Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine & Cherry Picking Day Trip

If you’re considering a day trip from Melbourne into the lush and sprawling Yarra Valley, this guided tour promises a mix of nature, wine, and fruit-picking — a full 12-hour adventure that aims to showcase some of Victoria’s most appealing sights. It sounds tempting: towering redwoods, charming towns, sparkling wines, and cherry orchards all bundled into one day. But, as with many group tours, the experience can vary quite a bit depending on expectations.

We like that this trip offers a combination of scenic beauty and local flavors. Visiting the Cement Creek Redwood Forest provides an excellent opportunity for nature lovers and photographers alike. The visit to Domaine Chandon lets you taste famous sparkling wines while enjoying sweeping views of the valley. Plus, the cherry-picking experience at Cherryhill Orchards offers a delicious, hands-on activity that many travelers find memorable. However, a potential drawback is that some reviews suggest the tour may feel rushed, with less time than expected at certain stops, especially for wine tasting.

This tour suits travelers who are after a relaxed yet varied day in the Yarra Valley — ideal for those interested in natural scenery, wine, and fresh fruit, and willing to accept the limitations of a busy schedule. If you’re looking for a deep dive into wine or a leisurely exploration, you might want to explore other options. But if a compact, guided overview sounds appealing, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Variety of Experiences: Combines redwood forests, charming towns, wine tasting, and cherry picking.
• Scenic Highlights: Offers beautiful views, especially at the forest and vineyard stops.
• Time Management: The total day is around 12 hours, but some travelers find the actual activity time shorter.
• Cost vs. Value: Includes several notable stops but may feel rushed; reviews suggest value varies.
• Group Size & Guides: Live guides speak Chinese and English, providing a flexible and informative experience.
• Authentic Moments: Cherry picking and exploring local farms deliver genuine, memorable interactions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup & Transportation

The tour begins with a pickup from six central locations in Melbourne, such as Whitehorse Road or Russell Street. This flexibility is helpful for travelers staying in different parts of the city. Expect a full (~12-hour) day, including travel time. However, reviews note that the actual time spent on activities may be less than 12 hours, with some travelers mentioning that the trip lasts only about 8 hours including transportation.

Cement Creek Redwood Forest

The first stop is the Cement Creek Redwood Forest, a popular photo spot due to its towering trees — nearly 1,500 redwoods create a surreal, almost cathedral-like atmosphere. Expect about an hour here, which is enough for a walk and some photos. This stop is particularly loved for its serene environment and impressive trees, making it a highlight for nature lovers and photographers.

Healesville Town & Lunch

Next, the tour heads to Healesville, a small town with a quaint charm. You’ll have about an hour for a leisurely lunch or to browse local shops and cafes. Some reviews mention that the time here is limited, so you’ll want to make the most of it. The town’s relaxed vibe offers a break before heading into wine country, and it’s a great spot to enjoy some local snacks or a quick coffee.

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Domaine Chandon & Winery Tasting

The visit to Domaine Chandon is a key highlight. Founded by Moët & Chandon, it’s renowned for its sparkling wines. Here, you’ll get a chance to taste a variety of sparkling wines while enjoying scenic views of the vineyards. The tour typically lasts about an hour, providing sufficient time for tasting and photos. This stop is especially appealing if you appreciate quality bubbly and stunning vineyard vistas.

Cherry Picking at Cherryhill Orchards

The finale is Cherryhill Orchards, one of the largest orchards in the area, where you can spend around two hours picking cherries from over 40 varieties. This activity offers a rare, hands-on experience and a chance to enjoy fresh fruit directly from the tree. Many visitors love this part, citing the delicious cherry ice cream and the opportunity to soak in the countryside scenery.

Return to Melbourne

After a full day of exploring, the group heads back to Melbourne, typically arriving in the evening. The drive offers a chance to reflect on the day, but some reviews mention that the return trip can be rushed, with less time to unwind or enjoy the scenery.

Real Traveler Perspectives

Reviews paint a mixed picture. One traveler from Australia expressed disappointment, noting that the trip was only about 8 hours including commute, and that wine tasting was limited. They also mentioned feeling that a $5 gratuity charge at the end was unexpected and somewhat off-putting. Another review from New Zealand rated the experience a 3/5, criticizing the high price for limited offerings and mentioning that they expected more inclusive wine tastings. A Korean traveler rated it a 1/5, though the comment was not detailed.

These insights suggest that while the tour covers key sights, it might not offer as much tasting or relaxing time as some travelers hope. The scenic views at each stop are consistently praised, and participants often find the cherry-picking activity particularly memorable.

Analyzing the Value

When considering whether this tour delivers good value, think about what’s included: transportation, guided commentary, entry to certain sites, tastings, and the cherry-picking experience. While the scenic highlights and unique activities provide genuine moments of connection with the landscape and local produce, the limited time at certain stops means you might not get the immersive experience you’d expect for the price.

If wine tasting is a priority, you should know that some reviews imply the experience may feel somewhat rushed and limited. Conversely, if you’re eager for a quick, scenic overview combined with hands-on fruit picking, the tour offers a fun, efficient way to sample the Yarra Valley’s highlights.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits travelers who prefer a guided, all-in-one day that combines nature and food experiences. It’s ideal for those who want a taste of the Yarra Valley without the hassle of planning, especially if they’re interested in taking photos of redwoods, enjoying bubbly, and picking cherries. It’s also suitable for visitors with limited time who want an overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

However, if you value more leisurely stops or more extensive wine tasting, you might find this tour a bit rushed and possibly less satisfying. It’s better suited for first-time visitors who want a quick, scenic, and diverse experience rather than seasoned wine lovers or those seeking a deep dive into local food and drink.

Final Thoughts

This Yarra Valley day trip offers a well-rounded snapshot of the region’s natural beauty, wine, and fruit. Expect stunning views, especially at the redwood forest and vineyard, which are memorable highlights. The cherry-picking activity is a genuine treat, providing fresh fruit and a snapshot of local agriculture.

While some travelers find the schedule rushed and the tasting opportunities limited, others appreciate the ease of a guided day that hits several key spots without fuss. The experience is particularly valuable for first-timers wanting a broad taste of what Yarra Valley has to offer.

For travelers craving scenic vistas combined with authentic local flavors, this tour offers a practical, if somewhat brisk, introduction to the region. Just keep in mind that it’s more about covering ground efficiently than indulging in extended tastings or leisurely sightseeing. If your priority is a quick, scenic, family-friendly adventure with memorable moments, this could be a worthwhile choice.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, but some reviews suggest that the actual time on activities might be closer to 8 hours, with the rest spent in transit.

Where do I get picked up?
Pickups are available from six central locations in Melbourne, including Whitehorse Road, Russell Street, and others, offering convenience for different city areas.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen are recommended, especially because you’ll be outdoors across various stops.

Is wine tasting included?
You’ll have the chance to taste sparkling wines at Domaine Chandon, but some reviews mention that the tasting may be limited or rushed, and not a full wine tasting experience.

Can I pick cherries myself?
Yes, at Cherryhill Orchards, you’ll have around two hours to pick from over 40 cherry varieties, enjoying fresh fruit and local treats.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if plans change.

To sum it up, this guided day trip offers a convenient way to sample the natural beauty, wine, and fruit of the Yarra Valley. It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided overview with memorable photos and hands-on activities but are okay with a bit of a hurried schedule. Expect stunning scenery, some wine, and a sweet cherry reward — a practical choice for a first taste of Victoria’s renowned wine country.

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