Melbourne Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Explore Melbourne Yarra Valley with Hop-on Hop-off tours

A Melbourne Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-off wine tour is the ultimate way to explore Australia's oldest and most celebrated wine region without the stress of designated drivers or rigid itineraries. Unlike other modes of sightseeing, these hourly buses offer unlimited hops across premium wineries, boutique producers, and gourmet stops, making it far easier to navigate the region's scattered estates. With a 1-day pass, you can choose between the Red Route (wine-focused) or Green Route (food and wine combined), visiting iconic landmarks like Domaine Chandon's award-winning sparkling wines, Four Pillars Gin's distillery, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, and charming local favorites like Payten & Jones and Steel Gates Wines. Buses include onboard coolboxes for your purchases, making the entire experience hassle-free and flexible.

How it works: Choose your route (Red or Green), board at Melbourne's designated pickup, and hop off at any of the 30+ stops whenever you fancy. Buses run hourly from morning through evening, giving you a full 7-hour wine country adventure.

What's included: Your ticket includes unlimited travel across your chosen route, onboard coolboxes and storage for wine and gourmet purchases, free water to stay hydrated, and access to 30+ premium wineries and producers.

Operator: “Hop It” is the primary provider of this world-class Yarra Valley wine touring experience, known for flexible, traveler-friendly service.

Routes: Two distinct routes offer different experiences. The Red Route focuses on premium wineries like Domaine Chandon and Oakridge Wines, while the Green Route balances wine with food, chocolate, and cheese stops.

Stops: Over 30 stops include iconic names like Domaine Chandon, Oakridge Wines, Levantine Hill, Yarrawood Estate, Yarra Valley Dairy, and the famous Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, plus numerous boutique producers.

Timings & frequency: Buses run once every hour, with the first bus departing Melbourne at 10:10am. Red Route's last bus leaves Four Pillars/Payten & Jones at 4pm, while Green Route's last bus departs Steel Gates Wines at 4pm.

Flexibility: Stay as long as you like at each winery, whether it's 20 minutes or 3 hours. The next bus is always an hour away, giving you total control over your wine-tasting pace.

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Domaine Chandon

Australia's premier sparkling wine house blends French champagne traditions with cool-climate Australian fruit. Watch the méthode champenoise process and taste elegant bubbles on the terrace overlooking rolling vineyards.

Pro tip: Book the tasting experience in advance; it sells out quickly on weekends.

Time to spend: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best time to visit: Late morning for fewer crowds and perfect lighting for vineyard photos.

Location: 727 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia

Tips to make the Most of your Hop-on Hop-off Yarra Valley tour

Book tastings in advance: Popular venues like Domaine Chandon and Four Pillars recommend advance bookings, especially on weekends, to avoid disappointment or long wait times that eat into your day.

Pace yourself to 3-5 stops maximum: Quality tastings beat rushed sipping every single time, so choose your wineries carefully and linger long enough to truly experience each one instead of racing through the region.

Eat a proper breakfast before boarding: Wine tasting dehydrates you faster than you think, and hunger absolutely kills your palate and ability to appreciate wines, so fuel up well before 10:10am departure.

Use onboard coolboxes: Store wine purchases, cheese, and chocolate throughout the day without worrying about spoilage, meaning you can shop freely and enjoy your haul back at the hotel or during your picnic lunch.

Check timetables and set phone alarms: Grab a printed timetable at pickup, then set alarms for your desired departure times so you never miss buses and get stranded at wineries waiting an hour.

Visit the Chocolaterie early or late: Weekends bring massive crowds with 30+ minute queues for ice cream, so hit it before 11am or after 3pm to maximize tasting time without standing around.

Bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen: Stay hydrated between tastings (dehydration intensifies hangovers) and protect yourself from the Yarra Valley's unpredictable sun reflecting off vineyard surfaces throughout the day.

