Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Shore Excursion from Melbourne Cruise Port
Region: Port Phillip Yarra Valley
State: VIC
Duration:
6h
Discover the Yarra Valley on a premium Wine Tasting shore excursion, featuring three winery tastings, a friendly local guide, and convenient cruise port pickup and return.
Operated By:
Experience the Yarra Valley Like a Local
Escape the city bustle on a relaxed morning-departure half-day wine tour from Melbourne. Journey through rolling vineyard views, taste exquisite cool-climate varietals, and soak up the easygoing charm of Victoria’s most iconic wine region. 🍷
Your day begins with a complimentary barista-made coffee at the iconic Melbourne Arts Centre, before we head through leafy suburbs and open farmland toward the breathtaking Yarra Valley.
Boutique Cellar Doors & Scenic Views
We handpick our destinations to give you an authentic taste of the valley’s diverse wine scene:
- Helen & Joey Estate: Enjoy a premium hilltop tasting paired with a shared grazing board and sweeping valley views. 🧀
- Payten & Jones: Step into an urban-style cellar door famous for expressive, small-batch wines and creative flair.
- Soumah: Capture endless photo opportunities at this picturesque hilltop estate, offering premium cool-climate wines. 📸
What Your Day Includes
- Three Esteemed Wineries: Explore a handpicked selection of the Yarra Valley’s most celebrated cellar doors.
- Guided Wine Tastings: Enjoy a curated tasting experience at all three venues, showcasing unique flavour profiles.
- Relaxed Morning Departure: Savor a slower start to your day with a convenient half-day schedule.
- Premium Seating Comfort: Travel in style with a guaranteed window seat, onboard Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports.
- Authentic Small-Group Experience: Connect with your engaging local guide and fellow travellers (maximum 15 guests).
- Free 24-Hour Cancellation: Book with confidence knowing you can cancel up to a day before departure.
- Cruise Port Pickup & Return: Convenient collection and return at Station Pier, Port Melbourne, timed perfectly with your ship’s schedule.
Tour Details
Departure Location: Station Pier, Port Melbourne, Victoria. Your local guide will meet you near the cruise terminal.
Timing: Departs at 9:15am and returns no later than 4:30pm (approximately 6 hours, tailored to cruise schedules).
Important Information for Your Tour
Departure Details
Depart Time: 9:15am
Return Time: 4:30pm approx. (to Pier)
Departure Location: Melbourne Station Pier – Cruise Ship Terminal
Arrival: Please arrive at least 10 minutes before departure time. Punctuality is crucial, as the tour departs on schedule and we will not be able to wait for you if you are late. We will park outside the Mr Hobson Cafe, which sits just outside the Pier.
Click Here for further Departure Information
What to Bring
There are no mandatory items required for this tour—just bring yourself! However, a few additional items for a great experience you may like to bring:
- Small Day Bag: You may wish to bring a small day bag that can be left on board during the tour.
- Warm Clothing: Regional Victoria can get chilly, even in summer. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with refill stations available throughout the day.
- Phone Charger: Most buses have charging ports, but consider bringing a portable battery pack if you plan to take lots of photos.
- Spending Money: Some stops may accept card payments only.
Special Note
There is NO food included on this tour. You will have the opportunity to purchase a cheeseboard at our first winery, and then snacks at the second. You will have time to purchase lunch at our 3rd venue (this is typically a menu of pizzas, antipasto, and other easy to order meals). You will NOT be able to eat food brought with you from home.
Special Requirements
Please let us know If you have special requirements. Without prior notice, we cannot guarantee accommodations on the day of the tour.
Thank you, and we look forward to an incredible day with you!
Categories:
Share:
Wonderful Yarra Valley Wines! We had an absolutely wonderful time on our Yarra Valley wine tour! The scenery was beautiful, the wineries were fantastic, and the entire day was relaxed, fun, and very well organized.A huge part of what made the experience so special was our guide, Sue. She was friendly, knowledgeable, engaging, and made everyone feel welcome from the very beginning. Sue shared great information about the Yarra Valley and the wineries while keeping the day lighthearted and enjoyable. She struck the perfect balance between being informative and letting us relax and enjoy the experience.
The wine tastings were excellent, the stops were well chosen, and the beautiful Yarra Valley countryside made it a day we’ll remember for a long time.
We highly recommend this tour—and if you’re lucky enough to have Sue as your guide, you’re in for a fantastic day!
read moreread less
505sherril
10 Sep 2026
Four unforgettable days in Melbourne thanks to Shelton! We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Shelton from LOCAL WAY TOURS for our group of 20 and our four days in Melbourne.From the moment he picked us up at the airport, Shelton made us feel so welcome and looked after. Over the four days he took us through Melbourne’s CBD and famous laneways, shared his knowledge of the city, and accompanied us on our incredible Great Ocean Road adventure.
Shelton was incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about Melbourne. He always seemed to have another interesting story, fact or little local insight to share, and he had a wonderful way of bringing everything to life. Nothing ever felt rushed or scripted.
But what we loved most was Shelton himself. He was such a genuinely lovely person. Warm, friendly, patient, thoughtful and incredibly easy to be around. With a group of 20 people, keeping everyone happy and on track isn't always an easy job, but Shelton handled everything with such ease and professionalism.
