, a private half-day Southern Highlands foodie tour with tastings and lunch, Brown Brothers wine blending experience, Pizzini wines private Italian cooking school experience and a De Bortoli behind-the-scenes experience with tastings and lunch.
- Note
Car hire can also be arranged. Coveted tables at our lunch and dinner suggestions can be booked on your behalf; these meals are at additional cost.
World-class wines and coastal walks, inviting country-charms and indulgent farm gate flavours await on this Margaret River road trip from Cape to Grape.
Follow the scenic coast south from Perth to relax and unwind in the tranquil surrounds of Olio Bello. Enjoy pure contentment at this organic olive farm surrounded by native bushlands, world-class wineries and stunning surf beaches. Safari-style lakeside bungalows designed for minimal environmental impact and maximum comfort are an ideal base for wining and dining, bushwalking, beach combing, bike-riding and birdwatching (Not to be missed during your two-night stay is an in-bungalow indulgent massage featuring Olio Bello’s own beauty products created with botanical oils collected from the trees that surround you).
To help you uncover the natural beauty and fabulous flavours of the Margaret River, a full-day small group tour begins with a gentle canoe on the river, followed by coffee as the locals take it – by the beach. Travelling by 4WD to hidden waterholes you’ll learn about the region’s rich Aboriginal history, dating back some 50,000 years, before calling in to meet the winemaker at one of the region’s finest rising-star-wineries for a privileged peek behind-the-scenes followed by wine tastings over lunch enjoyed among the barrels of aging wines; as well as a scenic coastal drive and walk before the day is out.
Then set off on one of Australia’s Great Walks, following some of the most scenic stretches of the Cape-to-Cape coastal track on a guided small-group multi-day walking experience. Over the following four days exploring the stunning coastline between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, enjoy luxury accommodation* with ocean views, fabulous food and wine** in breathtaking settings and outdoor adventures in the company of new friends***. From Cape Naturaliste’s limestone coastline and Yallingup’s famous surf breaks to towering Karri forests, dramatic sea cliffs and rolling vineyards; take in the spectacular scenery at every turn.
On completion of your walk, treat yourself to a two-night stay in one of Cape Lodge’s luxurious Lakeside Rooms. In the heart of the Margaret River wine region, surrounded by its own vineyards, manicured gardens and ornamental lakes, Cape Lodge is a private country estate with all the trimmings of a luxury boutique hotel, that has long been celebrated for its fine food and wine offerings. (A 4-course Chef’s Harvest Menu in the property’s highly-acclaimed restaurant has been included with your stay).
Your days at Cape Lodge can be spent touring and sampling from the surrounding world-class wineries (the Margaret River also serves up delicious cheeses, chocolate, seafood and more!), swimming at spectacular surf beaches or simply staying put to enjoy the lodge’s tranquil surrounds (country walks, tennis court, cooking school, spa treatments and swimming pool are just some of the on-site activities).
Return your rental vehicle to Perth .. or continue the South West Western Australia adventures by extending your road trip even further off the well-trodden tourist trails to take in Esperance (with turquoise waters, squeaky white sands and picture-perfect pink lakes), Albany (spectacular coastlines and rich ANZAC history), Pemberton (with towering Karri trees) and Kalgoorlie (legendary outback gold mining town).
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (2 Olio Bello, 3 nights Cape to Cape walk and 2 nights Cape Lodge) inclusive of 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners and selected beverages per person. Small group shared full day tour of Margaret River including canoeing, hiking, wine tasting and lunch, 4 day Cape to Cape small group guided walk. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS
- Note
Cape to Cape walks depart weekly between March and June, and September through to November. Private group departures are also available.
