From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour

From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour

Traveling from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley for a full-day adventure costs around $211 per person and lasts approximately 10 hours. This tour combines up-close wildlife encounters at Healesville Sanctuary with luxurious wine tastings at two renowned vineyards, Yering Station and De Bortoli. Led by knowledgeable guides, it offers a well-rounded experience suited for those craving both nature and fine wine.

What we love about this tour is how it balances quality experiences—you get to interact directly with Australia’s iconic animals and enjoy premium wine tastings in a relaxed, small-group setting. The inclusion of a delicious à la carte lunch with a glass of wine at Yering Station is a definite highlight. Another perk is the chance to see kangaroos in the wild on the way in, thanks to the thoughtful planning of your guide.

One consideration is that this tour isn’t recommended for travelers with limited mobility, as some activities involve walking or navigating uneven terrain. Also, if you’re traveling with children under 18, note that wine tastings are not permitted for minors. This experience suits those who appreciate a mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and wine — especially if you enjoy engaging guides and small-group intimacy to really feel the place.

Key Points

Wildlife close-up: Visit Healesville Sanctuary to see kangaroos, koalas, and native species in a natural setting.
Wine and dine: Savor an à la carte lunch and enjoy wine tastings at Yering Station, with scenic views and excellent cuisine.
Cheese and wine pairing: Experience a delightful cheese platter paired with wines at De Bortoli Vineyard.
Small-group experience: Limited to 11 participants for a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.
Scenic drives: Travel through picturesque parts of the Yarra Valley, with chances to spot kangaroos in the wild.
All-inclusive: Includes transportation, guided commentary, wine tastings, lunch, and cheese platter—making it excellent value for a full day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A comprehensive look at the Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour

Planning more time in Melbourne? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

What makes this tour special?

There’s something about the mixture of wildlife and wine that captures the essence of the Yarra Valley. If you’re a lover of both, this tour strikes a good balance. Starting just over an hour from Melbourne, your journey begins with a scenic drive through the bush-laden suburbs of the northeast, heading toward Healesville Sanctuary, where more than 200 species of native animals await your attention.

The Healesville Sanctuary is the real star for animal lovers. Set on 75 acres of native bushland, it’s designed to give you an authentic feel for Australia’s native creatures. The reviews emphasize the exceptional guides and the personalized approach, with one saying, “We had a personal tour that lasted for three hours,” and “The Sanctuary was fabulous and so was the lunch.” You’ll have the chance to see iconic animals like koalas and kangaroos up close, often with guides who really know their stuff, making the experience both educational and memorable.

The wildlife experience: more than just watching animals

Many reviews highlight how the sanctuary’s layout and guided tours allow for a deeper understanding of Australian wildlife. The use of buggies to explore the park means you can cover a lot more ground than if on foot—an advantage if you want to see as much as possible within a limited time. This helps maximize your viewing opportunities, and guides tend to share interesting facts that stick with us long after the visit.

Lunch at Yering Station: a highlight for food and wine lovers

After a morning with animals, the tour transitions to sheer indulgence with a stop at Yering Station, one of Australia’s oldest wineries, established in 1859. The restaurant offers a stunning setting with panoramic views of the vines—perfect for relaxing and enjoying a meal. You’ll select from a main course of your choice, paired with a glass of wine, which many reviewers describe as a highlight. The fact that lunch is a full, well-prepared meal, rather than just finger foods, makes this a significant value add.

The wine tasting at Yering Station is more than just sipping; it’s an opportunity to understand the estate’s heritage and craftsmanship. With estate and reserve wines on offer, you’ll have a chance to taste some of the best that the region produces while soaking in the beautiful scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

De Bortoli Vineyard: cheese and wine perfection

The final stop is De Bortoli, where cheese and wine take center stage. The standout here is the cheese platter paired with sparkling, table, and dessert wines. This experience is often described as “outstanding” and a perfect way to wind down. The reviews mention that the wine and cheese pairing is a real treat, adding a sensory dimension to your day.

While you're exploring Melbourne, here are other experiences we've looked into

The journey back: scenic views and kangaroos

As you return to Melbourne, your guide will take you through Steels Creek and Christmas Hills, known for their scenic beauty. Reports of kangaroos in the wild are common, making for a fitting end to a day filled with nature and fine flavors.

Why this tour offers excellent value

Considering the inclusions—transportation, entry fees, guided commentary, lunch, wine tastings, and cheese—the $211 price point is quite reasonable. Many reviews praise the tour’s organization and the quality of experiences, with one person noting, “This was one of the best tours I’ve ever booked,” thanks in part to the well-chosen wineries and the knowledgeable guides.

The small group size (max 11 people) enhances the experience, allowing for more personal interaction and flexibility. Guests also appreciate the comfort of the Mercedes minibus, especially when traveling through scenic but sometimes winding roads.

Who will love this tour?

This trip is ideal for those who enjoy nature and wildlife, fine wine and good food, and small-group experiences. If you’re after a relaxed day that combines wildlife encounters with wine tasting in a scenic setting, this tour ticks all those boxes.

However, if you have limited mobility or travel with children under 18, this might not be the best fit, as some activities involve walking and alcohol consumption is restricted for minors.

Final thoughts

In essence, this Yarra Valley tour delivers a compelling mix of Australia’s unique wildlife, scenic landscapes, and top-quality wines. It’s carefully curated to give you a truly authentic experience, with friendly guides making all the difference. The inclusion of a delicious lunch and cheese platter ensures that the day isn’t just about sightseeing but also about savoring the flavors of the region.

If you’re someone who appreciates thoughtful planning, quality experiences, and small-group intimacy, you’ll find this tour well worth the price. It suits travelers eager to combine nature with culinary delights and those looking for a day of genuine relaxation and enjoyment.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Melbourne and transportation in a comfortable Mercedes minibus.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 10 hours, making it a full-day experience with plenty of time at each stop.

Are wine tastings available for children? No, wine tastings are only for guests aged 18 and over.

What is the group size? Limited to 11 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I see kangaroos in the wild? The guide often scouts spots where you might see kangaroos in their natural habitat, especially on the drive back.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues? Not recommended, as some activities involve walking or uneven terrain.

What is included in the price? Entry to Healesville Sanctuary, wine tastings, guided commentary, lunch, cheese platter, and bottled water.

How is the food served? You choose a main course from an à la carte menu at Yering Station, paired with a glass of wine.

Are there any additional costs? Purchases of personal items or souvenirs are not included.

What makes this tour stand out? The combination of expert guides, scenic drives, authentic Australian wildlife encounters, and high-quality wine and food experiences.

To sum it up, this Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour offers a well-balanced, engaging, and value-packed day for those wanting a taste of Australia’s natural beauty and culinary excellence. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy small-group settings, good storytelling, and authentic experiences that leave lasting memories.