22 Canberra bars worthy of a tipple or two

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Want to know where to find the best Canberra bars? The nation’s capital has a plethora of places that make for a sophisticated night out.

The best Canberra bars demonstrate the fact the nation’s capital is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance when it comes to its drinking scene. In addition to celebrating its three distinct wine regions, Canberra bars now showcase drinks produced by local distilleries, breweries and even a cider house.

In fact, we’re calling it. Canberra bars are some of Australia’s best. There’s no better place to satisfy your quench for a tipple or two. Explore the city’s museums, galleries, gardens and parliamentary attractions, then pull up a seat at one of these top bars.

1. Bar Rochford

Canberrans live rich lives. They are surrounded by nature and culture under big, vast skies in a city ranked as one of the best in the world for liveability. And life has got even better thanks to creatives such as Nick Smith, owner of Bar Rochford , which Good Food Guide described as ‘the best bar in Australia’.

Cocktails at Bar Rochford Canberra
Some of the signature cocktails on offer at Bar Rochford. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Everything from the funky artwork to the elegant arched windows, turntables and bottle-green booths is on point. But as well as being a great boozer, Bar Rochford is to be commended for its food after being awarded one hat in the 2023 Good Food Guide.

Bar Rochford is tucked away in the iconic Melbourne Building in the heart of Canberra. And it’s full of hip young Canberrans who have been around the world and back again to sling spirits and vinyl in the city they grew up in.

Bar Rochford Canberra Melbourne Building
Bar Rochford is tucked away in the iconic Melbourne Building. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Address: 65 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

2. Monster Kitchen & Bar

Monster Kitchen & Bar is a beast. It’s a behemoth of a place that is like a shrine to maximalism, with every little detail adding layers of colour and depth. It’s paradise for the bourgeoise, with oddly shaped fixtures and finishes that are an antidote to all the stuffy hotel lobbies in the land.

Monster Restaurant & Bar Canberra
You’re only minutes away from a good time when you stay at Ovolo Nishi. (Image: Zachary Griffith)

Ensconced in Ovolo Nishi, Monster Kitchen & Bar is much more nuanced than just Instagrammable clickbait. It’s kitsch. It’s kaleidoscopic. It has everything from pops of Barbiecore pink to the studied elegance of Mid-Century furniture.

It’s easy to digress when trying to digest this place. It’s a sugar rush of joy shot through a shotgun of cray-cray. The cocktails are a major part of this fun Canberra bar, but there’s also an extensive wine list showcasing both local and international tipples. Granted, the menu is plant-based, but you don’t have to keep coming back for more.

Menu at Monster Restaurant & Bar Canberra
Lettuce just say… the plant-based menu is off the charts. (Image: Zachary Griffith)

Address: 25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra ACT

3. Wakefield’s Bar & Wine

Ainslie locals have been heavily invested in Edgar’s Inn for decades. This Canberra bar is an institution. One of those buzzy little venues that you see dotted around Canberra’s satellite suburbs making everyone’s lives better. Wakefield’s Bar & Wine is a fairly recent and very welcome add-on to Edgar’s and The Inn and it’s all kinds of wonderful.

Inside Wakefield's at Edgar's in Canberra
Wakefield’s is the darling bar and wine room at Edgar’s.

The warmly lit space has a list of more than 100 Australian wines and is a charming spot to stop in for considered bar bites in the leafy neighbourhood of Ainslie. Have a blustery walk around Lake Burley Griffin before heading into this wonderful venue with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Besides being a real beauty, with bookcases and burnished bench tops arranged around an array of neat nooks, the food prepared by chef Steve Jacomos (ex-Saint Crispin) is bang on.

Wakefield's at Edgar's in Canberra
Get comfortable in one of the many neat nooks.

Address: 1 Edgar Street, Ainslie ACT

4. Capital Brewing Co.

Capital Brewing Co. is one of the largest independent craft breweries in Australia, and that’s just one of the reasons it’s on our radar. The brewpub was the first brewery in Australia to achieve B-Corp certification in August 2022 for its entire organisation, as well as its beers. That’s a good shout right there.

