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Get ready for a spectacular day as you take in the rolling green hills of the Yarra Valley from every angle. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, this is it. From the hot-air ballooning start to Australian native animals then lunch and wine at one of Australia’s best locations, you will get a perfect introduction to everything the Valley has to offer.
Your day starts very early, pre-dawn when you depart your accommodation for the Yarra Valley. Arrive at the designated site where you'll be briefed before travelling out to the launch site. Here, you can assist with the balloon launch or stand back and take pictures. And then you'll be air-bound, drifting above Yarra Glen, the vineyards and the meandering Yarra River. After flying for approximately 1 hour, you'll descend to pack up the balloon before travelling through to Balgownie Estate Winery for a hearty champagne breakfast.
It's then on the Healesville Sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of native animals amidst 75 acres of bushland. It showcases Australian wildlife in a distinctly Australian setting and visitors can experience close-up encounters with some of Australia’s most unique and captivating wildlife in their natural habitat, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus.
Early afternoon, it's a short ride to the Yering Station Winery for lunch. Established as Victoria's first vineyard in 1838, the current owners have restored the property to its former glory and it is now one of the must-visit vineyards in the valley. Adjourn to the stunning and contemporary Wine Bar Restaurant with world-class views and cuisine. Post-lunch, enjoy a tasting of estate and reserve wines in a historic 1859 building surrounded by local artworks and produce
The day concludes at the De Bortoli Winery at Dixons Creek. As the largest producer in the Valley, it's a great finish to the day with superbly flavoured cheeses that compliment the sparkling, table and dessert wines
Our journey home can take us through Steels Creek and the rolling Christmas Hills. Expect to be back to your accommodation by around 6.30pm.
Pick-up from your city hotel. If outside the city, meeting at St Paul’s Cathedral opposite Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.
If you would like to feed and pat a kangaroo or get close to a koala, the Sanctuary offers these encounters. The extra cost is $20 per animal and each encounter last 10 minutes. Alternatively, you could book a 2 hour Australian Wildlife Experience which would include the koala and kangaroo encounters along with your own guide for an additional charge of $99. Sessions and places are limited and book up quickly so bookings are typically required in advance. Please advise us if you wish to include this as part of your Sanctuary experience.
Indicative times of 4.00am to 6.30pm would apply but will be confirmed prior to the date of travel.
Must be 18 years old or older to drink.
Operates rain or shine; please dress appropriately.
07 4030 4333 
287 Draper Street, Parramatta Park Queensland 4870, Australia 
iConcierge is a locally owned and operated company providing Tours & Attractions and local information to visitors to the Tropical North Queensland Region.
