Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari!

Food, wine, and kangaroos in one afternoon. This Yarra Valley small-group tour is built around tastings and scenery, then caps it with a real shot at wild kangaroos at sunset. It also has a smart twist: you leave Melbourne later, so your morning isn’t eaten up.

I really like the small-group pace. With a max of 11 guests, tastings feel timed for people, not for a crowd. I also like the mix: sparkling wine at Domaine Chandon, cheese at a local dairy, cool-climate wine at Yering Station, and chocolate plus ice cream at the Chocolaterie.

One thing to plan for: lunch isn’t included, and the lounge menu at Chandon may not match everyone’s tastes. If you’re picky or have dietary needs, you’ll want to handle food with a little care so you don’t get stuck waiting hungry.

Key things to know before you go

• Late 11:30am start means you can enjoy Melbourne in the morning before heading out
• Chandon tastings with a view plus time to shop for Chandon products
• Yering Station private tasting of cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir
• Cheese, strawberry, and chocolate stops that keep the day fun and varied
• Golden-hour kangaroo viewing at a known spot, with an exclusive money-back promise
• Guides like Craig and Kurt are frequently mentioned for personal service and keeping the day flowing

Late 11:30am Melbourne start: how it changes the whole day

The biggest practical win here is the departure time. You leave Melbourne at 11:30am, which gives you breathing room earlier in the day to brunch, shop, or just wander the city without rushing. That matters if you’ve got museum time or want a low-stress morning in Melbourne instead of sprinting for an early coach.

Your pickup is at Federation Square, behind the corner by Flinders Street and Russell Street near the NGV rear entrance. Look for the white bus with Yarra Valley Touring on the side. This is one of those details that saves time: when you arrive early, you can check the vehicle and get settled before boarding turns chaotic.

Once you’re on the road, you’re in a comfortable van for the scenic drive to the valley (about an hour). The afternoon schedule is also easier on people who don’t love 6am tourism energy. You still get a full day, just with the best light and calmer vibes at the end—when the tour heads out toward the kangaroo viewing area.

The small-group van day: strawberries, quick stops, and a calm rhythm

This isn’t a giant-bus situation. The tour keeps the group tight—max 11 guests (often described as up to 12)—so you’re not shouting over engine noise. That has two effects you’ll feel right away: you get better interaction with the guide, and stops don’t become a long, slow scramble.

Along the way, there’s a bonus strawberry farm stop. You’ll have a chance to buy fresh strawberries so everyone can share. It’s not a lecture stop. It’s more like a short breather with something local and seasonal in hand, and it breaks up the drive before the wine and tastings begin.

Between main stops, the travel time is short, usually around 10 minutes. That helps the day stay “tasting-focused” instead of “travel-drama-focused.” Several guides on this route—names like Elliott, Tom, and Steve show up often—are praised for keeping timing smooth and making sure people are ready when tastings start. In other words, you spend more time eating and sipping, less time waiting around.

One small consideration: if you’re the type who likes unstructured wandering, you’ll still get breaks, but most time is intentionally packed. This tour is designed as a food-and-drink itinerary, not a pick-your-own-adventure day.

Domaine Chandon: sparkling wine tastings with real time to look around

Domaine Chandon is a highlight for a reason. You’re not just getting a glass and moving on. You’ll arrive for a table with scenic views, a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, and a chance to learn about the history and production behind champagne-style sparkling.

You should expect a tasting that’s relaxed and guided. It’s also a smart way to start your “Yarra Valley food loop” because Chandon sets the tone: bubbly, scenic, and easy to enjoy before you switch gears to cheese and more structured wine.

Another practical plus: you’ll have time to purchase lunch from the lounge menu and browse the boutique for Chandon products. Lunch is not included, so build that into your budget and your hunger planning. One traveler tip that’s worth repeating: the lounge menu may feel limited, so if you have specific preferences (or you’re watching what you eat), consider bringing a snack you can count on or planning another food stop strategy.

If you’re a souvenir shopper, this is one of the best moments in the day. The boutique experience is part of why this stop feels more than just a tasting room.

Yarra Valley dairy cheese tasting: soft cheese done the fun way

Next up is the Yarra Valley Dairy, a small family-owned business and boutique producer known for soft cheeses. This stop works well even if you’re not a hardcore cheese person, because tastings are designed for tasting variety, not for cheese trivia exams.

You’ll enjoy a tasting session that includes seeing and learning, then sampling multiple cheeses made onsite. Expect flavors that move from mild and creamy to more assertive styles. The value here isn’t just food; it’s context. You’re tasting a local product while the day is still fresh and you’ve got your taste buds ready for more wine later.

This stop also balances the day. After sparkling wine at Chandon and before the next round of wines, cheese is a natural bridge. It makes the overall flight easier to enjoy, and it breaks the “sweet then sour then sweet” pattern some wine tours fall into.

One more realistic point: cheese tastings can be generous, especially when a guide is keeping the group flowing. If you’re prone to getting full early, slow your pace a little at the cheese stop so you don’t feel stuffed by the time you reach chocolate.

Yering Station Winery: cool-climate wine tasting with Pinot Noir focus

At Yering Station, you’ll get a private wine tasting at a historic property. This is Victoria’s first vineyard, so there’s something sturdier here than a modern tasting room vibe. You’ll also get time for sightseeing around the winery grounds as part of the stop.

The tasting itself focuses on classic cool climate wines. The big name to watch for is Pinot Noir, plus other styles you can usually expect from a cool-climate region. You’ll be taught enough to understand what you’re tasting without turning it into a textbook. That’s exactly what you want from a tour tasting: clarity plus enjoyment.

If you like wine, this stop is where the day becomes more than just food tourism. You’re learning how the valley’s climate influences the grape choices and why certain varieties show up again and again. If you don’t love wine, it’s still worthwhile because the tastings are guided and you’ll be offered a selection rather than forced into one style.

One practical tip: pace yourself. You’ll have another sweet stop later, so keep your water nearby and don’t cram every pour at once. Good tasting experiences feel unhurried; that’s the vibe here.

Chocolate and ice cream at the Chocolaterie: sweet breaks done right

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery stop is built for people who want something beyond wine and cheese. You’ll get chocolate tastings and time to explore, with plenty of options.

The tour highlights how coverture chocolate is made, and you’ll learn about the sourcing side too—many ingredients are said to come from their own gardens. That matters because it turns the tasting from random sweet bites into a real story you can take home.

This is also your “breather” stop. The tour gives you break time, and you can head into the shop to look at the inventory—there are 200+ chocolate, truffle, and ice cream products made onsite. That’s a lot to browse. If you’re buying gifts, you’ll want to budget time here because once you head back toward the sunset, your day will shift from shopping energy to animal-photo energy.

One more consideration: chocolate and wine together can hit fast. If you’re sensitive to sugar, plan to sample less and enjoy the flavors you like most. The goal is to leave the tour excited, not wrecked.

Sunset kangaroo safari: the best photos and the real logistics

The final act is the safari for wild kangaroos in the lower Yarra Valley. This is timed for sunset, when kangaroos move and the light is best for photos. You’ll travel to a known location where kangaroos hide during the day, then stop so you can walk as close as possible for viewing.

This part is where the day changes from tasting tour to wildlife moment. It’s also where you’ll feel why the tour includes a special promise: there’s an exclusive money-back guarantee that you will see wild kangaroos. Still, wildlife is wildlife, and sightings are never a 100% certainty. The tour’s promise is designed to protect you if you come and don’t get the experience you paid for.

Bring your camera habits into real life here. Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in near uneven ground, and keep your lens ready before you think you’re close enough. Kangaroos can move quickly. If you’re traveling with others, agree on a simple plan: who’s photographing first, who’s scanning, and how long you’ll stay if one group spots movement.

This is also the moment that makes the tour feel genuinely Australian. One of the most repeated highlights from guides on this route is that they treat kangaroo viewing as a priority, not a bonus add-on.

Price and value: is $123 worth it for this mix?

At $123 per person for a 7-hour, small-group tour, the value is in the structure. You’re paying for multiple paid experiences stitched into one day: sparkling wine tasting at Domaine Chandon, cheese tasting at a dairy, a private tasting at Yering Station, chocolate tastings at the Chocolaterie, plus the sunset kangaroo viewing component.

What makes the price feel fair is that it’s not just “drive around and stop.” The tastings are set up as scheduled experiences, and the small group size reduces the wait time that often happens on larger tours. You also get a guide who helps connect the dots: what you’re tasting, where it comes from, and why the valley looks and tastes the way it does.

Lunch not being included is the one cost you must plan for. Chandon’s lounge menu is available during the stop, but if you expect a full sit-down meal experience, adjust your expectations. If you arrive hungry, you might spend your money on lunch, snacks, or both.

If you’re deciding between a basic wine tour and this food-and-wildlife mix: I’d pick this one if you want variety and a memorable ending. If you’re only interested in wine and nothing else, a simpler wine-focused day trip may be a better fit.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

You’ll likely love this tour if you’re a food-and-drink person with a short trip in Melbourne. It’s also great for couples, small groups of friends, and solo travelers who like social energy without getting swallowed by big-group chaos.

It’s also a strong choice if you want the valley experience but hate rushing. The afternoon timing gives you time to settle into the day, and the stops are designed to be bite-sized enough that you don’t feel dragged along.

Skip it if you have limited mobility needs. The tour notes it is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it has a minimum age for children (children aged 3+ are welcome, but not for those under 2). Also, alcohol is part of the experience—if you’re under 18, you won’t be buying or drinking alcohol at licensed venues.

If you’re traveling with dietary restrictions, plan ahead. The tour notes that dietary options may be limited in regional areas, so it’s smart to bring a snack you can trust.

What to bring: small items that make the tour easier

This is an easy day, but a few items help:

• Camera: the sunset kangaroo stop is the money shot
• Passport or ID: you’ll need ID for alcohol-related activities since the tour is in licensed venues
• Cash: you may want it for purchases at Chandon, the Chocolaterie shop, or the strawberry stop
• Reusable water bottle: you’ll be outdoors and tasting through the afternoon

Also consider:

• A light layer for late-day weather (the valley can cool as the sun drops)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for the daytime drive and vineyard stops
• A small snack backup if you want more control over lunch

Should you book the Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari?

Yes, if you want a balanced day that mixes real tastings with a genuine nature finale. This tour’s biggest strength is the combination: wine and bubbles at Chandon, cheese and local dairy craft, cool-climate wine at Yering Station, chocolate and ice cream for the sweet break, then kangaroos at sunset.

Book it especially if you’re traveling in a limited window and you want one organized afternoon that feels like you covered the Yarra Valley’s best angles without stress. The small group size and guided pacing help it feel personal.

I’d think twice only if you need wheelchair accessibility or you’re mainly chasing wine and don’t care about the rest. Otherwise, $123 buys you a lot of variety, and the sunset safari is the kind of ending you’ll remember long after the last tasting.

FAQ

What time does the Yarra Valley Foodies Tour depart from Melbourne?

The tour departs Melbourne at 11:30am from the Federation Square pickup drop-off zone.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is a small group with a maximum of 11 guests per tour.

What tastings are included in the price?

You’ll have included tastings for premium wine, gourmet cheese, and chocolate (at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price, though you’ll have time to purchase food during the Chandon stop.

Is seeing wild kangaroos guaranteed?

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the tour includes an exclusive money back guarantee that you will see wild kangaroos.

What do I need to bring?

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