Melbourne To Yarra Valley ToursCrafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.
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Quick overview

  • Distance from Melbourne: Roughly 55–65 km from the CBD; a short drive into the wine country.
  • Typical travel time: Approximately 1–1.5 hours by coach or car; time may vary with traffic.
  • On-site visit duration: Expect 4–6 hours in the valley for winery tastings and relaxed stops.
  • Cost range: Options span from mid-priced group tours to premium private or combo experiences.
  • Best season/time: Autumn and spring (Mar–May; Sep–Nov) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Central Melbourne pickup points like Federation Square or designated CBD locations.
  • Key attractions/sites covered: Guided wine tastings, gourmet vineyard lunch, artisanal chocolate and gin stops, and, for some, an optional hot-air balloon flight.

What to expect on a Melbourne to Yarra Valley day trip

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Meet-up and departure

Enjoy a hassle-free pickup from central Melbourne, with transfers included. Your guide covers the plan and safety basics, and the early start helps you beat the city rush for a relaxed getaway.

Scenic countryside journey

Relax in an air-conditioned coach as the city fades into rolling hills and vineyard views. The scenic drive is comfortable, with planned rest stops along the way.

Guided winery exploration

Enjoy a guided winery visit with expert hosts introducing cool-climate wines and the Yarra Valley’s heritage. Tastings are structured and relaxed, though popular wineries can get lively during peak times.

Gourmet winery lunch with vineyard views

Enjoy a gourmet winery lunch overlooking sweeping vineyards. The calm setting is perfect for savoring regional flavors and recharging before the day picks up pace.

Optional add-ons and extras

Some tours include optional stops at local chocolateries or gin distilleries, adding variety and a taste of the Yarra Valley’s craft scene, with a slightly longer day.

Return and wrap-up

Settle in for a relaxed early-evening return to Melbourne, with countryside views along the way and a smooth, pre-arranged drop-off.

Things to know before you book your Yarra Valley day trip

Yarra Valley tours differ in pace and focus, from wine and food to scenery and unique experiences. Use the guide below to quickly find the tour that best matches how you want to spend your day.

  • Tour experiences: If wine tasting is your priority, full-day tours with four winery stops, guided tastings, and a vineyard lunch offer the most complete introduction, making all-inclusive wine, cheese, and chocolate tours ideal for first-time visitors who want everything organised.
  • Flexible tour options: If flexibility matters more than structure, hop-on hop-off tours let you choose your own wineries, distilleries, and breweries, making them a great fit for repeat visitors or independent travellers who prefer to set their own pace.
  • Gourmet grazing tours: For food-focused travellers, grazing tours mix wine with gin, cheese, chocolate, and a premium lunch, delivering more variety than classic cellar-door hopping and suiting those who want a broader taste of the region.
  • Group style vs tailored tours: Small to medium group tours balance expert commentary with a relaxed, social feel, and full-day Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges tours work well if you want scenery and wineries without committing to a private itinerary.
  • Transfers & where you start: Most tours include round-trip transfers from Melbourne CBD or hotel pickup, removing the need to drive after tastings and making full-day Melbourne-departure tours the easiest, most stress-free option.
  • Duration & pace: Full-day tours (8–9 hours) suit first-time visitors seeking depth and multiple stops, while flexible passes and scenic options are better for travellers who want a lighter, more relaxed day.
  • Meals & inclusions: Standard tours include tastings and lunch, while premium options add gin distilleries, chocolate, cheese pairings, or wildlife stops, making grazing and all-inclusive experiences best for travellers wanting more than just wine.
  • Booking tips: Weekends and peak seasons sell out quickly, especially fixed-schedule experiences like sunrise hot-air balloon flights and popular gourmet or all-inclusive winery tours, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
  • Not into wine?: If you’d rather skip tastings, scenic and wildlife-focused days combining the Puffing Billy Railway with the Healesville Sanctuary offer a memorable alternative for families and non-drinkers.

Which Melbourne to Yarra Valley day trip is right for you?

