Looking for things to do in Yarra Valley? This guide shares the top attractions, wineries, and outdoor activities in the beautiful region. Plan your trip now!
An hour’s drive from Melbourne unveils the Yarra Valley wine tour, an epicentre of culinary and vinous delights. Ideal for a short escape, the region promises experiences that can entice you to prolong your stay.
The Yarra Valley isn’t just about its globally recognized wines, even though Victoria might be compact. The proximity to Melbourne ensures a swift transition from urban to fascinating regional adventures.
For those who might not be into wines or prefer an alcohol-free experience, the Yarra Valley doesn’t disappoint. Venture into adrenaline-pumping activities, marvel at nature’s splendour, embark on picturesque drives and indulge in a gastronomic journey.
This glimpse into Yarra Valley barely scratches the surface. Dive deeper into its treasures:
For more weekend getaways from Melbourne, explore our recommended list.
You can bring your dog with you
Victoria is known for its love of dogs and offers many dog-friendly places to visit in the Yarra Valley region.
Wineries that permit visitors to bring their pets include:
If you prefer not to drive, you can reserve a half or full-day wine tour that allows dogs. Pooches & Pinot and Gourmet Pawprints offer services for both humans and their furry companions.
For a unique experience, you can bring your dog to a High Tea in the Yarra Valley.
Visit an art and sculpture garden for a unique cultural experience
There are 170 sculptures by artist Bruno Torfs located throughout this rainforest garden.
The fantasy figures were crafted by hand from clay and then fired in the on-site kiln.
The gardens, along with Bruno’s home and art gallery, were completely destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
The artist remained in Marysville to reconstruct, and visitors still enjoy the gardens today.
Discover Australia's Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary
One of Yarra Valley’s top recommendations, especially for those who prefer non-alcoholic activities.
Healesville Sanctuary serves as a haven for a plethora of native Australian species, ranging from kangaroos and wombats to platypuses, echidnas, diverse birds, and reptiles.
This sanctuary primarily shelters animals that have been wounded in their natural environments. While many recuperate and are reintroduced to the wild, some, due to their injuries, remain and are given a habitat mimicking their natural settings.
An added advantage? Guests can arrange intimate encounters with certain Australian animals.
If you prefer not to drink wine, you can visit a distillery and try juniper-based spirits
A visit to Four Pillars Gin is considered one of the top activities in the Yarra Valley.
You can visit the recently expanded distillery for a G&T or cocktail or make a reservation for a tasting session.
You have the opportunity to attend a maker session or masterclass where you can learn how to make gin-based cocktails at a workshop. There are numerous activities available.
Observing the sunrise from a hot air balloon is a sight to behold
I cannot think of more scenic locations to leisurely float over in a hot air balloon.
The sunrise will be seen breaking over the valley, with the light spreading across the acres of vineyards.
There is an option to upgrade your aerial adventure to include a champagne breakfast upon landing.
This is considered one of the most romantic activities in the Yarra Valley.
Savour some dairy at Yarra Valley Dairy
Fancy some cheese with your wine? Make your way to Yarra Valley Dairy, which not only offers cheeses but also a delightful selection of chutneys, dips, and oils.
Coldstream Dairy is another top-notch spot to satisfy your cheese cravings.
On my visit, I spotted five cheeses and went home with three. Speaks volumes.
Experience tandem skydiving over the valley
You can skip the hot air balloon ride and instead skydive from a height of 15000 feet.
Experience a thrilling free fall over the valley with a trained professional, followed by sightseeing from the ground.
The experience concludes with a visit to either Punt Road Winery or Napoleone Cider.
Embark on memorable treks in timeless rainforests
The Yarra Valley offers unparalleled hiking experiences in Victoria’s lush rainforests.
Toolangi State Forest beckons hikers with its myriad of trails.
Here are some highlights:
The Tanglefoot Loop, spanning 10 kilometres, initiates from the Wirrawilla Rainforest Carpark, demanding 3-4 hours of hiking.
