Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari!

If you’re planning a visit to Melbourne and want to experience some authentic tastes of Australia’s famed Yarra Valley, this tour offers a delightful combination of wine, food, and wildlife. With a focus on small groups—max 11 guests—you get a more personal, relaxed experience than some larger, busier tours. We’ve reviewed this tour, and it’s clear that many travelers find it well worth the price, especially for the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the late departure allows you to enjoy the city in the morning—perhaps a leisurely brunch or some shopping—before heading out to the countryside. Then, there’s the chance to taste sparkling wine at Domaine Chandon, along with cheese, strawberries, and chocolates that make for a real treat. The tour culminates in a sunset kangaroo safari where many have seen wild kangaroos hopping about—an unforgettable Australian experience.

A possible consideration, however, is that because this is a food and wildlife-focused tour, it’s not suited for very young children and may involve some walking or standing at certain stops. Also, lunch isn’t included, so you should be prepared to purchase something at Chandon or elsewhere. Still, for those who love a mix of tasting, scenic views, and wildlife spotting, this tour hits many high notes.

This tour would appeal most to food lovers, wine enthusiasts, nature seekers, and those wanting a flexible, leisurely day out of Melbourne. If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized experience that balances indulgence with adventure, it’s a good choice.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances the experience and provides more personal attention from guides.
• Late departure offers flexibility in the morning for Melbourne activities.
• Diverse tastings include sparkling wine, cheese, strawberries, chocolates, and local wines.
• Wildlife encounter with guaranteed kangaroo sightings at sunset.
• Variety of stops keeps the day interesting, from vineyards to chocolateries.
• Value for money is high, given the number of tastings, scenic stops, and wildlife viewing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins at Federation Square in Melbourne, a central and iconic meeting spot. The tour uses a comfortable van that seats no more than 12, which means you won’t be crammed in with lots of strangers. Reviews consistently praise the guides, with travelers mentioning guides like Kurt, Craig, Tom, and Elliot—described as knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to make the day memorable.

The drive out of Melbourne takes roughly an hour, and along the way, the scenery begins to change from urban to lush green vines and rolling hills. A bonus stop at a strawberry farm lets everyone pick up fresh strawberries—an appreciated touch that adds local flavor and a fun, interactive element.

Domaine Chandon: Sparkling Wine and Scenic Views

The first major stop is Domaine Chandon, part of the Moët et Chandon family. Here, your group is welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, setting the tone for the day. The setting is beautiful, with scenic views overlooking the vineyards, making it ideal for photos or just soaking in the peaceful landscape.

Guides provide background on the history and production of champagne, turning tastings into informal lessons. You’ll have plenty of time here to relax, ask questions, and possibly buy lunch from the lounge menu. Note that lunch isn’t included, which some might see as a downside, but it enables you to choose your own meal based on your preferences.

Cheese Tasting at Yarra Valley Dairy

Next, the tour visits a family-owned cheese producer. This is more than just a quick tasting; it’s an opportunity to sample a range of soft cheeses made on-site. The reviews mention how impressive the cheese was, with many noting the quality and variety. The intimate setting at a small dairy gives you a taste of local craftsmanship, and the guide often shares interesting details about cheese production.

More Great Tours Nearby

Yering Station Winery: Wine Tasting with a Historic Backdrop

Yering Station, Victoria’s first vineyard, offers a private wine tasting experience. Here, you’ll sample some of the valley’s best cool climate wines—particularly Pinot Noir, which the region is renowned for. The historic buildings and scenic vineyard views add to the atmosphere, making this stop a highlight for wine lovers.

Reviewers frequently mention the high quality of wines and the guide’s expertise in explaining the nuances of each varietal. Many say the wine tastings are well-paced, and the variety keeps the experience engaging.

Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery: Sweet Stops

The tour then shifts gears with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Here, you’ll indulge in private chocolate tastings, learning about the chocolate-making process and sampling flavors with ingredients sourced from their own gardens. The shop is a treasure trove of chocolate products—over 200 items—giving you plenty to pick up for later.

Guests consistently praise the chocolate, calling it “amazing,” and note how the experience blends education and indulgence perfectly. It’s a fun, sensory experience that appeals to all ages.

Sunset Kangaroo Safari: Wild Encounters

As the afternoon wanes, you head into the lower Yarra Valley for the highlight that many reviews emphasize—the guaranteed sighting of wild kangaroos. The guides take you to a known spot where kangaroos are usually active during the golden hour. Travelers often describe this part as “magical” and a quintessential Australian moment.

While sightings are common, wildlife can never be fully guaranteed, but the tour’s promise of “exclusive money-back guarantee” provides peace of mind. Many guests leave with dozens of photos of hopping kangaroos, and some even get to see joeys in their mothers’ pouches.

Return and Reflection

The day wraps up with a relaxed return drive to Melbourne, usually around an hour. The group is often in good spirits, sharing photos and stories of their favorite moments. Reviewers praise the guides’ friendly manner, knowledge, and ability to keep the tour engaging and well-paced.

Analyzing the Value

Considering the cost — which, based on reviews, is quite reasonable given the number of stops, tastings, and wildlife spotting — this tour offers excellent value. With a full day’s itinerary including multiple tastings, scenic stops, and wildlife, it’s a comprehensive introduction to the Yarra Valley’s best offerings.

The absence of lunch may be a slight inconvenience, but it also allows flexibility; many choose to dine at Domaine Chandon or bring their own snacks. Plus, the small group size and guided experience make this feel intimate and personalized, which we think adds to the overall enjoyment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate good food and wine but also want to see some of Australia’s iconic wildlife. It’s perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace, enjoy a mix of tasting and sightseeing, and value small-group interactions. The tour is suitable even if you’re traveling solo or in a couple, thanks to the friendly, social atmosphere.

However, if you’re after an all-day wine-focused tour with extensive winery visits, or if you need wheelchair accessibility, you might need to look elsewhere. Also, those with very young children should note that catering and walking might not be ideal.

Final Thoughts

The Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari offers a well-rounded, engaging day out. It combines delicious tastings, beautiful scenery, and a touch of Australian wildlife—creating memorable moments that linger long after the day ends. Guided by knowledgeable, friendly guides with lots of local insights, you’ll find this tour a great way to experience the best of Victoria’s renowned wine country without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

If you’re looking for an authentic, fun, and well-organized escape from Melbourne that delivers both gastronomic delights and wildlife encounters, this tour is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have time to purchase lunch at Domaine Chandon or bring your own if you prefer.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 11 or 12 participants, which helps keep it intimate and personalized.

Are wild kangaroo sightings guaranteed?
While sightings are very common, they are wildlife—so they can never be fully guaranteed. The tour offers an exclusive money-back promise if you don’t see any.

How long is the overall tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with departure from Melbourne at 11.30am and return around early evening.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, camera, cash, and a reusable water bottle. If you want to buy lunch at Chandon or elsewhere, cash or card is handy.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 3 and above are welcome, but the tour might involve some walking and tasting stops that are best suited for older kids and adults.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially since the tour is small and popular. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a memorable taste of the Yarra Valley’s best—wine, cheese, chocolates, and kangaroos—delivered in an environment that’s both relaxed and engaging. It’s especially suited for those who want a taste of local produce and wildlife without the fuss of larger group tours. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or just looking for a unique day trip from Melbourne, this experience is worth considering.

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