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14 AWESOME THINGS TO DO

When visiting Melbourne you should spend some time in the countryside to explore the picturesque scenery and the many attractions on offer. Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley Region is a short drive from the city and is an absolute must. Here is my guide to the Yarra Valley and 14 awesome things you can do there.

Above photo: Yarra Valley – photo credit

The Yarra Valley region in Victoria is perfect for a day trip from Melbourne, or a short stay. You should venture out of the city for a change of scenery and enjoy the stunning countryside, only one hour drive by car. Public transport does not go all the way to the Yarra Valley. But there is a Hop It bus service available to, and around, the Yarra Valley region.

There is an abundance of activities and indulgences to enjoy in the Yarra Valley region. These are my recommendations for some of the fabulous things to do here that are sure to delight.

1. Wine Tasting At Vineyard Cellar Doors

Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s finest wine regions where there are more than 70 wineries. One of the most popular things to do here of course, is do the rounds of the cellar doors for some wine tasting. You are sure to find one or more, to your liking. It’s a veritable paradise for wine aficionados – Oenophiles.

A cool climate region, the Yarra Valley wines are renowned for chardonnay, sparkling wine and pinot noir, as well as cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Some vineyards have free tastings.

Dominique Portet Winery – cellar door

Levantine Hill Winery

2. Indulge In Fine Dining Or A Casual Bite

Wineries often feature cheese platters, casual or pub style food, and even fine dining cuisine, with renowned chefs. There are plenty of options, whether you’re after just a drink or a complete gastronomical experience, with something to suit every palate and budget. These are some of my personal favourites, all of which I have painstakingly researched for you, but here are many wonderful dining establishments dotted throughout the Yarra Valley with panoramic views of vineyards and rolling hills. An absolutely beautiful part of the country.

Coombe Yarra Valley – This winery and restaurant is set on the grounds of the former home of Australian Opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba, where you can tour the historic homestead and picturesque gardens.

Rochford Winery – So much more than just a winery and restaurant, it is a concert venue as well, and extremely popular.

De Bortoli Estate – An Italian owned family business for several generations, with Italian style cuisine.

Levantine Hill Estate – A stunning location which offers various dining options and experiences, including a helicopter ride from the city.

Chandon – This gorgeous winery prides itself on its French heritage and is renowned for sparkling wine.

Tarra Warra Estate – A very popular winery, and a big attraction for art enthusiasts with an art gallery on the premises.

Yering Station – A choice of the charming restaurant of classic elegance, or the huge ultra modern dining establishment next to it. Both dining experiences are delightful.

Oakridge Wines – A fabulous winery and fine dining venue, where everything is made in-house.

Fergusson Winery – A rustic ambience, this winery is popular for their fabulous Sunday roast buffet. There’s even a cute little chapel here.

3. Attend A Music Concert Or Festival

Rochford Winery in Coldstream is a large estate and immensely popular for their music concerts called Day On The Green. Major Australian and international artists have performed here, such as Elton John, Robbie Williams, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, and Human Nature, making it a hugely touristy venue.

Day On The Green at Rochford Winery – photo credit

4. Sample Locally Made Produce

As you travel the region you’ll see sign posted products on the roads for sale from the locally grown farms and producers. Here are just a few of what’s on offer.

Visit the Yarra Valley Dairy for some delicious locally produced cheeses, crafted in the French and Italian style. They offer cheese tasting, and also have a selection of local wines for sampling.

Check out the Yarra Valley Truffles farm. Harvests are usually June to September. Farm gate truffle sales available for the freshest and most aromatic gourmet produce directly from the Truffiére.

For a selection of the best produce in the area go to Gateway Estate. Buy locally-grown fresh fruit and veggies, and gourmet products locally-made also. You can even pick some strawberries from the greenhouse all year round, and just pay for what you pick.

5. Spoil Yourself At The Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is smack in the middle of wine country and is the perfect place to stop after sampling wines all day. There is an Ice Creamery here as well, for the child in all of us. Read my article for more delicious details.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

6. Sample Local Beer & Cider

Visit Coldstream Brewery for a sample of locally made beer and cider from Victorian apples and pears. Enjoy a tasting paddle at the pub here.

Napoleone Ciderhouse and brewery has a long history of fruit growing and winemaking too. Enjoy a paddle and taste apple and pear ciders, as well as beers, plus there is food available from the attached Meletos restaurant.

Kellybrook makes cider and beer, as well as their own wines, at the one location. It’s a ‘one stop shop’ and super close to the city.

7. Try The Local Gin

The Four Pillars Gin Distillery in Healesville is definitely the place to go if you’re a lover of gin, where you can sample a paddle of their produce. Their cocktail bar is pretty popular too.

A selection of Four Pillars Gin – photo credit

8. Walk / Hike

Enjoy a walk whilst taking in the scenic views of the Yarra Valley region, with creeks, lakes and surrounding mountain ranges. Spot some native Australian animals along the way. If you want to see more animals in their natural habitat, visit the nearby Healesville Sanctuary. Check out my article here.

