Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari!

Imagine combining exquisite food and wine tastings with a chance to see wild kangaroos at sunset — all in one relaxed, well-organized day. This 7-hour tour departs from central Melbourne, starting at 11:30 am, giving you the flexibility to enjoy your morning in the city before heading out. With a maximum group size of 11 guests, this tour emphasizes a personalized experience, guided by knowledgeable locals like Kurt or Craig, who are consistently praised for their enthusiasm and expertise.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the late departure, which means you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or some shopping in Melbourne. The highlights include a sparkling wine experience at Domaine Chandon, renowned for its association with Moët et Chandon, and generous tastings of cheese, strawberries, and chocolates. Plus, the chance to relax at historic Yering Station, Victoria’s first vineyard, and enjoy wild kangaroo sightings at sunset—a true highlight for nature lovers.

One thing to keep in mind is that lunch is not included, so you’ll want to budget extra if you wish to dine at Domaine Chandon or other stops. Also, wildlife sightings, while common, are never guaranteed, so if spotting kangaroos is a top priority, that’s something to consider.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a blend of culinary delights, scenic views, and unique wildlife encounters. It’s especially ideal for those who prefer a later start and want to avoid rushing through the wine region, making this a perfect choice for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

Key Points

Flexible schedule: Late departure allows for morning city exploration.
Personalized experience: Small group size ensures attentive guiding.
Diverse tastings: From sparkling wine and cheese to chocolate and wine.
Wildlife encounter: Sunset kangaroo Safari is a true highlight.
Value for money: Includes multiple tastings and expert guiding.
Not including lunch: Budget accordingly for meals during stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Yarra Valley Foodies Tour

If you’re trying to decide whether this tour fits your travel style, understanding the details of what you get — and what you might not — is key. Let’s walk through what makes this experience special, considering both the highlights and some practical considerations.

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Starting the Day: The Pickup and Transportation

The journey begins at Federation Square, behind the NGV, where you’ll hop onto a comfortable minivan. The group size is kept small (max 11 guests), which is a significant advantage in providing a more intimate experience. According to reviews, guides like Kurt and Craig are praised for their friendly and knowledgeable approach, making the drive feel like a chat with a friend rather than a boring bus ride.

The drive to Yarra Valley takes about an hour, during which your guide will often throw in interesting tidbits about the region’s history, geography, and culture. A notable bonus is the stop to buy fresh strawberries, which guests love as a shared snack or photo prop, adding a local flavor to your day.

Domaine Chandon: Sparkling Wine and Lunch Options

Your first stop is the Domain Chandon, where you’ll enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. The setting is often described as picturesque, with a view perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Here, you’ll learn about the history and production of champagne, which adds a layer of appreciation to the tasting.

While the tour price doesn’t include lunch, there’s plenty of opportunity to purchase a meal from the lounge menu or explore boutique items in their shop. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated the ample time at this stop, with some opting to savor a glass of wine and a meal with a view.

Cheese and Chocolate Tastings: A Gourmet Feast

Next, it’s time for decadent cheese tastings at Yarra Valley Dairy, a family-owned boutique producer. Guests frequently praise the generous cheese samples, with some noting that the soft cheeses made onsite are a real treat. The experience offers a chance to learn about cheese-making and sample a range of flavors.

Then, it’s on to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, famous for its private chocolate tastings. You’ll learn about coverture chocolate production and enjoy samples with ingredients sourced from their own gardens, adding authenticity to the experience. Many reviewers mention that they loved the wide variety of flavors and enjoyed picking up some treats in the shop afterward, which boasts over 200 chocolate, truffle, and ice cream products.

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Yering Station: The Historic Vineyard

After indulging in sweets and savories, you’ll visit Yering Station, Victoria’s first vineyard, where you’ll enjoy a private wine tasting. Expect to sample a range of classic cool-climate wines, including some of the finest Pinot Noir the valley has to offer.

