As one of Australia’s most acclaimed wine regions, tasting wine is the most obvious of all the things to do in the Yarra Valley. However, there’s more to the area than grapes—locals love Yarra Valley for its countryside and river valleys, as well as its close proximity to Melbourne. The Sugarloaf Reservoir Park is a haven of wetlands ideal for birdwatchers, while the Dandenong Ranges are the perfect place for some off-grid camping and hiking. For foodies, Yarra Valley has great produce and top restaurants to taste it in.
The Yarra Valley typically has good weather year-round, but if you’re interested in wine tasting, harvest time from February through April is a great option. This is when the grapes arrive from the vineyards and the area is bustling with activity. Summer, between October and January, has the sunniest weather and so is perfect for hikers and travelers with outdoor activities in mind.
Renting a car is a great idea in the Yarra Valley—it makes getting to more remote vineyards and locations so much easier and the roads are fantastic to drive on. There are reliable train services between all major towns in the Yarra Valley, and Ventura buses operate in the area too. There are also many tour operators running excursions all over the region.
The Dandenong Range is the perfect place to head for scenic drives and even more scenic hiking trails. Take the steam train into the Belgrave rainforest, or head to Olinda for waterfalls and tranquility. Cyclists love Mount Evelyn, as do foodies who travel there for food markets selling local produce. The town of Healesville is well worth a stop too—it’s the heart of the wine region and packed with restaurants, cafes, bars, and a vibrant arts and crafts culture.
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If you’ve only got time for a flying visit to Yarra Valley, you need a minimum of two days as it’s a large area to cover. Healesville itself deserves a night or two to discover its hidden gems, and that’s not to mention the countryside and vineyards that surround it.
...MoreIt all depends on what you value, but traveling there will definitely be an experience you’ll never forget. From the picturesque countryside and wide open spaces, to the top quality wine and delicious local food, it’s a special place that’s easy to reach from Melbourne—and a world away from Aussie beach culture.
...MoreThe Yarra Valley is known around the world for its high quality wines, especially white wines that love the mists and cooler climate. These fresher temperatures also make hiking and camping a lot more comfortable than in other Australian regions—and that’s why it’s so green, too.
...MoreThe Yarra Valley has some incredibly scenic drives, but the route with the most bang for your mileage is the Black Spur Drive. This stretch of road passes through lush green forests and fern gullies, which get thicker and more beautiful the higher you climb. Do be mindful of its hairpins and fast sections, though.
...MoreIt is possible to walk along the Yarra Valley—the main stretch of the Yarra trail is around 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). You can download an audio tour to your smartphone to accompany the walk, that talks about the history of the area and the river, both pre- and post-colonization.
...MoreIt’s important to remember that you can’t swim in the Yarra River from Gipps Street in Abbotsford—it’s illegal to do so. This is because the river has a very high rate of river traffic, with boats of all sizes using it as an important thoroughfare. In Warrandyte though, you can swim in a beautiful section of the Yarra River.
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