Melbourne to Yarra Valley: Hop On Hop Off Wine Bus Day Trip

Summary

Yarra Valley wine bus day trip with flexible stops and tastings

You’ll ride through Yarra Valley’s rolling hills by bus from Melbourne, stopping at up to four wineries or distilleries of your choice. Taste local wines, sample gin or beer if that’s your thing, and enjoy friendly guidance without feeling rushed. Your route is flexible—just follow your curiosity—and there’s always someone happy to help if you’re unsure where to hop next.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the first stop because I was too busy staring out the window at those pale green hills — honestly, it’s easy to get distracted once you leave Melbourne behind. The driver (I think her name was Mel?) just grinned and waved me off the bus when she saw me hesitate. That set the tone for the whole Yarra Valley day trip: relaxed, a bit loose, and full of small kindnesses. You get this timetable in your inbox, but I still ended up asking Mel twice if I’d planned my route right. She didn’t seem to mind.

The air out here is different — softer somehow, and it smells faintly of eucalyptus when you step off at each winery. At our second stop, a couple from Sydney asked if I wanted to join their table for a gin tasting (I said yes; turns out gin before noon is... interesting). One of the staff told us how some places now charge for tastings even if you’re not driving — “everyone’s doing it,” he shrugged — but honestly, it felt fair given how much you get to sample. The main keyword here is freedom: you can hop on or off wherever you want along the RED Route, which I didn’t fully appreciate until I realized how nice it is not to rush.

I only made it to three venues before deciding to linger over lunch at a place with big windows and magpies hopping around outside. The food was simple but good — local cheese that tasted like actual grass (in a good way) and bread still warm from the oven. My hands were sticky from peach juice by the time I got back on the bus. There’s a storage box onboard for all your bottles and snacks, which feels like something only a local would think of.

The commentary on the audio guide app was surprisingly decent — not too much, not too little — though I kept getting distracted by people chatting about which stop had the best view or where to find proper coffee. By late afternoon, everyone seemed just a little pink-cheeked and sleepy. I caught myself wishing I’d booked one more tasting, but maybe that’s just an excuse to come back. Funny how a simple hop on hop off wine tour can leave you feeling like you’ve actually lived somewhere for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Yarra Valley with hop-on bus

• Depart from Central Melbourne
• Use hop-on hop-off bus service
• Visit stops on timetable hourly
• Taste local food, wine, gin, beer
• Book tastings at venues as needed
• Enjoy Yarra Valley natural beauty

Top questions

How many wineries can I visit in one day?

You can visit up to four venues from the timetable provided during your day trip.

Is pickup included from my hotel in Melbourne?

No hotel pickup; departures are from central Melbourne only.

Do I need to book tastings in advance?

Yes, some venues require bookings for tastings—check ahead or ask staff for help planning.

Are tasting fees included in the tour price?

No, tasting fees are not included; some venues charge separately regardless of group size or transport method.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No, this tour is not suitable for anyone under 18 years old.

Can I bring service animals on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this hop on hop off bus tour.

Is public transportation available nearby after returning?

Yes, there are public transportation options near the departure/return point in central Melbourne.

What should I bring with me?

Bottled water is included; bring comfortable clothes and consider pre-booking any must-visit tastings.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation between up to four Yarra Valley wineries or distilleries along the RED Route timetable from central Melbourne, bottled water for the ride, an audio guide app with commentary about the region, storage space on board for any purchases you make (trust me—you’ll probably want it), plus plenty of advice from helpful staff if you’re unsure where to go next or how to book your tastings.