By the end of the four days, Shelton felt less like our tour guide and more like someone we were genuinely happy to have spent the time with. He became such a lovely part of our Melbourne experience.
The Great Ocean Road was an absolute highlight, and having Shelton with us made the day even more special. His knowledge, local recommendations and attention to our group made such a difference.
Shelton, thank you for looking after us so wonderfully. You were an absolute star, and we feel very lucky to have had you as our guide. You helped make our four days in Melbourne incredibly memorable, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone visiting the city.
We hope our paths cross again one day! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
read moreread less
Rachelle
10 Sep 2026
Great guide and great locations! The journey to the Yarra Valley was beautiful. A free coffee before we set off. Sus was an amazing guide and driver with lots of interesting information throughout the journey. Really recommend for anyone visiting Melbourneread moreread less
Siobhán
10 Sep 2026
I booked the Yarra Valley Half Day Afternoon Winery Tour. The Local Way Tours team did a wonderful job communicating before the day of. The afternoon timing of the trip was perfect...a drink to start the tour off, 3 wineries, and a hotel drop off. Nathan was a gem and I'm very glad he was our guide - he did a fabulous job making us all feel comfortable and ensuring we had a great time. Would highly recommend (the tour and Nathan)!
read moreread less
Jessica
06 Jul 2026
The tour was fantastic! But the best part of the experience was the brilliant tour guide, Perry. His historic and geographical knowledge was impressive and managed to captivate and keep the attention of the tour goers all day. The highlight of the Mornington Peninsula Tour was the lunch and wine tasting at Green Olive at Red Hill. Fresh and flavourful twists on their homemade nonalcoholic drinks were fun and refreshing, and their unique salt and spice blends on cheese, hummus and chutneys were unforgettable. They even accommodated a vegetarian platter that was hands down the tastiest food I’ve had in Australia. This stop and Perry alone made the day, but we enjoyed the rest of the tour as well…Do yourself a favour and make the time to experience this delightful outing- even if you’re a local!
read moreread less
Vero
06 Jul 2026
We did 2 yours with Local Way Tours lead by Ned and Perry: with Ned we did "A Taste of Melbourne - Laneways, Boroughs, Bites and Brews". Genuinely memorable and worth it. Above all, he had an amazing attitude: punctual, thoughtful, respectful and prudent from the very beginning, with wonderful energy, a big smile and an obvious love for Melbourne.
He was diligent and informative without ever making the tour feel rushed. He taught me about Aussie Rules football (a completely new world to me), and introduced us to places we would never have discovered by ourselves, including a fantastic almond croissant near the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Ned’s enthusiasm felt completely genuine, and his thoughtful little touches elevated the entire experience. The tour was interesting, relaxed, well paced and very good value. A superb ambassador for Melbourne and an excellent guide.
The second tour, Mornington Peninsula Food & Wine Tour, lead by Perry who was a fantastic guide: friendly, respectful and remarkably attentive to every member of the group. He made a real effort to include everyone, regularly engaging us with thoughtful questions and creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere throughout the day.
The itinerary was excellent, and we discovered some truly outstanding wines, particularly at Port Phillip Estate that ranked among the best we have ever tasted. The large van was clean, comfortable and very well maintained, which made the journey even more enjoyable.
Perry’s local knowledge proved especially valuable on the return to Melbourne during a very busy Friday evening. He skilfully navigated the smaller streets, avoided the worst of the traffic and even found a way to drop us closer to our hotel (an incredibly thoughtful gesture, particularly as we were carrying a box of wine.)
A well-organised, personal and very good-value tour, made exceptional by Perry’s professionalism and genuine care for his guests.
He was diligent and informative without ever making the tour feel rushed. He taught me about Aussie Rules football (a completely new world to me), and introduced us to places we would never have discovered by ourselves, including a fantastic almond croissant near the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Ned’s enthusiasm felt completely genuine, and his thoughtful little touches elevated the entire experience. The tour was interesting, relaxed, well paced and very good value. A superb ambassador for Melbourne and an excellent guide.
The second tour, Mornington Peninsula Food & Wine Tour, lead by Perry who was a fantastic guide: friendly, respectful and remarkably attentive to every member of the group. He made a real effort to include everyone, regularly engaging us with thoughtful questions and creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere throughout the day.
The itinerary was excellent, and we discovered some truly outstanding wines, particularly at Port Phillip Estate that ranked among the best we have ever tasted. The large van was clean, comfortable and very well maintained, which made the journey even more enjoyable.
Perry’s local knowledge proved especially valuable on the return to Melbourne during a very busy Friday evening. He skilfully navigated the smaller streets, avoided the worst of the traffic and even found a way to drop us closer to our hotel (an incredibly thoughtful gesture, particularly as we were carrying a box of wine.)
