A little luxury and indulgence gives instant delight. You’ll find it throughout Melbourne and Surrounds, especially in our historic hotels, country retreats and peaceful vineyards.

Start on the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour or so from Melbourne, where chefs at destinations such as Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove weave their magic with regional produce and fine wine. The Peninsula’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are amongst Australia’s very best - so indulge!

Next day, head from the seaside to the hills of the Yarra Valley, a cool climate region producing wines of great finesse. Go wine tasting, hot air ballooning or play golf, then slip away to Mt Rael Retreat, one of the Valley’s luxurious country hideaways.

Then it’s off to Nagambie Lakes and Strathbogie Ranges, the heart of Victoria’s famed Shiraz country, for a walk in the ranges or alongside the beautiful Goulburn River. Mitchelton Wines takes care of luxury and indulgence, with wine tasting, riverside restaurant and historic homestead accommodation.

Spa treatments are one of life’s well deserved indulgences and Daylesford, your next stop, is Australia’s spa capital. Explore antique shops and galleries, go boating on the lake, then retreat to the renowned Lake House for an exceptional dinner, luxury accommodation and soothing spa.

The glittering finale to your journey is Ballarat, with its grand legacies from the 1850s goldrush. There’s imposing Victorian architecture, majestic streetscapes, formal gardens and a thriving arts world. Craig’s Royal Hotel is the epitome of Ballarat’s historical splendour, so spend tonight in this luxury boutique hotel.

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove Mornington Peninsula Romantic echoes of the South of France, with vineplanted hills , olive grove, garden sculptures, kitchen garden and the joie de vivre of fine dining, casual piazza and secluded gourmet picnics. www.montalto.com.au   Also on the Mornington Peninsula: Woodman Estate

Mt Rael Retreat Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs Just five distinctive and indulgent suites, an outstanding restaurant featuring Yarra Valley produce and the most extraordinary vistas from high on a hilltop. Pure escapism in fine wine country. www.mtrael.com.au    Also in Yarra Ranges & The Dandenongs: Chateau Yering

Mitchelton Wines Nagambie and Strathbogie Ranges The Goulburn River meanders along vineyards producing exceptional Shiraz and other Rhone varietals. Landmark 55 metre viewing tower, welcoming cellar door, riverside restaurant and historic Blackwood Park Country House accommodation. www.mitchelton.com.au   Also in Nagambie Lakes & the Strathbogie Ranges: The Jetty

Lakehouse and Salus Spa Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges Victoria’s most celebrated luxury country hotel. Multi-award winning restaurant, 10,000-bottle wine cellar for private dining, enchanting rooms and suites overlooking the lake, Salus Spa and refreshing lake-side walks. www.lakehouse.com.au   Also in Daylesford & Macedon Ranges: Peppers Springs Retreat and Mineral Spa

Craig’s Royal Hotel Ballarat in the Goldfields Indulge by booking a table at Craig’s Royal Hotel. This 19th century hotel has a restaurant to match the elegance of its rooms. Don’t miss Craig’s legendary antique bar and the 150 year-old bluestone cellar. www.craigsroyal.com.au   Also in Ballarat: Neider Weisel