Tour Assist

Yarra Valley Wine, Wildlife & Redwoods Tours

Icon Icon

YARRA VALLEY WINE/WILDLIFE & REDWOODS

MDT9 & MDT13

This tour combines the riverside village of Warburton, a guided walk through the Redwood Forest, and an afternoon choice between wine or wildlife. After the Redwoods, guests will split depending on the option booked: wine guests continue to a winery for lunch and tasting, while wildlife guests visit Healesville Sanctuary. Everyone meets again later at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie before returning to Melbourne.

Before You Go

Tour Duration:
Approximately 8 hours.

Food and Drink:
This tour has two versions:

Wildlife option: lunch is not included, but you will have time to purchase your own lunch at Healesville Sanctuary.

Wine option: includes wine tasting, lunch and grazing.

What to bring:
We recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing, a water bottle, sturdy footwear, and wet weather gear if rain is forecast. Some walking may be on uneven or unsealed paths.

Accessibility:
Light to Moderate – there are some unmade paths require to venture into the Redwoods. Most other locations are flat and sealed.

To Note:
All venues, stops and timing are subject to change depending on availability, opening hours, private events, weather, traffic and operational requirements on the day.

Soumah Menu

Tour Map:
The map below shows the venues we most commonly visit on our Tour. Stops, timing and order may vary, but it gives you a helpful overview of the region and the usual tour flow.

Stop 1 : Warburton

Enjoy free time in the charming mountainside town of Warburton. Sit down for a coffee, browse the local shops, or wander down to the nearby Yarra River for a peaceful nature break before continuing to the Redwoods.

What You Can Expect:

  • Your guide will give you free time here and point you in the right direction.
  • You are welcome to explore at your own pace during this stop.
  • Please ask your guide if you are looking for something specific, such as coffee, toilets, shops or the river walk.

Good to Know:

  • Time here is usually approximately 45 minutes.
  • There are several local cafés nearby if you would like to purchase coffee or a snack.
  • Many of the local shops and boutiques should be open by the time we arrive.
  • The Yarra River is close by and is a scenic option if you prefer a short walk.
  • Please be back at the bus at the time advised by your guide.
  • There may be some sloped paths here – please be careful when walking down hills.

Timing:

Approx. 45 minutes.

Stop 2 : Yarra Valley Redwoods

Step into the towering Redwood Forest for a guided introduction before enjoying free time to explore, take photos and walk beneath the tree canopy.

What You Can Expect:

  • Your guide will take you into the Redwoods and provide a brief introduction to the forest.
  • You will then have free time to explore the area at your own pace.
  • Please feel free to ask your guide if you would like a photo taken.

Good to Know:

  • Time here is usually approximately 45 minutes.
  • The main Redwood area is not overly large. Once you reach the end of the trees, you have gone far enough.
  • Toilets are available here.
  • You will be open to the elements, although the Redwoods do provide some natural cover from light rain.
  • It can be colder here than in other parts of the Yarra Valley, so we recommend keeping a jacket with you.
  • Please return to the bus at the time advised by your guide.

Timing:

Approx. 45 minutes.

Stop 3a : Healesville Sanctuary

For guests doing the wildlife option, your journey continues to Healesville Sanctuary. Your guide will drop you off, walk you inside, provide your entry ticket and map, and give you a quick overview of what to expect during your visit.

What You Can Expect:

  • Your guide will walk you in, and get you checked in. Your time from here is self-guided.
  • This is your best opportunity to purchase lunch during the day.
  • You will have time to explore the sanctuary, see native Australian animals, and follow the walking trails at your own pace.
  • Free keeper talks and animal presentations may be available during your visit. Please check the sanctuary map or daily schedule on arrival.
  • Optional close encounters or guided experiences may be available to book directly through Healesville Sanctuary, subject to availability.

Good to Know:

  • Time here is usually approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • Toilets are located throughout the sanctuary.Food and drinks are available to purchase inside.
  • The sanctuary is spread out, so please allow enough time to return to the meeting point.
  • The site is easy to follow using the map provided on arrival.
  • Some paths may be uneven or exposed to the weather, so we recommend comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Your guide will confirm the exact meeting time and location before leaving you to explore.

Timing:

Approx. 2 hours

Healesville Sanctuary Map

Stop 3b : Soumah

For guests doing the wine option, your journey continues to Soumah for a hosted wine tasting, pre-ordered lunch and shared grazing plate. After lunch, you will have time to enjoy the winery, vineyard views and cellar door area before meeting back with the group later in the day.

What to Expect:

  • A hosted tasting of Soumah’s cool-climate wines.
  • A pre-ordered lunch, selected from the available tour menu.
  • A shared antipasto or grazing plate included with your lunch.
  • Time after lunch to purchase your own drink, relax at the venue, or explore the winery and vineyard surrounds.

Good to Know:

  • Time here is usually approximately 2 hours.
  • Your guide will walk you inside and introduce you to the cellar door team.
  • You’ll then be taken into the dining room, where you’ll enjoy your pre-ordered lunch, selected from the available tour menu.
  • Toilets are available outside, near where the main entry is.
  • Non-alcoholic alternatives may be available if you prefer not to drink.
  • Please stay within the venue areas open to guests.
  • Your guide will let you know exactly what time to be back on board the bus.

Timing:

Approx. 2 Hours

Soumah Menu

Stop 3 : The Chocolateries Yarra Valley

The group comes back together at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for free time before returning to Melbourne. This is a good chance to sample chocolates, purchase gifts, grab an ice cream or use the bathrooms before the journey home.

What to Expect:

  • Free time to explore the Chocolaterie at your own pace.
  • Complimentary chocolate samples are usually available inside.
  • Chocolate, ice cream, drinks and gifts are available to purchase.
  • Time to browse the store or enjoy the outdoor grounds.

Good to Know:

  • Toilets are available inside.
  • This stop can be busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
  • If you plan to order food, drinks or ice cream, we recommend doing this first so you have enough time before departure.
  • This is the final stop before returning to Melbourne.
  • We recommend using the bathrooms before departure, as we cannot guarantee a bathroom break on the way back.Please return to the bus at the time advised by your guide.

Timing:

Approx. 30mins

Soumah Menu

Return to Melbourne

The return journey to Melbourne usually takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Good to Know:

  • We recommend using the bathrooms before leaving our final stop, as we cannot guarantee a bathroom break on the way back to Melbourne.
  • Your guide will confirm the final drop-off location before arrival.
  • Drop-off is usually at or near Federation Square, giving you a central location with easy access to trains, trams, taxis, rideshare, restaurants and bars.
  • Please speak with your guide if you are unsure how to get to your next location after the tour.