Things to do in

Yarra Valley

Experience the magic of the past as you embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush rainforest of the Dandenong Ranges on board the legendary Puffing Billy steam train. Behold the breathtaking vistas and breathe in the fresh, crisp air, taking in the beauty of the historic locomotive as it chugs along on its hour-long expedition from Belgrave to Lakeside. If thatʼs not enough, after the ride, wander through a wildlife sanctuary where you can encounter some of Australiaʼs most beloved creatures face-to-face, including koalas, kangaroos, and soaring birds of prey.

We put an emphasis on the social, casual and fun side of a tour by making the group comfortable with one another. The day starts by everyone contributing to a playlist via Spotify so we have music for the day. Once we are on the road we want to get to know what type of people do we have. Are you a big drinker? More of a chocolate and cheese type? Do you like wine? Do you like beer instead? The guide aims to figure out what kind of group he has and what everyone wants to do. Together, we all contribute to the itinerary and make a plan for the day. There are a lot of options to choose from, but generally there is time for 5 venues. Options range from over 100 wineries of all sizes (some of which are better at certain wines and blends than others), a gin distillery, a champagne place, a cheese place, a cider place, and more. We generally have time for 5 venues, so we can't do everything! But we aim to try and make sure we do the things that most of the group want to do. If the group want to do a bit of everything we try our best to do as many different things as possible. Sometimes groups are a little less into alcohol than others,so the tour itinerary will change everyday. Sometimes all 5 venues are alcohol related, where as some are only 1 or 2. Because everything is very close to one another,there are certain moments where we can be split up. Across the road from the winery is a gin place. Across the road from the chocolate place is a winery..etc... So you get complete freedom throughout the day. Of course, however, if we have a group that are happy to put their faith in us and are not too bothered we have a default itinerary that we like to go through. Generally speaking the day would be the following... - Wine tasting at a scenic winery (Tokar Estate) - 1 Smaller, boutique winery that also does an incredible apple cider (Yering Farm) - A restaurant, 'Quarters', which is located at Huberts Estate, one of the largest wineries in the Yarra Valley. Here you would get complete freedom of what you order for lunch. Lunch is not included in the price and this would be at your own expense on the day. Also here is an indigenous art museum -1 Gin distillery where we have a paddle/flight of Gins (Four Pillars) OR Wine tasting across the road -1 Chocolate tasting of 10-12 chocolates (Yarra Valley Chocolataire) OR a chance to keep drinking at a winery nearby. - Incredible views the entire time. Each place has tastings of 5-6 wines/gins which are all included in the price. The only additional price is lunch. All of this is done in a fun, social, laid back and non-pretentious way. This isn't a tour for people that take themselves too seriously. We want to inject a lot of fun into what can tend to be a bit of a rigid and structured tour. This isn't a tour, more like a road trip with mates!

Take a full-day wine tour in the Yarra Valley and discover some of the best wineries in Victoria just an hour's drive from Melbourne. Stop at 4 different wineries, taste a range of wines, and savor an included lunch. After pickup from a range of meeting points, depart for the Yarra Valley. Make your first stop at Greenstone, nestled in the base of the Christmas Hills. Begin by learning the art of the swirl, sniff, and slurp from your expert wine guide and then try a range of cellar door tastings. Move on to the next venue, Balgownie Estate, a stylish winery featuring great views and an excellent restaurant. Enjoy lunch with a glass of the estate's wine, then taste more of the wines produced there at the cellar door. In the afternoon, travel through the gorgeous scenery to a smaller boutique winery, Yering Farm. Experience traditionally made wines and see the antique copper wine-making equipment used by the Yarra Valley’s pioneer vignerons. Afterward, make your final stop at Soumah of Yarrah Valey. The cool climate allows this winery to specialize in styles and varieties typical to northern Italy and southeastern France, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Sample the award-winning wines before returning to Melbourne.

Discover some of the Yarra Valley's top wineries by bus to sample delectable local wines and food. Savor quality wines at two wineries, tuck into a delicious local lunch, and top everything off with a visit to a chocolaterie for a sweet finish. Begin your day at one of the valley’s iconic wineries, Balgownie Estate, to enjoy a tasting from their extensive range of quality wines. Learn how to swirl and sniff like true connoisseurs, while sampling some of the very finest cool-climate wines. At the Coldstream Dairy the amazing products will truly melt in your mouth. The cheeses here are stunning and have your taste buds working overtime! Next, visit the prestigious Four Pillars Gin Distillery and learn a little about their award-winning gin, complemented by a tasting paddle. Stop for lunch at the fabulous Rochford Wines and choose from four different main meals, with a glass of wine, tea, or coffee. Take some time to explore the gift shop, or perhaps climb the spiral staircase to enjoy the panoramic views from Rochford’s famous lookout tower. After lunch, make your way to the amazing Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Here, enjoy a complimentary tasting of the spectacular delights handcrafted by the chocolaterie’s French and Belgian chocolatiers.