A well-organised, personal and very good-value tour, made exceptional by Perry’s professionalism and genuine care for his guests.
read moreread less
nomar
26 Jun 2026
A lovely day out A lovely day out and our guide Sue was amazing. It was great that the second winery was also opposite the gin place so that we could squeeze in a tasting there too.read moreread less
Linda
19 Jun 2026
I had booked the Mornington Peninsula wine tour for myself and 2 of my friends from interstate. A couple days out I was called and informed that the tour had low numbers and might be cancelled or postponed. Come the day of the tour we were greeted my our guide and complimentary coffee and told the tour would still ago ahead even though it was just us. It made us feel special and valued as a customer. We had an absolutely wonderful time on our trip visiting wineries and getting a view of the peninsula. Our guide was amazing and great to have some banter with us. Accommodated requests and was a highlight of our trip to Victoria. Next time I come down to Melbourne and want to go on a tour I will definitely be coming back to these guys and will be recommending them to anyone wanting to do the same.
read moreread less
Zane
18 Jun 2026
After grabbing our complimentary coffee and hearing Jennifer's introduction, the first thing we noticed when we got on the bus was how comfy the seats were.
Since this was a small group tour, I'd checked out the reviews beforehand and was happy to find that the experience actually lived up to all the great things people had said.
Jennifer shared plenty of interesting information without going overboard, which was especially helpful since several guests spoke English as a second language.
We were lucky to have beautiful weather, especially after how wet the previous evening had been.
I mentioned that we'd visited one of the locations years ago, and Jennifer was more than happy to help us find the famous "Arthur's Seat" so we could recreate our old photos.
The places we visited were beautiful and full of interesting history, just as promised in the itinerary.
After enjoying a relaxing drink at the Sorrento Hotel, we took a different scenic route back to Melbourne, which was a lovely way to end the day.
Overall, it was a fantastic day, and I'd definitely recommend this tour, Mornington Peninsula Coastal Doscovery.
Since this was a small group tour, I'd checked out the reviews beforehand and was happy to find that the experience actually lived up to all the great things people had said.
Jennifer shared plenty of interesting information without going overboard, which was especially helpful since several guests spoke English as a second language.
We were lucky to have beautiful weather, especially after how wet the previous evening had been.
I mentioned that we'd visited one of the locations years ago, and Jennifer was more than happy to help us find the famous "Arthur's Seat" so we could recreate our old photos.
The places we visited were beautiful and full of interesting history, just as promised in the itinerary.
After enjoying a relaxing drink at the Sorrento Hotel, we took a different scenic route back to Melbourne, which was a lovely way to end the day.
Overall, it was a fantastic day, and I'd definitely recommend this tour, Mornington Peninsula Coastal Doscovery.
read moreread less
Roamingpagottos
14 Jun 2026
The itinerary was well-paced and included multiple stops with short walks where we could have a leg stretch and soak in the beautiful scenery. Every stop came with another level of breathtaking awe. The ride was incredibly smooth thanks to our guide. Jenny was super lovely and friendly; her commentary was compelling and vivid, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the historical backdrop of these majestic destinations. She also took us on a secret beach pathway at Point Napean National Park and flexibly offered to take us back on a scenic route knowing we’re suckers for natural beauty.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
read moreread less
do
14 Jun 2026
We had a wonderful tour with Perry; he’s the best! So lovely and knowledgeable.
We went on the Small Group Peninsula Hot Springs, Lunch & Wine Tour, which was perfect for the day after a long flight over from California.
Lunch at the Green Oliver winery hit the spot and the Peninsula Hot Springs were very well done. It was a cool winter day, which was a great fit for testing out the hot pools. When you go, be sure to check out the amazing views from the Hilltop Pool.
We went on the Small Group Peninsula Hot Springs, Lunch & Wine Tour, which was perfect for the day after a long flight over from California.
Lunch at the Green Oliver winery hit the spot and the Peninsula Hot Springs were very well done. It was a cool winter day, which was a great fit for testing out the hot pools. When you go, be sure to check out the amazing views from the Hilltop Pool.
read moreread less
Andrea
11 Jun 2026
Great morning out We thoroughly enjoyed our tour, especially the Melbourne insights as well as the various indulgences. Russell was an excellent guide, providing entertaining stories and historical information.read moreread less
Martin
25 May 2026
Great tour, great guide A wonderful trip through the Yarra Valley with Mike as our guide. Mike was so knowledgeable about all things Australia, wine, Irish music, food, history and good fun to be with! The stop offs were great, we got to taste some lovely wines and to meet interesting hosts. We also had beautiful weather which put the icing on the cake !Would absolutely recommend it. Especially if you are lucky to go with Mike!!read moreread less
Philip
22 Apr 2026
We experienced the “A Taste of Melbourne: Laneways, Boroughs, Bites and Brews” tour with Sheldon, and it was fantastic from start to finish. Sheldon was friendly, welcoming, and made everyone feel comfortable right away.
The tour is something we would highly recommend. It truly gives you a real taste of Melbourne through its sights, bites, and brews. We loved how it combined short walks through the famous laneways with convenient mini-van travel to cover more ground.
Sheldon was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing interesting insights about the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems. The mix of amazing local food experiences and sightseeing around the CBD made it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
If you’re looking for a great way to explore Melbourne, this tour is a must.
The tour is something we would highly recommend. It truly gives you a real taste of Melbourne through its sights, bites, and brews. We loved how it combined short walks through the famous laneways with convenient mini-van travel to cover more ground.
