About Yarra Valley Manna Gum Tours
I’ve always been obsessed with travel – planning the next adventure – always seeking out “wild places & wild things”. My curious nature and love of wildlife has seen me travel the world, always looking for (often) endangered animals, breathtaking landscapes, great local food and always, fabulous coffee (nothing happens without great coffee!)
I fell in love with Australia over 30 years ago and became obsessed with Koalas, Manna Gums and Melbourne Coffee and eventually found my own slice of magical paradise in the Yarra Valley. Like most people, the last few years provided the opportunity to really explore and fully appreciate my own backyard – to stop, breathe, and spend precious time wandering the ancient forests and bushland that surround the Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra Ranges.
Just an hour outside of Melbourne, you will uncover a place of epic views, unique birds & wildlife, stunning landscapes, beautiful country gardens and exceptional cool climate wines. It is this special corner of Australia that I love to share with our guests, and we can craft a bespoke, private tour that you will always remember.
Each season will showcase a different highlight – the reawakening of the vineyards in spring; the endless, big blue skies of summer; the beauty of autumn as the trees change colour; the crackling open fireplace in winter – and each season will bring a range of different fruits and local produce to enjoy.
We created “Yarra Valley Manna Gum Tours” to explore the best this Region has to offer and design a trip that will provide you with lasting memories.
I drive & guide a maximum of 7 travellers in the luxury and comfort of a top of the range Kia Carnival 2024 – with a 5-star safety rating, zoned air conditioning & heating, leather seats and dual sunroofs – perfect to view the expansive rainforest. With all Insurances, a Medium Rigid Licence and having completed Advanced Driver Training, you can relax and fully enjoy the stunning scenery and a glass of wine. A plug in, 12 volt, Waeco fridge will be on board so you can purchase delicious cheese, wines, locally smoked meats & chocolates for a late supper, to enjoy at home.
“Travelling – it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a Storyteller” – Ibn Battuta
Credentials
- Tour Guides Australia Associate Member
- Healesville Sanctuary Volunteer
- Tourism Network Yarra Valley Member
- Public Liability & Professional Indemnity insurance cover
- Medium Rigid Licence
- Driver & Vehicle Accreditation Certificates
- Advanced Driver Safety Training
- First aid certifications - first aid, anaphylaxis, asthma, CPR
Why "Manna Gum" ... ?
The Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) is one of the iconic eucalypts that thrives throughout much of the Yarra Valley & Ranges – it is a favourite food of Koalas and the hollows in ancient trees provide shelter and nesting sites for a range of our local wildlife and birdlife.
The Manna Gum is perfectly adapted to live within this land and The Wurundjeri people, the main clan group from the Melbourne region, take their name from the word wurun, their name for Eucalyptus Viminalis, and Djeri, a caterpillar grub found in the tree.
Manna Gum leaves play a central part in the ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony of the Wurundjeri people. The late historian and author Mick Woiwod’s translation for the Wurundjeri is the “Caterpillar people of the white gum”.