Our Must-Do Yarra Valley Tours
We’re proud to offer a collection of premium, small-group Yarra Valley experiences departing daily from Melbourne. Whether you’re short on time or chasing a full-day escape, our tours blend cellar-door tastings, relaxed countryside stops, and scenic drives through one of Victoria’s most iconic wine regions.
What to know about the Yarra Valley
We want to ensure you make the most out of your visit to the Yarra Valley – whether you are with us on one of our scheduled day tours, or guiding yourself around – the wonders of the Valley will leave a lasting impact on your visit to Melbourne and Australia.
The Yarra Valley – Wine, Forests & Countryside Charm Just an Hour from Melbourne
Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions. Rolling vineyards stretch across gentle hills, backed by the Dandenong Ranges and misty morning skies. With more than 80 wineries, the valley is best known for its elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as innovative cellar doors that champion local producers.
But it’s not all wine. The region pairs gourmet experiences with nature: from the soaring Californian Redwoods near Warburton and riverside picnic spots, to early-morning hot air balloon flights and native wildlife encounters at nearby sanctuaries. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over lunch, wander a village main street, and still be back in Melbourne by evening.
Time from Melbourne: 1 Hour (approx.)
Public Transport: Accessible to certain locations
When to Visit
The Yarra Valley is a true four-season destination:
Spring (Sep–Nov): Fresh green vines, mild temperatures, and blossoming gardens—perfect for outdoor tastings and countryside walks.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm days, long evenings, and a lively buzz at cellar doors. Great for late-afternoon tastings and sunset views over the vines.
Autumn (Mar–May): Golden vineyards, crisp mornings, and rich seasonal menus—arguably the most picturesque time of year.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Misty mornings, open fires, and cosy cellar doors—ideal for slow lunches, red wines, and relaxed touring.
Insider Tip:
Leave room in your day. The Yarra Valley rewards a slower pace—allow time to wander cellar doors, browse village shops in places like Healesville or Warburton, and enjoy that extra glass of wine or coffee with a view rather than rushing between stops.
Things to do in the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is a true four-season destination:
Join a hot air balloon flight at sunrise for sweeping views over vineyards and distant ranges.
Enjoy a guided wine tasting at boutique wineries such as Helen & Joey Estate, Payten & Jones, Soumah, or Tokar Estate.
Stroll beneath towering trees in the Redwood Forest near Warburton, a tranquil pocket of Californian Redwoods hidden in the hills.
Visit Healesville Sanctuary for close-up encounters with native Australian wildlife.
Indulge at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery with free tastings and countryside views.
Explore Four Pillars Gin Distillery or other local distillers for a change of pace from wine.
Wander through Alowyn Gardens or other cool-climate gardens for seasonal blooms and quiet corners.
Spend time in Healesville or Warburton, browsing boutiques, cafés, and bakeries in classic Yarra Valley townships.
Getting to the Yarra Valley
From Melbourne:
Around 1 hour by car from central Melbourne, depending on traffic and exactly where in the valley you’re heading. Most visitors travel via the Eastern Freeway and EastLink towards Lilydale, Yarra Glen, or Healesville. Self Drive Australia+1
By Public Transport:
There are train and bus options (for example, trains towards Lilydale with connecting local buses), but services can be limited and slower—especially on weekends or for reaching wineries directly. Public transport can work if you’re visiting a single town, but it’s not ideal for a multi-stop wine day.
With Local Way Tours:
Joining one of our small-group Yarra Valley tours is the easiest way to visit without a car. We depart from the Melbourne Arts Centre with barista-made coffee on arrival, then handle all the driving, timings, and tastings—so you can relax and enjoy the views (and the wine).
Cultural and Environmental
Traditional Owners:
The Yarra Valley and the river Birrarung are part of the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, who have cared for this Country for tens of thousands of years.
Landscape:
A patchwork of vineyards, pasture, and native forest, framed by the Dandenong Ranges and nearby mountain country. Expect gentle hills, river valleys, and pockets of towering trees—especially around Warburton and the Redwood Forest.
Climate:
A cool-climate wine region with crisp mornings, warm but not extreme summer days, and often misty or foggy starts in autumn and winter. Conditions are ideal for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other cool-climate varietals, and they make for very atmospheric drives through the valley.