Consider visiting during autumn: March to May offers spectacular golden vineyard colors, harvest season activities, and the absolute peak of winery atmosphere as grapes are being crushed and wine is being made.

Frequently asked questions about the Melbourne Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-off tour

How many wineries can I visit in one day with the Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-off tour?

Most travelers comfortably visit 3 to 5 wineries, allowing proper tastings, meals, and relaxed exploration without feeling rushed or exhausted.

Do I need to book winery tastings in advance on the Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-off tour?

Popular venues like Domaine Chandon and Four Pillars strongly recommend advance bookings, especially on weekends, though many cellar doors accept walk-ins for standard tastings.

How much does a Melbourne hop-on hop-off tour cost?

The cost of a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Melbourne varies depending on the provider, duration, and add-ons like guided tours or attraction entry tickets. The Yarra Valley wine hop-on-hop-off tour starts at AU$89.95.

Is the tasting fee included in the Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-off ticket price?

No, your ticket covers transport only. Tasting fees, wine purchases, food, and attraction entry remain separate expenses at each stop.

What happens if I miss my scheduled bus?

Simply catch the next hourly service. The next bus is always one hour away, though this extends your day, so track departure times carefully.

Can I switch between Red and Green routes during the day?

No, you must choose one route per day as they cover different geographical areas with separate circuits and final destinations.

What storage is available for wine and food purchases?

Onboard coolboxes keep dairy and perishables fresh, while storage boxes protect wine bottles safely throughout the day until your Melbourne return.

Are children allowed on the Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-off wine tour?

No, the tour is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

What time should I expect to return to Melbourne?

Expect return around 5:15 to 5:30pm, depending on your last stop, so plan evening activities with buffer time included.

Is this Yarra Valley Hop-on Hop-off tour suitable for non-drinkers?

Absolutely, the Green Route features chocolate, cheese, and scenic attractions perfect for designated drivers and non-drinkers wanting the Yarra Valley experience.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the bus?

Light snacks are welcome. Alcohol cannot be consumed on the bus itself, but you can purchase and carry wine for later enjoyment.

How early should I arrive at the Melbourne pickup point?

Arrive 10-15 minutes before 10:10am departure to allow time for check-in, ticket scanning, and securing your preferred open-top seating spot.

From happy customers

Aarti

India

ago, 2026

+ 1 more

It was a lovely trip. Thanks to Lorraine to drive us super safely, tell us the right picture points and showing us the best scenic views. She shared a lot of great information about Melbourne and the places we visited

From Melbourne: Full-Day Guided Tour of Phillip Island Wildlife with Penguin Parade & Brighton Beach Boxes

Maryna

Australia

jul, 2026

We visited the Melbourne Skydeck for my birthday, and it was such a memorable experience! The breathtaking views of Melbourne made the celebration extra special, and we truly enjoyed every moment. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the entire venue was clean, well-organized, and easy to explore. Watching the city from above was absolutely amazing, especially with the stunning panoramic views. It was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Melbourne. We had a fantastic time and would definitely visit again!

Combo: Melbourne Skydeck Tickets + 1 or 2-Hour Yarra River Cruise

Bouet

France

There weren't many people there, so we were able to sit down, and it was very pleasant. The staff working there were also very friendly.

View original review in French

Jessica

+ 4 more

Fantastic 3 park pass! Making trips with kids easier. Because we all need easy and organized. Just scan on arrival and no waiting in ticket lines . Penguins 🐧 is the only one you need to set a date for so make the other parks work into your busy schedules! Great for all ages we have a 12 year old and a 15month old .

Churchill Island Tickets & Optional Entry to Phillip Island Nature Parks

Nur

Singapore

jun, 2026

+ 3 more

Purchasing a ticket for all 3 parks reduced so much hassle and it was an easy experience for the staff as well. All the parks were well maintained, beautiful and the staffs are a joy to speak with at all checkpoints. The staffs at the Penguin Parade seating area were kind, patient and handled the crowd fantastically. To all guests, please be mindful to follow the rules set out in place at each of the parks as it's there for a reason. It's also a hindrance to the experience of other guests if you're not going to cooperate. Thank you and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. (No pictures included for the Penguin Parade as we're rule abiding citizens.)