Ticket typeDurationDeparture pointTransfersIncludesGroup sizeWhy pick thisCancellation policyPrice from

Yarra Valley Hop-On Hop-Off Pass

7 hours

Melbourne CBD

Round-trip coach transfers

Hop-on hop-off access to wineries, distilleries & breweries; live commentary

Flexible, open tour

Best if you want freedom to choose stops and explore at your own pace

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure

from AU$89.95

Yarra Valley Grazing Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Tastings

9 hours

Melbourne CBD / hotel pickup

Round-trip air-conditioned transfers

Wine, gin, cheese & chocolate tastings; gourmet lunch; stop at Healesville Sanctuary, live commentary, audio guide in 16 languages

Small to medium group

Ideal for food and wine lovers who want a premium, all-inclusive experience

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure

from AU$189

Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

8 hours

Central Melbourne

Round-trip coach transfers

Puffing Billy Railway ride; wildlife experience at Healesville Sanctuary; scenic commentary

Medium group

Great mix of nature, wildlife, and heritage rather than wineries

Free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before departure

from AU$230

Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Flight over Yarra Valley

4–5 hours

Melbourne CBD

Round-trip air-conditioned transfers (varies by option)

Sunrise balloon flight, free parking, flight certificate, complimentary In-flight photography, optional breakfast

Small group

A once-in-a-lifetime experience with unforgettable aerial views

Free cancellation usually up to 24–48 hours prior (weather-dependent)

from AU$495

All-Inclusive Yarra Valley Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tour

8 hours

Melbourne CBD

Round-trip coach transfers

Tastings at 4 wineries; cheese & chocolate; gourmet lunch, A/C transport

Small group

Best value if you want classic wineries with everything pre-arranged

Free cancellation up to 24–48 hours before departure

from AU$175

Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Full-Day Tour

9 hours

Central Melbourne

Round-trip coach transfers

Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges tour, winery and chocolaterie visits, wine tasting, chocolate tasting, scenic drives, lunch

Medium group

Ideal if you want wine plus scenery and nature in one day

Free cancellation varies by operator (typically 24–48 hours)

from AU$225

Wineries & distilleries you’ll visit on your Melbourne to Yarra Valley tours

Yarra Valley tours follow carefully planned itineraries, not random winery hops. While stops can vary by tour and day, the wineries and distilleries below are regularly featured on Melbourne to Yarra Valley tours for their quality tastings, smooth logistics, and overall experience.

Yarra Yering

A boutique winery known for premium, small-production wines. Commonly featured on small-group and premium tours that prioritize quality, craftsmanship, and intimate tastings.

De Bortoli Yarra Valley

A popular lunch-and-tasting stop on full-day tours, valued for its spacious estate, estate restaurant, and wide-ranging wine selection.

Giant Steps

Well known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Frequently included on wine-focused itineraries that highlight cool-climate and boutique producers.

Four Pillars Gin Distillery

A favourite stop on mixed itineraries, especially wine + gin tours, offering a popular alternative for non-wine drinkers.

Rochford Wines

A large estate suited to group visits, commonly included on classic and big-coach Yarra Valley tours with structured tastings.

Soumah

Known for Northern Italian–style wines and scenic views. Often featured on curated itineraries with relaxed lunch pacing.

Punt Road Wines

A casual, accessible winery is frequently paired with other mid-sized estates on easygoing full-day tours.

Seville Estate

A boutique, food-forward stop typically reserved for premium or culinary-focused Yarra Valley itineraries.

Jayden Ong

Not a vineyard stop, but a leading Melbourne wine bar often referenced in the context of curated, sommelier-led tasting culture that inspires Yarra Valley tours.

Balgownie Estate

A popular lunch stop on Yarra Valley wine tours, known for its vineyard restaurant and resort-style setting. Often featured on full-day itineraries that include a relaxed sit-down lunch.

Good to know: Not every tour visits every venue listed above. Stops vary based on tour type (classic, premium, small-group), day of the week, and availability—but these are the wineries and distilleries you’re most likely to visit on a well-structured Yarra Valley tour from Melbourne.

Your Melbourne to Yarra Valley itinerary

Your day in the Yarra Valley is thoughtfully paced to balance great wines, good food, and time to relax:

Morning winery visit: Begin at a well-known estate such as Yering Station or Rochford Wines, where you’ll enjoy a structured cellar-door tasting featuring around 4–6 wines. This guided introduction sets the tone for the day and offers insight into the region’s signature styles.

