Warburton is a charming town that offers more than just scenic views of the Yarra River and lush forests—it’s a hub for unique, active, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re floating down the river, cycling through towering redwoods, or exploring underground caves, Warburton’s tours showcase the region’s natural beauty and local charm. We’re particularly fond of the self-guided river tubing adventure—a relaxing way to enjoy the river’s gentle rapids and stunning scenery—plus the Redwood Forest mountain biking tour, which takes you through some of Victoria’s most impressive old-growth trees. For those interested in a full-day exploration, the Fruit Picking & Nature Tour combines orchard visits, scenic walks, and local food tastings, giving a well-rounded taste of the area.
If you’re after a more indulgent experience, the Redwoods Forest & Yarra Valley Wine Tour combines majestic forest walks with wine and chocolate tastings, all in a comfortable, small-group setting. Meanwhile, the Britannia Creek Caving Experience offers a subterranean adventure that’s perfect for thrill-seekers ready to crawl through caves and see glowworms up close. Whatever your interest, Warburton has a diverse lineup of tours that satisfy a range of travel styles and activity levels.
- 1. Yarra Valley: Self-Guided River Tubing Adventure
- 2. Yarra Valley: Redwood Forest Mountain Bike Adventure
- 3. Fruit Picking & Nature Tour Yarra Valley & Warburton
- 4. From Melbourne: Redwoods Forest & Yarra Valley Wine Tour
- 5. Yarra Valley: Britannia Creek Caving Experience
- How to Choose Your Warburton Tour
- Final Thoughts
1. Yarra Valley: Self-Guided River Tubing Adventure
At number 1 on our list is the Yarra Valley: Self-Guided River Tubing Adventure. This tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and gentle adventure, ideal for those who want to enjoy the outdoors with minimal fuss. The experience involves floating down a stunning 3 km stretch of the Upper Yarra River on a comfy blue tube, with a self-guided format that includes a safety briefing, demonstration, and shuttle service. The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a great morning or afternoon activity.
What makes this tour stand out is its laid-back approach—you’re free to float at your own pace, taking in the beautiful scenery without the pressure of a guide. The route over gentle rapids makes it accessible for most swimmers, though you do need to be comfortable in the water. The meeting point is at the Warburton Cricket Club, where you’ll find the tubes and get your safety briefing. Travelers rave about the relaxing float and the chance to unwind amidst nature. The experience is perfect for small groups of up to 10, making it intimate and personalized. Be sure to bring swimwear, sunscreen, water shoes, and a towel.
Bottom Line: This self-guided float offers a refreshing way to enjoy the Yarra River’s beauty, ideal for families or anyone seeking a low-stress outdoor activity.
2. Yarra Valley: Redwood Forest Mountain Bike Adventure
At number 2, the Yarra Valley: Redwood Forest Mountain Bike Adventure takes you through Victoria’s most majestic trees on two wheels. The tour begins at Oscar’s on the Yarra and includes a quick safety briefing before heading out. You’ll ride the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, a scenic route through lush forests, fern gullies, and along creeks, before reaching the awe-inspiring Redwood Forest.
This 3-hour mountain biking experience is led by knowledgeable guides who provide all necessary gear, safety equipment, and transfers. The highlight is exploring the towering Californian redwoods—some of the tallest trees in the region—and wandering along forest trails that feel like stepping into a fairy tale. The tour also includes a 30-minute walk at Cement Creek Redwood Forest, giving you a chance to soak in the tranquility and take photos. It’s suitable for those comfortable on a bike, but not ideal for children under 8, wheelchair users, or visually impaired travelers.
From reviews, the tour is praised for the well-organized logistics and the stunning scenery. The trail is accessible for most fitness levels, but keep in mind it involves some uneven terrain. Riders should bring sunscreen, rain gear if needed, and comfortable clothing. The adventure provides a fantastic combo of forest exploration and outdoor activity.
Bottom Line: For active travelers wanting an immersive forest experience, this mountain bike tour combines scenic riding with a visit to one of Victoria’s most impressive redwood groves.
3. Fruit Picking & Nature Tour Yarra Valley & Warburton
Number 3 on our list is the Fruit Picking & Nature Tour Yarra Valley & Warburton, which is perfect for those who want a day filled with local flavors and scenic walks. This full-day private tour mixes orchard visits, mountain village charm, and forest adventures. Starting with a pickup from Melbourne, the tour heads into the countryside, where you’ll visit Rayners Orchard for fruit tasting and picking—depending on the season, you might gather apples, berries, or stone fruit.