9. Formal Gardens

Garden lovers will enjoy the Alowyn Gardens in Yarra Glen, spanning 4 acres with 6 different garden types. Tickets are A$10 per person.

The Blue Lotus Water Garden in Yarra Junction is a stunning location. You will see the huge lily pads that are up to 1.5 metres wide. Open only from December to March. Entry is A$20 per adult.

If you venture further afield to Olinda, you can visit the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, which is free to enter.

There are beautiful gardens everywhere in the Yarra Valley region

10. Cherry Blossom Trees

Cherry picking directly from the trees at Cherryhill Orchards at Wandin East is a fun activity to do with kids in the Summer season. Hugely popular, as you can eat as much as you want. Check their website for details before you go.

The cherry blossoms are a must-see attraction in the lead up to the cherry season and hence a Blossom Festival is celebrated each year to enjoy the beautiful orchard trees in full bloom.

11. Admire Local Art And Architecture

The region is known for great local art and sculptures, which can be seen at many of the wineries. Art galleries you can visit include Art at Linden Gate in Yarra Glen.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art is a contemporary art gallery, attached to the TarraWarra Winery, showcasing Australian artists. Entry is A$12 per adult.

Tarra Warra Art Museum – photo credit

12. Go On A Balloon Flight

Take a hot air balloon ride over the whole Yarra Valley region to appreciate the sheer beauty of the landscape over vineyards, lakes, river and mountains in the background. You will have to drag yourself out of bed early for a sunrise tour but it will be totally worth it. Global Ballooning Australia offers many different tour flight options. Book your tour here.

Yarra Valley Balloon Ride – photo credit

13. Stay Overnight At A Charming Winery Hotel Accommodation

Some of the accommodation options in the Yarra Valley region that you can choose from, for a weekend or short stay, include:

Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort in Yarra Glen
Chateau Yering Hotel in Yering (my personal favourite)
Fergusson Winery Accommodation in Dixons Creek
Seville Estate in Seville

Accommodation Deals Nearby

Booking.com

Balgownie Estate – photo credit

Day Spa at Balgownie Estate – photo credit

14. Take A Guided Tour Of The Yarra Valley Region

Finally, you can take an organised tour of the Yarra Valley region and let the experts be your guide, without the worry of driving, particularly if you’re planning to enjoy the local beverages.

Check out this bus tour and winery lunch here.

Or, perhaps the wine, chocolate and local produce tour here.

Please take the time to visit Victoria’s Yarra Valley and sample some of the wonderful things the region has to offer. You won’t regret it.

I welcome any questions you may have.

Cheers.

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8 thoughts on “Guide To The Yarra Valley Region of Melbourne”

arsenalnic says:

I lived in Melbourne for around 18 months but never ended up visiting the Yarra Valley, mostly because we’re not overly “wine” people. However we did visit Mclaren Vale with some friends in Adelaide (their idea!!) but actually ended up really enjoying it not only for the wine but the landscape and culture too. So next time we’re back in Melbourne we’ll be heading here for sure.

26 June 2020 at 10:16 pm

Umiko says:

I wish we made a visit to Yarra Valley Region when we visited Melbourne. It really is a place for taking a break from a hectic city life. I will enjoy a visit to the dairy and that chocolaterie and ice creamery, but cherry picking will be something that I definitely won’t miss as well.

26 June 2020 at 10:09 am

Smita says:

The Yarra Valley region has been on my radar to visit ever since I saw it on MasterChef Australia! It looked fascinating then, and even more so now after reading your post! We missed out on it the last time we visited Melbourne, hopefully next time. I’d love to take in some of the hikes & the pretty gardens.

24 June 2020 at 3:49 pm

Travel with Mei and Kerstin says:

Wow! The Yarra Valley looks beautiful and there seems to be a lot of interesting things to do. We would love to stroll around the gardens at Coombe Estate and go to the Chcolaterie too. We had wanted to take a hot air balloon for many years, and finally did it in Germany last summer. But a ride around the Yarra Valley would certainly be more amazing!

24 June 2020 at 1:04 am

Travelling Thirties says:

I love the Yarra Valley!! I will take any excuse to visit. Love your post 🙂

23 June 2020 at 12:57 pm

Linda (LD Holland) says:

The Yarra Valley definitely will warrant a visit when we finally get our trip to Australia re-scheduled. We would love to sample a wide variety of Australian wines. I might get my wine. But hubby will definitely want to spend some time at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. And we know that dark chocolate and wine are perfect pairings! After all that indulging, a walk in the formal gardens would be the perfect ending!

23 June 2020 at 5:46 am

Yasmine says:

This looks lovely, thanks for the great info. Hope to head down to Melbourne soon!

23 June 2020 at 3:41 am

creative7066b7d188 says:

I had no idea Yarra Valley was so beautiful! You make it sound and look amazing. The hot air balloon pictures make it look to die for!

22 June 2020 at 2:21 pm

Guide To The Yarra Valley Region of Melbourne