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Grampians Gourmet Discovery
Enjoy a boutique experience for 5 days in a very small group. For the discerning traveller who enjoys luxury accommodation, local fresh produce, culinary and gourmet sensations, fine food, degustation menus, beautiful gardens and scenic walks. - Luxury air-conditioned coach transport
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- 4 nights accommodation
- Airport transfers
Departs Melbourne on dates indicated. Special conditions may apply.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sunnybrae Cooking School - Port Fairy
Lunch
Travel from Melbourne via Geelong to Sunnybrae Cooking School, run by Foodie Guru and consultant, George Biron. Begin with coffee and discussion of the dishes you will prepare this morning. Roll up your sleeves and bring your enthusiasm for cooking and dining. Take trips to the garden to collect fresh produce, enjoy wine and coffee, and prepare a delicious dessert. Later, travel to the historic and quaint holiday resort of Port Fairy. Dinner this evening is free for you to discover Port Fairy’s charming local restaurants.
Day 2: Southern Grampians Discovery
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast and time to stroll around Port Fairy, head inland through the picturesque western district to Green Hills Garden, owned by Kit Boyd. Then continue to Wiltshire, the property of Botanica’s founder, Judy Vanrenen. Admire the spectacular view of the Southern Grampians from the Wiltshire lookout and enjoy lunch with a glass of local wine with Judy in the Wiltshire garden. This afternoon there is an optional scenic walk to the top of Picanninny Mountain for spectacular views over the surrounding Western District Plains and the Grampians.
Day 3: Southern Grampians Culinary Experience
Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Grampians Pure Sheep Dairy to see milking and sample the cheeses and yoghurts produced. Then tour the sympathetic plantings of native gardens, fruit orchards and revegetation of the grounds of the Royal Mail Hotel. See how Paul Thompson, designer of the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens, has used native plants to complement the Grampian backdrop. At Mount Sturgeon Homestead, explore the kitchen gardens and hear about the significance they play in the edible garden concept. Appreciate the native landscape plantings and see the breeding program of quolls and brush tail wallabies. After morning tea on the lawns of the Mt Sturgeon Estate, overlooking the stunning Grampians view, perhaps take an optional walk back to the hotel along the picturesque Wannon River (approximately 3.5 km, an easy 1.5 hour walk). This afternoon is free to relax or join a trip to Hamilton, famous for its merino wool, William Guildfoyle-designed Botanical Gardens and magnificent regional Art Galley. Tonight, enjoy a five course tasting menu with wines matched to each course at the Royal Mail Hotel.
Day 4: Daylesford
Breakfast, Dinner
Discover more local produce with a visit to an Eel Farm, followed by free time in Ballarat to explore the regional art gallery or stroll around the Botanic Gardens. Then head to Lamberly Nursery before arriving in the delightful township of Daylesford and the beautiful Lake House Hotel. Perhaps book a spa or massage, or wander around the village to work up an appetite for your degustation dinner, complete with matching wines to accompany your dishes.
Day 5: Forage and Feast at Daylesford
Breakfast, Lunch
After a delicious breakfast, embark on a forage of the beautiful surrounding countryside armed with a list of produce to return with. Meet local winemakers, growers, provedores, catch some fish and perhaps make the acquaintance of a rare breed of pig or two. On your return, join one of the Lake House chefs in their state of the art demonstration kitchen for a fun, hands-on preparation of lunch using the produce you have gathered. After enjoying the delicious lunch you have helped to prepare, return to Melbourne where your wonderful Gourmet Discovery ends at approximately 5.30 p.m.
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