Warburton offers a surprising variety of outdoor adventures and scenic escapes, making it a fantastic destination for travelers seeking active, authentic experiences. Its lush forests, charming village vibe, and easy access to the Yarra Valley mean there’s a tour for nearly every interest. Among the standout options, we particularly enjoyed the self-guided river tubing adventure for its relaxing pace and stunning river views, and the Redwoods Forest & Yarra Valley Wine Tour for those who want a more luxurious and varied experience. Whether you’re into outdoor thrills, wine tasting, or exploring caves, Warburton has something to offer.
If you’re trying to decide which tour best matches your style, this guide will give you a clear picture of each option. We’ve broken down the top five tours, highlighting what makes each one special, their pros and cons, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a couples’ retreat, there’s a good pick here for you.
Quick Overview
The best tours in Warburton include a range of activities, from self-guided river tubing on the Yarra River (see details), to a luxury day trip combining Redwood Forest walks and Yarra Valley wines (more info). For those who want a more active adventure, there’s a mountain bike tour through Redwood forests (details here), and for the curious explorers, a caving experience under Britannia Creek (see what’s involved). Finally, a fruit-picking and nature tour gives a personal touch to your visit (check it out). Now, let’s dive into each.
1. Yarra Valley: Self-Guided River Tubing Adventure
At number 1, this relaxing float down the Yarra River is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature at a gentle pace. For just $36 per person, you get a 2-hour self-guided experience that includes a comfy blue tube, a briefing, demonstration, and shuttle service. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy the scenic Upper Yarra River, meandering along a 3 km stretch and passing over some gentle rapids.
What makes this tour stand out is its simplicity and accessibility. You don’t need any previous experience, and the self-guided nature allows you to set your own pace. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a relaxing day on the water without the fuss of guided tours. The included shuttle ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics, making it easy to focus on just floating and taking in the views.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a peaceful experience that’s easy to fit into your day and won’t break the bank, this river tubing adventure offers a fun, laid-back way to see the Yarra River.
2. From Melbourne: Redwoods Forest & Yarra Valley Wine Tour
Ranked number 2, this premium small-group day tour combines several highlights that make it a full-day treat. Starting with a walk among towering California redwoods, this tour takes you to Melbourne’s secret “cathedral-like” forest, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Afterward, you’ll enjoy an exclusive wine tasting and gourmet lunch at Soumah Wines, with meals served at a restaurant offering panoramic vineyard views.
The tour also includes a visit to a chocolaterie and a charming stop in the mountain village of Warburton, making it a well-rounded experience. The use of luxury transportation with window seats, Wi-Fi, and charging ports ensures comfort during the 8-hour trip. With a perfect 5-star rating, it appeals to travelers who enjoy a bit of luxury and a diverse itinerary.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of nature, wine, and gourmet dining—a true taste of the Yarra Valley’s best. The guide’s knowledge and the quality of the included experiences make it a very good value, especially given the all-inclusive nature.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a luxurious, varied day out, with expert guides and a taste of the region’s best wines and scenery.
$122 per person
3. Fruit Picking & Nature Tour Yarra Valley & Warburton
At number 3, this private 8-hour tour offers a personal, hands-on experience combining fruit picking, scenic drives, and nature walks. Starting with a visit to Rayners Orchard, you’ll taste and pick seasonal fruits — a fun activity that makes you feel part of the local farm life. Then, you’ll explore the quaint village of Warburton, sitting beside the mountains and the Yarra River, perfect for strolling and photos.
The highlight is a gentle walk in the Redwood forest and along a creek, giving a peaceful, scenic contrast to the orchard. This tour is designed for small groups (up to 7 people), making it intimate and flexible. For those who love fresh food, nature, and a bit of rural life, this offers a very personalized experience for $370 per group.
The tour’s value lies in its custom approach, with the chance to experience fruit tasting, orchard picking, and forest exploration all in one day. It’s best suited for travelers craving a more authentic connection with the land and those who prefer a private, relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups wanting a tailored, farm-to-table experience combined with forest adventures.
$370 per group up to 2
4. Warburton: Redwood Forest Mountain Bike Adventure
For thrill-seekers, number 4 on the list is the Redwood Forest Mountain Bike Adventure, offering a 3-hour guided ride through the forest landscape. Starting from the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, you’ll pedal through forests, fern gullies, and along creeks, exploring the majestic Redwood groves on two wheels.
This tour is suited for intermediate riders, with experienced guides leading the way, providing all necessary gear, safety equipment, and transfers. The $92 per person price reflects good value for a well-organized, active outing. Riders will appreciate the chance to explore forest trails that are not accessible to casual walkers, with the added thrill of mountain biking in a scenic setting.
What makes this tour special is its focus on outdoor activity and nature combined with the accessibility of guided support and gear. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to combine exercise with scenic beauty and don’t mind a bit of physical effort.
Bottom Line: If mountain biking in a stunning forest setting sounds appealing, this tour offers an energetic and memorable day.
$92 per person
5. Yarra Valley: Britannia Creek Caving Experience
The last on our list, the Britannia Creek Caving Experience, takes you underground for a 2.5-hour adventure exploring luminous glowworms and underground rivers. This tour involves crawling, scrambling, sliding, and navigating tight spaces, making it a truly hands-on and muddy adventure.
Guided by experienced professionals, all gear and safety equipment are provided, ensuring you’re well-prepared for this subterranean journey. The highlight is discovering the phosphorescent glowworms and experiencing the earth’s underground beauty from a completely different perspective. This tour suits travelers who enjoy physical activity, exploration, and don’t mind getting a little dirty.
While it’s a shorter experience, it’s intense and engaging — a memorable adventure for those interested in geology, caves, or just trying something unusual. Keep in mind that this requires a bit of agility and willingness to get muddy.
Bottom Line: For adventurous travelers seeking an underground exploration, this caving tour offers a unique glimpse into a hidden world.
$73 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in Warburton
Choosing the right tour depends largely on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a relaxing, nature-focused escape, the self-guided river tubing offers a simple yet enjoyable experience. For those craving a luxurious day of wine, food, and forest walks, the Redwoods and Yarra Valley Wine Tour is hard to beat. If you prefer personalized farm experiences, the fruit-picking tour is ideal, while active types might opt for the mountain biking adventure. For the adventurous and curious, the caving experience offers something totally different.
Be sure to check the booking windows and seasonality—some tours are best in spring or autumn when the scenery is at its peak. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the wine day trip, which tend to fill quickly.
Warburton offers a diverse set of options, from laid-back river floats to high-energy mountain biking and underground explorations. For a relaxing day, try the river tubing; for a more indulgent experience, the wine and Redwood forest tour is excellent. If you’re traveling with family or friends, the private fruit-picking day provides a personal touch, and adventure lovers will find the caving or mountain biking tours unforgettable.
No matter what you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Enjoy your time in Warburton and the surrounding Yarra Valley — a region that truly rewards all kinds of outdoor exploration.