Lunch at a vineyard restaurant: Midday is reserved for a leisurely lunch at a winery restaurant like Balgownie Estate or De Bortoli. Depending on the venue, this may be a relaxed sit-down meal or wood-fired pizza paired with a glass of wine—perfectly timed to enjoy the surroundings.

Afternoon boutique winery: In the afternoon, visit a smaller, boutique producer such as Soumah or Yarra Yering. These tastings are typically more intimate, offering a closer look at handcrafted wines and distinctive vineyard character.

Optional extra stop: Round out the day with a crowd-pleasing extra—either a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for complimentary samples, or a tasting flight at Four Pillars Gin Distillery for something a little different.

Best time to visit Yarra Valley

Weather

Spring (Sept–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) offer mild temperatures perfect for vineyard strolls and cellar tastings. Summer (Dec–Feb) brings warm, sunny days ideal for outdoor winery events, though it can feel intense on extended tours. Winter (Jun–Aug) is cooler and occasionally rainy, favoring intimate, indoor experiences.

Events

Throughout the year, Yarra Valley buzzes with events. Autumn (Mar–May) heralds vibrant harvest festivals and gourmet food fairs, while spring (Sept–Nov) features outdoor concerts and art tours among the vines. Summer (Dec–Feb) hosts bustling open-day events, and winter (Jun–Aug) delivers cozy, indoor tasting sessions.

Crowds

Peak visitor numbers occur during summer (Dec–Feb) and autumn weekends, when cellar doors and events are most popular. In contrast, weekdays, winter (Jun–Aug), and early spring offer quieter experiences for a relaxed day. Booking ahead helps secure preferred stops.

How to get from Melbourne to Yarra Valley

  • Best for: First-time visitors who want a guided, all-in-one day trip with no planning required.
  • Travel time: About 8–10 hours total, (incl. 60–90 minutes each way from Melbourne).
  • Approx cost: Mid-range, usually including transport, tastings, and lunch.
  • Pros: Comfortable coach travel, knowledgeable guide, pre-booked winery stops, and easy return transfers.
  • Cons: Fixed itinerary with limited flexibility to customise stops.
  • Best for: Budget travellers and independent explorers.
  • Travel time: About 2 hours total by train and bus.
  • Approx cost: Low-budget
  • Pros: Very affordable and good value.
  • Cons: Infrequent services and longer travel time reduce flexibility.
  • Best for: Those who value flexibility and personalized stops
  • Travel time: Approximately 1–1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD
  • Approx cost: Approx. AUD$20 for fuel round-trip
  • Pros: Freedom to choose your own wineries and set your own pace.
    Cons: You need to drive on rural roads and strictly follow drink-driving laws.

Helpful tips for a Melbourne to Yarra Valley day trip

  • Start early: Tours typically depart around 8:30am–9am from Melbourne, ensuring you enjoy a full day in the scenic vineyards.
  • Dress comfortably: Layer your outfit for cool cellar rooms and warmer afternoon vineyard walks, and wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
  • Carry cash: Some smaller wineries and artisanal stops may not accept cards, so bring small bills for extra tastings or quick purchases.
  • Confirm pickup details: Verify your meeting point and pickup time with your tour operator to avoid confusion amid Melbourne’s busy early morning traffic.
  • Stay hydrated: Sip water between tastings to balance the wine samples and maintain energy throughout the full-day tour.
  • Pack a light snack: Even with lunch included, having a bite like an energy bar can help if there are any unexpected delays between stops.
  • Check the weather: Mornings in the valley may be cool and misty, so keep a light jacket or umbrella handy for changing conditions.
  • Practice tasting etiquette: Listen to your guide, ask questions about varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and savor each tasting at the cellar doors.

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Melbourne to Yarra Valley

Most tours require a 60–90 minute drive from Melbourne to the valley. Full-day tours last about 8–10 hours overall, covering transit, multiple winery visits, and a lunch stop so that you experience the region without feeling rushed.

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