Food, wine, and kangaroos, all in one run. This Yarra Valley day trip strings together Chandon, farm-fresh produce, cheese, chocolate, and a wild-animal finale, with driver-guided stops so you can relax instead of managing roads.

I especially like the small-group feel (max 12) and the way the tastings are spaced out, so you get variety without feeling herded. Guides such as Aliot, Craig, Curt, Kurt, Tom, and Steve are repeatedly praised for being organized and fun to listen to.

One thing to consider: this is not a pure wine-only tour. You will taste wine, but you are also doing cheese and chocolate stops, and lunch at Chandon is at your own expense.

Quick highlights that matter

• Up to 12 people means easier conversation, faster check-ins, and fewer group-stalls at each stop.
• Chandon + Yering Station gives you both sparkling and cool-climate varietals in one afternoon.
• Cheese and chocolate tastings are built in, not just optional sidetrips.
• Kangaroo safari ends the day, with time at a secret spot for wild viewing.
• You start from Federation Square, with round-trip transfers that handle the drive from Melbourne.

Entering the Yarra Valley from Federation Square (without the stress)

You start at Federation Square at the bus and coach pickup drop-off zone (Russell Ct), with a 11:30 am start time and round-trip transfer back to the same meeting point. That matters because the Yarra Valley is easiest when you let someone else do the navigation and timing.

This is a mobile ticket tour, which usually means less fuss the day of. And the group size is capped at 12 travelers, so it feels more like a shared afternoon plan than a big production.

The day runs about 7 hours total, starting around midday and finishing after the kangaroo safari stop. Expect a relaxed pace with scheduled tastings, plus free time at at least one stop (the chocolate shop).

Strawberry farm stop: the sweet, quick reset

Your first stop is Farm Fresh Yarra Valley Produce Pty Ltd for a short, 15-minute stop to taste fresh strawberries (from a strawberry farm). This is the kind of stop that works well early because it turns the whole tour into a food crawl, not just a wine crawl.

Even if you do not usually get excited about fruit, this kick-off sets expectations: the itinerary leans into produce and local products, not only cellar doors.

Chandon time: sparkling wine, lounge views, and lunch choices

Next up is Domaine Chandon, where you sample their sparkling wine. The tour notes a prepared table in a lounge area with stunning views over the Yarra Valley, and this is where the mood shifts from quick tastings to proper sit-down time.

Here is how to plan it mentally: your tasting is included, but lunch is at your own expense at Chandon. That is not a deal-breaker. It just means you can treat lunch like a choose-your-own-adventure moment, rather than assuming every cent is already folded into the tour price.

One of the most praised parts of the day is how Chandon feels like an event. Some people love it for the views and the chance to try different options. If you like photos, you’ll also find plenty of angles here, and at least one review called out Chandon as especially photo-friendly.

Possible consideration: Chandon is not everyone’s favorite winery in the lineup. One person felt it was only so-so compared with another vintage-focused cellar. If your top priority is wine depth over atmosphere, you might still enjoy Chandon, but keep your expectations realistic: this stop has a strong scenic and tasting vibe.

Yarra Valley Dairy: cheese tastings that actually have range

After the sparkling stop, you head to Yarra Valley Dairy for an hour of cheese tasting. The key detail here is that the cheese selection includes cows and goats cheese made onsite, and the tour gives you a “generous range” rather than a token sample.

This is where you can slow down. Cheese tastings work best when you take your time, sip water, and let your palate adjust. With this itinerary, it is timed well so you are not stacking everything back-to-back without a breather.

If you are traveling with someone who does not want only wine talk, the cheese stop is a great peace treaty. Even reviews that focus on wine still call out the cheese as a highlight.

Yering Station: cool-climate wines for the classic varietals lovers

Then you visit Yering Station, a historic home of Victoria’s first vineyard. You will have one hour there for wine tasting, and the tour specifically calls out Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and more.

I like this pairing because it balances the day. Chandon is sparkling. Yering Station brings you into classic cool-climate territory. If you want a sense of what the region does across styles, this is a smart inclusion.

One practical thought: the tour includes wine tastings at Yering Station, but it does not state that you get unlimited wine. So treat the tasting like what it is, samples and guided pours, not a full lunch replacement.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: private tasting plus shop time

Your final food stop is Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for an hour. The tour offers an exclusive private chocolate tasting, and then you get free time to visit the shop and cafe.

This is a high-payoff stop because chocolate tastings tend to be fun even if you are not a self-proclaimed foodie. And ice cream places always help if your energy dips after wine and cheese.

If you like bringing back souvenirs, this is your moment. You can linger, browse, and decide what tastes best to you, rather than buying blindly at a first shop.

