A Local's Guide To The Yarra Valley, Victoria's Food & Wine Playground
As Victorian locals, we know a thing or two about the beautiful Yarra Valley. In our complete things to do in the Yarra Valley guide, we share our local tips on what to see, eat and know, and where to stay.
The vast Yarra Valley, Melbourne’s favourite food and wine playground, has lured visitors from Victoria and afar for generations. With its rolling vineyards and quaint towns encased by a seemingly endless swathe of pristine Aussie bush, this part of Victoria has inspiring adventures in just about every corner. And the best part, it’s just an hour out of Melbourne CBD.
In Healesville, there’s a food and wine scene to rival anywhere in the world, with a dash of hipster bars, galleries and stores in between. In Warburton, expect to find a true country town full of charm and natural wonders. And in Marysville, there’s a natural paradise with endless hiking, biking and skiing opportunities.
In between, expect to find winding roads through timeless forests, endless hiking and cycling trails, and exceptional providores, cellar doors, cafes and restaurants.
For us though, the Yarra Valley is all about the little things - the slow drives through the forest, the sneaky sausage roll (well, in our case, veggie!) at a country bakery, or an off-the-beaten-track cellar door selling organic wines. It’s about walks in the dense green forests, cosy nights by the fire and summer nights sipping Lambrusco at farmers markets.
Whatever you’re into, our Yarra Valley guide has you covered, as we share the best attractions, our favourite hidden gems, where to stay, what to eat and how to get there.
A GUIDE TO THE MAGICAL YARRA VALLEY
WHERE, AND WHAT IS THE YARRA VALLEY
Victoria’s famed Yarra Valley is located about 60km east of Melbourne’s CBD.
Surrounded by rolling vineyards, quaint towns, dense forests and winding drives, the Yarra Valley is a popular weekend getaway for Melburnians.
The Yarra Valley is the traditional land of the Wurundjeri people, who have occupied these lands for 30,000 years. It was European settlement that brought about a rapid change to the region, with logging, mining and farming becoming primary industries in the newly established state.
It wasn’t long before the area was identified as prime wine-growing landscapes, and the first vines were planted in the Yarra Valley in 1838 by the Ryrie brothers. Since then, viticulture has spread rapidly as the region’s wine became noticed globally. Today, it’s one of the world’s premier cold climate wine growing regions, with internationally renowned wineries including St. Huberts, De Bortoli, Yering Station and Oakridge.
These days, the Yarra Valley beckons Victorians (well, everyone really!) with its exceptional food, wine and natural environment.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE YARRA VALLEY
Although the Yarra Valley is super close to Melbourne, we absolutely recommend an overnight (or longer!) stay in the region.
There’s certainly no shortage of incredible places to stay, and we’ve listed our faves below:
AIRBNB
We’ve written a guide to the very best airbnbs in the Yarra Valley, which you can find here. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek at some of our faves:
ALSACE RETREAT | HEALESVILLE
The Alsace Retreat might be small, but smart design means it still fits all the essentials: well-equipped kitchen, a coffee machine, heating and A/C, and postcard-perfect views over Mount Saint Leonard right from the comfort of your own bed! A separate bathroom has a bath and shower to soak your cares away too.
BOOK | THE ALSACE RETREAT
ANCIENT FUTURE AT WARBY SABI | WARBURTON
Just a few minutes walk up the hill from Warburton village, the minimal Japanese-style Warby Sabi Airbnb feels worlds away from modern life. This design-forward space is full of thoughtful touches, with ample cookware, kitchen essentials, fresh herbs in the garden, thick barn-style sliding doors and a comfy bed facing the trees for the perfect morning wake up. There's also a cosy indoor fireplace and a TV projector - hello, epic movie night!
BOOK | ANCIENT FUTURE AT WARBY SABI
WARBURTON DIGS | WARBURTON
Whether you're there to cycle the rail trail, hike the local trails, or indulge in some of the Yarra Valley's finest grape offerings together, the spacious and airy Warburton Digs is perfect for a group weekend away. The house comfortably sleeps 9 people across 4 bedrooms, with 2 bathrooms, 3 separate toilets, A/C for summer and a cosy indoor wood fireplace during the cooler months. The open plan kitchen and living area are well-stocked with essential amenities, making it ideal for any catering plans you might have too.
