Yarra Valley tour from Melbourne: Wine, cheese & kangaroos

Sip fresh dairy delights and catch sunset wildlife moments beyond the vineyards

A small-group afternoon tour departing from Federation Square in Melbourne takes you an hour east to Yarra Valley for tastings at three stops (sparkling wine at Chandon, cheese from Coldstream Dairy, and chocolate at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie), then ends with a sunset walk through bushland to spot wild kangaroos. The seven-hour experience includes roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned minivan and a live English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Yarra Valley afternoon adventure

• Travel from Melbourne to Yarra Valley
• Enjoy scenic views from Federation Square
• Sip sparkling wines at iconic winery
• Taste cool-climate wines at historic vineyard
• Sample chocolates at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
• Spot wild kangaroos at sunset
• Return to pick-up point

The experience

The tour leaves Federation Square and travels east toward Yarra Valley, crossing an hour of open country before arriving at the first stop. You'll taste world-class sparkling wines at Chandon while looking out over vineyard rows and rolling hills, then move on to sample signature cool-climate wines at Victoria's first vineyard. The stops are built around tasting rather than touring. You're there to sip and taste, not to walk through cellars or sit through a presentation.

Between the wineries, you'll taste fresh cheese straight from Coldstream Dairy and stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to sample handmade chocolate. The pace is relaxed. The group stays small. Your guide provides live commentary throughout, and the minivan keeps the group together as you move between stops and through the local townships that give the valley its character.

The day caps at sunset with a walk through bushland to spot wild kangaroos in their natural habitat. You'll have time to photograph them and learn about their behavior from your guide before heading back to Melbourne. The return journey gives you space to sit back and let the afternoon settle: the wine, the light, the animals you've just seen.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned minivan from Federation Square.
• sparkling wine tasting at Chandon.
• cool-climate wine tasting at Victoria's first vineyard.
• fresh cheese from Coldstream Dairy.
• handmade chocolate sampling at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.
• sunset kangaroo encounter in natural bushland.
• live English-speaking guide with commentary throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Wildlife Tours Australia

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Federation Square in central Melbourne, so you don't need a car or a driver to reach Yarra Valley. The minivan picks you up and brings you back to the city. That works for anyone staying in Melbourne without transport, and it means you can taste wine without worrying about driving afterward.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How long does the tour take and what time does it start?

The tour runs seven hours total. It departs from Federation Square in Melbourne and returns to the same pickup point, with the one-hour drive each way built into that time.

What's included in the tastings at each stop?

You'll taste premium sparkling wine at Chandon, signature cool-climate wines at Victoria's first vineyard, fresh cheese from Coldstream Dairy, and handmade chocolate at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. All tastings are included in the tour price.

Will I actually see kangaroos, or is the encounter not guaranteed?

The sunset kangaroo encounter takes you into bushland where wild kangaroos live. Your guide knows where to find them, but sightings depend on the animals being present that evening. Your guide will do the spotting work and teach you about their habits while you're there.

Is transport from my Melbourne hotel included, or do I meet at Federation Square?

You meet at Federation Square in Melbourne for departure. Roundtrip transport to and from that point is included. The minivan does not pick up from individual hotels.