With over 35km of exquisite coastline and some of the most iconic cities in the world, Australia is one of the most exhilarating destinations for a luxury holiday. It has over 10,000 beaches, more than 500 national parks, and over 8,000 islands surrounding the mainland just waiting to be discovered.
This sunbaked country is home to a unique network of land, sea and living things. From tropical reefs to the verdant forests, its thriving natural sites are what makes it such a magical place. But Australia’s breath-taking scenery wouldn’t be complete without a glass of wine in hand and the dish of the day. Foodies and wine connoisseurs are in their element here. You won’t be disappointed with the culinary scene, and we can help you build the most exclusive experiences designed just for you.
From culture and sightseeing to fine dining and sunsets, we can customize your dream escape Down Under.
Sydney, the Gold Coast and all the way up to Cairns is a popular stretch with many holidaymakers. But some of Australia’s best-kept secrets can be found in areas off the main tourist trail, such as parts of South Australia, the wine valleys of Victoria, or the far-flung corners of Western Australia.
The city of Adelaide is sophisticated and cultured, with amazing arts festivals, live music and entertainment, and vast greenspace for relaxation during your holiday. It’s also one of the top destinations for food and drink, boasting a progressive restaurant scene and proximity to the best wine regions. Areas such as the Barossa Valley are home to spectacular countryside and rows and rows of vineyards. There are over 150 wineries in the Barossa Valley region, all which are easily accessible for those staying in Adelaide and South Australia.
In Victoria, the Yarra Valley is the best place for private, luxurious wine and food experiences. But don’t miss the charming village of Healesville or the culturally significant Warburton, home to one of Australia’s most important indigenous communities.
Further to the west, you’ll find the city of Perth, an easy-going cosmopolitan city that promises warm weather all year round. From exploring its pristine beaches in the day to attending operas and shows at night, there’s plenty to do. Just a couple of hours down the coast is Margaret River, a small town with a number of craft breweries, wineries, upmarket boutiques, and great surf sites.
Or get off the mainland and spend a few days exploring Tasmania and its beautiful coastline. Home to dramatic mountain ranges, interesting wildlife, and unique cool climate wine, it’s bound to tick every box on a luxury tour.
The climate in the north tends to be tropical, while the south experiences mild summers and cooler winters. Summer is from December to February, and winter is June to August. The transition months of spring (September, October and November) or fall (March, April and May) could be ideal for avoiding extreme heat or those rare rainy days.
The best months to visit Australia’s wine country is in late fall (April, May or early June) when harvest festivals take place. Wineries tend to hit their peak season from September onwards, so expect places to get busier around this time.
Winter is also suitable for a winery tour if you wish to escape the heat, and it’s also the best time to visit the tropics when humidity levels are low.
If you’re looking to pack as many vineyards as possible into your trip, head to South Australia. It’s home to some of the best Australian wine, and tours of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale will put you in front of the finest varieties.
The Barossa Zone, which encompasses the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley, is home to a number of exclusive estates. This is where you’ll find the highest quality Shiraz, and outstanding Riesling that’s prized for its vibrancy and purity. Eden Valley Riesling is one of the nation’s celebrated wines of today, elevated with classic lime juice characters and fresh, natural acidity.
Wineries in the Yarra Valley bring a full spectrum to the table, including high-quality sparkling whites to structured reds. But the two main varieties that dominate the gastronomy scene are Chardonnay (Yarra’s premium grape) and Pinot Noir. Some of the cooler sites bear grapes that are perfect for creating ‘méthode traditionnelle’ sparkling wine such as Domaine Chandon – the epitome of Australian luxury.
Cullen Wines in Margaret River is an example of where fine wine meets carbon neutral sustainability, where biodynamic wines are crafted in similar climate conditions to Bordeaux. Taste European-style Merlot, the country’s premium Cabernet Sauvignons, high-alcohol Zinfandels, and the unique blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc with its exotic fruity notes.
For wine of a vastly different style, book a wine tour in Tasmania, where the climate is much cooler than the mainland. Gain a fresh perspective on everything from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling to exciting sparkling varieties.
Some of the most spectacular places to stay in Australia for luxury seekers are boutique-style hotels surrounded by vineyards, or winery accommodation serving up the best food and drink.
We hand-pick places to ensure that guests have everything they could need during their stay. An example of one of our favourite stops is The Louise in the legendary Barossa Valley, with a fine-dining restaurant, on-site sommelier, an extensive wine list (with international wines and organic wines), and views of the local vineyards.
Dining out is an unforgettable experience in Australia. Many of its cities, such as Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne, are celebrated for their culinary scenes and great food can be found at all price points.
Some of the venues worth mentioning are Appellation at The Louise and St Hugo in the Barossa Valley. Both restaurants specialize in modern cuisine with a seasonal approach and aim to provide the ultimate food and wine pairings for diners.
For regional cooking that draws inspiration from the surrounding land in the Barossa Valley, Fino Seppeltsfield is not to be missed. Enjoy the cultural awakening expressed through a unique menu.
Or dine with views of the Mornington Peninsula at Montalto in Red Hill, Victoria, and indulge in an award-winning menu crafted by Head Chef Gerard Phelan and his team.
Wine Paths creates fully-customized holidays to Australia, bringing together fantastic culture, high-end accommodation, and fine dining for discerning food connoisseurs. Find out more from our local travel expert Drew about our luxury getaways Down Under.
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