BOOK | WARBURTON DIGS
THE LOFT @ ALCHEMY DISTILLERS | HEALESVILLE
If you’re looking for somewhere right in the heart of Healesville, The Loft is your place. Located above the hipster Alchemy Distillery, it’s a short walk to all the main restaurants, pubs and distilleries in the heart of town.
What’s more, it’s a short drive to all the wineries and the Black Spur. Winning.
BOOK | THE LOFT @ ALCHEMY DISTILLERS
HOTELS
HEALESVILLE HOTEL
A boutique-style hotel located right in the centre of town, Healesville Hotel is a perfect choice for a weekend away in the heart of town.
BOOK | HEALESVILLE HOTEL
WARBURTON MOTEL
The recently refurbished Warburton Motel has comfy beds, is walking distance from town, and staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the surrounding area - plus their blue Kombi wins us over every time!
BOOK | WARBURTON MOTEL
OSCAR’S ON THE YARRA
Set in a 1920’s boutique country homestead on the banks of the Yarra river, Oscar’s on the Yarra is a tranquil country retreat for those looking to slow down, enjoy nature, and authentic family-feel hospitality.
BOOK | OSCAR’S ON THE YARRA
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE YARRA VALLEY
SAMPLE WORLD-CLASS WINES
One of Australia’s oldest winemaking regions, you simply can’t come to the Yarra Valley and not sample some of the incredible wines from the region.
Great wine estates and small scale producers dot the famed rolling hills of this region, the verdant mountains providing a beautiful backdrop to one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Victoria.
Famed for its chardonnay and pinot noir, respected for its shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, this part of the Yarra Valley is literally brimming with tasting options. It’s easy for Oenophiles (or anyone, for that matter) to spend ALL day sampling wines from the area, driving from cellar door to cellar door to sample a myriad of world-class drops.
We’ve sampled a few of the regions wineries in the past (it helps having a mother who ran winery tours!), and we’ve listed some of our ‘must visit’ wineries below, which not only produce a brilliant wine, but have the views and vibe to match.
OAKRIDGE | This family owned winery is home to award-winning wines and an exceptional restaurant championing hyperlocal and sustainably sourced ingredients, which is right up our alley (three-course menus starting at $85 a head). Wine tastings are $15 per person - make sure you try their exquisite chardonnay.
TARRAWARRA | One of Australia’s premier wine estates, TarraWarra is famous for their pinot noir and chardonnay - we can’t recommend one over the other as they’re both to die for. The restaurant is also highly regarded, with local head chef Mark Ebbels focusing on locally sourced ingredients from the kitchen garden to create heavenly dishes. Another feature is the TarraWarra Museum of Art, which focuses on modern art exhibitions.
In short, you could spend all day here!
ZONZO ESTATE | Zonzo is so beautiful and hip, we wanted to have our wedding here (alas, Covid happened). A winery for Melbournes millennials, this Instagram-heaven unsurprisingly makes a decent drop. Try their pinot noir or shiraz, and stay for their Italian-inspired food offering.
COLDSTREAM HILLS | Probably the most picturesque cellar door in the Yarra Valley, Coldsteam Hills is an award-winning winery with their chardonnay and pinot noir extremely highly regarded. Guided tastings are $8 per person.
If you’re keen to enjoy a few wines, it’s best to take a guided tour of the region. We recommend this gourmet tour, which takes in the historic De Bortoli, Yering Station, and lunch at Rochford. Stop by Yarra Valley dairy, and finish at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
DRIVE THE MOODY BLACK SPUR
Driving the Black Spur is hands down one of the best things to do in the Yarra Valley - trust us on this one!
This achingly beautiful, 36km stretch of road connecting Healesville to the town of Marysville is perpetually shrouded by ever-present mist, and the road is flanked by towering mountain ash and dense ferns, making the mystical drive one of Victoria’s best.
