Hunter Valley: Wildlife Sanctuary & Wine Tasting Day Trip

Koalas up close, crisp Hunter whites, and laughter in the vines

You’ll meet koalas and kangaroos at a peaceful wildlife sanctuary before tasting local cheeses and boutique wines in Hunter Valley’s best vineyards. With pickup from Sydney, small group comfort, and stories from your guide along the way, you’ll leave with new flavors on your tongue, and probably a few unexpected memories too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hunter Valley wine and wildlife tour

• Depart Sydney in luxury minibus
• Visit wildlife sanctuary with ranger
• Enjoy koala experience (no holding)
• Morning wine tasting at boutique vineyard
• Wine country lunch stop
• Cheese, olive oil, and chocolate tasting
• Afternoon wine tasting at premium vineyard

The experience

The morning started with me missing my second coffee because I couldn’t find my left shoe (it was under the minibus seat, don’t ask). But our guide, Steve, just grinned and said it happens more than I’d think. He’s been running these Hunter Valley wine tours from Sydney for years, apparently knows every back road and vineyard owner by name. The drive out felt easy: windows down, eucalyptus smell drifting in, everyone half-awake but already joking about kangaroo spotting. I didn’t expect to actually see so many.

Our first stop was the wildlife sanctuary. It wasn’t one of those big zoos: more like a quiet place where you could hear birds fussing in the trees and wallabies shuffling around. Steve introduced us to a ranger named Mel who told us about koalas (you can’t hold them here, it’s illegal in NSW), but we got close enough to see their claws gripping the branches. One of them blinked at me so slowly it felt like time stretched out. There was this earthy smell: gum leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. We all tried to take photos without waking them up.

After that came cheese tasting at a little spot with windows facing rows of grapevines. The cheeses were made from local cows: creamy, salty, nothing like supermarket stuff. Someone spilled olive oil on their shirt (not me this time), and the woman behind the counter just laughed and handed over napkins. Then came the main event: wine tasting at two boutique vineyards. The first one poured a semillon so crisp it tasted almost green. At the second place, we sat outside under a gum tree while Steve explained why Hunter Valley reds are lighter than most Aussies expect. I’m still thinking about that view: sunlight flickering through leaves onto our glasses.

Lunch was simple but good: fresh bread, salad, something grilled I can’t remember because we were all talking about how many kangaroos we’d seen (I counted six). By afternoon everyone was relaxed in that slightly sleepy way you get after a few tastings. On the way back to Sydney, someone played old Aussie pop songs on their phone and nobody complained. So yeah, not everything went perfectly (my shoe still smells like bus carpet), but honestly? That made it feel more real.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Sydney by luxury minibus with air-con and WiFi, entry to a wildlife sanctuary for close encounters with native animals (though no koala cuddling), cheese tasting made from local milk, two premium boutique vineyard visits for wine tastings (fees extra), plus lunch in wine country before heading back to Sydney in the evening.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 48 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteAU$ 85

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Kangarrific Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 48 h before the start.

How many people are on this Hunter Valley wine tour?

The group size is small: maximum 11 people per tour.

Can you hold or cuddle koalas during the wildlife visit?

No, holding koalas is illegal in NSW. You can observe them up close but not touch.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Sydney?

Yes, lunch is provided at a local spot in Hunter Valley as part of the tour.

Are tasting fees included for all wineries visited?

No, tasting fees are not included. There is an additional AUS$70 fee paid directly to your guide on tour day.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible. Contact before booking if bringing a wheelchair.

What animals will I see at the wildlife sanctuary?

You’ll see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other native Australian animals.

Does this Hunter Valley wine tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. Dress appropriately for conditions.