Guests often comment on the scenic beauty and historic ambiance of Yering Station. The tasting experience is described as intimate and informative, with guides explaining the nuances of each wine, making it ideal for both novices and connoisseurs.

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Sunset Kangaroo Safari: Wildlife at Its Best

Perhaps the most memorable part of the tour is the wild kangaroo sighting at sunset. The guides take you to a known location, often a golf course or open field, during the golden hour when kangaroos are most active. The experience is often described as magical, and reviews consistently mention that the guide’s effort to find kangaroos was successful.

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the exclusive access and the careful timing greatly increase your chances. Several guests have shared how they captured amazing photos of mobs of kangaroos in their natural habitat — an authentic Australian experience that’s hard to beat.

Returning to Melbourne: Reflecting on a Rich Day

The tour wraps up after sunset, and you’re back at Federation Square by early evening. Many guests say they leave feeling full of good food, wine, and stunning memories—just the kind of relaxed, enriching experience that balances sightseeing with leisure.

What We Love About This Tour

Our favorite aspects include the balance of tastings and sights. The sparkling wine at Domaine Chandon, paired with the stunning views, makes for a luxurious start, but not overly expensive with the option to buy lunch. The cheese and chocolate stops are both indulgent and educational, giving a taste of local craftsmanship and flavors.

Another standout is the wild kangaroo encounter at sunset. It’s a true highlight, with many reviews emphasizing how well-organized and successful the guide was at locating the animals. The small group size creates a friendly, less rushed atmosphere, ideal for making genuine connections or simply soaking in the scenery.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

The main thing to plan for is that lunch is not included. While many enjoy the options at Domaine Chandon, if you prefer a sit-down meal, you’ll need to budget extra. Wildlife sightings, while common, are not guaranteed — you might find that the kangaroos are more active on some days than others.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for very young children under 3 or those with mobility issues, as walking and outdoor time are involved. The experience is also predominantly in English, so non-English speakers might find the guide’s explanations less accessible.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is best suited for food and wine lovers who want to explore the Yarra Valley at a relaxed pace. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the wild kangaroo safari, which is both authentic and picturesque. It’s especially great for small groups seeking a more intimate, personalized experience, and for travelers who prefer a late start to the day.

If you enjoy learning about regional wines and cheeses, and want to combine that with wildlife spotting in a single trip, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also perfect for families or couples looking for a leisurely, scenic day out without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase food at Domaine Chandon or other stops along the way.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 11 guests, which helps create a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

Is wildlife guaranteed during the kangaroo safari?
Wildlife sightings are very common, but they can never be fully guaranteed. The guide will do their best to find kangaroos at sunset.

What should I bring for the tour?
It’s recommended to bring passport or ID, a camera for photos, cash for purchases or extra snacks, and a reusable water bottle.

How long is the drive from Melbourne to Yarra Valley?
The drive takes approximately one hour, with a scenic and comfortable ride.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 3 and above are welcome, but it’s not suitable for children under 2 or those with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

The Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari offers a well-rounded taste of Australia’s renowned wine and food scene, combined with a touch of wildlife magic. For travelers craving delicious tastings, scenic beauty, and genuine encounters with native animals, this tour is a fantastic choice. Its small group setting and knowledgeable guides make it feel personal and special, while the variety of stops keeps the experience engaging from start to finish.

While the price point of $115 may seem modest for the number of experiences included, it offers solid value—especially considering the expert guiding, variety of tastings, and the memorable wildlife encounter. If you’re seeking an authentic, relaxing day out that combines gourmet delights with nature, this tour will not disappoint.

To sum it up, whether you’re a foodie, wine aficionado, or wildlife enthusiast, this Yarra Valley tour manages to deliver a balanced, memorable experience. It’s perfect for those who prefer a later start, small group intimacy, and a mix of scenic, culinary, and natural highlights. Prepare to taste, learn, and see some of the best Australia has to offer—all in one enjoyable day.