This is the kind of food day trip that moves at an easy pace. You’ll taste your way through the Yarra Valley with Chandon, a cheese stop, Yering Station wines, then finish with wild kangaroos at golden hour. Two things I really like: the small group size (max 11) and the way the tastings are paced so you’re not rushing from one place to the next.

The possible drawback is simple: lunch is not included, and the on-site options at Chandon are more limited than you might hope. If you’re picky with food or have dietary needs, it pays to plan ahead so you feel relaxed instead of stuck making do.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 11–12) keeps the vibe friendly and the stops fast
• Late-morning start from Federation Square lets you enjoy Melbourne before you leave
• Chandon at Domaine Chandon includes a complimentary sparkling wine and boutique time
• Classic tastings in “food order”: cheese → wine → chocolate, with built-in breaks
• Golden-hour kangaroo viewing at a known spot in the lower Yarra, plus a money-back kangaroo promise

A late start that still delivers the right kind of light

This tour is built for people who want the Yarra Valley experience without sacrificing your morning in Melbourne. It departs at 11:30am, so you can brunch, shop, or just take your time getting oriented in the city first.

Then, the timing works in your favor. Most of the day is set up so you arrive for sunset kangaroo viewing when the animals are more likely to be out and about. In practice, that means the day feels like an afternoon you’ll actually enjoy, not a frantic sprint.

Federation Square pickup and a comfortable small-group drive

You meet behind Federation Square, near the NGV rear entrance on the corner of Flinders Street and Russell Street. Look for the white bus with Yarra Valley Touring written on the side.

The group size is capped at max 11 guests, and that matters more than you might think. With fewer people, tastings happen quicker once you arrive, and you spend more time listening to your guide and less time waiting in line or cramming into awkward seating.

Strawberry farm stop: quick fresh break on the way out

About an hour into the drive, you’ll make a bonus stop to buy fresh strawberries from a strawberry farm for everyone to share. It’s not the longest stop, but it adds a fun local touch early in the day and helps break up the travel.

If you’re the type who likes to snack while you move, this is a good moment to pick up something simple and seasonal. Also, remember you’ll be tasting a lot later, so don’t overdo it here.

Domaine Chandon: sparkling wine, views, and time for lunch plans

Domaine Chandon is one of those stops that feels special even if you’re not a hard-core wine person. You’ll get a table with a view, plus a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, and you’ll learn how champagne-style bubbles are produced and what Chandon’s story looks like within the Moët et Chandon group.

What I like here is the balance. You’re not just handed a glass and left to wander. You also get time to explore the boutique and, importantly, you can choose how you handle lunch.

Lunch is not included, and there’s a practical note to keep in mind: the lounge menu can be fairly limited. If you’re coming with a strong appetite or you have dietary preferences, I’d plan for it by eating a fuller breakfast, packing a small snack, or bringing cash for a flexible lunch decision on-site.

Yarra Valley dairy: generous soft-cheese tastings

Next up is a cheese tasting at a small family-owned boutique dairy. You’ll sample a range of cheeses made onsite, and the experience is designed so you can actually taste, not just nibble a token piece.

This stop is a big part of why the tour feels like real “foodies” rather than just drinking wine. Cheese pairs with wine naturally, and tasting it earlier helps you notice flavors better later when you switch to cool-climate reds and whites.

If you’re sensitive to strong flavors, start with the milder cheeses first and work your way toward stronger ones. That way you can enjoy the full spread instead of getting overwhelmed too early.

Yering Station Winery: private tasting in a historic setting

At Yering Station Winery, you’ll enjoy a private tasting. It’s a great match for the rest of the day because the wines you sample are rooted in the Yarra Valley’s cool-climate style—think classics like Pinot Noir.

This is where your guide’s personality can make a real difference. Guides such as Kurt, Craig, Steve, Tom, and others are mentioned again and again for keeping things fun, paced, and personal—one reason people remember this tour as more than just a tasting run.

A smart move: use this stop to ask what to try if you’re unsure. At least some guides specifically call out options like a Shiraz and Viognier blend at Yering Station. Even if the exact lineup varies, the key idea is the same: go in curious and let your guide point you to a tasting that fits your taste.

Chocolate and ice cream at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

After wine and cheese, it’s a relief to switch to something sweet. The tour includes private chocolate tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, plus time for a break and exploring the shop.

This stop isn’t just about tasting a couple of pieces and moving on. You’ll learn about coverture chocolate (a style where chocolate is formed over ingredients) and sample a wide range of flavors. One standout detail: ingredients are described as coming from their own gardens, which helps explain why the flavors can feel more distinctive than standard mass-produced chocolate.

And yes, the shop is big—over 200 chocolate, truffle, and ice cream products made onsite. If you’re buying gifts, this is your main opportunity. If you already know you’re the “I’ll grab one thing” type, set a budget before you get tempted by the full display.

The kangaroo safari: golden hour in the lower Yarra

The afternoon ends with what most people are really here for: wild kangaroos at sunset. You’ll travel into the lower Yarra Valley, where kangaroos tend to hide out during the day, and you’ll stop at a place where you can walk as close as possible for photos.

