What Are Some of the Best Things to Do in the Yarra Valley?
The Yarra Valley offers something for almost every type of traveller. You can taste wine, meet Australian wildlife, take a hot-air balloon ride, explore Healesville, visit art galleries, drive through the Black Spur, hike through forests, discover local gin and cider, explore gardens and enjoy regional food. With its combination of scenery, food and outdoor experiences, it is an easy addition to a Melbourne trip.
Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
2 min read
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Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is known for vineyards, local food, wildlife, gardens and beautiful countryside. It makes a great destination for a day trip or weekend escape.
1. Explore the Yarra Valley Wineries
Wine tasting is one of the region's signature experiences. The Yarra Valley has more than 70 wineries, ranging from boutique cellar doors to larger estates. Visitors can sample cool-climate wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while enjoying views across the vineyards.
Some places to consider include TarraWarra Yarra Valley Winery, Restaurant & Cellar Door, Riverstone Estate Yarra Valley and Rochford Wines Yarra Valley.
2. Visit Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary (Zoos Victoria) is a great choice for wildlife lovers and families. The sanctuary provides opportunities to see Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, dingoes and native birds.
3. Take a Hot-Air Balloon Flight
For a memorable view of the region, take a sunrise hot-air-balloon flight over the vineyards, farms and surrounding hills. Flights typically begin early in the morning and provide a completely different perspective of the valley.
4. Explore Healesville
Spend some time exploring Healesville, one of the main towns in the Yarra Valley. You can browse boutique shops, visit galleries, enjoy cafés and restaurants, and sample local wine, beer and spirits.
5. Visit TarraWarra Museum of Art
Art and architecture enthusiasts can visit TarraWarra Museum of Art, which sits within the Yarra Valley landscape. The museum presents Australian art from the second half of the 20th century through to contemporary works.
6. Drive the Black Spur
The Black Spur Drive is one of the region's scenic road trips. The route between Healesville and Narbethong passes through impressive Mountain Ash forests and fern-filled gullies, with several picnic and walking areas along the way.
7. Go for a Bushwalk
Nature lovers can explore walking trails through forests, fern gullies and mountain landscapes. Badger Weir, Maroondah Reservoir Park and the surrounding national parks offer opportunities for walking, picnicking and wildlife spotting.
8. Try Local Gin, Beer and Cider
The Yarra Valley isn't just about wine. You can visit local distilleries, breweries and cider producers. The region is particularly known for its craft gin and apple and pear cider, making tastings a fun addition to a winery-focused trip.
9. Visit the Local Gardens
The wider Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges area has numerous beautiful gardens. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, for example, features mature trees, seasonal flowers, a lake and a historic boathouse.
10. Enjoy Local Food and Farm-Gate Produce
Make time to sample regional produce, including fresh fruit, cheese, chocolate, cider and locally prepared meals. Farm gates, markets, cafés and winery restaurants make food an important part of the Yarra Valley experience.
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