Gliding through multiple S-bends, the drive takes around 1 hour to complete, which is ample time to perve on the glorious surroundings.
There are also a number of stop-off points where you can actually admire the woods on foot, including Fernshaw picnic ground, or the Dom Dom saddle picnic area (our fave), where you can hike up the Monda track and walk amongst the vertiginous mountain ash.
In short, don’t miss The Black Spur, whatever you do.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Black Spur, Yarra Ranges
Cost | Free
GO BALLOONING OVER THE YARRA VALLEY
Got a spare $400? Then spend it the right way (and not on clothes!), enjoying a morning hot air balloon ride over the picturesque Yarra Valley.
This once in a lifetime experience takes you over the magical wine region, with 360 degree views over the rolling vineyards, forested mountains, mirrored lakes and mountain mist. The sensation, floating in the stillness of a slowly awakening world, is breathtaking.
The valley is a natural amphitheatre, providing the perfect flying conditions for a ballooning tour.
THE DETAILS
Book | This incredible sunrise hot air balloon ride
Image credit | Visit Victoria
EXPLORE THE HISTORIC TOWNS OF HEALESVILLE, WARBURTON AND MARYSVILLE
The Yarra Valley is home to a range of historic towns and hamlets, the most populous of which are Healesville, Warburton and Marysville.
Pretty Healesville is home to hipster cafes and restaurants, artisanal producers, art galleries and a range of up-market stores, giving it an air of grace that lacks from other parts of the valley. The pretty architecture on the main road, coupled with a range of great attractions, makes this one town not to miss. Make sure you stop by Habituel for coffee, Midnight for indoor plants and flowers (our dream!), and Maroondah dam for some epic views.
Warburton is the hippie cousin to Healesville - a little rough around the edges but with a heart of gold. Flanked by dense forests, and with the upper Yarra River flowing right through the middle, Warby lacks in finery is makes up for in natural beauty. Take a walk along the Yarra (or a swim in summer), drive up to Mt. Donna Buang summit, and pop into Flying Apron, by far the best bakery in the region.
Marysville, devastated by the 2009 Black Friday fires, is slowly reverting to its former glory. Surrounded by thick Aussie bush, it’s a pretty little town, perfect for nature lovers looking to escape the city.
Definitely come during winter, when Lake Mountain resort turns into a snowy wonderland, or during autumn, when the treelined streets turn all the pretty shades of fall.
Read more | Our guide to Warburton
SPOT AUSSIE FAUNA AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY
We’re not usually zoo kinda people - we’d prefer animals were left in their natural environment, and every effort was made to conserve their natural habit by you know, not logging the shit out of everywhere. But we make an exception for Healesville Sanctuary.
The school-holiday destination of choice for Victorian children (we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been!), Healesville Sanctuary is an internationally renowned zoo focused on Australian fauna - yes, that means those Aussie faves like kangaroos and koalas and wombats!
The Sanctuary has over 200 species on show, dotted throughout the sanctuary. You must visit the treetops of Koala Forest and Kangaroo Country for a close up encounter with some iconic wildlife.
To be fair, while this is mostly for families with kids, we’ve definitely enjoyed our visits during adulthood.
THE DETAILS
Where | Healesville Sanctuary
Cost | $38 per adult - full price list here
Image credit | Visit Victoria
TRY ARTISANAL GIN AT FOUR PILLARS IN HEALESVILLE
Gin and hipster cool go hand in hand, so it's not surprising a place as cosmopolitan as Healesville is home to one of the best distilleries in Victoria.
Four Pillars Distillery, located on the entry into the village, is a super cool modern gin distillery with an industrial warehouse vibe and world-class gin. The gin-tasting experience is all-round amazing, with knowledgeable staff providing all you need to know about the Aussie, Rare and Changing Season and Bloody Shiraz varieties included on the tasting paddle ($15 pp). They’re all bloody great (Changing Season FTW!).
