From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Chandon Cheese & Kangaroos Tour

What’s this tour all about?

If you’re looking for a day trip that blends wine, food, wildlife, and scenic views, the Yarra Valley Chandon Cheese & Kangaroos Tour from Melbourne might just check all your boxes. It’s a carefully curated experience designed for those who want to savor local produce, sip world-class bubbles, and spot iconic Australian wildlife—all without rushing or missing out on the good stuff.

What we love about this tour is its focus on quality experiences: premium wine tastings at historic vineyards, authentic cheese from Coldstream Dairy, decadent chocolates, and a sunset kangaroo encounter in bushland. Plus, the small-group format (max 12 guests) promises a more intimate, relaxed vibe. However, as with any tour, you’ll want to consider if a full day of sightseeing and tasting is right for your pace.

This trip suits those who appreciate good food, beautiful scenery, and genuine wildlife encounters. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups wanting a taste of Victoria’s renowned wine region with a dash of wildlife magic.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Small-group exclusivity ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Diverse stops include wineries, cheeseries, and chocolateries, offering a well-rounded tasting experience.
• Stunning views at Chandon and scenic stops in bushland create excellent photo opportunities.
• Wildlife encounter guarantees kangaroo sightings at sunset, with a money-back promise.
• Value for money given the variety of tastings and guided experiences packed into 7 hours.
• Comfortable transportation makes traveling between sites hassle-free.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transport

The tour kicks off at Federation Square, a Melbourne landmark, where you’ll meet your guide and small group. From there, the coach ride takes about an hour, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy the scenery as you leave the city behind. The group size is limited to 12, which means plenty of space for conversation and a less rushed feeling throughout the day.

Coldstream Dairy: Authentic Paddock-to-Plate Experience

Your first stop is Coldstream Dairy, a family-run operation where you’ll enjoy a curated platter of artisanal cheeses. Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of the cheese, from soft bries to sharper hard varieties, made from lush local pastures. The rustic farm setting adds authenticity, and many mention how the cheese tasting feels like a true taste of the region’s terroir.

One guest shared, “There was some problem in the car and time schedule was changed a little bit, but I totally didn’t care. I enjoyed the cheese and the relaxed farm atmosphere.” This highlights the laid-back, friendly vibe of the stop, perfect for those who appreciate honest local produce in a genuine setting.

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Chandon Australia: Celebrating Bubbles with Panoramic Views

Next, the tour takes you to Chandon Australia, a leader in sparkling wine production. Here, you’ll sample some of their finest bubbles while soaking in sweeping vineyard vistas. Many visitors mention how the views alone make this stop worthwhile, but the chance to taste sparkling wines crafted with precision elevates the experience.

You can opt to enjoy some oysters or cheese from the lounge menu (at your own expense), adding to the celebratory feel. One reviewer noted, “Treat yourself to a glass of champagne while admiring the scenery—it’s a picture-perfect moment.” The tasting at Chandon is structured to give a taste of their premium offerings, with guided insights enhancing your appreciation.

Yering Station: A Historic Vineyard

The tour then moves to Yering Station, Victoria’s first vineyard, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a range of cool-climate wines, including their signature Shiraz Viognier. The historic charm of the winery buildings and the picturesque surroundings add a touch of elegance to the tasting.

According to reviews, guides like Peter and others are highly knowledgeable, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. One guest praised their guide: “Peter was the best, giving us lots of laughs along with good wine.” This suggests the tastings are informative without feeling overly formal.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: Chocolate Lover’s Dream

For a sweet break, the tour stops at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Here, guests can indulge in a private chocolate tasting, learning about the art of couverture chocolates. Visitors frequently mention how delicious the chocolates are and how the experience is both fun and educational.

