Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari!

Thinking about taking a day trip from Melbourne that combines fine food, sparkling wine, and a wild Australian experience? This Yarra Valley Foodies Tour offers just that—a carefully curated taste of everything that makes Victoria’s premier wine region special. With a maximum group size of 11, it’s designed to be intimate, relaxed, and packed with memorable moments.

What we love about this tour is how it balances indulgence with authenticity. You’ll get to sip premium sparkling wines at Domaine Chandon, sample soft cheeses made by a family-owned dairy, and enjoy decadent chocolates—all within a picturesque setting. Plus, the chance to spot wild kangaroos at sunset adds a genuinely Australian touch you won’t find on every tour.

A couple of considerations: since lunch isn’t included and you’ll have to buy your own at Chandon or elsewhere, it’s worth bringing some cash and maybe a snack or two. Also, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, although the tour’s timing during golden hour gives you a very good shot at seeing kangaroos in their natural habitat.

This experience suits those who enjoy a slower pace, appreciate local flavors, and want a slice of Australian wildlife at the end of the day. Whether you’re a first-timer to wine regions or a foodie eager for something a bit different, this tour promises a delightful blend of sights, tastes, and Aussie charm.

Key Points

• Intimate group size ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Multiple tastings of wine, cheese, strawberries, and chocolates provide a comprehensive tasting experience.
• Late departure allows you to enjoy Melbourne’s morning before heading out.
• Sunset kangaroo safari offers a unique wildlife encounter, with a money-back guarantee.
• Plenty of scenic stops mean lots of great photo opportunities.
• Flexible lunch options at Chandon or nearby, but no included meal, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Transport

The tour kicks off at Federation Square in Melbourne, a central and easy-to-access location. You’ll be picked up in a comfortable van, with the drive lasting about an hour. This isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the experience, offering scenic views of the countryside that set the tone for the day.

The small group size (up to 11 guests) means you won’t feel lost in a crowd. This intimacy allows for relaxed conversations, personalized service, and a more genuine experience. Many travelers have praised their guides for being knowledgeable and engaging, making the journey just as enjoyable as the stops themselves.

Domaine Chandon: Sparkling Wine & Scenic Views

Your first major stop is Domaine Chandon, part of the same family as Moët et Chandon. Here, you’ll indulge in a complimentary glass of sparkling wine—a perfect introduction to the region’s reputation for quality bubbly. The tasting room offers stunning views, and you’ll have time to explore their boutique for exclusive Chandon products or purchase lunch from the lounge menu (note: lunch isn’t included).

What makes this stop stand out is the combination of high-end wine and a relaxed, scenic environment. It’s a lovely way to start your tasting journey, and many reviews highlight how the vineyard’s atmosphere enhances the experience. Plus, the guide will share insights about how the sparkling wines are made, adding depth to your tasting.

Yarra Valley Dairy: Cheese & Strawberry Tasting

Next, you’ll visit a small, family-run dairy where soft cheeses are crafted in a boutique setting. You can sample a variety of cheeses made onsite—an authentic taste of Victorian dairy craftsmanship. Many travelers remark on the quality and flavor of these cheeses, describing them as “amazing” and “delicious,” which highlights the value of supporting local, small-scale producers.

A bonus stop along the way involves purchasing fresh strawberries directly from a local farm. You’ll share these sweet, juicy berries with your group, making for a simple yet delightful refreshment that adds a fresh flavor to your day.

Yering Station Winery: Classic Wines & Vintage Charm

Yering Station is Victoria’s first vineyard and a cornerstone of the region’s wine history. Here, you’ll enjoy a private tasting of some of the valley’s best cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Viognier. Many reviewers note that the wines are top-notch, and the setting offers historic charm and scenic beauty.

The guide often shares interesting tidbits about the winery’s history and the specific qualities of the wines you sample, deepening your appreciation. The tasting here is generous, giving you a well-rounded view of the region’s viticulture.

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Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: Sweet Stop

After wine, it’s time for something sweet. The chocolaterie offers private tastings of coverture chocolates—learn how they’re made and enjoy sampling a variety of flavors, many sourced from their own gardens. Guests often find this stop a highlight, thanks to the wide selection of chocolates and the chance to see the production process.

