Guide to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Be swept away by the gorgeous scenery and indulgent adventures of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
Lush forests, cascading vineyards and charming townships are all part and parcel of this lovely corner of Victoria. Taste regional flavours in the restaurants, wineries, distilleries and breweries that dot the area and discover quaint villages with vibrant art scenes. It's also home to the serenity of exquisitely manicured gardens, towering forests and misty waterfalls. You'll return home with a collection of outstanding cool-climate wine and a strong connection to wonderous Australian nature.
Top things to do in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Visit the vineyards
The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region, dating all the way back to 1838. Sip on some sparkling bubbles at your choice of over 70 wineries, like the sustainable De Bortoli. Many offer behind-the-scenes tours of their establishments.
Ride the Puffing Billy steam train
Breathe in the cool mountain air through the open-sided carriages of one of the world's finest preserved steam railways. Puffing Billy stops at historic railway stations and offers views of farmland all the way to Port Phillip Bay.
See the arts
Perfectly sculptured into the Healesville landscape, the TarraWarra Museum of Art showcases Australian works, featuring some of Australia's most acclaimed artists including Brett Whiteley, Fred Williams, Jeffrey Smart and Arthur Boyd.
Eat at a sustainable café
Enjoy a hearty country meal at the rustic-chic Piggery Café, located in the piggery of the historic Burnham Beeches estate. Perch yourself on the outside tables overlooking lawn bowls, croquet and bocce pitches popular with guests.
Wander through a field of lavender
Not only can you see and smell the lavender fragrance at Warratina Lavender Farm, but you can also taste it with their handmade lavender ice cream! Learn how lavender is grown and processed with their lavender information sessions.
Forage for sweet treats
From November to January, pluck juicy cherries straight from the trees at CherryHill Orchard. Don't miss your chance to try cherry-flavoured treats, too, like cherry ice cream and tea.
Sample the local flavours
Take in the stunning views of the Yarra Valley as you taste the superb artisan and handcrafted Yarra Valley Dairy cheeses. Made using the freshest cow’s milk provided by neighbouring dairy farms and locally sourced goats milk.
Adventure through a National Park
Hear the kookaburras or spot a lyrebird at the Dandenong Ranges National Park, home to some of Victoria's most breathtaking waterfalls and trails through gentle hills, past rivers and into the mountains and forests, where wildlife abounds.
Get up close to the wildlife
At Healesville Sanctuary meet majestic birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more. Book an exclusive tour, where a ranger will share stories about native wildlife as you get close to koalas, kangaroos or even splash with a platypus.
Unwind in a day spa
Surround yourself with nature at the Piaf Day Spa, a rainforest sanctuary that has 360 degree views of the ancient rainforest ferns in every treatment room. They offer many packages including treatments that can be tailored to your needs.
Visit the Four Pillars Distillery
Sip on a gin and tonic in the sunshine at the famous Four Pillars Distillery in the Yarra Valley. Book a spot at their G&T tastings where you will embark on a tasting adventure through a range of their award-winning gins.