We coupled our tasting session with the moonshine cheese platter, including Stone and Crow cheese made using water left over from the distillation process ($15) - a highly recommended decision as the cheeses pair well with the gin paddle.
With portholes peeking into the working distillery, which overlook their two beautiful copper stills Wilma and Jude, you can get a great insight into the whole gin-making process.
A visit to Healesville isn’t complete without a visit to Four Pillars.
THE DETAILS
Where | Four Pillars, Healesville
Cost | $15 for a tasting paddle
Not keen on gin? How about this tour which takes in the Yarra Valley Cider and Ale trail…! Book here
SAMPLE THE VALLEY’S BEST CHEESE AT YARRA VALLEY DAIRY
If there’s one thing in life we love more than each other, it's cheese (ok, there are more, but cheese is #1!). Yarra Valley Dairy is therefore heaven on earth.
The Yarra Valley is known as one of Australia’s premium dairy regions, with quality, rich milk used to produce an exceptional range of cheeses. The cute as a button store front, located in the original 100 year old milking shed, houses all the good stuff (including wines), and the best part - tastings are encouraged here.
We recommend sampling a selection of the hard and soft cheeses, before grabbing yourself one of the cheese plates, which include a selection of locally sourced and produced bread, jams and relishes and charcuterie items. Paired with local wine, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate picnic hamper to enjoy in Healesville.
Oh, and for what it’s worth, our favourite cheese is the Yering, a camembert-style white cheese which is creamy and delicious and yummm. Oh, and the marinated Persian feta is what dreams are made of.
THE DETAILS
Where | Yarra Valley Dairy, Yering
Image credit | Visit Victoria
SAMPLE EXCELLENT CHOCOLATES AT YARRA VALLEY CHOCOLATERIE
The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is alone worth a day-trip to the Yarra Valley.
Set up in 2012, this family run chocolaterie is a haven for sweet-tooths, featuring a ridiculous array of quality chocolate products, showcased in their expansive showroom which would make Willy Wonka giddy with excitement.
There are free chocolate tastings which lure excited kids, however we recommend joining a guided tasting session ($3 pp), which takes you through everything from the ingredients to the techniques used to create the deliciousness.
If that’s not your jam, sit down and enjoy a delicious house-made ice cream (Mark’s fave).
THE DETAILS
Where | Yarra Valley Dairy, Yarra Glen
Image credit | Visit Victoria
VISIT THE MYSTICAL REDWOODS IN WARBY
Warburton’s Redwood Forest has become a major tourist attraction in the region, beckoning day-trippers from Melbourne to enjoy the magical environment. Each come to enjoy the simple beauty of the Redwood Forest, and mysterious tree art scattered throughout the forest.
Beyond the towering Sequoias, there’s plenty of natural beauty to admire, from the intriguing tree art that dots the forest-floor, to the ever-flowing cement creek and the early flow of the Yarra River.
Below is our guide to the Redwood Forest in Warburton, including how to get there, what to do when you visit, and how to treat this beautiful natural environment with respect on your visit.
THE DETAILS
Where | Redwood Forest, Warburton
Cost | Free
Note | Respect the natural environment: don’t litter, stick to the paths, and avoid during peak hours/public holidays
Read | Our complete guide to the Redwood Forest in Warburton
CYCLE THE LILYDALE TO WARBURTON RAIL TRAIL
Cycling is Melbourne’s favourite pastime, and the Lilydale to Warburton rail trail is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle of Melbourne’s roads, for a more relaxed amble through the countryside.
The iconic trail, which follows the historic former railway line from Lilydale to Warburton, is 40km in length and passes through many of the region’s prettiest little towns, including Wandin, Woori Yallock, Seville, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Wesburn, Millgrove before finishing in Warby.
The trail passes through vineyards, farmlands and forests, with the ever-present mountains looming in the distance. There are also remnants of the former station platforms to stop and take a photo on.
Some sections though are more beautiful than others, with the section between Seville and Yarra Junction our personal favourite.
The gentle gradient means it’s accessible for most, although if you’re like us and the occasional cyclist, your legs will be very heavy at the end of the day.