Noor

Malaysia

One of the best and memorable experiences, despite the bleak weather. Glad that we did the reverse GOR tour as it helped to beat the crowd. The 12 Apostles is the highlight of the trip for us. A spectacular sight to behold. Our tour guide, Bill is kind, friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. I highly recommend opting for a small-group tour as it'll make the long day much more comfortable. Also, to consider taking seasickness pills for the 12-hour road trip, even though one doesn't normally get dizzy in vehicles.

Great Ocean Road Premium Coach Tour

Harikrishna

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **An Unforgettable Experience!** From the moment we were picked up until we were safely dropped off, everything was absolutely perfect. The entire trip was exceptionally well organised, smooth, and enjoyable from start to finish. A special mention must go to our driver and guide, who truly made this tour outstanding. His knowledge, professionalism, and passion for sharing information were remarkable. Throughout the journey, he provided insightful explanations about the places we visited, shared fascinating stories and local history, and ensured that every traveller felt informed, comfortable, and engaged. What impressed me most was his genuine dedication to the group. He patiently answered questions, offered helpful guidance, and went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a memorable experience. His friendly attitude and expertise transformed a great tour into an extraordinary one. Every aspect of the trip exceeded expectations, and it is clear that a lot of care and effort goes into creating such a seamless experience. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a well-organised, informative, and enjoyable adventure. Thank you to the entire team for creating such wonderful memories. This was truly one of the best travel experiences I have ever had, and I look forward to travelling with you again in the future.

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train Ride & Phillip Island Guided Tour

Nayab

abr, 2026

+ 2 more

It was a phenomenal experience to travel along such a beautiful coast line. The guide was very professional and polite, providing tidbits along the way about the scenic route. We stopped at multiple places to experience the wonderful nature and wildlife on our trip. Definitely worth the trip!

Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Day Tour with Classic Spots

Melbourne Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

From Melbourne Yarra Valley Hop-On Hop-Off Pass: Wineries, Distilleries, Breweries

Routes

1. Melbourne City (Grand Hyatt - Russel Street Entrance)

2. Lilydale Train Station (123 Main Street, Lilydale)

3. Coombe Estate

4. Helen & Joey Estate

5. St Hubert's & Hubert Estate

6. Punt Road Wines & Meletos (Napoleon Cider Bar)

7. Domaine Chandon

8. Oakridge Wines

9. CherryHill Orchards (seasonal from November until Christmas)

10. Tokar Estate

11. Dominique Portet

12. Rochford Wines & Levantine Hill Estate

13. Pimpernel Vineyards (Closed Wednesdays)

14. Riverstone Estate Yarra Valley

15. SOUMAH of Yarra Valley

16. Giant Steps Wines

17. Four Pillars/Payten & Jones Wine (Jayden Ong Winery, Watts River Brewery, Giammarino Wines)

18. Lilydale Train Station (123 Main Street, Lilydale)

1. Melbourne City (Grand Hyatt - Russell Street entrance)

2. Lilydale Train Station (123 Main Street, Lilydale)

3. Coombe Estate

4. Helen & Joey Estate

5. St Hubert's

6. Punt Road Wines & Napoleon Cider Bar

7. Meletos

8. Yering Farm Wines

9. Yarra Valley Dairy

10. Yering Station (Chateau Yering)

11. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

12. Yarrawood Estate

13. Balgownie Estate

14. DiVino Restaurant

15. Fin Wines (weekends only)

16. De Bortoli Wines

17. Sutherland Estate (weekends only)

18. Steels Gate Wines

19. Lilydale Train Station (123 Main Street, Lilydale)

What to bring

What’s not allowed

Additional information

Explore Melbourne Yarra Valley with Hop-on Hop-off tours