Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour with Healesville Sanctuary

Planning a day trip from Melbourne that combines wildlife encounters with wine tasting? This highly-rated full-day tour offers just that — a balanced mix of Aussie animal close-ups, scenic vineyard visits, and indulgent tastings, all wrapped in a comfortable, guided experience.

What we really like about this tour? First, it features personalized guides who know the region inside out, making the experience both educational and fun. Second, the variety of stops ensures you get a genuine taste of the Yarra Valley’s natural beauty and its renowned wine scene. Lastly, the value for money is notable — with multiple tastings, a substantial lunch, and entry to Healesville Sanctuary included, you’ll likely feel you’ve gotten your money’s worth. The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour operates rain or shine, so come prepared for all weather conditions.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate native Australian wildlife, enjoy wine and food pairings, and want a well-organized, fun-filled day with a small group. If you’re after a relaxed, educational, and delicious experience just outside Melbourne, this could be your perfect match.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary offers wildlife, scenic views, and wine tastings in one day
• Expert guides provide in-depth insights into the region’s attractions
• Small group setting ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe
• All-inclusive price covers entry fees, lunch, tastings, and transportation
• Flexible and accommodating guides handle special requests and dietary needs
• Reliable pickup and drop-off from Melbourne hotels make logistics simple

Detailed Review of the Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off early at 8:30am, with convenient hotel pickups available at select Melbourne locations. The transportation is in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle — making the 10-hour adventure comfortable and stress-free. The small group size, capped at 11 travelers, promotes a friendly atmosphere where you can ask plenty of questions and receive personalized attention.

Healesville Sanctuary: Native Wildlife Close-up

The first major stop is Healesville Sanctuary, home to over 200 Australian native species. Here, you can expect a leisurely 2.5-hour visit where the focus is on close encounters with iconic animals like kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wombats. Reviewers highlight the well-organized tour, with one mentioning that the bird flyover is a “not to be missed” experience, adding a dynamic element to the visit.

One reviewer noted that the sanctuary’s work is impressive — they saw rescue animals and learned about local conservation efforts. The sanctuary’s setting in natural bushland creates a relaxed environment perfect for wildlife spotting and photos. The guided tour aspect, often led by knowledgeable staff or volunteers, helps you understand the significance of each species and the sanctuary’s rescue work, making the experience both fun and informative.

Yering Station: Winery Lunch and Tasting

After the sanctuary, the trip continues to Yering Station, one of the region’s historic wineries. Here, the group enjoys a tasting of estate and reserve wines in the cool, traditional cellar door. The tasting is complemented by a substantial lunch at the winery’s modern restaurant, offering a variety of options, including seafood and vegetarian dishes, with a glass of wine included in the price.

Reviewers rave about the quality of the meal, often citing the scenic vineyard views and the well-curated wine list. One guest mentioned that the lunch was outstanding and perfectly paired with their wine, adding to the overall value of the experience.

De Bortoli Winery: Cheese and Wine Pairing

As the day winds down, you’ll visit De Bortoli Winery, set on over 450 acres of picturesque vineyards. The highlight here is the cheese and wine tasting, which showcases their estate and premium wines, along with the iconic dessert wine, Noble One. The tasting session lasts about an hour and provides a delightful end to your wine journey.

Guests often comment on the diversity of wines available and the generous tastings. The cheese pairing adds a savory touch, making it a rich, satisfying conclusion to the tour.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides and Personal Touches

Multiple reviews mention guides like Rob and Paul, describing them as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Rob, in particular, gets rave reviews for his ability to personalize the experience, making every guest feel valued. He’s also praised for his entertaining stories and helpful tips, like suggesting to see the bird flyover at Healesville Sanctuary.

Value and Inclusivity

The tour price of $223.74 per person includes almost everything: entry to the sanctuary, tastings at two wineries, a delicious lunch, bottled water, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. With live commentary and a small group size, you’re getting a personalized experience that’s both engaging and efficient.

Authentic Experiences and Scenic Beauty

What we love most is how the tour balances wildlife and vineyard scenery. The sanctuary’s natural setting, combined with the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, offers plenty of stunning views. The native animals are accessible in a way that many visitors find authentic and meaningful, especially with the opportunity to see rescue animals up close.

Wine and Food Quality

Wine tastings at Yering Station and De Bortoli are highly rated, with guests praising the variety, quality, and generous pours. The lunch, often highlighted as a standout, offers a good selection, with options to suit various dietary requirements. The cheese and wine pairing at De Bortoli is especially appreciated for its richness and pairing perfection.

Considerations

The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should dress accordingly, especially as some of the outdoor parts can be exposed to weather. The koala encounter is an optional extra at AUD$30 per animal, so if that’s a must-do for you, budget accordingly. Also, the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and standing are involved during sanctuary visits.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after a full day of exploring Australian wildlife in a relaxed setting paired with some of the best wines in the Yarra Valley, this tour offers incredible value. The small-group format and expert guides make it a personable, memorable experience. It’s perfect for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a taste of local flavors without the hassle of self-organizing.

For those who enjoy educational tours with a fun, social vibe, this day trip checks all the boxes. The experience is well-rounded, from wildlife encounters to vineyard lunches, topped with delicious tastings and beautiful scenery.

However, if your priority is intense wildlife experiences or exclusive access to rare animals, you might want to explore more specialized options. But for a balanced, enjoyable day out near Melbourne, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to Healesville Sanctuary, wine tastings at Yering Station and De Bortoli, a substantial lunch with a glass of wine, bottled water, and live guide commentary.

Can I customize dietary requirements?
Yes. The tour advises informing them of any specific dietary needs when booking, and they aim to accommodate special requests.

Is there a limit on the number of travelers?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 11 people, ensuring a more personal experience and plenty of interaction with the guide.

What are the main highlights I can expect?
Close encounters with Australian native animals, including kangaroos and koalas, scenic vineyard views, wine tastings of estate and premium wines, and a delicious, well-paired lunch.

Are the wine tastings generous?
Guests consistently mention that tastings are plentiful and of high quality, often with insightful commentary from guides.

What should I wear?
Since the tour operates rain or shine, dressing in weather-appropriate clothing is advised, especially for outdoor activities at the sanctuary and vineyard.

Can I visit the koala encounter?
It’s available at an additional cost of AUD$30 per animal, but availability is limited, so booking ahead is recommended if interested.

In the end, this Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour combines the best of regional wildlife, scenic vineyards, and tasty food, all delivered with personable guides and excellent value. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a relaxed day trip from Melbourne, this tour offers a well-organized, enjoyable experience that you’ll remember.