Guide to the Yarra Valley
Enjoy a gourmet sojourn in the Yarra Valley, a region renowned for its cellar doors and delicious local produce.
By Ellie Schneider
Less than a one-hour drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to vineyards, fine dining and quaint accommodation, making it one of Melbourne's favourite weekend breaks.
Don't miss
- Tuck into farm-fresh produce
- Visit the region's famous cellar doors
- Be pampered at a luxury day spa
How to get there
The Yarra Valley is about a one-hour drive north-east of Melbourne. There is no public transport to the Yarra Valley, so the best way to get there is on an organised tour or by hire car.
Things to do and top attractions in the Yarra Valley
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate, Yarra Valley, Victoria © Tourism Australia
Visit the vineyards
The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region, dating back to 1838, and has garnered a global reputation for its chardonnay and pinot noir. Visit the French-style cellar door at Dominique Portet Winery, which specialises in sparkling wine and has received rave reviews for its Fontaine Rosé. Experience a behind-the-scenes vineyard and winery tour at De Bortoli or enjoy a private wine tasting with cheese plates at Yering Station. The Yarra Valley is also known for its local breweries and artisan cider producers. Drop into Innocent Bystander, located in the former White Rabbit Brewery site in Healesville, or try a range of standard and special brews at Watts River Brewing, also in Healesville.
Hot air ballooning over the Yarra Valley, Victoria © Visit Victoria
See the vines from up high
For a unique view of the valley, take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride. The one-hour flight departs at sunrise, and ascends above rolling hills and corridors of vines. Afterwards, guests are served a champagne breakfast at Balgownie Estate.
Yarra Valley Dairy, Yarra Valley, Victoria © Visit Victoria
Sample local flavours
The Yarra Valley is celebrated for its fresh produce, including freshwater salmon, trout and caviar, as well as handmade cheeses and preserves. Start the day with freshly baked muffins and coffee at Healesville Harvest. Head to Yarra Valley Dairy for a wide selection of artisan cheeses, and Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, where you can choose from more than 250 chocolate products. Drop into Yarra Farm Fresh to sample the best locally grown Yarra Valley produce, such as cheeses, biscuits, cakes and chutneys, all under the one roof. Gourmands should make reservations for the five or eight-course degustation at Ezard at Levantine Hill.
TarraWarra Museum of Art, TarraWarra Estate, Healesville, Yarra Valley, Victoria © Tourism Australia
See the arts
Sculptured into the Healesville landscape, the TarraWarra Museum of Art showcases Australian works from the mid-20th century onwards. Australia's first significant privately funded public museum, it was established by philanthropists Eva and Marc Besen, with works chosen from their private collection. Today, it is one of the cultural jewels of the Yarra Valley, displaying pieces by some of Australia's most acclaimed artists, including Brett Whiteley, Fred Williams, Jeffrey Smart and Arthur Boyd. After your visit drop into TarraWarra Estate's restaurant and cellar door.
Piaf Day Spa, Yarra Valley, Victoria © Piaf Day Spa
Unwind in a day spa
After a day of wine tasting, treat yourself to a luxurious pampering session at Piaf Day Spa. Set on a four-hectare (10-acre) rainforest sanctuary, it has treatment rooms framed by spectacular views. Pick one of the many packages that include treatments like body exfoliation, heated stone massages and customised facials. There are also couples packages and treatments that can be tailored to your needs.
Koala at Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Valley, Victoria © Tourism Australia, Time Out Australia
Come face to face with Australian wildlife
Visit Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to Australian native wildlife, including Tasmanian devils, dingoes, koalas and kangaroos. Hear the kookaburras or spot a lyrebird in the lush fern gullies and misty mountain ash forests of Dandenong Ranges National Park. Take a drive through to the charming village of Marysville, home to some of Victoria's most breathtaking waterfalls and walking trails. Walk through gentle hills, past rivers and into the mountains and forests, where wildlife abounds.
Popular itineraries
More experiences around the Yarra Valley
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Yarra Valley Lodge
Hotels, Resorts, Retreat and Lodges • Bar • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$175 to AU$405
Yering Gorge Cottages
Cottages, Hotels, Resorts, Retreat and Lodges • Bar • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$349 to AU$1199
Yarra Gables Motel
Motels, Cottages, Holiday Houses • 4 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$250 to AU$750
Carinya Park
Cottages, Farmstays, Retreat and Lodges • Pet Friendly - Enquire • 3 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$145 to AU$770
Belaradah at Stefani Estate
Bed and Breakfast, Holiday Houses • Open Fireplace
Accommodation
From AU$432 to AU$432
Kangaroo Ridge Retreat
Bed and Breakfast, Cottages, Retreat and Lodges • Open Fireplace
Accommodation
From AU$650 to AU$1500
Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park
Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks • Open Fireplace
Accommodation
From AU$44 to AU$300
Dixiglen Farm
Bed and Breakfast, Cottages • Open Fireplace
Accommodation
From AU$220 to AU$900
Nightcap at York on Lilydale
Hotels • Swimming Pool
Accommodation
From AU$129 to AU$300
BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park
Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks, Farmstays, Cottages, Holiday Houses • Swimming Pool
Accommodation
From AU$45 to AU$600
