Melbourne: Full-Day Horses, Wine, and Beer Tour offers an inviting taste of Victoria’s rural charm and culinary delights. For around $191 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring iconic Australian horse racing history, sampling wines from a renowned estate, and enjoying handcrafted beers at a classic pub. Guided by knowledgeable local guides, this tour provides a well-balanced mix of animal encounters, scenic views, and authentic pub experiences.
What we love most about this tour is how it combines up-close horse encounters at Living Legends with tasting premium wines at Gisborne Peak Winery, all set in beautiful countryside. The fact that you can see famous retired racehorses and watch kangaroos in their natural environment adds a genuine and unexpected layer of authenticity. Plus, the visit to a celebrated brewery like Holgate provides a satisfying finish for beer lovers.
One potential consideration is that the tour lasts a full day, which might be a bit long for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer shorter outings. Also, since alcohol is involved, it’s important to note that children under 18 aren’t permitted to partake in tastings. This tour suits those who appreciate a leisurely, laid-back experience that combines nature, good company, and local flavors. It’s especially ideal for travelers who enjoy animals, wine, and craft beer, and who want to get a broader sense of Victoria’s countryside away from the city buzz.
Key Points
- Authentic encounters with retired racehorses at Living Legends
- Tastings of premium wines and local beers in scenic settings
- Balanced itinerary combining animals, nature, and culinary delights
- Expert guides enhance the storytelling and experience
- Duration of 8 hours makes it a full but manageable day
- Includes all entry fees and tastings, providing good value
A Complete Guide to Melbourne’s Horses, Wine, and Beer Tour
If you’re looking for a day that mixes Australian equestrian culture with good wine and craft beer, this tour hits the spot. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that takes you just outside Melbourne to some of Victoria’s best-loved rural spots. Running for about 8 hours, it’s a full day of sights, tastes, and stories. Let’s break down what makes this tour special and what you should expect.
First Stop: Living Legends Racehorse Retirement Village
The journey begins at the Living Legends at Woodlands Historic Park, a sanctuary for champion racehorses that have retired from the track. You’ll enjoy morning tea here, which offers a relaxed start and a chance to settle into the countryside atmosphere. From the reviews, visitors find this part especially rewarding: “It was wonderful to go to Woodlands and see all those famous horses,” shares Denise, highlighting the personal connection and the welcoming environment.
What makes this stop stand out is the opportunity to meet the horses face-to-face, learning about their stories and seeing their well-cared-for lives after racing. The guided tour takes you through the paddocks, where you might encounter some of Australia’s racing legends, and perhaps catch a glimpse of kangaroos in their natural habitat. The authenticity of this experience—being able to connect with these majestic animals and learn their stories—adds a heartfelt touch to the day.
Scenic Drive & Vineyard: Gisborne Peak Estate
Next, you’ll head to the Gisborne Peak Winery, located within the Macedon Ranges, a recognized cool-climate wine region. Here, the tour offers a perfect blend of wine tastings and a delicious gourmet wood-fired pizza for lunch. The estate is known for its scenic views—think rolling vineyards with a backdrop of distant mountains—and the wines you taste are usually described as well-crafted, full of character, and representative of the region.
We loved the fact that the winery experience is not just about tasting but also about soaking in the landscape. The reviews confirm this, with Julia stating it was a “highly recommended” tour, emphasizing the enjoyable combination of tasting and scenery. The relaxed, unhurried pace allows you to savor both the wine and the moment, making it a standout part of the day.
Beer Tasting at Holgate Brewery & Pub
The final stop is at Holgate Country Pub & Brewhouse, a charming country pub famous for its award-winning beers. Here, you’ll sample some of Victoria’s best brews, including the 2008 Best Beer Brewed in Victoria trophy-winning selection. The spacious beer garden offers a relaxing environment to wind down and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Guests consistently mention how the beer tasting is flavorful and authentic, with the pub’s character adding to the experience. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, perfect for unwinding after a full day. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, this stop alone justifies the day out.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat’s Included & Practical Details
This tour covers morning tea, lunch, wine and beer tastings, and entry to Living Legends, offering excellent value. It’s conducted in English, with a live guide, usually in a small group for a more personalized experience. The tour is flexible enough to allow children to enjoy the sights (though they can’t drink alcohol), making it family-friendly if you’d like to introduce younger travelers to Australian countryside.
You’ll want to bring your passport or ID, mainly for the alcohol tastings. The tour is cancellable up to 24 hours in advance, which adds a layer of flexibility for travelers with unpredictable plans.
Transportation & Group Size
While specific details about transportation aren’t included, expect comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel between stops. The group size tends to be small enough to foster conversation but large enough for a lively atmosphere.
Price & Value
At $191 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded day of experiences, especially considering it includes all entry fees and tastings. If you’re keen on animals, wine, and craft beer, it’s a solid investment into a genuine and enjoyable part of Victoria’s rural culture.
Authentic Experiences & What Travelers Say
Authenticity shines through in reviews, with one visitor saying, “Everyone made us feel very welcome, and the horses seemed pleased to see their adoring fans once more.” The combination of seeing famous horses and relaxing at authentic rural pubs makes this a memorable outing.
Others are quick to recommend the tour: “Great tour, highly recommended,” Julia notes, emphasizing the well-organized nature and the knowledgeable guides. The views, animals, and tastings seem to leave a lasting impression on visitors, making this a well-loved experience.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for animal lovers, wine connoisseurs, and craft beer fans who want a taste of Victoria’s rural charm without a strenuous schedule. It’s also suitable for couples, families, or groups seeking a relaxed day filled with good stories, scenic views, and delicious drinks.
The Sum Up
The Melbourne: Full-Day Horses, Wine, and Beer Tour offers a genuine, well-balanced glimpse into Victoria’s countryside life. Combining the charm of retired racehorses with top-quality wine and beer tastings, it delivers authentic experiences that are both fun and educational. The knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas enhance the overall value, making it a memorable day for those seeking a taste of Australia’s rural heart.
If you’re eager to meet iconic horses, enjoy scenic vineyards, and relax in a cozy pub, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s best suited for relaxed travelers who appreciate a bit of everything—animals, scenic landscapes, and good pub fare—without feeling rushed.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate and enjoy the sights, but they cannot partake in alcohol tastings.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a full day adventure but still manageable for most travelers.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for alcohol tastings, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat or sunscreen for outdoor parts of the tour.
Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes morning tea, a main meal (gourmet pizza) at the winery, and tastings at the brewery.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
What is the tour guide’s language?
The guide speaks English and provides commentary throughout the day.
Is transportation provided?
While not explicitly detailed, expect comfortable coach transport between stops.
What makes this tour stand out?
The authentic animal encounters, scenic vineyard setting, and flavorful beer tastings create a well-rounded rural experience.
Is the tour worth the price?
Considering the inclusions and the quality of experiences, it offers good value—especially for those interested in Australian animals, wine, and beer.