Kangaroo Ground safari: wild kangaroos at the end

To close, you go to Kangaroo Ground for a 30-minute Kangaroo Safari at a secret spot to see wild kangaroos. If you are coming for the animals as much as the food, this is the emotional payoff.

This stop is often the reason people remember the day. One review mentioned seeing a huge number of kangaroos, close enough to feel real, and another called it an awesome ending after tastings.

Practical tip: after wine and tasting stops, keep it simple. Bring your phone or camera, stay alert around wildlife, and enjoy the viewing time instead of trying to rush perfect shots. If it rains later in the day, the tour still continues, and kangaroo viewing can still be worth it.

Price and value: what $125.52 really buys you

At $125.52 per person, this tour is built around value, not just convenience. Here is what you are getting for that price, based on the tour details:

• Round-trip transfers from Melbourne (starting at Federation Square)
• Multiple included tastings, including strawberries, cheese tastings at Yarra Valley Dairy, and a chocolate tasting
• Wine tasting at Yering Station
• A kangaroo safari where the admission is noted as free

What is not included is clearly stated: lunch at Chandon and anything you choose to purchase during tastings. Chandon also has a wine sampling component that can lead to additional purchases, but you are not required to buy.

So the real question is not just cost. It is how much you would pay if you tried to DIY this with tastings plus transport plus multiple stops. For most people, the biggest savings is time and the fact that you are not coordinating cars, rides, and reservations across several locations.

How the schedule keeps you from feeling rushed

The itinerary is built to avoid the classic “all gas, no bites” day. You do a short produce stop, then one major winery tasting window, then cheese, then wine, then chocolate, then safari.

Also, the order helps:

• Strawberries early keep things light.
• Chandon comes before cheese, so you have an easier palate path from sparkling to dairy.
• Chocolate arrives near the end, which feels like a natural reset before the animal viewing portion.

Several reviews specifically praised the pacing as perfect and not rushed, and that lines up with the way the stops are timed.

Guide quality, small-group comfort, and real local info

The tour caps out at 12 travelers, and that changes everything. You can hear explanations better. Staff can greet the guide and take care of the group without big delays. And you get more chances to ask questions.

What stands out in the feedback you provided is the guide range. Names like Aliot, Craig, Curt, Kurt, Tom, and Steve show up with praise for being organized, friendly, and good at pointing out details during the drive.

If you care about getting more out of each place than a sample flight, pay attention to who is guiding you. A good guide turns stop time into context, like what to expect in cool-climate wines or what makes onsite dairy cheeses different from mass-produced options.

Who should book this tour (and who should not)

This tour fits best if you want a variety afternoon that mixes food and wine without needing to be a serious sommelier.

You’ll likely love it if you:

• Want wine, cheese, and chocolate in one day
• Prefer a small group to large coach tours
• Are traveling from Melbourne and want transfers handled
• Love the idea of ending with a wild kangaroo safari

You might hesitate if you:

• Want an all-out wine tasting only day. One review flagged that it is not primarily a wine tasting tour.
• Are someone who does not enjoy winery viewing and would rather focus on one cellar more deeply.

Should you book? My straightforward take

Yes, I’d book it if your dream Yarra Valley day includes Chandon sparkling, Yarra Valley Dairy cheese, chocolate tasting, and a real shot at seeing wild kangaroos. The price-to-inclusions ratio is strong because transport and multiple tastings are folded in, and the group size keeps it personal.

If your main goal is maximum wine time, I would compare against a wine-focused itinerary first. But if you want a balanced, foodie-friendly route with a memorable finale, this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

How long is the Yarra Valley Foodies Tour with Chandon and Kangaroo Safari?

The tour runs about 7 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start in Melbourne?

The meeting point is Federation Square Bus & Coach Pickup Drop-off Zone, Russell Ct, Melbourne.

What time does the tour start?

The start time listed is 11:30 am.

What stops are included during the tour?

The tour includes stops at Farm Fresh Yarra Valley Produce (strawberries), Domaine Chandon, Yarra Valley Dairy (cheese), Yering Station (wine), Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery (chocolate), and a Kangaroo Safari at Kangaroo Ground.

Are tastings included or do I pay for them separately?

Tastings included in the tour price include the strawberry stop, wine tastings at Yering Station, cheese tastings at Yarra Valley Dairy, and a chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.

Is lunch at Chandon included?

No. Lunch at Chandon is at your own expense.

Is the kangaroo safari included?

Yes. The Kangaroo Safari admission is noted as free, and the safari stop is part of the tour.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Do I need a paper ticket?

No. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.