Overnight Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Gourmet Food Trail Tour from Melbourne

Day 1: Melbourne – Daylesford (L, D)

Travel north from Melbourne to begin your 2-day tour with a visit to a working organic farm in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges. Then stop by the memorial cross on top of Mt. Macedon for a bird’s-eye view of the region.

Continue to Hanging Rock Winery to sample its award-winning wines in the vineyard, with its views of Hanging Rock and Mt. Macedon. Next, drive to the historic town of Kyneton to stroll through the Piper Street food precinct, and enjoy lunch arranged for you at the only Chefs Hat restaurant in Kyneton, started by prominent local chef Annie Smithers.

After lunch, head to the town of Daylesford, known for its mineral waters, artisan food producers, fine dining, boutique shops, and gold rush architecture. You'll visit Herbal Lore, known for its herbal liquors, herbal chocolates, and liquor fruits; a generous sampling of the product range, along with an entertaining explanation of its creation and manufacture, is provided for you.

Your stay in Daylesford this evening is at the Lake House, part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia group. This property has become a popular destination for dining experiences. You have time in the afternoon to enjoy your surroundings, relax, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment or massage (own expense). Your stay includes a waterfront room, 3-course dinner at the Chefs Hat–awarded restaurant Alla Wolf-Tasker, and a full country breakfast.

Day 2: Daylesford – Melbourne (B, L)

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, you'll be picked up and taken to O’Toole's Honey to talk to local Des O’Toole and sample some of his honey. Then take a short drive to the nearby hamlet of Musk, where you'll visit the acclaimed vineyard of Passing Clouds for a tasting of its wines followed by a visit to Istra, a family-owned company producing cured meats and small goods known for their quality and flavor.

Also in Musk, visit the Daylesford Cidery, the product of years of hard work by its owners who have planted more than 1,500 varieties of vintage apple trees. You will be shown around the vast orchard and offered tastings of the cider.

Your lunch stop is Trentham, where you have time to stroll through town, filling your bag with local produce before lunch. You'll also visit Red Beard Bakery, known for its organic sourdough bread and use of original Scotch ovens. After Trentham, drive a short distance to Blackwood to visit the Garden of St. Erth, where you can wander through the secluded, tranquil gardens or explore the Diggers shop before starting the return drive to Melbourne with your guide. Your tour ends when you arrive back in the city.