Historic Homes & Gardens of the Yarra ValleyTour

Discover the rich history, timeless beauty, and world-class gardens of the Yarra Valley on this exclusive private tour. Perfect for garden enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys cultural and scenic escapes, this experience blends heritage charm with natural splendour.

Your journey begins at Coombe Yarra Valley, the grand estate of Dame Nellie Melba, Australia’s most celebrated opera singer. Step inside her elegant historic home, filled with stories of a bygone era, or wander through the magnificent heritage gardens. Designed by the visionary behind Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, these landscaped grounds feature ornamental lakes, rare plants, and majestic European trees dating back almost two centuries.

Continue your day with a touch of indulgence. Choose a traditional Devonshire tea with sparkling wine or a two-course lunch with wine tasting, showcasing fresh, estate-grown and local produce.

Next, explore one of the region’s most iconic gardens. Depending on the season, you’ll visit either Alowyn Gardens, an award-winning showcase of themed landscapes, espaliered fruit trees, and floral displays, or the Blue Lotus Water Garden (open December–April), where acres of vibrant lotus and waterlily blooms create a truly magical setting.

With a perfect balance of history, horticulture, and fine food, this private tour offers a rare chance to step into the elegance of the past while enjoying the beauty of the present in the Yarra Valley.

Itinerary

• Visit Coombe, established in 1909 and the home of Dame Nellie Melba. We can take a guided tour and explore the stunning gardens or discover Coombe Cottage which remains in its original condition.
• Enjoy tastings of a range of Coombe Wines and Melba Gin within the cellar door
• Choose either Devonshire Tea or Lunch (Weds to Sunday) located in the glass walled restaurant within the restored motor house with its original clock tower.
• Either a short drive to Alowyn Gardens, a stunning, award-winning landscaped garden offering distinct styles that change with the seasons / or if you are visiting between December – April we can drive through the mountains to the Blue Lotus Water Garden where you can see one of the world’s most extensive collections of lotus flower varieties - At the end of the day, we will drive to a bushland location to hopefully see a mob of wild kangaroos
• Return to Accommodation

 

Tour Gallery

Included in all Tours:

• Organisation / Bookings / Liaison with venues and alternatives sourced if required
• Specialist local knowledge, Guiding Services
• Private Transportation in luxury vehicle
• Admission Tickets
• Lunch (on request / price variance dependent on venue)
• Wine, Gin, Whisky, Beer, Cider Tastings (on request / price variance dependent on venue)
• Bottled Water
• A plug in, 12-volt Waeco fridge is onboard to keep your drinks & produce chilled

Extras:

• Personal expenses, souvenirs
• Alcohol additional to Tastings
• Produce to take home