The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges offer plenty of fun activities for families in Melbourne and Dandenong, from incredible vineyards and playgrounds, to walking trails that wind their way through nature, as well as many delicious dining options.
Spring or autumn are ideal times to visit the Yarra Valley as temperatures tend to be more comfortable and walking trails are usually quieter during these seasons.
1. Stay at a Winery
Yarra Valley is known as Victoria’s birthplace of wine-growing, so wine tourism is at the core of its economy. Visit famous vineyards such as Rochford Wine Estates, Oakridge Wines and Balgownie Estate to experience their cellar doors first hand.
Yarra Valley is home to numerous cheesemakers, such as the century-old Yarra Valley Dairy. Here, visitors can taste artisanal cheeses made with both cow’s milk and goat’s milk.
Coldstream Brewery offers the perfect spot for pairing drinks with bites: craft beer and affordable pub fare such as burgers and fish and chips are on offer here.
Beechworth Bakery in Healsville offers delicious treats at reasonable prices that won’t break your travel budget, from Australian meat pies and cakes to delightful pastries and desserts – you won’t find better yarra Valley bakeries than Beechworth Bakery for delicious pastries and coffee!
2. Stay at a Camping Site
Camping in Yarra Valley offers an active travel experience that’s fun and rewarding – there’s everything from basic tent sites to glamping options and cabins available – plus many sites are surrounded by forests, mountains and lakes – providing plenty of opportunities for exploration!
Camping grounds can be found throughout the Yarra Valley, such as Coldstream, Healesville, Yarra Glen and Warburton. Coldstream’s Healesville Sanctuary allows visitors to see native Australian species such as kangaroos and koalas while Healesville Sanctuary features waterfalls and scenic trails for exploration. Furthermore, hiking and exploring in nearby Yarra Ranges National Park is popular; so too is Healesville Sanctuary with native animal viewing including kangaroos and koalas! Yarra Valley dairy farming industry makes for dairying business with dairy farms throughout its territory including Coldstream’s Healesville Sanctuary where visitors can view native Australian fauna such as kangaroos and Koalas among many attractions! Waterfalls and scenic trails all make this region unique!
3. Stay at a B&B
Bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations provide lodging and a morning meal to their guests. Often located in older homes with special features that make them appealing to travelers, some B&Bs feature private bedrooms while others may feature shared accommodations run by families or individuals.
Yarra Valley is home to numerous cellar doors, such as Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli and Balgownie Estate Vineyard. To experience another aspect of this wine region, Four Pillars Gin was recently named 2023 Visitor Attraction of the Year and offers tasting or masterclass experiences of their gin.
Enjoy breathtaking sights aboard Puffing Billy, Australia’s best-preserved steam train, which travels through mountains, bridges, and past historic railway stations. Or relax by going swimming at Seville Splash Park or Lillydale Lake; otherwise explore Yarra Ranges National Park through an idyllic hike!
4. Stay at a Hotel
Yarra Valley, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, boasts gourmet local food and wine, stunning scenery and romantic hideaways. Explore charming villages, antique emporiums or stretch your legs along winding roads meandering through mountain ash forests to experience all that this valley offers.
Sip sparkling wine at cellar doors like Domaine Chandon and De Bortoli, where you can meet their winemakers and tour the premises. Or enjoy a glass of shiraz at Balgownie Estate Vineyard and Hotel where you can arrange winery tours as well as spa suite rentals.
Canoe the Goulburn River and spot local wildlife like kookaburras and cockatoos; afterwards, relax your muscles with an indulgent massage at Piaf Day Spa amid ancient forest ferns for the ultimate experience.
5. Stay at a Holiday House
The Yarra Valley is known for its world-renowned cool climate wineries that specialize in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties. Yet this region offers more than just wine; Healesville Sanctuary allows visitors to get up close with native wildlife like kangaroos or sample local produce at fruit farms or chocolate factories.