There are also a few cafes to stop at along the way, including the famous Cog Bike Cafe (where you can get coffee and bike repairs!), and the Seville carriage cafe.
THE DETAILS
Where | Lilydale to Warburton
Length | 38kms one way
Time | 3 + hours depending on fitness
Grade | Easy to moderate
GO HIKING…
In our opinion, the best hiking in Victoria can be found in the Yarra Ranges.
There’s just something about the dense Aussie bush in the region that makes us feel warm inside - maybe it’s the sweet scent that wafts through the canopy, the famous call of the lyrebird that echoes through the trees, or the faint sound of rushing water. Whatever it is, whenever we hike here we feel so much better for it.
Some of our favourites include:
Yarra river trail | Perfect for a day trip, this 6km hike follows the Yarra river through the centre of Warburton
La La Falls | Another tried and trusted short walk in Warburton, the easy 3.2km walk to La La falls takes in dense forest and the famous falls
O’Shannassy Aqueduct trail | 30km trail from East Warburton to the Don Valley. It’s easy, extremely picturesque, and has multiple stop off points for those after a shorter stroll
Myrtle Gully Circuit | This moderate 10km hike twists and turns through the beautiful Toolangi State Forest in the north of the Yarra Valley. Surrounded by ancient myrtle and ferns, this is one pretty little hike
Badgers Weir | Some of our favourite short hikes start from Badgers Weir picnic ground (7km from Healesville), which amble through ancient fern gullies and towering mountain ash trees. It’s a wonderful place to breathe in deep and enjoy that ere you can fresh mountain air
Mt. Donna Buang Summit | The regions toughest hike takes you from Warburton to the summit via Mt. Victoria over about 15km’s in 6hrs. Be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart, with an elevation gain of over 1,000m
Sugarloaf Peak | This is one tough 11km hike in the north of the Yarra Valley, but the views from the top of Sugarloaf peak are worth it.
Hiking in Australia comes with its challenges, especially in the summer months, when bushfires, snakes, and dehydration can catch some hikers out.
Always be prepared; pack enough water, a first-aid kit, and always let someone know where you’re going. Also, be aware of fire conditions in the area before hiking.
DRIVE TO THE DONNA BUANG SUMMIT
Ok, Mt Donna Buang may have a weird name but stick with us; the views from the top are worth the drive, especially so in winter when it becomes a winter wonderland.
Located just outside of Warburton, Donna Buang is the closest snowfield to Melbourne, morphing itself into a snowy wonderland as the temperatures drop - and making it popular with locals and tourists alike!
Take in the beauty of the trees dusted with powder; brave the climb up the 21m lookout tower for wonderful panoramic views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and surrounding areas; or relive your youth via the mountain’s three toboggan runs (for the record, snowball fights are not only acceptable here, but they're also encouraged).
In summer, the summit provides welcome relief, with cooler temperatures and picturesque picnic spots making it the perfect place to day-trip from Melbourne. There are also many short hikes from the peak.
The drive to the summit itself is worth the trip from Melbourne; towering gums and dense ferns reminiscent of the far more famous Black Spur, with half the crowds.
THE DETAILS
Where | Mt Donna Buang, Warburton
SAMPLE LOCAL GOODS AT THE REGIONAL PRODUCE MARKETS
If there’s one thing we love about regional Victoria, its farmer’s markets. Fortunately, the Yarra Valley has a few amazing ones which we definitely think you should visit.
There’s an emphasis placed upon sustainable, eco-friendly businesses and products which in turn supports the local economy, and this is something we’re definitely on board with.
Healesville hosts their organic market every Saturday in town, with producers coming from all over to sell their wares - from fresh veggies through to jams and spreads. It’s mostly cash only, so bring a decent amount to buy up all the goodies.
Over the valley in Warburton, the Warburton Summer Produce Market takes place every Friday afternoon during the summer months on the Warby riverfront.
The community-based market showcases the best local produce, including organic fruits and veggies, homemade cheeses, wine and cider, artisan bread, jams and pickles, roasted coffee and local honey.