One reviewer shared, “Enjoyed going to the chocolate shop, although the queues could be long, so more time would have been appreciated.” The shop offers a variety of treats to take home, making it a perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Sunset Kangaroo Encounter: Wildlife in its Natural Habitat

As the day winds down, the adventure shifts outdoors for the highlight—spotting kangaroos at sunset. The guide takes you into bushland, where these iconic creatures come out to play. Multiple reviews emphasize the value of this wildlife experience, with a money-back guarantee if no kangaroo sightings are made.

One guest noted, “We were able to get great photos of kangaroos in the wild, and it felt special to see them in their natural environment.” The timing at dusk offers the best chance for wildlife sightings, and many travelers find this moment a memorable way to close their day.

Return to Melbourne

After a relaxed, wildlife-filled evening, the coach returns to Federation Square, arriving around 7 pm. The journey back allows for reflection on a full day of tasting, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Premium Tastings and Scenic Vistas

The combination of vineyard visits and cheese/chocolate tastings makes this tour stand out. Many reviews highlight the quality of the offerings and the stunning views, especially at Chandon and during the wildlife encounter.

Small-Group Experience

Limited to 12 guests, the small-group size creates a more personable and relaxed environment. Guides like Peter and Amy are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and humor, which help elevate the overall experience.

Wildlife Encounters

The sunset kangaroo viewing is a real draw. Unlike other tours that might only focus on food and wine, this experience adds a genuine wildlife element that many travelers find memorable.

Value for Money

Given the variety of tastings—cheese, wine, chocolate—and the guided wildlife encounter, the tour offers good value. The price reflects a comprehensive experience that combines food, drink, scenery, and wildlife all in one day.

Things to Keep in Mind

Timing and Pace

The tour is well-paced, with plenty of time at each stop, but it’s a full day, so expect a early start and a leisurely return. The 7-hour duration is manageable for most, but those wanting a more relaxed, less packed schedule might find it a bit busy.

Price Consideration

While the cost includes most tastings and guide services, snacks like oysters at Chandon are at your own expense. Still, many guests feel the overall value justifies the price, especially considering the high quality of experiences.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is not suitable for infants or children under 3, and those with mobility issues should note that the itinerary involves walking in bushland and winery grounds. Baggage is limited to a small daypack, so pack light.

Final thoughts: Is this tour right for you?

This Yarra Valley experience is perfect for wine lovers eager to explore Victoria’s most renowned vineyards without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy a balanced mix of food, scenery, and wildlife—especially if you’re keen on capturing memorable photos of kangaroos in the wild.

If you prefer a more leisurely, small-group setting with expert guides, this tour offers a friendly, insightful, and scenic adventure. The combination of premium tastings, authentic local produce, and wildlife encounters makes it a well-rounded day out.

However, if your priority is a very relaxed pace or a flexible schedule, you might want to consider other options or shorter excursions. For those who want an engaging, taste-filled day with a dash of wildlife and scenic beauty, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 7 hours, starting in the morning and returning around 7 pm.

Where do I meet the tour?
You meet behind Federation Square at the Bus & Coach Terminal, corner of Russell St Ext & Flinders St. Arrive before the scheduled departure time.

Is food included in the tour price?
Most tastings (cheese, wine, chocolate) are included, but additional snacks like oysters and food at Chandon are at your own expense.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I visit wineries other than Yering Station?
The itinerary is fixed, with visits to Coldstream Dairy, Chandon, Yering Station, and the Chocolaterie. Variations depend on seasonal conditions and venue availability.

Are children allowed on this tour?
It’s not suitable for infants or children under 3 and requires a low to easy fitness level.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, water, and a small daypack. Luggage and large backpacks are not permitted.

Is the wildlife encounter guaranteed?
While sightings are very likely, the tour includes a money-back guarantee if kangaroos are not spotted at sunset.

Is this tour good value?
Considering the multiple stops, guided tastings, and wildlife experience, many guests find it offers excellent value for a full day out.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This Yarra Valley tour from Melbourne combines the best of local food, sparkling wines, scenic views, and wildlife encounters into one well-rounded experience. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a nature lover, it offers a memorable day filled with authentic flavors and beautiful sights.

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