Cunard’s first dedicated culinary cruise on board the luxurious Queen Elizabeth will highlight all aspects of Australia’s unique produce, and will be joined by some of Australia’s culinary royalty.
Setting sail on 28 January 2023, Cunard’s inaugural Great Australian Culinary Voyage offers you a wonderful opportunity to indulge in your love of food and wine while enjoying a summer cruise on Queen Elizabeth to Tasmania.
The 5-night sailing departing Sydney via Melbourne and Burnie (Tasmania) highlights all aspects of Australia’s unique culinary offerings. You will be able to taste exceptional dishes, learn about Indigenous ingredients, sample beautiful Australian drops and immerse yourself in the local food scene on bespoke shore excursions.
Some of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, wine makers and food critics will shine the spotlight on Australia’s culinary uniqueness and diversity. Exclusive dishes created by talented Australian food icons will make this an unmissable experience for all food enthusiasts.
Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:
- Return economy class flight from Melbourne to Sydney
- 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Sydney
- Sydney Harbour Long Lunch
- Includes all beverages onboard, starter, main & dessert at select waterside restaurants plus more
- Hunter Valley Scenic Wine & Dine Full Day Tour
- Includes wine tastings, lunch & local produce samples
- 5 night culinary cruise onboard Queen Elizabeth, Sydney return
- All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
- A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
- Private transfers throughout
- Port charges & prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 25 January– 02 February 2023
Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details
Special Guests onboard the Great Australian Culinary Voyage:
Matt Moran.
With over 30 years in the food industry, a plethora of awards, appearances on prime-time TV shows, a handful of best-selling cookbooks, and the tour de force behind some of Australia’s most celebrated dining establishments - including two-hatted Aria, Chiswick, North Bondi Fish and Opera Bar - Matt Moran is an Australian food icon. Matt is a pioneer of the ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy which is showcased in his award-winning contemporary Australian menus that emphasise seasonal ingredients, balanced flavours, and premium-quality produce. While on board, the Australian icon will create exclusive dishes for diners and share his passion for Australian food and produce with Cunard guests through talks and interviews.
Terry Durack and Jill Dupleix.
Terry Durack and Jill Dupleix have been touted as Australia’s most famous foodie couple. Together, they have masterfully mapped the last 30 years of Australian wining and dining as two of the industry’s best food writers, restaurant critics and cookbook authors.
Together, Terry and Jill will be hosting Q&As and a very special dinner on board Queen Elizabeth. Additionally, Terry will give a fascinating talk about his life as a restaurant critic, while Jill will be joining food demonstrations given by the headline chefs.
Mark Olive.
Mark Olive has been a chef for over 30 years and has established himself as an Australian food icon through his work with Australian indigenous and native ingredients. A Bundjalung Man, Mark’s family originated from the Northern Rivers region in NSW. He starred in his television series ‘The Outback Cafe’ and has been a host on popular shows including SBS’s ‘A Chef’s Line’ and ‘On Country Kitchen’.
For his time on board Queen Elizabeth, Mark will treat guests to a native Australian ingredient cooking demonstration, collaborate with Cunard’s chef to create a 3-course menu incorporating indigenous produce for a special dinner, and participate in a Q&A session.
Darren Purchese.
Darren Purchese is one of the most respected pastry chefs working in Australia today and is renowned for his exquisite and extravagant sweet creations. Darren is an author of five cookbooks and is a regular on TV, most notably MasterChef Australia.
On board, Darren will be taking over Cunard’s famous and much-loved Afternoon Tea on both sea days. In addition to this, he’ll be creating two unique pastries that will feature on a special menu at one of the ship’s popular restaurants. Guests will also be treated to a live cooking demonstration, where they can learn tips and tricks from Darren.
Huon Hooke.
Huon Hooke is a leading Australian independent wine writer and critic. Huon has been writing about wine since 1983 and is best known for his weekly columns in some of Australia’s most popular and widely read newspapers and magazines.
On board Queen Elizabeth, Huon will delight guests with his extensive knowledge of Australian and international wines through a wine masterclass, various talks and wine pairings at special dinners.
Sydney Harbour Long Lunch
Cruise on a luxury cruiser as you discover the beauty of Sydney Harbour and dine at iconic harbour side restaurants on a progressive long lunch.
Highlights:
- Luxury boat hire
- Cruise past all of Sydney Harbours famous icons and harbour side mansions
- All beverages on board
- Starter/Appetizer at selected Sydney waterside restaurant
- Main meal at selected Sydney waterside restaurant
- Dessert
- Sightseeing, Kayaking, Swimming and photo opportunities
- Leisure cruising for magical moments on the stunning waters of Sydney Harbour
Hunter Valley Scenic Wine and Dine with Lunch – Full Day Tour
Sip, slurp and sample your way around the Hunter Valley on this interactive, entertaining and informative day tour!
Leave the hustle and bustle of Sydney behind, and head out over the famous Harbour Bridge north toward the luscious fertile lands of the Hunter Valley, one of the most famous wine-growing regions in Australia. This unique exploration of the Hunter Valley region provides a variety of food and wine experiences to showcase the best of the regions local produce.
Famous for its Semillon, the region also produces more than 20 varieties of wine including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho. Sample a range of wines from our favourite boutique cellar doors, selected for their commitment to excellent customer experience and quality wine - with two tastings before lunch and one in the afternoon.
At lunchtime, enjoy a delicious cafe lunch in the picturesque Hunter Valley Garden Village. Alternating between the lovely "The Winner is Oscars" and the beautiful "Cypress Lakes Country Club", there is plenty of time to relax and get to know your fellow travellers.
After eating take a relaxing stroll and visit some of the bespoke collection of boutique shops, galleries and sample more of the local produce in the area, such as the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, The British Lolly Shop, Kissofire Hunter Valley Liqueurs or The Garden Cellars After a relaxing day in the countryside, head back to Sydney with memories that are sure to last a lifetime!
Cruise Itinerary:
Date |
Itinerary |
Arrive |
Depart |
28 Jan 23 |
Sydney, NSW - Embark |
- |
7.00 pm |
29 Jan 23 |
At Sea |
- |
- |
30 Jan 23 |
Melbourne, VIC |
- |
- |
31 Jan 23 |
Burnie, TAS |
- |
- |
01 Feb 23 |
At Sea |
- |
- |
02 Feb 23 |
Sydney, NSW - Disembark |
6.30 am |
- |
* Conditions apply. Offer is limited, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotion is correct and valid at the time of publication. Booking and full supplier terms and conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer (unless stated).
Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 18 October 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Melbourne and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Guest speakers are confirmed to date, but may change at Cunard's discretion due to unforeseen circumstances.