Kangaroo, Koala Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandon, Chocolate & Winery Lunch Yarra Valley
$119pp
**Yarra Valley Escape: A Day of Wildlife, Wine & Indulgence**
—
Embark on a perfectly curated day trip from Melbourne to the heart of the Yarra Valley – a region celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, world-class wineries, and artisanal delights. This 8-hour journey blends the best of nature, gourmet experiences, and indulgent stops.
Begin your morning with an up-close encounter with iconic Australian wildlife at **Healesville Sanctuary**, before unwinding over a long lunch and wine tasting at the picturesque **Boat O’Craigo Winery**. Satisfy your sweet tooth with handcrafted treats at the **Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery**, then end your day in style with sparkling wine and sweeping vineyard views at the elegant **Domaine Chandon**.
Whether you’re a local seeking a quick escape or a visitor looking to explore Victoria’s best in a day – this tour is your perfect blend of relaxation, taste, and discovery.
Some Finer Details
Your Itinerary
Here’s an ideal 8-hour itinerary for a day trip from Melbourne CBD to the Yarra Valley, covering Healesville Sanctuary, Boat O’Craigo, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, and Chandon. This assumes a 9:30 AM departure and a relaxed pace with scenic drives and time to enjoy each stop:
9:30 AM – Depart Melbourne CBD
- Approx. 1 hr 15 min drive to Healesville Sanctuary
- Enjoy a relaxing scenic drive through the Yarra Valley countryside.
10:45 AM – Arrive at Healesville Sanctuary
- Duration: 1.5 hrs
- Explore Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and the bird show if timing allows.
12:15 PM – Depart for Boat O’Craigo (10 min drive)
- Arrive: 12:25 PM
12:30 PM – Wine tasting & lunch at Boat O’Craigo*
- Duration: 1.5 hrs
- Enjoy a relaxed wine tasting included in the price
- Buy your lunch from the menu: nibbles, gourmet pizza or platter lunch with vineyard views.
- *lunch venue pending availability/private functions – another venue will be use.
2:00 PM – Depart for Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (10 min drive)
- Arrive: 2:10 PM
2:10 PM – Indulge at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
- Duration: 30 mins, free visit
- Sample free chocolates, grab an ice cream, and pick up some treats.
2:40 PM – Depart for Domaine Chandon (10 min drive)
- Arrive: 2:50 PM
✨ 3:00 PM – Sparkling wine tasting at Chandon
- Duration: 1 hr
- A stroll around the stunning grounds, or just relax with a glass on the terrace. We will book you a 1hr table.
4:00 PM – Depart back to Melbourne CBD
- ETA: 5:00 – 5:30 PM
- Return home with full bellies, bottles, and good vibes
Tour Inclusions
- Small and personalised group tour in a comfortable new bus for a scenic drive to the Yarra Valley
- 1x Entry to Healesville Sanctuary
- 1x Wine tasting at Boat O’Craigo
- Winery lunch (not included in tour price), buy your own lunch at Boat O’Craigo* with stunning views.
- *lunch venue pending availability/private functions – another venue will be use.
- See stunning wineries for photo opportunities; Chandon and above wineries with Yarra Valley Chocolaterie
- Fun go-getter driver/host/photographer to assist you on the day
- Add $20 and Nep will take stunning candid shots of your day out in the vines
- Bottle of water
Convenient City Pick Up Location
Meeet up at 9:00AM: Russell St Extension – by NGV Australia/Federation Square, Melbourne
Depart at 9:30 AM – leave on time
Return to Melbourne – 5:00 – 5:30 PM
Drop-off at NGV Australia/Federation Square
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am I am running late?
We suggest arriving 30 minutes before departure time. We will leave at our schedule time.
Are you a non-drinker?
There will be a non-alchoholic substitute available. All ticket price is the same.
Lunch included in this tour?
No, not in this price. You can buy your own lunch at the winery based on your budget.
Can we bring food or drinks?
No alcoholic substance allowed on the bus. Snacks welcome; limited to rice crackers or muesli bars. Water is provided.
Cancellation Policy
No refund with 48 hours of tour date.
Full refund is given if tour is cancelled due to lack of interests. We will notify you if tour is cancel.
We aim to head out with 2 people on the bus.
Suggested Timeline
- 9:30 AM – Depart Russell St Extension, Melbourne
- 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM – Explore Healesville Sanctuary
- 12:25 PM – 2:00 PM – Buy Lunch and wine tasting at Boat O’Craigo
- 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM – Visit Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
- 2:50 PM – 4:00 PM – Photo opportunities & purchase a glass or paddle at Domaine Chandon
- 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Return to Melbourne CBD
Public Tour Date Available
- 16 May, Fri
- 23 May, Fri
- 30 May, Fri
- 6 June, Fri
Tours run every Fri
$50 Deposit & Secure a Seat & Pay Later
About Healesville Sanctuary in Yarra Valley
Healesville Sanctuary is one of Australia’s premier wildlife parks, located in the scenic Yarra Valley, about an hour’s drive northeast of Melbourne, Victoria. It’s especially known for its focus on native Australian animals and its strong commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
What You’ll See
Healesville Sanctuary is home to over 200 species of native animals, including:
- Koalas
- Kangaroos and wallabies
- Dingoes
- Wombats
- Platypus (they have a world-renowned platypus conservation program)
- Echidnas
- Birds of prey like eagles and owls
- Reptiles and frogs
You can get up close to many of them through special encounters and walk-through habitats.
Conservation & Education
The Sanctuary is part of Zoos Victoria, a not-for-profit organization focused on fighting wildlife extinction. They’re involved in breeding programs, habitat protection, and rescuing injured wildlife. Their Australian Wildlife Health Centre is open to the public, so you can actually see vets working on animals in real time.
Experience Highlights
- Spirits of the Sky – A daily free-flight bird show with parrots, eagles, and owls.
- Wild Encounters – Bookable close-up experiences with animals like koalas or kangaroos.
- Lush bushland setting – The Sanctuary is set in a beautiful eucalyptus forest, giving it a real “Aussie bush” feel.
- Kid-friendly trails – Lots of interactive zones for families and kids.
Yarra Valley Perks
Being in the Yarra Valley, it’s a perfect day trip or weekend escape. You can combine a visit to Healesville Sanctuary with:
- Winery tours and tastings
- Art galleries and boutique shops
- Healesville township for cafes and local produce
- Nearby hiking trails and scenic drives
Ask Nep, your host/driver for your personlised photographer throughout the day for $20pp.
Nep will use a Sony a7MRV + zoom lense to capture your favourite moments as you explore each stop. He will do some editing for you and send it to you via a link/email for you to download.
