Discover world-class wines, craft beers, beautiful gardens, and national parks in the Yarra Valley. You can also enjoy hot air balloon rides and skydiving. There’s something for everyone as you explore the scenic roads of this stunning region.
You can reach one of Australia’s top wine regions in just about an hour’s drive from Melbourne. While many people visit for a day to taste wines at the cellar doors, there’s so much more to do in the Yarra Valley beyond sampling great wine.
Life feels slower in this unique part of the Victorian countryside. You can wander through village shops and boutiques, check out art galleries, visit wildlife sanctuaries, and enjoy local treats like chocolate, cheese, and tea. Here are some top things to do in the Yarra Valley.
Discover the beautiful gardens of Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley has beautiful gardens that are perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The valley’s rich soil helps create some amazing gardens.
At Alowyn Gardens in Yarra Glen, you can explore seven different types of gardens in one place. There’s a formal garden with neatly trimmed shapes, an edible garden, a forest garden, and even a wisteria archway to walk through.
Warratina Lavender Farm is a favorite spot for photos, especially from late November to February when over ten thousand lavender plants bloom. Even if you visit outside of summer, you can still see the Ploughman’s Blue lavender all year round and enjoy lavender scones in the Lavender Tea House.
From Boxing Day to April 18th, the Blue Lotus Water Garden opens its doors. It’s one of Australia’s best seasonal gardens, featuring tropical-themed water gardens with Giant Amazon Waterlilies, Kakadu Lagoon Native Waterlilies, and much more across dozens of ponds and two lakes.
Go for Hike
The Yarra Valley has trails for everyone, whether you want to take it slow or go for a more challenging hike.
For a relaxing walk and picnic, try the Badger Weir Picnic Area near Healesville. This is a 2.6-kilometre loop that winds through trees and ferns, ending at a shady spot perfect for a picnic. Another option is the La La Falls walk, a 3.2-kilometre round trip just outside Warburton. It’s a moderate hike through tall Mountain Ash trees leading to a small waterfall.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly option, the Riverside Tracks loop is 5.5 kilometres and follows the river in Warburton, crossing several bridges. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash.
For those who want a challenge, the Mount Donna Buang Track is around 14 kilometre hike that starts by the Yarra River and climbs 1100 metres through tall Mountain Ash and rainforest. This hike is for experienced walkers who should bring food and water for the day.
Drift through the sky in a hot air balloon
Hot air ballooning may not be very intense, but since you’ll be waking up before dawn, it adds to an active experience.
In the Yarra Valley, hot air balloons are a beautiful sight, especially when you’re in the basket, floating above the land. The mountain ranges around the valley help create calm conditions at dawn. As you drift through the valley, you’ll see vineyards, farmland, and forests stretching out below.
Explore the Rail Trail
The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail stretches from the outer suburbs of Melbourne to the Yarra Valley. You can choose to complete the whole trail or just walk or ride part of it.
Cog Bikes Australia rents bikes for both adults and kids. They also offer a service to drop off and pick up bikes at different spots along the trail.
The trail follows the old railway line that was shut down in 1965, passing through bushland and small towns. The path is smooth and not too steep, making it easy for biking or walking.
Get ready for a fun horse ride
Horse riding in the Yarra Valley is for everyone, even if it’s your first time. At Chum Creek Horseriding and Huts, they have horses for beginners and confident riders. You’ll be riding through the bush shortly after you get on the saddle.
Kids as young as six can enjoy one-hour rides, too. You can also choose a 2.5-hour trail ride that includes wine tasting at a mountain hut.
For a bigger adventure, there’s a three-day, two-night horse riding trip with campfire meals and stays at the Chum Creek Huts
Visit Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is a perfect spot to see a wide variety of Australian animals in one place, all within 30 hectares of typical Australian landscape. Visitors can meet kangaroos, wombats, koalas, and more through special encounters with handlers held throughout the day.
The “Spirits of the Sky” show is also a highlight, where you can watch majestic birds of prey, such as the wedge-tailed eagle, soar above.
In addition to the wildlife, Healesville Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture. Visitors can join the Indigenous cultural experience to discover traditional uses of native plants, try boomerang making, and hear Dreamtime stories told by a Wurundjeri Elder.
If you have extra time, the nearby town of Healesville is worth exploring, especially for food lovers, with its variety of local cafés and restaurants in the Yarra Valley.
Take Chocolaterie Tour
The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie in Victoria is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. Set in a scenic location surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards, this place offers a huge variety of handcrafted chocolates, truffles, and other sweet treats.
You can watch chocolatiers at work through large viewing windows as they create delicious goodies.
Visitors can enjoy free chocolate tastings, explore the gift shop filled with tempting treats, or relax in the on-site café, which serves desserts, ice cream, and even meals made with local produce.
The Chocolaterie also hosts special events like chocolate-making workshops and seasonal festivals, making it a fun stop for families, couples, or anyone with a sweet tooth.
Cherry Picking Adventure at Cherry Hill Orchards
Cherry picking at Cherry Hill Orchards in the Yarra Valley is a fun and delicious experience for all ages. During the cherry season, which usually runs from November to January, you can stroll through the beautiful orchards and pick your own fresh cherries straight from the trees.
It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and taste some of the juiciest, sun-ripened cherries available.
The orchard also has a farm shop where you can buy freshly picked cherries, cherry juice, and other cherry-based products. Whether you’re with family or friends, cherry picking at Cherry Hill Orchards is a perfect day out in the scenic Yarra Valley.
