Delight in an up-close encounter with Australia’s captivating wildlife and enjoy a perfect introduction to the best wine and food of the Yarra Valley. On this unique tour, you will see kangaroos and koalas among other species in the world-famous Healesville Sanctuary, and eat lunch while overlooking the rolling green hills of the Yarra Valley.
For the first time visitor, this tour offers the perfect introduction to the best of Victoria as you meet Australian wildlife and get a taste of the Yarra Valley’s favourite wine and food.
If you would like to feed and pat a kangaroo or get close to a koala, the Sanctuary offers these encounters. The extra cost is $20 per animal and each encounter last 10 minutes. Alternatively, you could book a 2 hour Australian Wildlife Experience which would include the koala and kangaroo encounters along with your own guide for an additional charge of $99. Sessions and places are limited and book up quickly so bookings are typically required in advance. Please advise us if you wish to include this as part of your Sanctuary experience.
Note: Indicative times of 8:30am to 6:30pm would apply but will be confirmed the evening prior to the date of travel. Pick up is from your city hotel or from another agreed point. If you are staying out of the city, St Paul’s Cathedral, which is located in the city opposite Federation Square and Flinders Street Train Station would be the central meeting point.
The new koala enclosure at Healesville Sanctuary
Tour Details
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Start Time8:30am
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Finish Time6:30pm
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Meeting PlacePick-up from your city hotel. If outside the city, meeting at St Paul’s Cathedral opposite Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
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Price$230 per adult
$180 per child (4-15 yo)
$75 per infant (0-3yo) -
InclusionsTransport, visit to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary to see Kangaroos, Koalas and more, wine tasting, main course a la carte lunch, glass of wine and coffee at Yering Station, wine tasting with cheese at De Bortoli, bottled water, guide and GST
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NoteWant to do this tour privately? No problem! Contact us for options
Tour Itinerary
Let’s Go to the Valley
We’ll collect you at your hotel, otherwise, those staying outside of the city centre will be able to join us at St. Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne. At this point you will meet your friendly guide who’s ready to impart knowledge and help you have the most enjoyable experience.
Our small team of guides are local experts with deep knowledge of the Yarra Valley, local wines and also local wildlife. Excitement then begins to grow as you pass through the bush-laden suburbs of Templestowe, Warrandyte and Wonga Park.
Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
Our first stop is the world-famous Healesville Sanctuary, one of Australia’s most recognized and acclaimed wildlife sanctuaries.
With 30 hectares of bushland, it showcases more than 200 species of Australian wildlife in a distinctly Australian setting. Here, visitors can experience close-up encounters with some of Australia’s most unique and captivating wildlife in their natural habitat, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus.
Yering Station Vineyard Lunch & Tasting
Yering Station’s stunning Wine Bar Restaurant is the perfect lunch venue. With its world class views and cuisine, you’ll have a full a la carte selection from which to select your main course meal. After lunch, visit the original winery (circa 1859) that features local artworks and produce as well as estate wines to taste.
De Bortoli Vineyard Tasting and Cheese Degustation
Our final stop for the day is the family-owned De Bortoli Winery at Dixons Creek. Part of Australian wine folklore for 3 generations, the De Bortoli's represent the Italian heritage at the root of so much of Melbourne’s cuisine. Here, you will take part in a degustation of superbly flavoured cheeses that complement the sparkling, table and dessert wines on offer.
Journey Home
Our pleasant journey home winds back through the Steels Creek and the Christmas Hills as you reflect on a day full of memories and stories to last you for decades to come.
