Our Milestone 40th Birthday Party

Planning the Perfect 40th Birthday Surprise

We’d hit a milestone in our family — and my mission was clear: plan something extra special for a man's 40th birthday. But what do you do for someone who already seems to have everything? After much brainstorming (and a few laughs over coffee), a close friend and I had our lightbulb moment — a “Micro Brewery Tour” adventure! Because honestly, what man wouldn’t enjoy a day of craft beer, laughter, and great mates?

Once the idea was set, the 40th birthday invitations went out in secret — sleek, playful, and just mysterious enough to stir curiosity. We booked with Scruffy Bunch Tours, a cheerful local company that knew how to keep things light and entertaining. The excitement was brewing — quite literally!

The Morning of the Big Surprise

On the big day, I asked the birthday boy to drop the kids off at a friend’s house bright and early — a perfectly innocent request. While he was gone, his friends began to arrive, filling the house with laughter and anticipation. When he walked back through the door, his expression was priceless: a mix of shock, delight, and just a hint of confusion at why his home was full of mates at 9am. Little did he know, his adventure was only just beginning — though we let him wonder a little longer!

In the weeks leading up to the party, I’d even left my computer “accidentally” open to adventure sports websites — shark diving one day, skydiving the next. It kept him guessing! So when his friends joked that he’d be jumping out of a plane in the Yarra Valley, his nervous laughter was almost too good to hide behind my grin.

First Stop: Buckley’s Beers

Our party bus — a comfortable Mercedes courtesy of Scruffy Bunch Tours — rolled out right on time, heading toward the Yarra Valley. Our first stop: Buckley’s Beers, a charming microbrewery that oozed character. We joked that we were stopping for “Dutch courage” before the big skydive (still keeping the ruse alive). Buckley’s offered a wonderful guided tour — from grain to glass — explaining every step of their hand-crafted process. The brewers shared their passion for traditional, eco-friendly brewing, and we got to sample the full range. Every glass tasted like it had a story to tell.

Coldstream Brewery — Cheers to Good Friends

After a few cheeky souvenirs from Buckley’s, we hopped back on the bus, and I finally confessed the real plan. The relief on his face was priceless — no parachutes, no freefall, just good beer and great company! Next stop: Coldstream Brewery, nestled in the heart of the Yarra Valley. The atmosphere was buzzing, the staff warm and welcoming, and the beer… sensational. We sampled everything, from crisp lagers to an unexpected (but delicious) chocolate beer.

Lunch at the Coldstream restaurant was the perfect midday indulgence. The food was mouthwatering — the pork cutlet was so good it earned an instant spot on my “Father’s Day restaurant” list. Between clinking glasses and laughter echoing through the brewery, it was the kind of afternoon that lingers in your memory — and on your taste buds.

Final Stop: White Rabbit Brewery

Our last destination was White Rabbit — a name that promised whimsy and didn’t disappoint. Their beers were smooth, refined, and crafted with the kind of care that only comes from genuine passion. We soaked up the lively atmosphere, chatting with locals and sipping our final rounds with happy hearts. Just across the way, the Innocent Bystander winery offered another tempting spot for a cheeky tasting, and while it was bustling, it added to the afternoon’s cheerful energy. It felt like the perfect way to round off an unforgettable day.

As the sun began to dip, our trusty driver Brenton gathered us up with his trademark humour and got us safely home. His patience and wit were unmatched — we all agreed he was as much a part of the party as the beer itself!

Cheers to Milestones and Memories

By the end of the day, our hearts (and photo albums) were full — a day of laughter, good friends, and even better stories. What started as a small surprise turned into one of those golden memories that stay with you forever. Would we do it again? Absolutely — perhaps next time a winery tour, or even a girls’ day out! Because milestone birthdays deserve more than just cake; they deserve moments that sparkle with laughter, connection, and joy.