An ideal option for budget travel in Yarra Valley is staying at a holiday house. Many of them are situated centrally, making it easier for exploring all of its best attractions; one such house can be found at Enclave at Healesville Holiday Park near Healesville offering affordable cabins in the Yarra Ranges National Park near Healesville or you could opt for luxury glamping retreat like Billabong Falls located within Dandenong Ranges’ tall mountain ash trees and lush natural bushland, including its natural billabong with its spa suite.
6. Rent a Car
Renting a car in Yarra Valley gives you the freedom and flexibility of exploring this vibrant region at your own pace. Enjoy the convenience and freedom provided by renting, and find hidden gems which would otherwise be hard to access by public transit or tour busses.
Unleash an unforgettable culinary journey at Taste Yarra Valley in Warburton with wine and cheese tastings at their inviting venue. Indulge in wine or gin flights alongside locally-sourced cheeses.
Discover Yarra Valley from an entirely unique vantage point by booking a hot air balloon ride that departs at sunrise. This thrilling experience provides breathtaking views of vineyards, farms, and mountain ash trees – plus breathtaking sunrise views too.
Beechworth Bakery is an essential stop on any trip to Yarra Valley and features delicious sweet and savoury treats, from decadent cakes to irresistible bread.
7. Book a Tour
No matter the kind of traveller you are – from campervan adventurers to luxury travelers – the Yarra Valley provides the ideal vacation base. Wine enthusiasts should book a customized winery tour through this picturesque valley – perhaps including visits to Four Pillars Gin Distillery and Coldstream Brewery plus an epic long lunch!
Non-wine drinkers will find delicious and affordable cheese options at the Yarra Valley Dairy, while snackers should head to Healsville’s Beechworth Bakery which carries everything from traditional Australian meat pies to fresh cakes and pastries.
Early risers can book a sunrise hot air balloon tour with Global Ballooning to glide above the exquisite Yarra Valley landscapes or take an exclusive ranger-led tour at Healesville Sanctuary – perfect if you want a spectacular view!
8. Eat at a Restaurant
If you need a break from campervan cooking, why not treat yourself to one of Healesville’s many restaurants? From pub grub to formal fine dining experiences – there’s sure to be something suitable for all budgets here!
At The Independent, their Argentinian chef offers an eclectic menu combining traditional cuisine with local Victorian produce. Their offerings include grilled meats, empanadas and vegetarian options; making this an excellent way to experience something different than standard Australian menus.
Giant Steps Wine Cellar in Healesville is well worth visiting; their wines feature elegant single vineyard grapes with minimal winemaking techniques – making their Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Roses must-tast items! You can pair a tasting session of their wines with cheese and olives at their cozy tasting room.
9. Drink at a Winery
One of the top things to do in Yarra Valley is sip some of its world-renowned wines. As this region was where Victorian winemaking first started, you will find many cellar doors to visit where you can sample Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from vineyards such as Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli and Balgownie Estate vineyards.
Healesville Hotel provides an exquisite culinary journey, where traditional recipes are transformed into gourmet fare. After, visit Healesville Sanctuary where native wildlife thrives such as kangaroos and koalas – perfect places for wildlife encounters!
One strategy for budget-minded travel in Yarra Valley is splitting wine tasting sessions to limit how much alcohol you drink at once and sample more wines without overwhelming your palate. If you want to sample many wines at once, bring along a notepad to keep track of which ones were your favorites; writing down what they liked or disliked later can help.
10. Take a Tour
Yarra Valley offers numerous must-see attractions and experiences, such as hot air ballooning, Puffing Billy rides, exploring gorgeous native wildlife and attending exciting festivals. Make sure to include these experiences into your budget-friendly travel itinerary for an unforgettable visit!
Global Ballooning’s sunrise flight is a must if you can rise early enough. Take in breathtaking vistas of lush vineyards and farmland while floating above, and after landing, treat yourself to an extravagant sparkling wine breakfast!
Cheese lovers should visit Yarra Valley Dairy, an intimate collective of local cheesemakers. Here, enjoy their handmade chevres and marinated spreads. Yarra Valley is also famed for its wine; sample some of it at Grand Hotel Bistro to appreciate this region’s finest vintages while enjoying delicious, hearty cuisine in classic Victorian architecture and convivial pub culture.