The Myrtle Gully Circuit covers eight kilometres and is typically traversed in 2-3 hours.
The Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk, a one-kilometre boardwalk journey, meanders through majestic Myrtle Beech and Sassafras trees.
The Toolangi Sculpture Trail captivates with its plethora of artworks, intentionally designed to naturally decompose into the forest over time.
The Kalatha Giant Tree Walk, a brief trail, introduces you to the Kalatha Giant – an imposing mountain ash believed to be more than 350 years old.
Enjoy tasting a variety of wines on a wine tour
Unsurprisingly, this is one of the top things to do in the Yarra Valley, as it is considered one of Victoria’s premier wine regions.
You have a choice.
Going on a self-driving tour to wineries with a designated driver.
Participating in an organized tour.
Or hiring a private driver.
Tours typically incorporate visits to additional attractions in the Yarra Valley, in addition to wineries.
You can book a Yarra Valley wine tour from Melbourne with Autopia Tour.
If you are driving, I suggest visiting Long Gully Estate, located just outside of Healesville, which is known for its delicious port.
Visitors can also visit Blueberry Winery, where the wines are made exclusively from blueberries.
Soumah Wines specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Italian wines. If you are interested in Italian varieties, visiting the King Valley to tour its ‘Prosecco Road’ is recommended.
Many larger wineries require payment for wine tastings, although this cost is typically included if you decide to purchase a bottle.
Harvest cherries at Cherryhill Orchards
U-Pick Trail
Venture out for farm-fresh goods on the U-Pick Trail, filling your basket with local treasures.
Discover various farm gates or traverse the trail stretching from the Dandenong Ranges to the Yarra Valley.
Picnic at Maroondah Reservoir Park
For a refreshing escape, venture to Maroondah Reservoir Park, often referred to by locals as Maroondah Dam.
This sanctuary is ideal for bird enthusiasts and outdoor picnics.
It boasts a designated play zone for kids and beautifully curated gardens.
If the idea of preparing a picnic feels tedious and you’re in the mood for some fun, think about joining a mystery picnic in the Yarra Valley.
Pursue the hints leading you to local delicatessens and food stalls where you can gather cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and crunchy crackers, among other items.
Once your gourmet collection is complete, you’ll be guided to a scenic spot where you can lay out your feast and indulge to your heart’s delight.
Experience the thrill of a mystery picnic in Melbourne.
Marvel at the exhibits in the Tarrawarra Museum of Art
This art venue showcases the esteemed collection of Eva Besen AO and Marc Besen AC, who have been passionate about Australian art since the 1950s.
In addition to its permanent display, it frequently exhibits works from renowned Australian artists.
The beautifully manicured garden features a winding pathway that meanders past outdoor art pieces.
The museum’s architecture is undoubtedly a masterpiece, deserving appreciation from every vantage point.
Embark on a white water kayaking journey
The Yarra Valley isn’t just about vino. It brims with adventurous pursuits.
Navigate through Grade 2 turbulent rapids on the Yarra River for an exhilarating 5-kilometre stretch.
Spot indigenous fauna en route and anticipate some splashes!
Discover Warburton
Warburton is a sight in autumn as the town erupts in vibrant hues.
Nonetheless, it’s a worthwhile visit any season.
Must-dos encompass cycling on the Warburton Rail Trail and making a trek to Lal Lal Falls.
The Redwood Forest
The Redwood Forest in Warburton is undeniably captivating.
Thousands of majestic Californian Redwoods stand tall here, and intriguing tree sculptures pepper the area.
It ranks high among the must-do activities in the Yarra Valley and attracts numerous enthusiasts.
For a serene experience, aim for an early morning visit and steer clear of the bustling summer crowds.
Alternatively, consider a guided cycling expedition, where a 12-kilometre route takes you amidst lush forests right up to the towering Redwoods.
Explore a Culinary Forest
Crafted using Hügelkultur and Permaculture principles, this acre-wide edible forest is replete with purposeful plants – whether for consumption, healing, attracting avian life, or balancing soil nitrogen levels.