Sheldon was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing interesting insights about the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems. The mix of amazing local food experiences and sightseeing around the CBD made it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
If you’re looking for a great way to explore Melbourne, this tour is a must.
read moreread less
Helen
14 Apr 2026
Ray was a wonderful tour guide and the tour was a lovely set of experiences. We started the day with a short coffee break on Lake Nagambie. On the way we saw wild kangaroos hopping in the fields which was awesome for us Americans. We then traveled to the Kyabram Fauna Park (loved the meerkats even though not native Australian animals). Then on to Echuca with a tasty lunch at the Star Hotel and a hour long paddleboat ride on the SS Canberra along the Murray River. The Rochester Silo art was amazing. And the wine tasting at Sanguine Winery was wonderful. We were the only ones there and got great personal service with great wines to taste. The entire time Ray provided information about Australia and the countryside we were passing. The trip was a great set of individual experiences that added to a full and satisfying day.
read moreread less
Barbara
04 Apr 2026
Yarra Valley Great tour! Jenny was amazing as was the wine and scenery.read moreread less
Cheryl
19 Mar 2026
Jenny from the Block ✌🏽 Jenny is the real MVP. Great knowledge. Genuine love of wine and the region. I hope to God your tour guide can get within an inch of her expertise. Get this girl a raise!!! (And a red wine 😉)read moreread less
AZLV616
19 Mar 2026
Enjoyable day out This tour is a great day out from Brisbane. The Redwood Forest is stunning, so beautiful. We had lunch at the Soumah Vineyard and tasted six of their wines. Lunch was excellent and we’d recommend the Barramundi or Ragu. Then on to a chocolate factory and chocolaterie oh my goodness! We came away with a few treats to enjoy at home. Thank you Theresa!read moreread less
Trevor
19 Mar 2026
Yarra valley wine tour Jenny was an amazing host and so educated on Melbournes history! We had an amazing day and would recommend to all !read moreread less
Cianna
19 Mar 2026
Highly recommend Ned the tour guide was fantastic tour was amazing would recommend this tourread moreread less
mrsw0mbat
18 Mar 2026
Our Phillip Island tour with Local Way Tours was outstanding from beginning to end. The complimentary coffee before departure was a thoughtful touch that set a pleasant tone for the day. Mike was exceptional - friendly, engaging, and impressively knowledgeable. He was a GEM. From the coastal charm of San Remo to the delightful winery visit, and from the serene views at the Nobbies to the magical Penguin Parade, every stop was perfectly paced and seamlessly organised. It was a truly memorable experience, and I would highly recommend Local Way Tours to anyone wanting a superbly guided visit to Phillip Island.
read moreread less
Arjun
06 Mar 2026
An amazing day! Definitely plan on having snacks and sea sick tables to see the seals, so worth it! I couldn't believe how close our boat was to the seals. Our driver Perry was excellent, informative, funny, and kind. Would recommend this as an excursion from Melbourne for anyone.
read moreread less
Sarah
25 Feb 2026
We booked the “Phillip Island: Golden Hour Penguin Express Tour” with Local Way Tours, and it was an excellent experience from start to finish.
One of the main reasons we chose this tour was the hotel pick-up, which made the whole trip very convenient—especially as we were travelling with my elderly mum, who uses a wheelchair. Our guide, Michael, was extremely helpful and thoughtful. We brought along a foldable wheelchair, and he assisted with storing and deploying it whenever needed, which made a huge difference to our comfort and peace of mind.
The tour itself was well planned and comprehensive. We visited several scenic lookout points near The Nobbies, explored the Nobbies area, and then headed to the Penguin Parade. The tour company also managed to secure Penguin Plus tickets for us, which really enhanced the experience.
Michael shared interesting background information about Phillip Island and its wildlife, and even showed us how to spot penguins in their burrows—something we wouldn’t have noticed on our own.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, well-organised, and very inclusive tour. We truly appreciated the care shown to our family and would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
One of the main reasons we chose this tour was the hotel pick-up, which made the whole trip very convenient—especially as we were travelling with my elderly mum, who uses a wheelchair. Our guide, Michael, was extremely helpful and thoughtful. We brought along a foldable wheelchair, and he assisted with storing and deploying it whenever needed, which made a huge difference to our comfort and peace of mind.
The tour itself was well planned and comprehensive. We visited several scenic lookout points near The Nobbies, explored the Nobbies area, and then headed to the Penguin Parade. The tour company also managed to secure Penguin Plus tickets for us, which really enhanced the experience.
Michael shared interesting background information about Phillip Island and its wildlife, and even showed us how to spot penguins in their burrows—something we wouldn’t have noticed on our own.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, well-organised, and very inclusive tour. We truly appreciated the care shown to our family and would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
read moreread less
Shan
18 Feb 2026
Took a 4 hour food tour around Melbourne with Local Way Tours. Russell was our guide. He did an excellent job in showing the diversity of Melbourne food as well as teaching us about Melbourne history and culture. Strawberries and Belgian chocolate st the Botanical Gardens, chicken and octopus dumplings at Shandong Mama, drinks at Naked for Satan and charcuterie at Queen Victoria Market. Can’t go wrong with Russell and Local Way Tours.
read moreread less
Brion
07 Feb 2026
We did the Mornington Peninsula wine tour with Local Way Tours this weekend and had an absolutely amazing time. Jenny was our guide and she was fantastic, so well organised, knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole day really fun. She made sure everyone in the group was having a great time and everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
The weather was perfect, the locations were beautiful, and the wineries were excellent. It was such a relaxed, enjoyable day and a great way to experience the Mornington Peninsula. Highly recommend Local Way Tours and especially Jenny as a guide.