Here’s the nuance you should know before you pin your day on a perfect outcome. The operator advertises an exclusive money back guarantee that you’ll see wild kangaroos. At the same time, they also note that wildlife sightings aren’t 100% guaranteed. The best chance comes from visiting a known location during golden hour, which is exactly how the tour is timed.

In real-world terms, this is still one of the best ways to experience kangaroos without trying to figure out the logistics yourself. And it’s memorable even when you only spot a few, because you’re not looking at zoos—you’re watching them in their natural routine.

Practical tip for photos: keep your camera ready when you arrive at the stop. The best moments can happen between “let’s get settled” and “we’ll start walking,” so don’t wait until you’ve fully found your settings.

How the day stays fun instead of food-coma

The tour lasts about 7 hours, but it doesn’t feel that long because the stops are spaced out with clear pacing. You’ll start with travel, then a fresh strawberry break, then Chandon, cheese, wine, chocolate, and finally the safari.

It also helps that the tastings are designed to be ready quickly after arrival. Many people note that tastings are set up efficiently once you get there, so your day doesn’t stall with long waits.

One more thing: the tour’s order makes sense. If you eat the sweeter stuff later, you don’t end up with your palate dulled too early. And having cheese before wine tends to make you more aware of texture and flavor shifts when you start tasting cool-climate grapes.

Price and value: why $123 can work (if you like tastings)

At $123 per person, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re paying for a full schedule of paid tastings and a guide who keeps the day flowing—plus small-group comfort that’s usually pricier than big-bus tours.

Here’s the value math in plain terms:

• Multiple tasting experiences: sparkling at Chandon, wine at Yering Station, cheese, and chocolate/ice cream.
• Time efficiency: you don’t need to coordinate separate bookings across the valley.
• Sunset kangaroos: you get the best timing without doing the searching yourself.

The main thing to factor in is lunch. Since lunch is not included, you’ll likely add some extra spend depending on what you choose at Chandon or other stops. If you plan for that cost (and don’t assume lunch is bundled into the price), the overall value feels fair for the amount you fit in.

Who this tour is best for (and who should rethink it)

This is a great pick if you like the “try a bit of everything” style of travel. You’re mixing wine, cheese, chocolate, and animals, all in one afternoon, and the small group size keeps it social without feeling chaotic.

It’s also a good option for people who want a lighter morning in Melbourne. The late departure means you won’t feel like you must rush your first half-day in the city.

A couple of fit notes from the provided info:

• Alcohol is served, so you must be 18+ to buy or drink in licensed venues in Australia.
• Kids aged 3+ are welcome, but it’s not suitable for children under 2.
• Wheelchair users aren’t listed as suitable for the tour.

Tips to make it smooth without overthinking

Bring what they ask for: passport or ID, a camera, cash, and a reusable water bottle. Having cash helps if you want to buy lunch or grab extras in the boutiques and shops.

For food planning, treat the day like a tasting-heavy experience. Eat enough before you go, and don’t assume the Chandon lunch option will feel like a full restaurant meal.

Also, wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. The safari stop includes walking close to kangaroos, and you want to stay focused on the experience, not your feet.

Should you book it?

I think you should book this tour if you want a structured Yarra Valley day that’s actually built around taste and timing. The standout combo is Chandon + Yering Station + cheese + chocolate, with the kangaroo safari as the emotional closer.

Skip it—or at least reconsider—if you hate tasting sessions or you need a very flexible schedule with long free time. And if lunch options are a big deal for you, plan around the fact that lunch isn’t included and menus may be limited.

If you match the vibe—food, wine, small group, animals at sunset—this is one of the more satisfying ways to spend a day just outside Melbourne.

FAQ

What time does the tour leave Melbourne?

The tour departs Melbourne at 11:30am from the pickup point behind Federation Square near the NGV rear entrance.

Where exactly is the meeting point?

Meet behind Federation Square, at the corner of Flinders Street and Russell Street (NGV rear entrance). Look for the white bus with Yarra Valley Touring written on the side.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 7 hours, returning to the same pickup point in the early evening.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group with a maximum of 11–12 participants.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You’ll have time to purchase food at Domaine Chandon or at another stop during the tour.

What tastings are included?

You’ll have sparkling wine at Chandon, a gourmet cheese tasting, a private wine tasting at Yering Station, and chocolate (and ice cream) tastings at the chocolaterie.

Can children join?

Children aged 3 years and above are welcome. It’s not suitable for children under 2.

Do I need to be 18 to drink alcohol?

Yes. You must be 18 or older to buy alcohol or drink in licensed venues in Australia.

Is the kangaroo viewing guaranteed?

The operator advertises an exclusive money back guarantee that you’ll see wild kangaroos. They also note that wildlife sightings aren’t 100% guaranteed, so they visit a known location during golden hour for the best chance.

What should I bring?

Bring passport or ID, camera, cash, and a reusable water bottle.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you may have the option to reserve and pay later.