Food and Wine Road: Yarra, Barossa and Margaret River in 10 Days

Australia’s most celebrated wine valleys are strung across three states like a necklace of gourmet gems. In just 10 days you can sip cool-climate Chardonnay in the Yarra Valley near Melbourne, savour bold Shiraz in the Barossa outside Adelaide, then unwind on the sunlit coast of Western Australia in Margaret River. This is a food and wine road trip that blends iconic cellar doors, chef-led lunches, artisan producers and postcard landscapes, with easy driving inside each region and short flights between cities to keep your schedule relaxed.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or an Australian wine devotee, the itinerary below balances must-visit estates with hidden finds, thoughtful dining with outdoor adventures, and elegant accommodation that puts you close to the vines. By the final day you will have tasted the variety that makes Australian wine unforgettable, from Yarra’s refined sparklings to Barossa’s heritage reds and Margaret River’s world-class Cabernet and Chardonnay.

Why This 10-Day Australian Wine Road Trip Works

• You visit three of Australia’s most famous wine regions without rushing, with two to three nights in each.
• Driving is light and scenic within each region, so you can focus on tastings and long lunches.
• Flights between Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth conserve your energy and time.
• The mix of wineries, restaurants, farm gates, art and beaches caters to wine lovers, foodies and their non-drinking travel partners.

Quick Trip Snapshot

• Route: Melbourne to Yarra Valley, fly to Adelaide for Barossa, fly to Perth for Margaret River
• Driving times:
  • Melbourne to Yarra Valley: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Adelaide to Barossa: 1 hour
  • Perth to Margaret River: 3 hours, or fly to Busselton when available then drive 30 minutes
• Ideal duration in each region:
  • Yarra Valley: 2 to 3 days
  • Barossa and Eden Valley: 2 to 3 days
  • Margaret River region: 3 to 4 days
• Trip style: Premium to boutique, with alternatives for casual tastings and self-guided picnics

When to Go

• Harvest season: February to April. Vineyards are buzzing, cellar doors are lively and you can feel vintage in the air.
• Spring: September to November. Mild weather, fresh produce, wildflowers and newly released whites.
• Summer: December to February. Long days, coastal breezes in Margaret River, festival atmospheres. Book early for holidays.
• Autumn: March to May. Glorious vineyard colours, ideal for reds and fireside dining.
• Winter: June to August. Quiet cellar doors, truffle season in WA and cosy tasting rooms. Great value on accommodation.

Each region is a year-round destination. If you prefer fewer crowds, plan midweek tastings and shoulder-season travel.

Getting Around and Practical Logistics

• Flights:
  • Melbourne to Adelaide: about 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Adelaide to Perth: about 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Consider flying into Busselton Margaret River Airport when seasonal services operate, which reduces driving time to the vineyards.
• Car hire: Pick up a vehicle in each city for the regional legs. You will enjoy the flexibility for lunch bookings and scenic stops.
• Drink driving: Australia’s legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05. Share tastings, use a spittoon or book a local driver or wine tour for tasting-intensive days.
• Distances within regions:
  • Yarra Valley: Most wineries sit within 15 to 30 minutes of Healesville or Yarra Glen.
  • Barossa and Eden Valley: Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston triangle is compact. Eden Valley is 20 to 40 minutes east with cooler-climate sites.
  • Margaret River: Wilyabrup and Margaret River township sit near the heart of the region, with Dunsborough and Augusta anchoring the north and south.
• Booking tastings: Many top estates now require reservations, especially for seated flights and winery tours. Book restaurants at least two weeks out in peak periods.
• Luggage and wine: Domestic flights in Australia are friendly to checked wine. Bring a wine shipper or buy at a cellar door. Keep weight limits in mind.

The 10-Day Food and Wine Itinerary

Days 1 to 3: Yarra Valley Wine Country

Day 1: Melbourne Arrival and Yarra Valley Welcome

• Morning:
  • Land in Melbourne, pick up your car and drive out to the Yarra Valley in about an hour.
  • Start in Yarra Glen or Coldstream to ease into cool-climate wines. A seated tasting at Oakridge Wines introduces you to pinpoint Chardonnay and Pinot Noir amid vineyard views.
• Lunch:
  • Book Oakridge Restaurant for a seasonal, produce-first menu, or head to Meletos for rustic Tuscan-inspired plates and a garden setting.
• Afternoon:
  • Wander the art-filled cellar door at TarraWarra Estate. Pair a tasting with a visit to TarraWarra Museum of Art, one of regional Australia’s best galleries.
• Evening:
  • Check in to your hotel or vineyard stay.
  • Dinner at Innocent Bystander in Healesville for wood-fired dishes and a relaxed first night, or indulge at Ezard at Levantine Hill when open for refined dining.

Suggested sips:

• Oakridge Wines, Chardonnay flight
• TarraWarra Estate Single Block Pinot
• Payten & Jones for minimal-intervention styles

Sleep well, the valley rewards early risers.

Day 2: Bubbles, Wildlife and a Long Lunch

• Sunrise:
  • Optional hot air balloon flight over the vines and Yarra Ranges. The patchwork of misty valleys is magic at dawn.
• Morning:
  • Coffee in Healesville, then meet Australia’s native icons at Healesville Sanctuary. It is a perfect non-wine balance and a joy for photographers.
• Late morning:
  • Head to Domaine Chandon for a behind-the-scenes tour and sparkling flight. The garden setting is tailor made for late morning bubbles.
• Lunch:
  • Book at Yering Station or De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate. At De Bortoli, add the cheese room pairing for a luxurious yet approachable experience.
• Afternoon:
  • Call in at Four Pillars Gin Distillery in Healesville for a tasting paddle. Citrus-led gins and limited releases make brilliant souvenirs.
• Evening:
  • Casual dinner at Healesville Hotel or dine at Seville Estate for a vineyard sunset if available.

Insider tip: Mix your day with two or three pre-booked tastings and keep space for a spontaneous stop. The pleasure of Yarra lies in unhurried enjoyment.

Day 3: Artisanal Finds and One Last Toast

• Morning:
  • Stroll the main street in Yarra Glen or Healesville. Stock up at local bakeries and farm gates.
• Tastings:
  • Yering Station for a heritage setting and gallery-like cellar door.
  • Soumah of Yarra Valley for Northern Italian varieties like Nebbiolo and Arneis that thrive in Yarra’s microclimates.
• Lunch:
  • A relaxed antipasti board in a vineyard garden, or treat yourself to a final course at Levantine Hill.
• Late afternoon:
  • Drive back to Melbourne Airport for an evening flight to Adelaide. Alternatively, spend a third night and fly early on Day 4.

Days 4 to 6: Barossa and Eden Valley

Day 4: Adelaide Arrival and Barossa Settling In

• Morning:
  • Land in Adelaide, collect your car and drive north through rolling farmland to the Barossa in about an hour.
• Midday:
  • Take your time at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Sample seasonal pantry goods, learn about verjuice and have a light farm-style lunch overlooking the dam.
• Afternoon:
  • Yalumba in Angaston, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery. Book the cooperage tour to see barrel-making, then sit for a tasting of Eden Valley Riesling and Barossa reds.
• Evening:
  • Check in to your Barossa accommodation.
  • Dinner at Hentley Farm Restaurant for a discovery menu that changes with the seasons, or at Appellation at The Louise for refined regional dining.