The weather was perfect, the locations were beautiful, and the wineries were excellent. It was such a relaxed, enjoyable day and a great way to experience the Mornington Peninsula. Highly recommend Local Way Tours and especially Jenny as a guide.
read moreread less
Alison
18 Jan 2026
Absolutely fantastic tour. We did the fur seal cruise, koala reserve, walk at the nobbies, and penguin parade. Mike was our tour guide and he really made our day. The pickup was super convenient, and we stopped for lunch when we got to the island. You have maybe 30 mins for lunch so a quick sandwich is the best option. The chicken schnitzel sandwich from Sunny Bakehouse was really good. The fur seal cruise was amazing they were so playful and the island and cruise was gorgeous. Koala reserve was amazing too, you observe them living their natural lives, no touching or feeding, and we saw maybe 8 koalas. The nobbies walk was also gorgeous along with the drive. You have time for dinner at the cafe at the penguin center which was pretty good. The penguin parade of course was incredible. So cute, and very well regulated. Overall fantastic day tons of wildlife and Mike was an absolutely incredible guide providing us with commentary, and overall super friendly and great to talk to. Really made our day special. Thank you Local Way!
read moreread less
Haley
12 Jan 2026
What a wonderful day with a wonderful guide! Nathan was gracious, friendly and knowledgeable. The Wineries we stopped at were lovely and the schedule allowed enough time at each one. So glad we took this tour and would recommend to anyone wanting you visit the Yarra Valley!
read moreread less
Alison
10 Jan 2026
We had the best time on our wine tour with Russell! From start to finish he was super friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole day feel easy and fun. The locations were absolutely stunning — the kind of views you want to sit and stare at with a glass in hand 🍷 — and the wine variations were brilliant, with something for everyone. Nothing felt rushed, just great vibes, great wine, and great company. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide — highly recommend Russell if you’re thinking about doing a tour!
read moreread less
Lucy
08 Jan 2026
My husband and I had an absolutely fabulous day with Ray! The bus was super comfortable, the group was from all over the world and were so fun to talk with. The drive was enjoyable, music choices were perfect and Ray is so knowledgeable, he pointed out many things along the drive we would have totally missed. The lunch at Green Olive was spectacular, the wines also delicious. We then moved onto the hot springs and they totally blew our minds! So many pools, stunning back drops, beautiful nature everywhere. Even though this is the busy summer time we never felt like it was too crowded. Very top notch tour and Ray was excellent! We absolutely would love to return and we highly recommend.
read moreread less
Andrea
02 Jan 2026
Absolutely amazing tour – highly recommended!
I joined the Phillip Island tour with Local Way Tours and it was truly an incredible experience. Everything was perfectly organised from start to finish, and the whole day ran smoothly. The team was professional, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do.
What impressed me the most was how sustainable and animal-friendly all the stops were. Every place we visited treated the animals with real respect. I especially appreciated that you weren’t allowed to touch or disturb the koalas, which shows that they put the animals’ wellbeing first. It felt good to be part of a tour that chooses locations you can genuinely stand behind.
The nature, the wildlife encounters and the whole atmosphere made this day one of the highlights of my stay. I can wholeheartedly recommend Local Way Tours – I’d book with them again anytime!
I joined the Phillip Island tour with Local Way Tours and it was truly an incredible experience. Everything was perfectly organised from start to finish, and the whole day ran smoothly. The team was professional, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do.
What impressed me the most was how sustainable and animal-friendly all the stops were. Every place we visited treated the animals with real respect. I especially appreciated that you weren’t allowed to touch or disturb the koalas, which shows that they put the animals’ wellbeing first. It felt good to be part of a tour that chooses locations you can genuinely stand behind.
The nature, the wildlife encounters and the whole atmosphere made this day one of the highlights of my stay. I can wholeheartedly recommend Local Way Tours – I’d book with them again anytime!
read moreread less
Mercedes
04 Dec 2025
Fantastic Our guide, Yuri, was fantastic. He kept us informed at all times. It was a long day but, ultimately, worth every minute.
The wine element was a late substitution due to weather conditions forcing cancellation of the seal tour. This proved very interesting.
The Penguin Parade was amazing and well organised.
Thank you
read moreread less
Anthony
04 Dec 2025
Best day out ever This trip was a complete delight. The winery experiences were lovely - some beautiful settings and great wines. A lot of detail and thought for the tastings and enough time at each venue.Our driver, Yuri, was the star of the show. He was friendly, informative and when we got bogged did all he could to sort the problem as quickly as he could. We were lucky to meet some lovely people and perhaps because of being bogged got to spend time with them. One of the best days out we've had. A great way to spend my birthday.
read moreread less
Jacqueline
02 Dec 2025
Terrible Service for the service from Phillip Island to the Airport To do a booking 2 months ahead for a transfer from Phillip Island to the Airport for and elderly person, to be cancelled on us less than 36 hours prior is disgusting. No reason just cancelled. expecting a elderly person from another country to navigate buses and trains in the airport. Shocking service and will never use this company againread moreread less
Tania
01 Dec 2025
Ray, Filip and the team at Local Way Tours were exceptional from start to finish. We opted for the Morning Peninsula winery tour and it did not disappoint. The morning started with a coffee before hitting the road to Arthurs Seat for some amazing views. This was followed by visiting 5 different wineries offering tasting paddles and delicious food, all while being driven around in a spacious, comfy Mercedes-Benz van. Our driver, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable of the area, providing insights and laughs throughout the day. I’d 100% recommend and do again.
Cheers, ‘U-Ray-nus’!
Cheers, ‘U-Ray-nus’!
read moreread less
James
22 Nov 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed ✨️. Easy pick up from Arts Centre. Shout out to Perry our super cool driver ! The first two wineries were fantastic - super nice staff, stunning venues, wonderful tastings. The third was rushed by the staff and was difficult to enjoy. We were lucky and the Sun was all out our day. Read their emailed instructions carefully, we did have a yummy lunch prior to boarding and we did bring some fruit snacks for the trip back 🍎. We (and many others) couldn't help but buy the wines from the first two venues - ya just want more hehe. If ya just wanted a day out with multiple wine tasting - this is for sure worth it (despite the third venue rushed their presentation, the scenery there and the other two are spectacular 🥂).
read moreread less
Cher
14 Nov 2025
Wonderful! Our Yarra wine tasting tour was great! Sue was an awesome driver who had a lot of information to share. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and met some wonderful people from around the world! And the wine was very good! Thank you!read moreread less
Howard
24 Oct 2025
Don’t hesitate, book now. We loved it! Don’t forget to use your free coffee voucher at the cafe like we did! Communication 5🌟 Prompt & trustworthy, from booking to tour guide. It’s really nice when we’re kept in the loop as to what’s going on and options available to us along the way.
Price 5🌟 Considering the time involved, this tour was great value for us, plus the generous drop off service at the end of the night was really appreciated for two women.
Highlights:
🌟 We were lucky enough to get retired drama teacher Rod who put on an epic show, entertaining us on the drive to and from the island. Rod was enthusiastic & patient with us all, creating a vibe that made the trip relaxed & friendly. My 69 year old mum felt included & I got all my queries answered.
🌟 Sunset drinks at Flynn’s beach: what a lovely time watching surfers sipping on champagne, enjoying an iconic Aussie beach scene before the penguins.
🌟 Tips provided: thanks to Rod, we fit in fish and chips, went penguin burrow hunting for baby penguins (we saw lots of babies, wallabies, native birds) landed a great spot to see penguins without having to upgrade and didn’t get lost back to the bus.
Meanwhile, Rod is a globe trotter so make sure to squeeze him for tips on other places to visit in Australia & overseas.
🌟 Overall, I can see how this tour and its operators are winning all the awards. Well done guys, 👏👏👏 we loved the whole experience and would recommend you to our friends.
Ps The cruise part to seal island was bumpy but well worth seeing baby seals. Take sea sick tablets. The cruise crew were young, professional & friendly which was refreshing.
read moreread less
Trinh
19 Oct 2025
Perry is the GOAT! Our party had a wonderful experience with Perry on 28/09/25. We came from London and he was the perfect host! Thank you so much Perry we had a brilliant time!!read moreread less
Jack
17 Oct 2025
Are you bound by time? This short trip is for you! A fabulous half day tour, for a quick exploration! A comfy bus, with a small group.
A great driver/guide, Jordan, (was that his name 😜) who kept the group vibing, and in check.
Only a half day tour, but just enough.
Delicious wineries included. 🫶🏻
read moreread less
Ray S, Owner at Local Way Tours, responded to this review - 2025-10-20
Gday! Thank you for sharing your experience! We are glad that you enjoyed your day with Jordan!
read moreread less
Katie
15 Oct 2025
I had a fantastic time on the Yarra Valley Afternoon Cellar Door Winery Tour on 2 October 2025. The weather wasn't the best on the day of our trip, but our tour guide Michael was brilliant. He was an excellent and careful driver, and we felt completely safe on the roads.
During the drive he shared so many fun facts and stories about Melbourne, which made the journey really engaging. The tour itself was well-paced, and we visited three different wineries, tasting an amazing total of 17 wines. Each stop offered a unique experience, from boutique cellars to scenic estates.
Despite the rain, the entire afternoon was incredibly enjoyable and I felt well looked after. My tour guide's professionalism and enthusiasm were key to making this such a memorable experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great half-day wine tour from Melbourne.
During the drive he shared so many fun facts and stories about Melbourne, which made the journey really engaging. The tour itself was well-paced, and we visited three different wineries, tasting an amazing total of 17 wines. Each stop offered a unique experience, from boutique cellars to scenic estates.
Despite the rain, the entire afternoon was incredibly enjoyable and I felt well looked after. My tour guide's professionalism and enthusiasm were key to making this such a memorable experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great half-day wine tour from Melbourne.
read moreread less
Angus
09 Oct 2025
We had such an amazing day on the Winery and Hot Springs tour with Ray! He was a fantastic guide – friendly, fun, and made us feel so well looked after.
We visited one winery where the meal was delicious and the wine was excellent, then spent time at the hot springs which were absolutely beautiful and relaxing. The whole day was perfectly paced and really enjoyable.
Ray truly made the experience special – we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Ray!
We visited one winery where the meal was delicious and the wine was excellent, then spent time at the hot springs which were absolutely beautiful and relaxing. The whole day was perfectly paced and really enjoyable.
Ray truly made the experience special – we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Ray!
read moreread less
Karyn
30 Sep 2025
Flew in from Brisbane for the wine tour. Not much of a drinker in general but still enjoyed every minute of it. Great winery's, awesome group and our guide Michael was excellent. Looking forward to using Local Way Tours again.
read moreread less
Charmaine
17 Sep 2025
So happy with Local Way. Michael was a careful driver, friendly and knowledgeable. The tour to the Peninsular Springs was great- the winery was fantastic (service, food and wine were top notch, and the welcome from 2 beautiful 4-legged friends were adorable) and the thermal springs were wonderful. A lovely day out. Highly recommend
read moreread less
Sashi
09 Sep 2025
Had an excellent time on the Murray River Paddle Steamer and Wine tour.
We travelled through some beautiful scenery: such vibrant colours especially the yellow fields of canola! I felt I got a real sense of being in country Victoria.
There were plenty of unique experiences to enjoy including a paddlesteamer trip, a fauna park, silo art and a wine tasting in a gorgeous hill side vineyard setting. I was able to buy some yummy wine and cheese to take home too!
Our guide Jordan made sure everyone was happy and everything ran smoothly. The bus was clean and comfortable too.
It was a great day and an opportunity to visit an area that not many other tour companies cover which made it feel a bit special too!
We travelled through some beautiful scenery: such vibrant colours especially the yellow fields of canola! I felt I got a real sense of being in country Victoria.
There were plenty of unique experiences to enjoy including a paddlesteamer trip, a fauna park, silo art and a wine tasting in a gorgeous hill side vineyard setting. I was able to buy some yummy wine and cheese to take home too!
Our guide Jordan made sure everyone was happy and everything ran smoothly. The bus was clean and comfortable too.
It was a great day and an opportunity to visit an area that not many other tour companies cover which made it feel a bit special too!
read moreread less
Maree
28 Aug 2025
I had the most unforgettable experience with Local Way Tours! Every part of the tour was thoughtfully planned and offered something truly special.
The highlight was definitely the Penguin Parade, watching hundreds of Little Penguins waddle up the beach at sundown was absolutely magical. Along the way, we stopped by a koala conservatory.
The Scenic Wildlife Cruise was another standout. Being so close to Australia’s largest fur seal colony was incredible, there were thousands of seals all around, and the views of Phillip Island’s coastline from the boat were breathtaking. We were lucky and spotted a few southern right whales as well as a humpback whale.
The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about wildlife and conservation, which made the tour even more meaningful.
Highly recommend this experience, whether you love animals, beautiful landscapes, or just want a unique and relaxing day, this is a must-do when visiting Phillip Island!
The highlight was definitely the Penguin Parade, watching hundreds of Little Penguins waddle up the beach at sundown was absolutely magical. Along the way, we stopped by a koala conservatory.
The Scenic Wildlife Cruise was another standout. Being so close to Australia’s largest fur seal colony was incredible, there were thousands of seals all around, and the views of Phillip Island’s coastline from the boat were breathtaking. We were lucky and spotted a few southern right whales as well as a humpback whale.
The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about wildlife and conservation, which made the tour even more meaningful.
Highly recommend this experience, whether you love animals, beautiful landscapes, or just want a unique and relaxing day, this is a must-do when visiting Phillip Island!
read moreread less
Esther
26 Aug 2025
Had the best day out with Local Way Tours exploring Phillip Island! 🚐✨ If you’re like me and want to see all the highlights without the stress of planning or driving, this is the way to go.
We got to visit all the top spots — the Koala Reserve, The Nobbies, and of course the magical Penguin Parade 🐧 (which was the perfect way to end the day). There was also a bunch of local wildlife along the way, which made the trip even more special!
What I loved most is that you get to choose between a winery visit with a chilled lunch and views OR a wildlife cruise to see seals and whales 🛥️🍷 (we picked both (on different dates — 10/10 recommend!).
The guides were super friendly and really knew their stuff — felt like we were exploring with locals rather than being on a generic tour. Would 100% recommend this if you’re visiting Phillip Island or even if you’re a local looking for a great day trip!
Thanks Local Way Tours for such a fun experience! 🙌
We got to visit all the top spots — the Koala Reserve, The Nobbies, and of course the magical Penguin Parade 🐧 (which was the perfect way to end the day). There was also a bunch of local wildlife along the way, which made the trip even more special!
What I loved most is that you get to choose between a winery visit with a chilled lunch and views OR a wildlife cruise to see seals and whales 🛥️🍷 (we picked both (on different dates — 10/10 recommend!).
The guides were super friendly and really knew their stuff — felt like we were exploring with locals rather than being on a generic tour. Would 100% recommend this if you’re visiting Phillip Island or even if you’re a local looking for a great day trip!
