Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine Bubbles & Kangaroos Tour

Planning a trip to Melbourne and craving a taste of the best of Victoria’s wine country? This Yarra Valley experience promises a full day of wine, food, wildlife, and scenery, all with the comfort of a small-group setting. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on detailed reviews and the itinerary, it offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s highlights.

What really draws us in is the chance to savor world-class sparkling wines at Domaine Chandon—an iconic Australian winery—and the opportunity to spot wild kangaroos during sunset. These moments of sophistication and surprise create a memorable balance. A potential consideration is the full day’s pace, which might be a bit long for travelers seeking a more relaxed half-day experience.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, foodies, wildlife fans, and curious travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic drives and tasting experiences. If you’re looking for a lively, engaging day with knowledgeable guides and authentic local touches, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Diverse tastes include sparkling wine, artisan cheeses, and chocolates—perfect for foodies.
• Wildlife encounter with kangaroos at sunset adds a unique Aussie twist.
• Scenic drives and panoramic views provide plenty of photo opportunities.
• High ratings (4.8/5) reflect consistent satisfaction and well-organized logistics.
• Ideal for travelers with moderate fitness who enjoy a full, engaging day without strenuous activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting at Federation Square

The journey begins at Melbourne’s bustling Federation Square, a central hub easily accessible from most city hotels. The meeting point is at the rear of the square, at the bus and coach terminal. Early risers might want to enjoy a quick breakfast nearby, as the tour departs around 11:30AM. The relaxed start sets the tone for a day designed to be fun rather than rushed.

Scenic Drive to the Yarra Valley

The approximately one-hour coach ride takes you through Melbourne’s outskirts and into Victoria’s lush countryside. Expect rolling hills and vineyards as you leave the city behind. This ride is part of the charm, giving you a chance to settle in and chat with your fellow travelers.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Your first stop is a sweet one. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is praised for its private chocolate tasting, offering visitors a chance to indulge in couverture chocolates and a variety of confections. The reviews highlight this as a “cocoa bliss” experience where you can watch chocolates being crafted and pick up treats to enjoy later. With around 45 minutes here, it’s enough time to savor chocolates and explore the gift shop, making it a delightful start.

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Scenic Drive to Coldstream and Yarra Valley Dairy

Next, a brief 15-minute bus ride brings you to Coldstream, home to some of Victoria’s first vineyards and wineries. The drive itself is picturesque, offering views of vineyards and the countryside. Here, you’ll visit Yarra Valley Dairy, a family-run boutique that produces fresh cow and goat cheeses. Reviewers often mention loving the cheese tastings—a highlight for cheese enthusiasts—and some even enjoy a glass of wine or coffee alongside.

Domaine Chandon Australia

The star of the afternoon is Domaine Chandon, renowned worldwide for its sparkling wines. Here, you’ll taste a selection of world-class sparkling wines while enjoying sweeping views of the vineyards. Many reviews emphasize how special this place is; it’s not just about tasting but also soaking in the scenery. For extra indulgence, some guests treat themselves to oysters or cheese platters (at their own expense). The setting provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to understand why sparkling wine is so tied to Australian celebrations.

Yering Station and More Wine

Afterward, the tour takes you to Yering Station—the region’s first vineyard—where you’ll sample cool-climate wines like Shiraz Viognier. The historic buildings and panoramic views make this a scenic stop. Guests often appreciate the historic charm and the chance to try more wines in a relaxed environment.

Chocolate and Ice Cream at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Back to the chocolatier for a private tasting and more sweet treats, allowing those with a sweet tooth to indulge further. The reviews mention how fun and engaging the chocolate experience is, especially for families or those looking for a relaxed, tasty break.

Sunset Kangaroo Encounter in Bushland

The tour’s unique touch is the wild kangaroo sighting at dusk. Venture into the bushland, where the guide will take you on a walk to spot these iconic Aussie animals. The reviews repeatedly mention sightings—”or your money back” seems to be a real promise—and the experience is guaranteed to be memorable. Photographers love this part, as the lighting and wildlife combine for some stunning shots.

The Journey Back to Melbourne

As the day winds down, the bus heads back to Federation Square, arriving around 7PM. Along the way, you can reflect on the day’s highlights—wine, wildlife, chocolates, and scenic views—and enjoy the peaceful country drive.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides and Small Group

With a maximum of 12 guests, the tour feels intimate and personalized. Travelers praise guides for their knowledge and friendly demeanor—”super friendly and helpful” as one review notes. The small size also means a more flexible experience, with less waiting and more interaction.

An Authentic Taste of Yarra Valley

Each stop is carefully chosen to showcase the region’s best offerings—from the historic Yering Station to Domaine Chandon’s sparkling wines, and the artisan cheeses to chocolates. Reviewers consistently mention the high quality and variety of tastings, which make the day feel substantial and satisfying.

Wildlife and Nature

The highlight for wildlife lovers is the dusk kangaroo walk—a rare chance to see these animals in their natural habitat. This adds an exciting, unexpected element to a day primarily focused on wine and food.

Value for Money

Considering the inclusions—multiple tastings, guided commentary, scenic drives, and wildlife encounters—the price offers good value. Guests often comment on how well-organized and worthwhile the experience is, especially with the small-group atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring essentials like passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and water.
• The tour is suitable for those with moderate fitness; it involves walking and some standing but no strenuous activity.
• It’s not ideal for mobility-impaired travelers or those with large luggage or wheelchairs.
• The tour runs for about 7 hours, so plan accordingly—wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
• You might want to budget separately for additional purchases like oysters or extra cheese platters.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome, but please inform at the time of booking if infants or children are traveling, as pricing applies for all.

How long is the bus ride from Melbourne?
The ride to the Yarra Valley takes approximately one hour, providing a comfortable start to the day.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable during the day.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there will be opportunities to purchase wine, oysters, cheese platters, and chocolates at your own expense.

Can I expect wildlife sightings?
Yes, the guide guarantees sightings of wild kangaroos during the sunset walk—“or your money back.”

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour is not recommended for those using wheelchairs or with mobility challenges.

Final Thoughts

For anyone seeking a well-rounded day out of Melbourne, this Yarra Valley tour hits many high notes—exceptional wines, delicious local foods, scenic landscapes, and a bit of Aussie wildlife. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, and the guide’s knowledge adds depth to each stop.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, a food lover, or just someone curious about Australian nature and culture, this tour offers good value and memorable moments. The mix of tasting, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting provides a genuine taste of Victoria’s renowned region—and leaves you with plenty of stories to tell back home.

Perfect for those who want a full, engaging day that balances indulgence with authentic experiences, this Yarra Valley tour is a solid choice for your Melbourne itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby