Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari!

If you’re thinking about exploring the Yarra Valley beyond just wine tasting, this Foodies Tour with Chandon and a kangaroo safari might catch your eye. It promises a relaxed, well-rounded experience, blending generous tastings, scenic views, and a chance to see wild kangaroos at sunset—all in a small, intimate group. The fact that it departs later in the day gives you a chance to enjoy Melbourne in the morning first, which is pretty handy if you want to squeeze in some city exploration before heading out.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on variety—you’re not only sampling wines but also enjoying cheese, chocolates, strawberries, and bubbly, along with some easy sightseeing. Plus, the fact that you’re almost guaranteed to see kangaroos is a big plus for wildlife lovers. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget some time and money for that if you’re hungry or particular about your food options. This tour suits travelers who want a leisurely, tasting-heavy day with a touch of wildlife and stunning sunset views—ideal for couples, friends, or anyone who loves a mix of indulgence and nature.

Key Points

• Late departure allows you to enjoy Melbourne in the morning before heading out.
• Multiple tastings including sparkling wine, cheese, chocolate, and wine, offer a diverse experience.
• Small group size (max 11 guests) means more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Wild kangaroo viewing is almost guaranteed at sunset, making it a highlight for wildlife lovers.
• Relaxed pace with ample time at each stop ensures you don’t feel rushed.
• Excellent guides make the experience engaging and informative, often praised in reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour kicks off from central Melbourne at Federation Square around 11:30 am, giving you a late start that’s perfect if you’ve got morning plans or want to avoid early starts. The ride out to the Yarra Valley is about an hour, and it’s a comfortable, scenic drive with a bonus stop at a strawberry farm where everyone can pick up some fresh berries to snack on later. That’s a nice touch—simple but thoughtful.

Chandon: Sparkling Wine & Scenic Views

Your first stop is Domaine Chandon, part of the famous Moët & Chandon family. Here, you’ll get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and the chance to learn about the champagne-making process. The setting is stunning, with a table that offers views over the vineyards, making it a picture-perfect moment. You’ll also have the option to purchase lunch from their lounge menu, which isn’t included in the price but offers a convenient meal with a view.

Many reviewers, like Patty, mention the Chandon visit as a highlight, especially the chance to sip bubbly in such a lovely environment. Others like Dominic and Heather praise their guides for providing a relaxed, informative experience that truly adds value to the tasting.

Cheese Tasting at Yarra Valley Dairy

Next, you’ll visit a small family-owned dairy where soft cheeses are made onsite. This part of the tour stands out because of its authenticity—you’re tasting locally-produced cheeses, often described as delicious and fresh. Linda and others have raved about the quality of the cheeses, calling them “amazing” and “a real treat.” The cheese tasting is quite generous, and it gives you a chance to learn about local dairy practices in a friendly, informal setting.

Yering Station Winery: Wines & History

Then, it’s off to Yering Station, which claims to be Victoria’s first vineyard. Here, you’ll enjoy a private wine tasting featuring classic cool-climate wines, especially Pinot Noir. This is a key part of many reviews, with guests appreciating the chance to sample some of the valley’s best. Geraldine mentions that the well-organized visits at each stop make the experience smooth and enjoyable, and many reviewers note the knowledgeable guides who enhance the wine tastings with interesting facts.

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Chocolaterie & Sweet Treats

After wine, it’s time for something sweeter at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Expect a private chocolate tasting, where you’ll learn about how chocolates are made and sample flavours with ingredients sourced from their own gardens. The shop itself is a paradise for sweet tooths, with over 200 different chocolate, truffle, and ice cream products made onsite. Kara and others have loved the chocolate tastings, often mentioning how generous and flavorful the samples are, making it a perfect stop for a treat and some photo ops.

Sunset Kangaroo Safari

The tour’s finale is the wildlife part—visiting a known location during the golden hour, just before sunset, in hopes of spotting wild kangaroos. The guides prioritize this part of the tour and coordinate so everyone gets a good chance to take photos. Many reviews, including Jennifer’s, mention the unforgettable moments of seeing baby kangaroos in pouches or a group of kangaroos hopping in the wild. While wildlife sightings can never be 100% guaranteed, the guides’ efforts and timing make this a very high chance experience.

The Overall Experience

We love that this tour is well-paced and covers a lot of ground—wine, cheese, chocolate, and wildlife—without feeling rushed. The reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Kurt, Craig, and Tom, who are praised for their knowledge and ability to create a welcoming vibe. With a maximum of 11 guests, it feels intimate enough to foster good conversations but still small enough to feel exclusive.

Transportation is by comfortable van, and the entire day runs smoothly thanks to the organized itinerary. The tour lasts about 7 hours, which is just enough time to enjoy each stop without fatigue. Plus, the late start means you can enjoy Melbourne’s morning, making this a practical option for a day trip.

In terms of value, considering the multiple tastings, scenic stops, and the guaranteed wildlife encounter, most reviews suggest it’s quite reasonably priced. The fact that you get so many experiences packed into a single day—wine, cheese, chocolate, and wildlife—makes it feel like a good deal for the variety you receive.

What Could Be Better?

While the tour is highly praised overall, some might find the lunch options limited or expensive at Chandon, so bringing some snacks or a picnic might be wise if you’re peckish. Also, since wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, people should keep expectations realistic—although, with the guides’ efforts, chances are high. Those with mobility issues or children under 2 might need to check with the provider, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users and is geared toward adults.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy tasting experiences and scenic views but want a relaxed, unhurried day. It’s particularly good if you’re in Melbourne and want a convenient, all-in-one adventure that doesn’t take up your entire day. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of tastings, while wildlife enthusiasts will love the sunset kangaroo safari. It’s also a solid choice for those new to the Yarra Valley, as the guided nature of the tour means you won’t miss out on the best spots or facts.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour? No, lunch isn’t included, but there’s an option to purchase from the Chandon lounge menu. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

How long is the drive from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley? The drive takes about an hour, with a scenic stop at a strawberry farm along the way.

Is wildlife guaranteed? While sightings are very common, especially during golden hour, wildlife can never be fully guaranteed. Guides choose known locations and timing to maximize your chances.

What should I bring? Bring your ID, camera, cash, and a reusable water bottle. Dressing comfortably for the weather is also advised.

Are children allowed on this tour? Children aged 3 and above are welcome, but the tour is primarily suited for adults because of wine tasting and wildlife viewing.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to 11 guests, making for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a flexible, fun-filled day that combines delicious tastings, scenic beauty, and a wildlife adventure, this Yarra Valley Foodies Tour hits the sweet spot. It offers a great balance of indulgence and exploration, driven by guides who know their stuff and care about making the day memorable. While it’s not a full-day tour, the variety and intimacy make every moment count.

This trip is particularly well-suited for those who want to experience the Yarra Valley’s best in a relaxed setting—whether you’re into wine, chocolate, cheese, or just love the idea of spotting kangaroos at sunset. All in all, it seems to deliver on both fun and value, making it a favorite among many past travelers.

Feel like this could be your perfect day out? Just remember to bring your camera and good spirits—it’s a lovely way to see a different side of Victoria. Happy planning!

You can check availability for your dates here: