Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon & Kangaroo Safari!

If you’re visiting Melbourne and want to get a taste of its famous countryside, the Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and a kangaroo safari promises a delightful day out. This guided trip offers a well-rounded experience of regional produce, world-class wines, and wildlife spotting—all packed into about seven hours. Based on hundreds of glowing reviews, it’s clear that this tour hits the sweet spot for those craving authentic local flavors, picturesque scenery, and a dash of Australian wildlife.

What makes this tour especially appealing are the generous tastings, the knowledgeable guides, and the small-group atmosphere that ensures personalized attention. You’ll love sampling sparkling wines at Chandon, enjoying fresh cheeses and chocolates, and ending the day spotting wild kangaroos in their natural habitat. However, keep in mind that lunch at Chandon is at your own expense—something to consider if you’re hoping for a fully covered meal during the day. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, diverse food experiences, and wildlife encounters in a scenic setting.

Key Points

• Authentic regional tastings include wine, cheese, and chocolates, offering good value for money.
• Small-group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Knowledgeable guides make the day engaging, adding local insights and humor.
• Scenic stops like Chandon and Yarra Valley Dairy provide stunning views and quality products.
• Wildlife spotting with a kangaroo safari at the end adds a uniquely Australian touch.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour.

A Complete Guide to the Yarra Valley Foodies Tour

How It All Starts: Convenient Pickup from Melbourne

The tour kicks off around 11:30 am from Federation Square’s Bus & Coach Pickup zone. With a max group size of 12, you’re not just another face in a crowd. The round-trip transfers make it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving yourself. The driver and guide, often praised for their personable approach, take care of the logistics, giving you a stress-free experience.

First Stop: Farm Fresh Strawberries

The journey begins with a quick 15-minute stop en route to the valley at Farm Fresh Yarra Valley Produce. This is a perfect way to set the tone—sampling fresh, juicy strawberries directly from the farm. Reviewers appreciated this brief but sweet start, noting the admission ticket included makes it simple and straightforward.

Domaine Chandon: Sparkling Wine in Style

Next, the highlight for many is the visit to Domaine Chandon. Known as the Queen of sparkling wines in Australia, Chandon offers a tasting experience in a luxurious lounge with panoramic views of the Yarra Valley. For wine lovers, this is a treat, with the opportunity to purchase a lunch from their lounge—though this is at your own expense.

While some reviewers found Chandon’s experience to be somewhat “so-so,” the consensus is that the views and ambiance make up for it. The tasting includes several varieties of sparkling wine, giving you a great sense of the region’s expertise. One reviewer mentioned that the photo opportunities are excellent, and the venue is worth visiting even if wine isn’t the main focus.

Cheese and Chocolate Delights

From sparkling wine, you’ll head to Yarra Valley Dairy, a boutique spot famous for its delicious cheeses. The onsite cheese tasting is described as generous, with both cows’ and goats’ cheeses to sample—an excellent chance to try local dairy products. Guests frequently remark on the high quality and variety of cheeses, and some even say it’s their favorite stop.

The chocolate stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery offers an exclusive private chocolate tasting. Visitors can indulge in samples, then browse the shop and cafe at leisure. Reviewers often highlight the deliciousness of the chocolates and the fun of tasting a variety of flavors.

Yering Station: Classic Wines in a Historic Setting

The tour continues with a visit to Yering Station, known as Victoria’s first vineyard, and a pioneer of the region’s wine scene. Here, you sample a range of cool climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. The wine tastings are often praised for their quality, and the historic ambiance adds extra charm.

Guests note that the flexibility of this stop allows wine enthusiasts to truly savor the variety, while others appreciate the beautiful vineyard views. The knowledgeable guides often share insights into the region’s winemaking history, enriching the experience.

The Grand Finale: Kangaroo Safari

The final activity is the wild kangaroo spotting—a real highlight for many. The tour concludes with a 30-minute safari at a secret spot, where you get to see wild kangaroos in their natural environment. Reviewers describe it as a magical experience and a perfect end to the day, especially for wildlife lovers.

Thanks to the small-group setting, many guests feel they have a more authentic and relaxed wildlife encounter. Even if it’s raining, most reviewers found the experience enjoyable, with some noting that the guide’s enthusiasm kept the mood lively.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

This tour is designed to be a comfortable, hassle-free experience, with transportation included from Melbourne. Starting around midday and running approximately 7 hours, it strikes a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation. The small group size means less time waiting and more personalized attention, which many travelers find enhances the overall value.

Price and Value

At $118.65 per person, the tour offers a competitive price for the number of tastings and activities included. The admission tickets for each stop, combined with the guide’s local knowledge, mean you’re getting a well-curated experience without the hassle of planning each detail. Keep in mind, lunch at Chandon is not included, which might be an extra expense depending on your appetite.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides—such as Kurt and Steven—who make the day both informative and fun. The scenery, combined with the variety of tastings, keeps the experience engaging from start to finish. Many mention the opportunity to see kangaroos in the wild as a unique and memorable highlight.

Some feedback points out that Chandon’s wine tasting is “soso” for some, but most agree that the overall experience outweighs this minor disappointment. The small group size is often highlighted as a major plus, providing a more intimate atmosphere and better interaction with guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for those who love good food and drink, value authentic experiences, and want a taste of the Aussie bush without the hassle of self-driving. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to the Yarra Valley, wine enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers alike. The relaxed pace and small group make it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a memorable day out.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch at Chandon is at your own expense. You can purchase meals at the lounge if you wish.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, starting around 11:30 am and ending back at Melbourne.

What is the group size?
The tour typically accommodates up to 12 travelers, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Are the tastings included in the price?
Yes, wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings are included in the ticket price. Additional products are available for purchase.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended, especially for outdoor wildlife spotting. Layer up if the weather is variable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions, especially for tastings.

Final Thoughts

The Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and kangaroo safari offers a genuine blend of delicious local foods, scenic beauty, and wildlife encounters. Its small-group size, knowledgeable guides, and well-planned itinerary make it a standout choice for travelers eager to experience the best of Australia’s wine country without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re a foodie, wine lover, or wildlife enthusiast, this tour delivers a memorable day that balances tasting, learning, and exploring in the most delightful way. It’s especially well-suited for those seeking a relaxed, authentic experience with plenty of opportunities to savor Australia’s regional produce and natural scenery.

If you’re after a day that combines gastronomy, scenery, and wildlife, and you appreciate good company and expert guidance, this tour might just be your perfect match.