You'll be picked up from Melbourne in front of the Arts Centre at 8:45am. On the way to the Yarra Valley, appreciate the beautiful landscape scenery and learn about the region from your friendly tour guide. When you get there, you'll have the pleasure of visiting three premium hand-picked wineries to smell and taste wonderful wines from the region's famous varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and much more. For lunch, savour a premium seasonal two-course meal paired with a glass of estate wine at a scenic winery - we're proud of the fact that we're the only one offering this ~ cheers! Furthermore, we like to showcase other Yarra Valley specialties by visiting a local Brewery where you get to try craft ales (and ciders at some breweries) [Wednesday to Sunday]. On some days we’ll visit the iconic Four Pillars Gin Distillery to enjoy their refreshing gins with a mixer of your choice [Monday & Tuesday only]. We’ll finish the day with a visit to a famous Chocolate & Ice-cream Factory where you can indulge in sweet delights. Remember the good memories and experiences as you take a relaxing trip back to the city! This comprehensive trip includes all tastings, 2-course lunch with a glass of wine, and transportation from Melbourne. Relax and let us handle everything. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Yarra Valley, where wine, food, and nature combine for a magical experience.

We have over 700 Five Star Google Reviews! Join a full-day wine tour in the Yarra Valley and discover some of the best wineries in Victoria, just an hour's drive from Melbourne. Stop at five venues to sample wine, gin, food and chocolate. 8.45am - After pickup from the front steps of St. Paul's Cathedral, we depart promptly at 9am for Yarra Valley. 9.30am - A two minute detour through the beautiful suburb of Warrandyte on the way to The Yarra Valley. 10am - Make your first stop at Soumah of Yarra Valley for a wine tasting of red and white wines. Learn how the cool climate allows this winery to specialize in styles and varieties typical to northern Italy and southeastern France, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 11am - Sit down at a table at Four Pillars Gin Distillery for a gin paddle. Pick your choice of mixer to help wash down the four samples of gin they give you. Or you can have a glass of wine or a can of beer. OR 11am - Payten and Jones for a wine tasting if gin isn't your thing. This is a 10 second walk from Four Pillars, so we can easily split the group in two here depending on your preference. 12.15pm - Lunch at Quarters restaurant @ Hubert Estate where you buy your own food and drink. (This gives you more choice on what to have for your lunch). Look around their indigenous art gallery on the floor below the cellar door. If you have your own food, you can eat it somewhere away from Hubert Estate Grounds, or head to the restaurant to buy yourself a beer or a wine. - If you are quick with lunch, we will happily run you to Domaine Chandon for a photo opportunity of the beautiful view. It depends on their busyness as to whether they can offer you a seat, where you can buy yourself a quick sparkling wine. **This is a bonus stop and is NOT always possible on public or school holidays or Saturday and Sunday.** 2pm - Yering Farm Wines for a guided tasting of four wines and a sample of their cider. The rustic tasting room, a resurrected hay shed beside the lambing nursery and orchard on the farm. The original 'Yeringa' sign was recovered and adorns the entrance. Pull up a stool or lean on the worn wooden bar as you are treated to a presentation of boutique wines, all grown and made on site. - The Yarra Valley Dairy in on route to the Chocolaterie, so you can hop out and buy yourself some cheese to take home with you. **This is a bonus stop. We do not do a cheese tasting here. We just stop here to allow cheese lovers to buy local cheese.** 3.15pm - Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for a fantastic guided tasting of 12 of their delicious chocolates in a private room by a very knowledgeable member of staff. If the chocolates we provided aren't enough, then why not buy yourself one of their famous gelatos to enjoy before the journey home. OR 3.15pm - Yarrawood Estate where you can buy yourself your last drink of the day if chocolate isn't your thing. 3.55pm - We head back to Melbourne to arrive back at Federation Square for 5.10pm.

Explore the Yarra Valley in this afternoon tour departing from Melbourne at midday! Perfect for those who prefer a later start and have the morning free to shop or brunch in the city! Visit Domaine Chandon to shop and purchase a glass or two of sparkling wine and some food if needed, then take your taste buds on an adventure with cheese, wine and chocolate tasting. We finish the day with a drive into the lower Yarra Valley to photograph Kangaroos in the wild. Hop aboard a comfortable van at the centrally-located Federation Square in Melbourne in the early afternoon and relax on scenic drive to Domaine Chandon part of Moët et Chandon where your table with a view awaits. Learn about the history and production of champagne. Purchase sparkling wine and food from the lounge menu (not included) and then visit the boutique to shop for exclusive Chandon products. Next, enjoy an indulgent cheese tasting at the Yarra Valley dairy, followed by wine tastings at Yering Station winery then satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolate tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. After sampling delicious chocolates, have some time to pickup some treats with free time to explore the shop which has over 200 chocolate, truffle, and ice cream products made onsite. As the afternoon sun sets, travel into the lower Yarra Valley where the kangaroos hide out during the day. Snap pictures of wild kangaroos as the sun begins to set. Return to your meeting point with unforgettable memories in the early evening.