Signature Barossa styles you will meet:

• Old vine Shiraz and Grenache with depth and spice
• Eden Valley Riesling that is floral, mineral and age-worthy
• Fortified wines that anchor the region’s heritage

Day 5: Icons and Heritage

• Morning:
  • Start at Rockford Wines in Krondorf. The stone buildings and basket press tradition define Barossa character. Sip mature releases if available and explore limited bottlings.
• Late morning:
  • Penfolds Barossa cellar door for a tasting across styles. Consider the Make Your Own Blend experience where you craft your own red to bottle and take home.
• Lunch:
  • Vintners Bar and Grill near Angaston offers a classic Barossa lunch with local produce and a strong wine list.
• Afternoon:
  • Seppeltsfield for history and fine fortifieds. Book the Centennial Cellar experience to taste a single vintage Tawny from your birth year. Stroll the palm-lined avenue and browse the JamFactory studios for artisanal gifts.
• Sunset:
  • Drive up to Mengler Hill Lookout for valley views. It is a peaceful place to watch the light slide across vineyards.
• Evening:
  • Casual dinner in Tanunda at 1918 Bistro and Grill, or seek out a beer at Barossa Valley Brewing if you want a palate reset.

Day 6: Cool-Climate Eden Valley and Market Flavours

• Early morning:
  • If it is Saturday, go early to Barossa Farmers Market in Angaston. Talk to producers, snack on warm pastries and buy picnic supplies. It is a window into the region’s community.
• Midday:
  • Eden Valley calls. The higher elevation gives a different expression of Barossa. Pre-book a visit at Henschke for a hosted tasting, and if available, add the Hill of Grace Vineyard experience for true wine devotees.
• Afternoon:
  • Pewsey Vale for Riesling, then stop at Pindarie on the western ridge for sweeping views and a grazing lunch if you skipped the market.
• Evening:
  • Return to Adelaide for a night by the city’s restaurants, or stay a final night in the Barossa for an easy morning flight west.

Travel tip: If you would rather not drive during tastings, book a local driver or small-group tour. Many operators tailor routes to your wish list and can arrange behind-the-scenes access.

Days 7 to 10: Margaret River Coast and Vines

Day 7: Perth Arrival and Down the Capes

• Morning:
  • Fly to Perth and pick up your car. The Forest Highway guides you south in about three hours. If flights align to Busselton Margaret River Airport, you are only a short drive from Dunsborough and Yallingup.
• Afternoon:
  • Check into your chosen lodge or resort. Ease into the region with a coastal walk at Meelup Beach or Smiths Beach.
• Evening:
  • Casual dinner at a local brewery such as Eagle Bay Brewing Co or Beerfarm in Metricup. WA’s craft beer scene pairs well with day-one simplicity.

Margaret River is relaxed, ocean-kissed and quality obsessed. The terroir, especially in Wilyabrup, produces Cabernet and Chardonnay that sit among the world’s best.

Day 8: Wilyabrup’s Flagships and a Long Lunch

• Morning:
  • Vasse Felix, established in 1967 and widely considered the region’s founding estate. Book the Original Cabernet Tasting or an art gallery tour. The grounds are elegant and service is polished.
• Late morning:
  • Cullen Wines for biodynamic brilliance. Taste single-vineyard Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, then wander the biodynamic garden.
• Lunch:
  • Reserve a table at the Vasse Felix Restaurant or at Cullen’s vineyard kitchen for organic, hyper seasonal fare. Alternatively, choose Xanadu Wines for a relaxed long lunch.
• Afternoon:
  • Cape Mentelle for structured reds and thoughtful tastings. If you prefer something more intimate, Moss Wood offers hosted appointments that reward collectors.
• Sunset:
  • Drive to Surfers Point at Prevelly for a golden-hour ocean show. Watch surfers carve the Indian Ocean and breathe in the salt air.
• Evening:
  • Dine at Morries in Margaret River town for creative small plates and cocktails, or keep it coastal at a wine bar in Dunsborough.

Day 9: Caves, Coast and Breweries

• Morning:
  • Head underground at Ngilgi Cave near Yallingup, or venture south to Mammoth Cave or Jewel Cave near Augusta for cathedral-like chambers and crystal formations.
• Midday:
  • Lighthouse time. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to the north offers gentle walks and whale watching from May to November. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at Augusta is dramatic where two oceans meet.
• Lunch:
  • Picnic at a sheltered beach in Meelup Regional Park, or visit a gourmet deli for locally cured meats and cheeses.
• Afternoon:
  • Margaret River Chocolate Company for a sweet stop, then Olio Bello for olive oils. If you want a change of pace, Shelter Brewing in Busselton sits right by the famous jetty, perfect for an afternoon paddle and snack.
• Evening:
  • Book dinner at Yarri in Dunsborough, where native ingredients and a thoughtful wine list celebrate WA produce. Or choose a casual pizza and a bottle from a local bottle shop for a laid-back night.

Day 10: Final Tastings and Farewell

• Morning:
  • Leeuwin Estate. Explore the art gallery that inspired the Art Series labels and enjoy a premium tasting. Leeuwin’s concerts and culinary events make it a cultural hub, so check the calendar when planning.
• Lunch:
  • Voyager Estate for a guided tasting and multi-course lunch. The Cape Dutch architecture and kitchen garden set an elegant tone for your final feast.
• Afternoon:
  • Quick coastal detour for one last swim or walk on the Cape to Cape Track. Then drive back to Perth for a late flight or stay one more night near the city.

Optional add-ons:

• Surf lessons at Gnarabup or Yallingup
• Whale watching cruises in season
• A private helicopter tour over the capes and vines

Where to Stay: Handpicked Options

Yarra Valley:

• Balgownie Estate, suites with balconies and a spa
• Chateau Yering, heritage charm beside Yering Station
• Yering Gorge Cottages, bushland seclusion with kangaroos nearby
• RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort, elevated valley views

Barossa and Eden Valley:

• The Louise, contemporary luxury among vines with Appellation dining
• Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, resort amenities near Jacob Creek’s historic vineyards
• Kingsford The Barossa, homestead luxury for groups and events
• Tanunda boutique stays, walkable to wine bars and cafes

Margaret River region:

• Cape Lodge, a private-country-house feel on its own vineyard
• Smiths Beach Resort, upscale coastal apartments and villas
• Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, beachfront relaxation in the north
• Injidup Spa Retreat, romantic villas with plunge pools and sweeping views

Aim for two nights minimum per region. Book early for weekends and school holidays, especially in summer.

Essential Cellar Doors and Tables to Book

Yarra Valley highlights:

• Domaine Chandon
• TarraWarra Estate and Museum of Art
• Oakridge Wines
• De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate
• Four Pillars Distillery
• Yering Station
• Soumah of Yarra Valley
• Innocent Bystander for casual dining

Barossa and Eden Valley highlights:

• Yalumba and the cooperage tour
• Rockford Wines
• Penfolds Barossa cellar door and blending experience
• Seppeltsfield and the Centennial Collection tasting
• Henschke in Eden Valley, by appointment
• Pindarie for views and light lunches
• Barossa Farmers Market on Saturday

Margaret River highlights:

• Vasse Felix and museum gallery
• Cullen Wines biodynamic experience
• Leeuwin Estate and Art Series Gallery
• Voyager Estate guided tasting and degustation
• Cape Mentelle
• Xanadu Wines
• Moss Wood, by appointment
• Eagle Bay Brewing Co, Beerfarm, or Shelter Brewing for a beer break

Restaurants to target:

• Hentley Farm Restaurant, Barossa
• Appellation at The Louise, Barossa
• Vintners Bar and Grill, Barossa
• Vasse Felix Restaurant, Margaret River
• Voyager Estate Restaurant, Margaret River
• Yarri Restaurant, Dunsborough
• Ezard at Levantine Hill, Yarra
• Oakridge Restaurant, Yarra

Beyond the Glass: Experiences for Every Traveler

• Hot air ballooning over Yarra Valley at sunrise
• Healesville Sanctuary, a respectful encounter with native wildlife
• Cycling the Barossa Trail between Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston
• Art trails in Yarra and Margaret River, from TarraWarra to small-town galleries
• Cape to Cape Track sections for cliff-top views and wildflowers
• Caves and lighthouses among the Leeuwin-Naturaliste wonders
• Beaches for swimming and sunset picnics, from Meelup to Gnarabup

These moments round out the wine story, giving you a sense of place and the lifestyle that shapes each bottle.

