Culinary Adventure with Lyndey Milan

The six-day journey through Melbourne and regional Victoria takes in six of Melbourne Food & Wine Festival's best events, from the unmissable World's Longest Lunch and an intimate rare spirits tasting in Melbourne to a three-hour degustation aboard The Q Train touring the historic Bellarine Railway. You'll also be treated to a stay at Melbourne Place, a brand-new boutique hotel in Melbourne's CBD and the official hotel partner of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

The tour is limited to just 12 places and guests will be accompanied by Lyndey and an Intrepid tour manager. You’ll travel with a tight bunch of like-minded adventurers, going where larger tours often can’t.

For more information and to book, contact Intrepid:
tailormade@intrepidtravel.com and P: 1300 854 439 | NZ: 0800 448 979.

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 joining Lyndey 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

About your host - Lyndey Milan
Lyndey Milan is one of Australia's most loved food and wine personalities, with nine award-winning international TV series and books, and a legacy as former Food Director of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Known for her warmth and energy, Lyndey’s influence extends beyond Australia as a sought-after international tour host and enrichment speaker on cruises. Now collaborating with the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival to curate an exclusive culinary tour, she brings her signature enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine care to every guest, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Contact Lyndey: lyndey@lyndeymilan.com