In fact, the Brumfields Winery Lambrusco is the best we’ve ever tried - so good that Mark surprised Mim with a bottle for her birthday a year ago. Bring cash.
SWIM, KAYAK, OR FLOAT DOWN THE YARRA IN SUMMER
A favourite summer pastime for any Warby local is to spend the sweltering days by the Yarra.
The cool mountain waters that start in the Upper Yarra Ranges are the perfect antidote for the typically hot Melbourne summers, and with many swimming holes dotted along the river banks, it’s easy to find your perfect place to cool down.
Some of our favourite swimming holes include:
The recently refurbished rocky embankment in the centre of town
Opposite Warburton Golf Club in the west of town
Any of the swimming holes around the Warburton Caravan Park
The large hole to the east of Warburton redwood bridge
Alternatively, you can find your own slice of riverside real estate on the Yarra River Walk.
If swimming isn’t your jam, grab yourself a tube or lilo at the local hardware store and set about lazing your way down the river. This is, in our opinion, the best way to do summer in Warby!
Most people tend to start their tube/lilo float at the Warburton Caravan Park and float down to Thomas Ave. in the centre of town, then jump out and do it all again.
Finally, if you’re up for a more hardy adventure, kayaking is one of the best things to do during summer. The upper Yarra has some of the best Grade 2-3 rapids close to Melbourne, making it the perfect place to get your kayak on.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN THE YARRA VALLEY
Beyond the essential ‘must-visit’ wineries, distilleries and cheesemakers listed above, we’ve added a few humble suggestions below that are worth your while.
INNOCENT BYSTANDER
A Healesville institution that has drawn millennials from Melbourne over the last five years, Innocent Bystander is a dream, serving great food, exceptional wine and beer, in a large warehouse-like space.
The first thing you’ll notice is the long, stone bar, which is a statement piece that immediately sets the tone for the dining/drinking experience - relaxed, with an element of cool.
Similar to a brewery, the full range of Innocent Bystander wines are stored in kegs and poured from the gorgeous copper taps - served in glasses, carafes or tasting paddles. It mightn’t be traditional, but it’s a great way to sample their wine selection, the high note of which is their Pinot Noir.
The menu is simple - Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh local ingredients (and a hint of creative freedom that natives from Naples would cringe at), paella, and tapas - but it’s hard to go past pizza (our pizza obsession is real!).
There’s also a selection of beers and ciders on tap, as well as Four Pillars gin if you’re not able to make it to their distillery.
All in all, Innocent Bystander is the trendiest cellar door/bar/restaurant in the region and somewhere you cannot miss - just remember to book ahead.
YARRA VALLEY HARVEST AND KITCHEN & BUTCHER
Located in the centre of town is Healesville’s preeminent cafe and hotel, Healesville Hotel & Harvest. The iconic gastro-pub has been at the centre of Healesville’s foodie renaissance over the last 10 years, with excellent food and wine sourced locally bringing visitors from all over.
Inside is Yarra Valley Harvest, a cafe serving delicious seasonal fare and Genovese & Sons coffee. We recommend grabbing fresh salad, coffee, and sitting in the back courtyard enjoying the summer sun.
Next door is Kitchen & Butcher, a deli-cum-butcher that offers an extensive range of locally sourced cheeses, preserves, and sauces, as well as meat cuts. There is also a variety of kitchen and homewares, most of which Mim would absolutely die for.
THE FLYING APRON
The Flying Apron, which opened in 2016, serves some of the best pastries we’ve ever eaten. Trained in France, the owners brought their talent to the Yarra Valley for the benefit of us all.
A few must-tries include the mushroom & pumpkin pie with semolina gnocchi, which will take your breath away (we’re still dreaming of it), while the veggie pastie is to die for.
For those with a sweet tooth, a fruit & custard tart or almond croissant is the perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee (which may we add, is also brilliant).
Just next door is the recently opened Yarra Valley Artisan bakery, which serves fresh sourdough, olive bread, and french sticks which are equal to any we’ve tried in France. Be sure to get there early in the day, as they sell out quickly!