Budget, Tastings and Shipping Wine

• Tasting fees:
  • Yarra Valley: typically 10 to 25 AUD per person, often redeemable on purchase
  • Barossa and Eden Valley: 10 to 30 AUD, with premium experiences higher
  • Margaret River: 10 to 25 AUD for standard flights, more for museum or single-vineyard tastings
• Dining:
  • Casual lunches from 25 to 40 AUD per person
  • Restaurant lunches or tasting menus from 80 to 180 AUD per person
• Tours and experiences:
  • Hot air ballooning from 350 AUD per person
  • Blending or behind-the-scenes tours from 50 to 300 AUD per person
• Shipping wine:
  • Many cellar doors can ship domestically at competitive rates. For international shipping, use specialist wine shippers who handle customs and temperature control.
  • If flying domestically, check your baggage allowance and pack bottles in a protective wine shipper. Screwcaps are common and travel well.
• Tips:
  • Share tastings or choose half pours to keep your palate fresh.
  • Book one premium experience per region and fill the rest with relaxed drop-ins.

Responsible and Sustainable Travel

• Appoint a designated driver, spit during tastings or hire a local wine driver to keep days safe and carefree.
• Respect appointment times and cancellation policies. Boutique producers often host small groups with limited capacity.
• Support sustainability:
  • Seek out certified organic and biodynamic estates such as Cullen.
  • Refill water bottles and recycle where possible.
  • Walk or cycle between nearby cellar doors when safe.
• Cultural respect and land care:
  • Many sites share stories of Traditional Owners. Engage with these respectfully during tours and at visitor centres.
  • Stay on marked paths in vineyards and national parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is 10 days enough for all three regions?
  • Yes, if you focus on quality over quantity. This itinerary gives two to three nights in each region with flights between cities to save time. If you prefer a slower pace, remove one region or add two extra days.
• Can non-drinkers enjoy this trip?
  • Absolutely. Wildlife encounters, art museums, caves, beaches, cycling and farmers markets keep every day interesting. Most cellar doors offer non-alcoholic options and scenic spots to relax.
• Is it better to drive between cities?
  • Not in a 10-day window. The distance between Adelaide and Margaret River is significant. Flights keep your journey comfortable and give you more time to enjoy each valley.
• Do I need reservations?
  • For premium estates, restaurants and experiences, book ahead. Casual tastings can sometimes accommodate walk-ins midweek, but weekends and holidays are busy.
• What should I pack?
  • Smart casual outfits for restaurants, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for evenings, sun protection and a reusable water bottle. A wine shipper or bottle protector helps if you plan to fly with wine.

How to Personalize the Itinerary

• Add an extra day in Yarra if you want more time for the art trail and distillery visits.
• Shift a Barossa day into the Adelaide Hills for cool-climate Pinot and Sauvignon Blanc just 30 minutes from the city.
• Extend Margaret River to include Augusta or Pemberton for tall-tree forests and truffle country in winter.
• Swap a lunch for a chef’s table dinner, or book a private tasting at a small-batch producer for a deeper dive.

Sample Daily Flow for Stress-Free Tastings

• Plan for two to three pre-booked tastings, ideally one before lunch and one after.
• Schedule lunch as the centrepiece of your day. Many of Australia’s best wine experiences happen at the table.
• Keep a shortlist of nearby cellar doors for spontaneous stops if time and energy allow.
• End with a coastal walk or lookout to reset your senses.

Conclusion: Your Australian Food and Wine Story Starts Here

The Yarra Valley, Barossa and Margaret River form a trilogy of taste that captures the spirit of Australian wine. Over 10 days you will travel from cool, misty hills to sunlit stone barns and on to a coast laced with vineyards, caves and beaches. You will meet passionate winemakers and chefs, discover new favourite styles and bring home bottles that transport you back with every pour.

Start with your flight bookings and key lunch reservations, then let the valleys guide the rest. Your seat is waiting at the cellar door, the table is set, and the road is open.