After orchard fun, the journey continues into Warburton, a quaint village beside the mountains and the Yarra River. Here, you’ll explore the local area for about 30 minutes before heading into the Redwood Forest for a gentle walk around the towering trees and a creek side stroll. The tour lasts around 8 hours, making it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive day out. The small group size (up to 7 people) ensures a personalized experience, and the tour includes a mix of food tasting, scenic walks, and local sightseeing.
Guests love the flexibility and intimacy of this private tour, which offers a deep dive into the region’s produce and natural beauty. Practical tips include bringing a hat, camera, and credit card for purchases. It’s especially suited for food lovers and those who enjoy combining outdoor activities with culinary experiences.
Bottom Line: This full-day private tour combines the best of fruit picking, scenic walking, and local exploration, perfect for a relaxed yet active day.
4. From Melbourne: Redwoods Forest & Yarra Valley Wine Tour
Coming in at number 4, the Redwoods Forest & Yarra Valley Wine Tour offers a luxurious, small-group experience blending nature and gourmet indulgence. Starting from Melbourne’s Arts Centre, this 8-hour tour includes a walk among giant California redwoods, a wine tasting and lunch at Soumah Wines, plus visits to the Yarra Valley’s artisan chocolaterie and Warburton’s boutique shops.
The highlight is exploring the Redwoods in Cement Creek, where towering trees evoke a cathedral-like atmosphere, followed by a gourmet à la carte lunch paired with premium wines. The tour also features visits to the Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory for sweet treats and a scenic drive through the scenic vineyards and mountains. Travel is in a comfortable vehicle with Wi-Fi and charging ports, ensuring a relaxing ride.
The tour’s reviews note that the small group size and attention to detail make for a premium experience, though some find the pace a bit tight for longer stays at each site. The inclusion of a wine tasting at Soumah is a standout feature, especially for wine lovers. The tour is ideal for those seeking a mix of outdoor beauty, fine food, and regional charm in a flexible, well-organized package.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day of forest scenery, wine tasting, and gourmet dining in one luxurious package.
5. Yarra Valley: Britannia Creek Caving Experience
Finally, at number 5, the Yarra Valley: Britannia Creek Caving Experience offers a subterranean adventure that’s perfect for thrill-seekers. This 2.5-hour tour takes you into Britannia Creek Cave, where you’ll explore underground rivers, see glowworms lighting up the dark, and navigate through tight spaces, crawl, scramble, and slide through muddy caverns.
Led by experienced guides, all gear and safety equipment are included, making this a safe yet exhilarating experience. The tour begins at Oscar’s on the Yarra, with a brief safety talk and transfer to the cave. The underground journey is physically demanding and not suitable for children under 6 or those with mobility issues. Expect to get muddy, so wear clothes that can handle dirt and water.
Guests rave about the unique opportunity to see glowworms in a natural setting and the sense of adventure the caves provide. It’s best suited for active, outdoorsy travelers who don’t mind getting a bit messy. This experience offers a rare chance to explore an underground world unlike any other in the region.
Bottom Line: For adventurous souls seeking a cave exploration filled with glowworms and underground rivers, this tour delivers an exciting and memorable experience.
How to Choose Your Warburton Tour
When deciding among these experiences, consider your interests and physical fitness. For a relaxing day on the water, the Self-Guided River Tubing is a straightforward choice. Mountain bikers or outdoor lovers will find the Redwood Forest MTB a thrilling option. For those wanting a full day of local food, scenery, and boutique visits, the Fruit Picking & Nature Tour offers a well-rounded experience.
If you’re inclined toward a more luxurious, curated adventure with wine and gourmet food, the Redwoods Forest & Yarra Valley Wine Tour is hard to beat. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers who want to explore underground caves should consider the Britannia Creek Caving Experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially for tours with limited group sizes or specific seasonal availability. Think about your time constraints, budget, and activity preferences to find the best fit.
Final Thoughts
Warburton and the Yarra Valley region offer a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, gourmet delights, and scenic beauty. If you’re after a relaxing float in the river, the self-guided tubing is perfect. For active types, mountain biking among the redwoods provides an unforgettable experience. Food and nature lovers will appreciate the full-day fruit and forest tour, while wine enthusiasts can indulge in a luxurious day exploring vineyards and forests in style. For thrill-seekers, underground caving offers a totally different perspective on the region’s natural wonders.
No matter which you choose, booking ahead is wise—these experiences tend to fill up, especially during peak seasons. With a bit of planning, your Warburton visit will be filled with memorable, authentic experiences that showcase the best of this beautiful part of Victoria.