YARRA VALLEY TRAVEL INFORMATION
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE YARRA VALLEY
Before visiting the Yarra Valley, there are a few important things we think you should know.
The Yarra Valley is vast, so you’ll probably need a car. More info on that below
You’ll get phone reception just about anywhere in the region, so don’t fret - your Spotify playlist will still work, and you’ll still be able to post those Insta-bangers
Bushfires are a thing here in summer, so check weather forecasts and maybe don’t visit during days of high heat or bushfire warnings
In winter, some of the upper mountain roads may be icy, so be careful when driving
Weekends will be busy, so if you can visit mid-week, you’ll have the place almost to yourself! This also helps with over-tourism, which has affected areas such as the Warburton Redwood Forest recently
If you’re planning on sampling all the wines, maybe take a guided tour - drink driving is a criminal offence in Australia and heavily punished
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN THE YARRA VALLEY?
Regardless of how long you stay in the Yarra Valley, it’s never enough...
Though it’s possible to visit during a day trip from Melbourne, you really do miss out on a lot of sights, attractions and food & wine hotspots. For this reason so we’d recommend staying at least 2 days/1 night, thus allowing yourself time to travel slowly, considerately and without missing any of the good stuff.
Alternatively, hire a car, stay for a week and immerse yourself in all that makes this region one of Victoria’s best.
WHEN TO VISIT THE YARRA VALLEY
If we’re honest, we love the Yarra Valley in every season.
In the summer, the surrounding mountains and Yarra river provide a welcome respite to the blistering heat of Melbourne.
In the winter, the snow-dusted trees and toboggan runs around Donna Buang or Lake Mountain make for the perfect snowy escape from the city. It’s also the perfect time to book a cozy Airbnb and relax by the fire with a good pinot noir.
In Spring and Autumn, the weather is stable and the hills come alive with colour, and there are far fewer crowds.
But for us, autumn is the best time to visit the Yarra Valley. There’s just something about the burnt-orange vineyards and forests, the morning mist that invariably covers the valley, the cooler temperatures and damp forests, and the post-summer vibe which makes it feel a little more special.
HOW TO EXPLORE THE YARRA VALLEY
Pretty much the only way to explore all of Yarra Valley attractions is via vehicle, whether your own rental or on a day trip from Melbourne if time is limited.
Here are a few of our fave options:
BY CAR
The Yarra Valley is perfect for an epic road trip from Melbourne. If you don’t own your own car, or if you’re a traveller in Australia and need to hire a car, we recommend booking through Rentalcars.com.
BOOK | Rentalcars.com
BY VAN
One of the most common sights you’ll see on Victorian roads is the bright green and purple branding of Jucy Rentals vans. #Vanlifing across the state is one of the most popular ways to discover the area — and is something we can personally vouch for having done the very same for a week back in 2017!
If you’re planning to stay in the Yarra Valley for longer than a day, look at one of these!
BOOK | Book your Jucy Rental
HOW TO GET TO THE YARRA VALLEY
It’s super easy to get to the Yarra Valley, by car or by public transport from Melbourne’s CBD.
BY CAR
For those driving, follow the Monash/Eastern/Eastlink freeway (M3) towards Ringwood, before following the Maroondah Highway (B360) towards Lilydale.
Once past Lilydale, veer left and follow the Highway towards Coldstream. Stay on the Maroondah Highway, passing the vineyards before slowly arriving into Healesville.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If catching public transport, jump on the direct train from the city to Lilydale, where the line ends. From there, it’s possible to catch the 685 bus which stops in Healesville (buses run every 30 - 45mins).
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN AUSTRALIA
Whatever you do, don’t travel through Australia without travel insurance, even if you’re the most experienced traveller.
Whether it be a hiking injury, car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Australia, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
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VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide
AIRBNB GUIDE | Our essential guide to getting the best out of Airbnb, plus our guide to the ultimate Yarra Valley airbnbs
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR AUSSIE ADVENTURE WITH OUR GUIDES
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That, and you're officially a legend.