Further Information
For more on the broader Yarra Valley region—including accommodation, events, and detailed visitor information—you can explore the official regional site at Visit Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges.
Our Yarra Valley Tours
Yarra Valley Half Day Wine Tour – Afternoon
Experience the Yarra Valley like a local on our relaxed afternoon Yarra Valley wine tour, featuring premium wine tastings, scenic countryside views, and a small-group atmosphere ideal for travellers looking to explore Victoria’s most famous wine region.
Spend your morning at leisure in Melbourne before joining us in the early afternoon for an effortless, slow-paced journey into the heart of the Yarra Valley wine region. Our first stop is the renowned Helen & Joey Estate, where a hosted guided tasting introduces you to some of the valley’s best cool-climate wines and sweeping vineyard views.
Continue to Payten & Jones, a favourite among locals for its creative, small-batch wines and artistic, laid-back cellar door experience. Then finish your afternoon at Soumah, a boutique winery known for its rolling hills, elegant varietals, and beautiful views that provide the perfect backdrop to your final tasting.
Led by a friendly, knowledgeable local guide and featuring our Premium Seating Guarantee, this afternoon Yarra Valley wine tour from Melbourne is an effortless way to explore the region without rushing or crowds. Relax, taste, and discover why the Yarra Valley remains one of Australia’s most-loved wine destinations.
Tours starting from:
Tour Departing Melbourne:
$135pp
Yarra Valley Redwoods and Wine Tour
Experience the Yarra Valley like a local on our Redwoods & Wine Tour — a premium small-group day trip from Melbourne that combines the iconic Yarra Valley wineries, the peaceful Warburton Redwood Forest, and charming local villages into one seamless adventure.
Your day begins with a scenic drive from Melbourne to the riverside town of Warburton, one of the Yarra Valley’s most picturesque destinations. Enjoy free time to explore cosy cafés, browse local boutiques, or wander along the Yarra River with mountain views all around — the perfect start to your Yarra Valley experience.
Next, step into the tranquil beauty of the Warburton Redwood Forest, one of the region’s most photographed natural attractions. Walk beneath the towering Californian Redwoods, breathe in the cool forest air, and capture stunning photos in this magical pocket of nature that feels a world away from the city.
From here, we travel into the heart of the Yarra Valley for a relaxed sit-down winery lunch and guided wine tasting at a handpicked estate. Discover the region’s famous cool-climate wines — including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and aromatic whites — while enjoying sweeping vineyard views and fresh local produce.
We finish the day with a sweet stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, perfect for tasting artisan chocolates or picking up a treat to take home.
Led by a friendly, knowledgeable local guide and featuring our Premium Seating Guarantee, this is one of the best Yarra Valley wine tours from Melbourne for travellers wanting a balanced mix of nature, wine, and sightseeing. With central pickup at the Melbourne Arts Centre and optional CBD hotel return, it’s a stress-free and memorable way to discover the region.
Relax, sip, and explore — this is the Yarra Valley at its finest.
Tours starting from:
Tour Departing Melbourne:
$185pp
Yarra Valley Half Day Wine Tour – Morning
Experience the Yarra Valley like a local on our relaxed morning half-day Yarra Valley wine tour, featuring premium wine tastings, rolling vineyard views, and a small-group atmosphere perfect for travellers wanting to explore Victoria’s most famous wine region before lunchtime.
Depart Melbourne in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive into the heart of the Yarra Valley wine region as the landscapes come to life under soft early light. Our first tasting begins at the renowned Helen & Joey Estate, where a guided, hosted experience introduces you to the valley’s signature cool-climate wines alongside sweeping views across the vines.
Next, we visit Payten & Jones, a local favourite known for its creative small-batch wines and artistic, laid-back cellar door. Enjoy an unhurried tasting that reflects the personality of this beloved Yarra Valley producer.
We conclude the morning at Soumah, a boutique winery set among rolling hills and quiet valley scenery. Here you’ll sample elegant varietals that reflect the best of the region’s cool-climate winemaking, paired with views that make this final stop a highlight of the tour.
Led by a friendly, knowledgeable local guide and featuring our Premium Seating Guarantee, this morning Yarra Valley wine tour from Melbourne is an easy and enjoyable way to explore the region without committing to a full day. Taste, relax, and return to Melbourne early afternoon — the perfect start to your day in wine country.
Tours starting from:
Tour Departing Melbourne:
$185pp