You can reserve a garden tour, join the Gardening Club, or participate in specialized workshops that teach culinary skills using easily cultivated plants and ingredients.
Revel in the picturesque Black Spur Drive
This enthralling drive ranks among Australia’s most scenic.
Linking Healesville to Marysville, it stretches for 27 kilometres, weaving through an age-old Eucalyptus woodland.
Admire the towering trees, recognized as some of the planet’s tallest flowering plants, and pause at the numerous picnic areas sprinkled along the route.
One can engage in snow activities at Lake Mountain
It is possible to see snow on a day trip from Melbourne.
Lake Mountain is located approximately two hours from Melbourne and is the nearest alpine resort to the city.
There are clearly marked ski trails available for exploration, as well as opportunities for snow play.
Visiting in spring offers the opportunity to see the land covered in wildflowers or bring your mountain bike to explore the mountain trails.
Witness the majestic Steavenson Falls in Marysville
Ranking among Australia’s tallest waterfalls with an 84-metre descent, Steavenson Falls is truly a sight to behold.
Situated just a 4-kilometre drive from Marysville, several vantage points offer panoramic views of the cascading waters.
For those who enjoy nighttime sights, the falls and pathways are illuminated from evening till midnight.
For a more immersive experience, embark on the Tree Fern Gully Trail from Gallipoli Park in Marysville, which culminates at the Steavenson Falls Scenic Reserve. This trail stretches 3.4 kilometres one way, with a typical round trip lasting 1.5 hours.
It’s crucial to remember that dogs, even when leashed, are not allowed at the falls.
Take in the views around Marysville
Another favoured path in the region is the Keppel Lookout Trail.
This trail is a bit more challenging and lengthier, meandering through woodlands to unveil four picturesque lookouts that provide breathtaking panoramas of Marysville, Steavenson Falls, and Cathedral Range State Park.
Expect about five hours to navigate its 15.5-kilometre circuit. Ensure you wear inappropriate shoes and have packed water and some refreshments.
Commencing from the Falls Road car park, the trail ambles through Robertson Gully, leading you first to the Keppel Lookout that overlooks Marysville.
As you continue, you’ll encounter Oxlee and De La Rue Lookouts, presenting an impressive vantage point of Steavenson Falls from above.
Subsequently, you’ll go downhill to the base of the falls before returning to the starting point.
Parking requires payment, so having coins handy for the meter is advisable.
Indulging in scenic vistas undoubtedly ranks high on the Yarra Valley’s must-do list.
A guide to dining options in the Yarra Valley
Let’s start by figuring out where to begin.
The Yarra Valley is well-known for its food scene, making eating one of the top activities to do in the region. Many wineries, breweries, and distilleries have their own restaurants or kitchens, providing meals for visitors.
Ai Fiori Trattoria at Soumah of the Yarra Valley specializes in northern Italian cuisine, while Meletos in Coldstream offers Euro-Australian-inspired dishes.
TarraWarra Estate offers a remarkable dining experience, particularly during autumn when the tree colours change. Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering Hotel also provides dinner and afternoon high tea.
Innocent Bystander has a restaurant located at their Healesville cellar door, and Monroe’s Burgers down the road is an excellent place to grab a burger.
If you’re in a rush or need a filling meal after drinking wine, Beechworth Bakery offers delicious pies.
Delve into the Charms of Healesville
Recognized as Yarra Valley’s central town, Healesville is brimming with the area’s prime attractions.
Prominent for its culinary and wine scene, Healesville also boasts impressive shopping options, notably its thrift or charity stores.
Beer enthusiasts can delight in local brews at Matilda Bay Brewing and Watts River Brewing. Hargreaves Hill and Coldstream Brewery, with their captivating front statues, are other notable mentions.
For a gastronomic experience, try Innocent Bystander or pop into Willow & Jackson for a midday meal. Kitchen & Butcher offers premium produce, while Barrique Wine Store tempts with a selection of wines and goods.
For an upscale dining event, consider reserving a spot at TarraWarra Estate.
