Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour with Healesville Sanctuary

If you’re considering a full-day trip from Melbourne that combines native Australian animals with world-class wines, this Yarra Valley Wildlife & Wine Day Tour with Healesville Sanctuary might just be your perfect escape. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on glowing reviews and a solid itinerary, it sounds like a well-rounded experience for anyone who loves nature, good food, and a bit of local vino.

What struck us as especially appealing are the close encounters with Australian wildlife and the chance to sample wines at two different vineyards, paired with some excellent food options. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour runs rain or shine, so if you’re not keen on outdoor activities in bad weather, it’s something to keep in mind.

This tour really seems suited for travelers who want a relaxed, informative day out, with the comfort of transportation and knowledgeable guides. It’s a good pick if you want to tick multiple boxes—wildlife, wine, food—without the hassle of organizing multiple visits yourself.

Key Points

• Combines wildlife and wine in a single, seamless day from Melbourne.
• Includes guided visits to Healesville Sanctuary and two wineries for a well-rounded experience.
• Excellent guides receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to personalize the experience.
• Value for money given the length, variety of stops, and included meals and tastings.
• Suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as the tour involves walking and outdoor experiences.
• Operates rain or shine, so prepare accordingly.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour kicks off bright and early at 8:30 am, starting in downtown Melbourne. The group size is capped at 11 travelers, which means a more personal, engaging atmosphere—something many reviews highlight as a real plus.

Healesville Sanctuary (2.5 hours)

The first stop is at Healesville Sanctuary, home to more than 200 native Australian species. This is a standout part of the trip because it offers a rare chance to see Australia’s iconic wildlife—like kangaroos, koalas, emus, and even wombats—up close and in a naturalistic setting. Reviewers rave about the quality of the experience, with many mentioning the bird flyover show as a not-to-be-missed highlight. One guest called it “spectacular,” and others appreciated the opportunity to witness rescue animals and learn about conservation efforts.

Expect to spend around two and a half hours here, giving you enough time to explore peacefully without feeling rushed. The sanctuary’s layout is manageable, making it feasible to see most of what interests you in a relaxed manner.

Yering Station (2 hours)

Next, the group heads to Yering Station for a wine tasting session in their historic cellar. This part of the day is less about tasting everything and more about enjoying a comprehensive look at estate wines, including reserves. Guests describe the experience as very enjoyable and informative, with some praising the delicious lunch that follows. The restaurant here offers an à la carte menu, accompanied by a glass of wine, which makes for a restful and appetizing break.

De Bortoli Winery (1 hour)

To round out the vineyards, the tour visits De Bortoli Winery, a sprawling estate on over 450 acres. Here, you’ll indulge in a wine and cheese tasting that includes their estate and premium wines, as well as their renowned dessert wine. Reviewers mention the pairing of cheeses and wines as a particular highlight, with many noting the quality of the tastings and the beautiful vineyard scenery.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Guides Who Know Their Stuff

Many reviews praise the guides—like Rob, Paul, Shane, and Garth—for their wealth of knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience enjoyable. Whether sharing insights about wildlife conservation at Healesville or explaining the nuances of wine tasting, their commentary adds depth to the trip.

A Perfect Mix of Wildlife and Wine

The fundamental appeal of this tour is blending two seemingly distinct experiences—Australia’s unique animals and its wine culture. According to reviews, the sanctuary provides up-close encounters with kangaroos and koalas, while the vineyards serve up excellent tastings and gourmet lunches. This combination is especially appealing because it offers a relaxing day with varied activities, all within the scenic Yarra Valley backdrop.

Value for Money

At approximately $236.69 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, lunch with a glass of wine, guided tours, and entry to Healesville Sanctuary. Many reviewers agree it’s a good deal for a full day of curated experiences, especially given the high quality of the food and wine.

Small Group Atmosphere

With only 11 travelers max, the tour maintains a friendly, intimate vibe. Several guests mention how this allowed for more personalized interactions with guides and better opportunities to ask questions or customize their experience.

Practical Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a few points are worth noting:

• The tour runs rain or shine, so packing an umbrella or raincoat is wise if the weather forecast looks wet.
• The walks and outdoor activities at Healesville Sanctuary mean you should have moderate physical fitness.
• The tour includes some animal encounters that are paid separately (like the koala encounter at AUD$30 per animal), so if you’re keen on that, budget accordingly.
• It’s designed for adults and older children; families with very young kids should consider how well their children will handle the walking and outdoor time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers who want to see Australia’s native animals in a caring environment, food and wine enthusiasts eager to taste high-quality local produce, and travelers looking for a relaxed, guided day trip with all logistics handled. It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer small group settings and appreciate knowledgeable guides.

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized tour that balances wildlife, scenery, and culinary delights without feeling rushed, this tour could very well be your best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:30 am and ending back in Melbourne later in the day.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at select Melbourne hotels, making it convenient and hassle-free.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, lunch with a glass of wine, entry to Healesville Sanctuary, and guided commentary.

Can I visit the koalas or other animals for an extra cost?
Yes, encounters with animals like koalas are available at AUD$30 per animal, but they are not included in the base price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour requires moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for older kids or teenagers.

What should I wear?
Since it operates rain or shine, dress appropriately for the weather—comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the sanctuary and vineyards.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a day that beautifully combines Australian wildlife with premium wine tasting, this Yarra Valley tour offers an impressive package. The high praise for guides, the excellent food and wine, and the chance to learn about local conservation efforts make it a compelling choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer small groups, value knowledgeable guides, and want a flexible, engaging experience without too much hassle.

While it’s not an all-activities-are-perfect tour—bad weather can be a dampener, and animal encounters cost extra—the overall package provides great value and memorable moments. Whether you’re a wine lover, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to explore the scenic Yarra Valley, this tour ticks many boxes and is worth considering for your Melbourne itinerary.

Feel free to reach out if you want more details or tips before booking. Hope your trip to Victoria turns out fantastic!