From pinot noir of the Mornington Peninsula to cheese-tasting in the Yarra Valley, tick off these delightful food and drink experiences as you’re cruising around. The unique little laneways and arcades that thread their way through Melbourne’s city centre are a foodie’s delight, packed with al-fresco eateries, little coffee shops and quirky bars. Serving up the best of Victoria’s local produce, along with lashings of local colour and culture, they are a must-see on any visit to the city. Surfers mingle with wine buffs thanks to the combination of perfect waves, more than 150 wineries and an exciting food scene And if you want to discover where that great food and drink comes from, you don’t have to venture too far from the capital to find patchwork vineyards, its distinct maritime climate, fantastic seafood and craft breweries. In fact, drive just an hour or so out of the city and Victoria’s best foodie experiences start to unfold before you. Head south from Melbourne and you will arrive on the Mornington Peninsula, famed for its stylish coastal villages and experiences, its vineyards and farmgates.

Curving round Port Phillip Bay and crowned with the pretty town of Sorrento, it is home to olive groves, vineyards and orchards. Park up and set out on foot to explore the beautiful coastal walks, or embrace your inner adventurer and try the plethora of activities on offer, from swimming with dolphins and seals to horse riding along the beach or a round of golf on the many stunning courses.buy big carl wine glass uk Fancy packing up a picnic so you can enjoy lunch with an amazing view? best wine tours los angelesYou won’t go hungry with the quantity of farmers’ markets and artisan food producers around, selling everything from artisan cheese and chocolate to fresh bread, local olive oil and fruit and vegetables.best rose wine au

Or why not head to a winery restaurant, where you can tuck into a platter of fresh, seasonal produce paired with local pinot noir and chardonnay? The Mornington Peninsula may be well known for its wines, but don’t miss the craft breweries, local cider and even gin and vodka distilleries springing up in the area as well.best book on spanish wine After you’ve had your fill, drive around the next bay and across the bridge to wildlife-filled Phillip Island to catch the iconic Penguin Parade – when hundreds of adorable little penguins return to shore at sunset after a day’s fishing.best extra sweet wine Nature, surf beaches and a local farming community give this island a unique appeal. best italian table wineYou can spend your days hitting the waves and discovering clifftop walking trails, then dine out on fresh seafood (or get the chef to cook up your catch at Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm) or call into a winery for a glass or two of the local vintage.

For the ultimate wine experience, you can’t beat Victoria’s Yarra Valley, just an hour east of Melbourne. Pick up a touring map from the local tourist office to plan your route to the region’s top winery cellar doors for tastings. Known as Victoria’s “food bowl”, the Yarra Valley offers so much more than just the chardonnays and pinot noirs that made it famous. Orchards, farms, dairies and markets mean there are a host of other delicacies to tempt your tastebuds as well, from local ice cream and chocolate to berries, jams and grass-fed Angus beef. As you drive through pretty villages and rolling countryside, make sure to stop off at farms, speak to the producers and enjoy the truly local food experience. Two hours south-west of Melbourne lies another foodie hotspot – the Bellarine Peninsula, the quieter, less-explored sister to the Mornington Peninsula, which lies on the other side of Port Phillip Bay. Peppered with organic farms and boutique vineyards, it is another great spot for farmgate purchases, cellar door wine tastings and vineyard restaurants.

Try biodynamic wines at Basils Farm, or for a change, why not try some cider at the Flying Bick Cider House. Sample cheeses at Drysdale Cheeses or olive oil at the Manzanillo Olive Grove, they all form part of the Bellarine Taste Trail, a guide to top food and drink experiences in the area. If you’re still hungry for more after visiting the best of Victoria’s foodie hotspots, you can extend your trip by twinning Victoria with Western Australia. Lively Perth has a great restaurant and bar scene and beautiful surroundings. Its multicultural population means you will find all sorts of different influences on the cuisine, while its great climate means chefs are never short of fresh ingredients. From Perth, you can head down to another of Australia’s great wine regions, Margaret River. Here, surfers mingle with wine buffs thanks to the combination of perfect waves, more than 150 wineries (representing around 20 per cent of Australia’s premium wines) and an exciting food scene.

It is the ideal place to conclude your Australian taste tour.If you’re dreaming of packing the car, turning up the radio, and exploring your state, region, or even the whole country this summer, we have you covered. Here’s a list of products that will make your trip more memorable, and more fun. On August 21, 2017, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible from a narrow, cross-country swath of the United States — something that hasn’t happened since 1991. You’ll be able to see it from places like Charleston, Nashville, and even portions of Yellowstone National Park. To view this phenomenon safely, try a pair of these affordable sun and eclipse binoculars from Celestron, and be sure to check out NASA’s comprehensive web site dedicated to the eclipse, which includes maps, safety instructions, and even tips for throwing an eclipse party. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a lakeside cabin, or a mountain campground, you can organize a pick-up game of flag football using this handy set, which weighs about two pounds and comes in a small package.

It’s good for kids of all ages — no tackling required. (Note: You’ll need to bring your own ball.) You might have used a camp stove before, but we doubt it looks as good as this one. With a lightweight, nested design and bright colors, you’re sure to be the most stylish — and economically packed — person in the park or campground this summer. Getting out of the car doesn’t mean you have to stop listening to your 38-hour-long road trip playlist. The Amazon Tap is a portable version of its voice-activated home speaker, Echo, only it works with any bluetooth connection. With this, you can wirelessly stream music directly from your phone, or using services like Spotify and Pandora. It’s great for a day at the beach, a picnic, or for relaxing in your hotel room or vacation rental. There are lots of reusable water bottles out there, but we like the S’well version for its versatility. Its double-insulated design will keep liquids hot or cold for up to 24 hours, so whether your preference is coffee or iced tea, this bottle makes a good companion.