The shop is a temptation with over 200 products, including truffles and ice creams, so you might want to set aside some time for browsing and picking up treats. Many reviews mention how satisfied visitors are with their chocolate experience, describing it as “delicious” and “fun.”

Sunset Kangaroo Safari: Wildlife in the Wild

As the afternoon progresses, the tour heads to a known wildlife viewing spot in the lower Yarra Valley. The goal is to see wild kangaroos as the sun begins to set—a quintessential Aussie moment. While wildlife can never be guaranteed, the tour’s timing and location significantly increase your chances.

Many travelers have raved about this part, with one reviewer saying, “We saw so many kangaroos thanks to our guide, despite the hot day.” Others describe the experience as “magical,” especially if you’re lucky enough to spot a joey tucked inside its mother’s pouch. It’s a peaceful, memorable way to wrap up your day.

Return to Melbourne

After the sunset, you’ll hop back into the van for the one-hour drive back to Federation Square, arriving in the early evening. The relaxed pace and scenic drive make for a calming end to what’s been a full day of tasting, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting.

This tour prides itself on being relaxed and flexible. Starting at 11:30 am, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy Melbourne’s morning or have time for breakfast beforehand. The small group size fosters a personal atmosphere, with guides often praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Transport is in a comfortable van, which many reviews note is well-maintained and easy to relax in. The itinerary is thoughtfully paced, giving enough time at each stop to savor the tastings and explore without feeling rushed.

The tastings are generous and varied, from sparkling wines and cheeses to chocolates and strawberries. Notably, many guests comment on the quality—highlighting Chandon’s sparkling wines, Yering Station’s Pinot Noir, and the chocolates at the chocolaterie.

Wildlife viewing is an added bonus that elevates the experience beyond just food and drink. Many reviews emphasize the success in spotting kangaroos, with some describing it as one of the most memorable parts of their trip.

Cost and value are often discussed positively. While lunch isn’t included, the tour provides a full day’s worth of tastings, scenic views, and wildlife encounters—making it —in many travelers’ eyes—excellent value for the price.

This tour appeals broadly but is especially ideal for food and wine lovers who want a relaxed, intimate experience. It’s perfect for those who prefer a later start, allowing them to enjoy Melbourne in the morning before heading out. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see kangaroos in their habitat, especially during sunset.

It’s also well-suited for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a friendly, informal atmosphere. The tour’s flexibility and generous tastings make it a memorable day without feeling overly structured.

However, if you’re seeking a high-energy, packed schedule or require accommodations for mobility issues, it might be worth considering other options. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, so if spotting kangaroos is a must, keep that in mind.

The Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Victoria’s most celebrated rural treasures. Its combination of top-tier wine, delicious cheeses and chocolates, and the chance to see wild kangaroos makes it a unique, value-packed experience. The small-group setting fosters a friendly atmosphere, and the guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge and warmth.

This tour is best suited for foodies, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxed, scenic escape from Melbourne. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and authenticity, making it a memorable highlight of any Australian trip.

If you appreciate quality tastings, scenic views, and genuine wildlife encounters, this tour is a smart choice. Just remember to bring some cash for lunch and be prepared for the possibility—albeit unlikely—of missing out on a kangaroo sighting. Either way, you’ll come away with a good dose of Australian charm and countryside flavor.

Is lunch included on this tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have the option to purchase lunch at Domaine Chandon or another stop during the day.

What time does the tour start?
It departs Melbourne at 11:30 am, giving you the morning free for other activities.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 11 guests, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

Where do I meet the tour?
Meet behind Federation Square, at the corner of Flinders Street and Russell Street, at the NGV rear entrance.

Is wildlife guaranteed?
Wild kangaroo sightings are not guaranteed, but the tour visits known locations during golden hour for the best chance.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, camera, cash, and a reusable water bottle.

Are children allowed?
Children aged 3 and above are welcome, but you must be 18+ to buy or drink alcohol in Australia.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel time and stops.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and the tour involves walking at wildlife stops.

What’s the value like?
Considering tastings at premium wineries, chocolates, cheeses, scenic stops, and a wildlife encounter, most travelers find it excellent value for money.

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