Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon & Kangaroo Safari!

A Day in the Yarra Valley: Food, Wine, and Wildlife with a Personal Touch

If you’re visiting Melbourne and craving a way to explore Australia’s famous Yarra Valley, this small-group tour offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s finest produce, wines, and wildlife. Starting around midday, for about 7 hours, you’ll be driven comfortably from Melbourne to enjoy curated stops at renowned vineyards, gourmet cheese and chocolate producers, and even a kangaroo safari. The tour, priced at just over $118 per person, is a fantastic value considering the variety of experiences packed into a single day.

What really sets this trip apart is the personalized attention with small groups—typically fewer than 12 travelers—and a knowledgeable guide who makes each stop both enjoyable and educational. We loved the stunning vineyard views at Chandon, famous for its sparkling wines, and the opportunity to see wild kangaroos in their natural habitat—something that makes this adventure truly memorable.

One consideration might be the cost of certain extras, such as the sparkling wine tasting at Chandon, which is not included in the base price. So, if your budget is tight, plan for a bit of extra spending on wine or lunch. But overall, the tour is tailored for those who want a relaxed, immersive experience rather than a rushed, large-bus style day. Perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike, especially if you enjoy small, guided tours with plenty of tastings and local insights.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small groups mean more personal attention and better access to tastings.
• Diverse Tastings: From cheese and chocolates to regional wines, there’s plenty to enjoy.
• Wildlife Encounter: End the day with a chance to see wild kangaroos in their natural environment.
• Comfortable Transport: Relax and leave the logistics to your guide, with convenient round-trip Melbourne pickup.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Tasting stops are carefully selected to showcase the best regional produce.
• Great Reviews: Consistently rated 5 stars, with visitors praising the tour guides and overall experience.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Farm Fresh Strawberries

Your journey begins with a quick stop at a strawberry farm en route to the valley. This is a perfect way to kick off the day—fresh, juicy strawberries that you can taste right from the field. Many reviews mention this as a delightful, no-fuss start, with some noting it’s a quick 15-minute visit but enough to set the tone for a day filled with local produce.

Stop 2: Domaine Chandon

Next, you’ll visit Chandon, Australia’s sparkling wine queen. We loved the spectacular views of the Yarra Valley from the lounge, making it an ideal spot to relax. Here, you can sample a variety of sparkling wines—though note that the tastings are at an extra cost. The experience provides insight into the art of sparkling wine production, and many visitors appreciate the chance to purchase lunch at the lounge, making it a flexible stop for a meal. Reviewers like Michael and Steven mention the guide’s knowledge and personable approach, which helps you appreciate why Chandon is such a renowned producer.

Stop 3: Yarra Valley Dairy

Following the sparkling wine, your guide takes you to Yarra Valley Dairy, a boutique cheese producer where you can indulge in generous cheese tastings. Here, the focus is on fresh, authentic cheeses made onsite from cows and goats. Jessica and Gail highlight how the cheese tasting is a highlight, with many describing it as “sumptuous” and “delicious.” This stop offers a wonderful break to savor local flavors and learn about cheese-making processes.

Stop 4: Yering Station

The historic Yering Station is next—Victoria’s first vineyard—where you’ll sample cool climate wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. Many reviews, like Michael and Robert, praise the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful winery setting. The focus here is on regional wines that reflect the unique climate and terroir of the valley. You’ll enjoy tasting flights, and some may choose to purchase bottles to take home.

Stop 5: Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

No food tour is complete without something sweet—so your final tasting stop is Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Expect an exclusive chocolate tasting, which many reviewers describe as “fabulous.” You’re free to browse the shop and cafe afterward, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed end to your tasting adventure.

Stop 6: Kangaroo Safari

The tour concludes with a wild kangaroo safari—a highlight for wildlife lovers. You’ll head to a “secret spot” to see ample wild kangaroos in their natural habitat. Reviewers like Debbie and Jessica mention how this part of the tour offers a unique, memorable experience—seeing these iconic Australian animals hopping freely in the wild. It’s a 30-minute, no-cost excursion, with many praising the expert guidance and the chance to photograph the kangaroos up close.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: From Bronwyn’s glowing review praising Kurt’s passion and knowledge to Steven’s charm noted by others, the guides truly enhance the experience. They’re not just drivers—they’re storytellers and local experts. Many travelers appreciate the personal touches, like remembering names and sharing regional insights, which turn a sightseeing trip into a genuine connection with the area.

Authentic Experiences: The stops for cheese, chocolates, and wine are all carefully curated to showcase what the Yarra Valley does best. The small group format means you get more personalized attention, more comfortable tastings, and a chance to ask questions or linger longer at favorite spots. The wild kangaroo encounter adds an element of adventure that larger tours simply can’t replicate.

Scenery and Views: The vineyard vistas, especially from Chandon and Yering Station, are beautiful. Many reviewers mention taking great photos, especially at Chandon, which offers both excellent tasting and picturesque settings.

Value for Money: With a mix of tastings, guided commentary, a wildlife safari, and transportation included, many find this tour offers good value—especially considering the high quality and variety of experiences. The reviews consistently highlight the well-paced nature of the day, with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Flexibility and Inclusivity: While the tasting experiences are extensive, the tour is also mindful of non-drinkers. Chocolate and cheese tastings are included in the price, and you can choose to spend or skip extra purchases like lunch, giving you control over your day.

Considerations and Tips for Travelers

While this tour is highly praised, some reviews mention that the sparkling wine tasting at Chandon costs extra, so budget accordingly if you’re a wine enthusiast. Also, it’s a full day, so comfortable shoes and a willingness to be on the move are recommended.

Weather can influence the wildlife safari—if rain or overcast skies are forecasted, the kangaroo sighting might be less predictable. However, the experts make the best of it, and most reviews note the safari as a highlight regardless.

Finally, because the tour is capped at around 12 travelers, booking in advance is wise. The small group size means a more intimate experience, but also limited spots.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re a food lover, wine enthusiast, or wildlife admirer looking for a relaxed, well-rounded day trip from Melbourne. It’s particularly suited for travelers who prefer small groups and appreciate authentic, local experiences. If you enjoy tasting regional products and want a chance to see kangaroos in their natural environment, this tour delivers on both fronts.

Families, couples, and solo travelers will find it equally appealing; the pace is slow enough for everyone to enjoy, and the guides make each stop engaging. It’s a great way to learn about the culinary and natural beauty of the Yarra Valley without the hassle of planning individual visits or driving yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transfers from Melbourne are provided, making it convenient and stress-free to enjoy the day.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, starting around midday and ending back at the original meeting point.

What’s the group size?
The tour typically caps at 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Are tastings included in the price?
Yes, cheese at Yarra Valley Dairy and chocolates at the Chocolaterie are included. Wine tastings at Yering Station are also part of the experience, though the sparkling wine at Chandon is at an additional cost.

Can non-drinkers participate fully?
Absolutely. Besides wine, there are plenty of other tastings, including cheese and chocolates, making it enjoyable for everyone.

What about wildlife viewing?
The tour concludes with a free kangaroo safari at a secret spot—many reviews highlight how magical it is to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat.

In summary, this Yarra Valley Foodies Tour offers a thoughtful blend of regional food, wine, stunning scenery, and wildlife encounters—all guided by passionate locals. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, authentic taste of Victoria’s premier food and wine region, with enough variety to satisfy both the curious and the connoisseur. Whether you’re after beautiful vistas, delicious tastings, or a chance to see kangaroos in the wild, this tour delivers a memorable day out.