Discover Melbourne & Victoria

Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Under an hour from Melbourne, nestled amongst the infinite shades of blues and greens, lie over 70 of the world's leading wineries, and dozens of fine restaurants and romantic retreats. The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of the world's great wine growing regions. Numerous wineries offer cellar door tastings and sales. They also have restaurants serving gourmet food and fine local produce accompanied by their wine. The Yarra Valley has some of the most beautiful countryside in Victoria. Rolling hills strung with vines around Healesville and Yarra Glen meet towering trees, green valleys and pristine rivers around Marysville and Warburton.

www.visitmelbourne.com/yarravalley

Things to see and do
  • For a different view of the countryside, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon before gently descending into a vineyard to enjoy a breakfast of local produce and sparkling wine.
  • Get close to Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, home to dingoes, kangaroos, wombats and the elusive platypus. Don’t miss the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, and interactive animal hospital.
  • Be pampered for the day in one of the many day spas.
  • There are more than 50 award winning wineries with sensational cellar doors to visit, Domaine Chandon (Moet & Chandon's Australian Winery), Tarrawarra Estate, Rochford Wines, De Bortoli, Coldstream Hills and Yering Station to name a few. Explore them for yourself or take a small group guided winery tour.
  • Play a round of golf on a Jack Nicklaus designed course at The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley.
  • Don’t miss the wonderful gardens and sculptures of Aboriginal people at William Ricketts Sanctuary, Mt Dandenong.
  • Enjoy the parks, gardens, native fern forests and nature trails of the Dandenong Ranges.
  • Climb aboard Australia's oldest steam train, Puffing Billy, over 100 years old and lovingly restored to recreate train travel’s golden age, and travel through thick forests, lush fern gullies and tall trees. For anyone over 18 years of age who has dreamed of being a steam drive driver try the 861 Footplate Experience Course and drive a steam train yourself!
  • Explore the many quaint villages dotted throughout the Dandenong Ranges such as Olinda, Sassafras and Belgrave , home to some of Victoria's best gardens, and famous for craft shops and Devonshire teas.
  • Stay in fabulous hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation in the area.
  • Luxury
  • Boutique
  • Coastal
  • Food & Wine
  • Wildlife
  • Indigenous

Accommodation

Katandra Gardens

Katandra Gardens Cottages and B&B are ideally situated in the heart of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. The Cottages are set amidst 8 acres of stunning gardens full of Australian native plants, alive with birds and with magnificent views.
from £62
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Balgownie Estate Resort & Spa

Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa is less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne. A relaxing getaway, this impressive resort & spa offers 65 elegantly appointed spa suites, each with picturesque views over the vineyard and the undulating hills of the Yarra Valley.
from £143
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Chateau Yering

Chateau Yering was reborn in 1997 as a gracious five star luxury hotel with period fittings throughout. The heritage listed Victorian mansion is set amongst 250 acres and borders the Yarra River amidst exquisite gardens.
from £236
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Yering Gorge Cottages

Yering Gorge Cottages are perfectly situated on the banks of the beautiful Yarra River in the Yarra Valley. A mere 50 minute drive from Melbourne, Yering Gorge Cottages are surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife and are close to wineries, fabulous restaurants and local golf courses.
from £87
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Amarant Retreat

Amarant Retreat is your eco-certified hosted lodge accommodation elevated with magnificent views of the Yarra Valley. We offer comfortable & unique accommodation amongst semi-rainforest with abundant wildlife at your back door.
from £77
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Tours & Attractions

Katandra Gardens

Katandra Gardens is located in the heart of Yarra Valley, just 50 minutes from Melbourne. The gardens are home to thousands of native Australian plant species and abundant bird life and was featured in an edition of the RHS 'The Garden' publication.
from £5
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Public Day Yarra Valley Tour

Australian Wine Tour Company daily tours take in some of Victoria’s best wineries in the stunning region of the Yarra Valley only one hour from Melbourne. Included are tutored tastings at 4 premium wineries and a superb winery restaurant lunch with wine of course!
from £40
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Sunrise Balloon Flight

Experience the romance of a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley or the High Country. Your morning includes a full champagne breakfast after the one hour flight.
from £151
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Bianchet Winery

Bianchet is one of the first wineries you will come across if you are taking the traditional route out of Melbourne, and it is well worth a visit. Wines include Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinot.
from £8