Thanks Local Way Tours for such a fun experience! 🙌
read moreread less
this.is_melbourne
01 Aug 2025
My friends and I were lucky enough to participate in Local Way Tours' Philip Island Gourmet Wine Tasting and Penguins tour on Thursday last week. It was very enjoyable and we all just loved it. The wine tasting and lunch at Philip Island winery was great, the visit to the Koala Sanctuary was fabulous, the Penguin Parade WA fun (even if freezing cold) and our guide, Sue couldn't have been more helpful or knowledgeable - she was lovely!
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone.
read moreread less
Julie
28 Jun 2025
We took the seal cruise and penguin parade tour package and the tour was great! Very well curated and fun. We covered the Phillip island pretty well. The transportation was really good too! We had Mike as our guide, he was very knowledgeable, friendly and funny. Loved the interesting facts thrown our way throughout the journey! Highly recommend Local Way Tours..
read moreread less
Rifah
05 Apr 2025
Pleasant experience Enjoyable trip, Mr. Ray was very jovial and a good guide, kudos to him. On the whole it was a very pleasant experience for the family.read moreread less
Nitya
06 Jan 2025
Enjoyable Day Very professional guide, friendly and knowledgeable. Good lunch and interesting activities. The Hot Springs location and setup is amazing. Make sure you come when the weather is supportiveread moreread less
Relax653365
05 Jan 2025
Rod (aka Rockin’ Rod) was an absolutely fantastic tour guide. He was fun, informative and really connected with us on a personal level. We would 100% recommend him and the Local Way Tours. Everything that the tour was advertised to include was delivered plus much more..
read moreread less
Tanya
02 Jan 2025
Awesome Tour with Mike Our family loved our tour with our guide, Mike! He kept a positive attitude throughout the entire experience, despite it being an all-day tour and hours worth of driving. He was always chipper, energetic, and a very safe driver. He also put lots of effort into customizing our tour, and accommodating stops we wanted to make, which is not something he was obligated to do but did anyways. He was timely in his pick-ups and drop-offs and had plenty of knowledge to share. Thank you, Mike!read moreread less
Mira
02 Jan 2025
Great Tour Such a great experience. When the main site was sold out I found this tour so glad we did, we got to see a few different spots and Ray was a great guide. Very informative and funny. Would highly recommend to learn about the island.
read moreread less
Chloefinan21
30 Dec 2024
We had a lovely day on the Phillip Island Penguins, Wine & Feast Premium Tour. Our tour guide Mike was friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. We highly recommend this tour
read moreread less
Leanne
29 Dec 2024
Fantastic experience on Phillip island with team Russell 🤩 I found this tour from google and got accepted for this tour 12 hours ago. It was really thankful since all other tours are cancelled due to full booking. We were with Russell and had a wonderful day trip starting from Winery, Seagull nest coast, Wallaby jumping road and finally thousands of penguins are coming back to their home. Thank you so much Russell to make this precious timw happen and I strongly recommend this experience with my colleagues after I back to the Seoul. Thank you so much 🥰♥️
read moreread less
joeycB4748PW
29 Dec 2024
Amazing A day filled with relaxation & a lot more hot springs pools than you can imagine. relaxation Domes, Very nice place to relax & enjoy with family & friends. Amazing services at such a busy spot. Highly recommend to visit. Bring your bathers, towels & bathrobes or you can hire at siteread moreread less
Vibha
28 Dec 2024
This was a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon! Perry was a WONDERFUL guide - charming, knowledgeable and personable! His after-tour dinner recommendation was SPOT ON! Thank you Perry! The European was DELISH! Will definitely book with Local Way Tours again!
read moreread less
ML
16 Nov 2024
We did a wine tour around Phillip Island with our host Sue and we could not recommend this more.
Each stop was great and had all tastings and lunch (which was lovely) included in the price as well as some local attractions/views to stop along on the way!
Sue was amazing and so friendly throughout the day and definitely made the tour!
Each stop was great and had all tastings and lunch (which was lovely) included in the price as well as some local attractions/views to stop along on the way!
Sue was amazing and so friendly throughout the day and definitely made the tour!
read moreread less
Emily
20 Aug 2024
We had the most amazing time on our Phillip island local way tour! Our tour guide Caitlin was a great host, made the trip so fun and enjoyable for our family. Would highly recommend this tour. Our first stop at the Phillip island winery was a highlight with the lovely staff, amazing wines and food. Touring the island in the mini bus was a great way to get around without having to worry about travelling in our car. Our tour finished off seeing the penguins which was the most special experience. Would 100% recommend Local Way Tours!
read moreread less
Kate
27 Jul 2024
Hi
I would like to leave a review. Our tour guide was Caitlin . My husband & I had an amazing day from start to finish.
We enjoyed the winery plus lunch & the penguin parade.
Nothing was a problem for Caitlin. She looked after our small group exceptionally well. Very friendly & knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this tour !!
Paul and Angie TSIKNAS
I would like to leave a review. Our tour guide was Caitlin . My husband & I had an amazing day from start to finish.
We enjoyed the winery plus lunch & the penguin parade.
Nothing was a problem for Caitlin. She looked after our small group exceptionally well. Very friendly & knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this tour !!
Paul and Angie TSIKNAS
read moreread less
Jennifer
17 Jun 2024
