Wineries, Wilderness & Wildlife
An hour’s drive east from Melbourne is the beautiful Yarra Valley and villages of the Dandenong Ranges, a haven for nature lovers and food tourists alike. Head for the Yarra Valley and indulge in this glorious, internationally acclaimed food and wine region, with over 80 cellar doors, micro- breweries, cider houses offering superb restaurants, luxury accommodation, scenery and stunning artwork.
Names you know and trust live here including Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, Yering Station, Oakridge and the new arrivals- Four Pillars Gin Distillery and Brown Brothers. Imagine a sunrise balloon flight followed by a champagne breakfast, or an early round of golf, then an exclusive VIP tour or a close-up encounter with your favourite Australian native animals at Healesville Sanctuary.
Home to Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary
Experience a taste sensation at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery and explore the landscaped gardens of Alowyn Gardens and Coombe Yarra Valley, former home of the world famous opera singer Dame Nellie Melba.
The Dandenong Ranges is a haven of hidden delights with scenic winding roads to hilltop villages to explore an abundance of artist studios, craft stores, tea rooms and the renowned National Rhododendron Gardens and William Ricketts Sanctuary. Wander National Parks walking & cycling trails through mountain ash forests, feed native birds at Grants picnic ground and arrive at the home of the famous Puffing Billy Steam Railway a perfect gateway to and from the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island!
WHY VISIT YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES?
- Over 80 cellar doors and award winning vineyard restaurants to explore
- Take a hot Air Balloon Flight
- Cycle the Warburton Rail Trail
- Horseride through vineyards and bushland
- Farmgate and U-Pick fun for the whole family
- Stay and Play the Greg Norman designed Golf Course
- Find Your Self wandering through cool climate gardens and Mountain
- Ash rainforest