Travel to the north-east through the bush laden suburbs of Templestowe, Eltham and Kangaroo Ground to the De Bortoli Vineyard at Dixons Creek. This is an elegant start to the day as you'll enjoy a pairing of selected wines and cheeses. It's then on Yering Station, the site of the first vineyard in Victoria in 1838. You'll enjoy a tasting of their estate wines in the original winery (circa 1859) that also features local artworks and produce. For lunch, you'll adjourn to their stunning restaurant. With its world-class views and cuisine, you’ll have an a la carte selection from which to select your main course meal and glass of wine. After lunch, it's a change of pace with a visit to Payten & Jones, one of the smaller producers in the Yarra Valley. Behn Payten and Troy Jones produce small-batch, approachable wines with a personality that includes the familiar chardonnay and pinot noir, together with syrah and some Mediterranean varietals. The afternoon continues with a visit to the Coldstream Hills Winery at Coldstream. Established by James Halliday, one of Australia’s leading authors and commentators on wine, the wines are beautifully crafted and have enjoyed success at numerous wine shows, especially the chardonnay and pinot noir. The final stop for the day is at the charming Medhurst Vineyard. Established in 1999, the family-owned vineyard of 35 acres has a delightful elevation in the foothills of the Warramate Ranges and produces a small selection of elegant table wines. On days when Coldstream Hills and Medhurst are not open (Tue, Wed & Thu) visits would instead be made to Punt Road and/or Oakridge Vineyards.

Depart from Central Melbourne and get ready to explore the Yarra Valley wine region. Create your own schedule and then sit back and relax without having to worry about transportation during the day. Explore the very best of the region and its natural beauty as you taste some of the very best food, wine, gin, beer, and local produce in the country. Please note that some venues require bookings and have also implemented paid tastings (regardless of group size and whether you are driving yourself or with a tour operator). As a hop on hop off service you will be responsible for booking your tastings but do not worry our venue guide and helpful staff are here to give you lots of recommendations if you are not sure where to hop! Please refer to the map in the image gallery to view both routes. A copy of the timetable will be sent to you via email. Hop-on-hop-off stops (Bus loops around every hour): RED ROUTE - refer to timetable for arrival/departure times • Coombe Estate • Helen & Joey Estate • St Hubert's • Meletos • Napoleon Cider Bar & Punt Road Wines • Domaine Chandon • Oakridge Wines • Tokar Estate • Dominique Portet • Levantine Hill Estate • Rochford Wines • Four Pillars/Payten & Jones Wine (Jayden Ong Winery, Watts River Brewery) • Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander (Matilda Bay Brewery, Beechworth Bakery) • Boat O'Craigo GREEN ROUTE - refer to timetable for arrival/departure times • Coombe Estate • Helen & Joey Estate • St Hubert's • Napoleon Cider Bar & Punt Road Wines • Meletos • Yering Farm Wines • Yarra Valley Dairy • Yering Station • Yarra Valley Chocolaterie • Yarrawood Estate • Balgownie Estate • Mandala Wines • Fin Wines • De Bortoli Wines • Sutherland Estate • Steels Gate Wines

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Yarra Valley's finest flavours on our ultimate tasting tour of wines, gins and beers! Explore two hand-picked premium wineries, where you'll indulge in exquisite cool-climate wine tastings. At the lively Quarters restaurant in Hubert Estate, choose from a wide selection of delicious mains suited to your style and budget (lunch at own expense). But the adventure doesn't stop there! Dive into a paddle of premium gins at the renowned Four Pillars Distillery. Here you get to taste four different gins including their famous Shiraz slow gin (aka Bloody Shiraz) and you get to pick your own mixer! We'll finish the day with a sampling of craft beers at one of our fantastic local breweries like Matilda Bay, Coldstream, or Watts River. We're the only provider that offers beer paddle (aka flight style) tastings so rejoice and enjoy this golden elixir! Throughout the tour, our fun tour guide will provide you with cool insights and tips, as well as accommodate to requests such as photos and music preferences. We're an adults-only exclusive tour, offering a judgment-free space where you can have fun and make memories without hesitation Convenience is key, with central CBD pickup and drop-off ensuring a hassle-free experience. Don't miss out on this incredible journey through Victoria's culinary delights—book your spot now!