Capital Brewing Co in Canberra
It’s one of the country’s largest independent craft breweries. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The brewery was opened by a bunch of active types who like to capitalise on the capital’s proximity to the mountains. That dedication to enjoying the backcountry was what inspired the team to pursue its eco credentials, certified by the Federal Government Climate Active accreditation. We’ll drink to that over a Coast Ale or two.

Capital Brewing Co in Canberra
Settle in for a pint or snag some takeaway cans. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Address: 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick ACT

5. Such and Such

It seems only fitting that a striking artwork by Scott Chaseling greets diners to Such and Such in Canberra . The art of bar-hopping has a lot to do with the ambience and Lacuna Trippy sets the tone: that fun is one of the fundamentals. Of course, the fact you can also eat really well here feels positively indulgent.

Such and Such is a welcome addition to Constitution Place in Canberra. (Image: Anne Stroud)

Such and Such is located in the cultural precinct near Canberra Theatre in Constitution Place. The bar and eatery is a lesson in colour; the many striking artworks on show pair seamlessly with a calming muted colour palette.

Designed by Mark Brook of mymymy interiors, the space is divided into a bar, main dining room and private space defined by dramatic green velvet drapery. The bar and restaurant are designed to be the kind of place where you can drop in for a bevvy and bite or sit down to a low-key dinner.

Fish in crazy water at Such and Such
The menu offers comfort food at its finest. (Image: Carla Grossetti)

The focus of the wine list is on interesting Aussie and international wines: trust the waiters when they steer you into unknown territory. Clever cooking. Great cocktails. Fun staff. There’s much to love.

Address: 220 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

6. The Pearl

Getting around to all of Canberra’s sites of national importance is thirsty work. We recommend heading to The Pearl , a magical spot for a few cocktails in the heart of Canberra’s CBD.

The Pearl occupies the ground floor of a two-storey space that is also home to red-hot restaurant Wilma upstairs . Fitted out with woven rattan pendants and a rooftop sprouting with greenery, this really is a gorgeous place for a pint or two.

The bar at Wilma restaurant in Canberra
Pop into The Pearl before dinner at Wilma (pictured).

You will find scores of locals here milling about for after-work drinks. And students who come here to kick on during happy hour. The Asian-inspired cocktail bar is as playful as the restaurant upstairs and a great place to perch before or after dinner. We’re hot for anywhere that has hair-of-the-dog cocktails and snag sangas to boot. Do your Civic duty. Go get it.

A cocktail with a sprig of mint at The Pearl, Canberra.
Walk-ins are welcome at The Pearl, a classy cocktail lounge in Canberra.

Address: 1 Genge Street, Canberra ACT

7. Inari

This inspired restaurant and bar is part of Canberra’s cool Tiger Lane precinct , one of the hottest places to wine and dine in the city. The restaurant is a flashback to 1960s Japanese retro-futurism and, as well as creating cult dishes like popcorn shrimp and miso eggplant, has killer cocktails to match.

Interior shot of Inari
Inari is set within the Tiger Lane precinct of Canberra. (Image: Ben Calvert)

Shaun Presland has named the restaurant after the Japanese god of rice, Inari, so expect some incredible sake and cocktails in this fun and lively venue, which has added a splash of neon-bright colour to Canberra. Presland is also about provenance, and part of that #supportlocal plan is to source rice grown in the nearby Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys of NSW.

Menu at Inari Canberra
The menu at Inari is heavily focused on supporting local producers.

Address: 148 Bunda Street, Canberra ACT

8. Public Bar

Public is a modern pub located in the happening precinct of Manuka. In addition to the Public Dining Room, one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Canberra, there’s a sprawling pub and modern beer garden overlooking the suburb’s streetscape.

Public Bar Canberra
Nab a spot by the window in the upstairs bar.

Public has an extensive selection of spirits and liqueurs, tasty cocktails and an unrivalled wine list. Pop into the chic bar upstairs to enjoy a drink with a view. Or join the lovely locals downstairs, who take advantage of the happy hour specials from Monday to Thursday – 3 pm to 5 pm, don’t miss it!

Cocktails at Public Bar Canberra
Public features a killer cocktail menu to boot.

Address: 1-33 Flinders Way, Griffith ACT

9. Dear Prudence

Dear Prudence , won’t you come out to play? The lyrics to the Beatles’ song Dear Prudence are what inspired the name of this bar, which is located in an elegant corner of Verity Lane Market under the arched curves of the iconic Sydney Building. We will definitely come out to play for Dear Prudence, where staff are quick to help you choose from an extensive range of aperitifs, cocktails, wines and more.

A table full of food and drink at Dear Prudence
Dear Prudence is one of the best bars in Canberra. (Image: Lean Timms)

The dimly lit bar off a reimagined laneway is the kind of cosy space you’d find in the back streets of Barcelona. It’s all exposed brickwork and original wooden rafters, whispering stories about the building and its past. Choose from a concise menu of Spanish-style small plates designed to share, then linger longer for some of the best cocktails you’ll ever have.

Address: 100 Alinga Street, Canberra ACT

10. Leyla Rooftop Bar

Designed by award-winning Sydney firm Luchetti Krelle, Leyla is the rooftop bar in Canberra we didn’t know we needed. By day, Leyla operates as a sunlit cafe and lounge for guests of the Burbury Hotel. But come nightfall, she puts feathers in her hair and becomes a showgirl, transforming into a sophisticated cocktail bar.

rooftop space at Leyla's Canberra
The bright and stylish rooftop space at Leyla’s. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

From the dramatic entranceway to the light-filled interiors, the designers have gone to town with the highly sculptural space, which is defined by beautiful curves, statement skylights and a retro-futuristic bar. Leyla was nominated for the 2022 Eat Drink Design Awards and we think the greenery in the ceiling and the back-lit onyx behind the bar helped give it some gold stars.

The bartenders here will take great care of you, stirring and shaking your drinks to perfection. Whether you opt for one of the divine signature cocktails, a lovely glass or vino or one of the many martini options, you’re sure to order round two at Leyla’s.

Make your way through the delightful cocktail menu. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Address: 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT

11. High Jinks

Want to get up to some mischief in the nation’s capital? Head to the bar named after a term that translates to ‘boisterous or rambunctious carryings-on’. Despite being hidden down at basement level in the heart of the city, word is well and truly out about High Jinks , which won ACT Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2021 and 2022.

Cocktails at High Jinks in Canberra
Enjoy a few classy cocktails at High Jinks.

Wander through the garden opposite the Ovolo Nishi and head for the elevator to find this dinky bar, located in the buzzy cultural precinct of New Acton. The wine list is limited to Canberra district wines only, and the concise menu of cocktails uses everything from soda water to shrubs to enhance the drinking experience. Bar bites are also done right: pass the chicken wings and a slice of pizza, please.

Cocktails at High Jinks in Canberra
Set the night on fire at High Jinks in Canberra.

Address: 15 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra ACT

12. Capitol Bar & Grill

The new glamorous side of downtown Canberra is evident in this dark and moody bar, located at the swanky QT Canberra. Capitol Bar & Grill shows off the city’s suave side, with everyone from students to Canberra’s A-list making a beeline here to talk about internationally important goings-on.

Capital Bar & Grill QT Canberra
Capitol Bar & Grill is located inside QT Canberra.

The central bar is open on all sides and there are beautiful banquettes, bar stools and outdoor seating to choose from. The food has an American accent, with a focus on wood-fired theatrics and mouth-watering prime steak cuts.

Capitol Bar Buffet
Order up an American-inspired feast to accompany your drinks.

Think classic cocktails and cool music at this atmospheric bar. There’s a positively swirling wine list curated by Sommelier Ashleigh Smith, as well as signature cocktails, spirits, tap beer and ‘drinkable desserts’.

Address: 1 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

13. Loquita

Did someone say mezcal? Well, shang those smoky, strong aromas up your nostrils. Loquita is low-key lovely . Mezcaleros have been brandishing bottles of this potent spirit since distillation began in the late 16th century.

Drinking mezcal is an experience. Embrace the complexity of this lesser-known liquid in between nibbles of tried and tested tacos, which are also infused with tradition. Feel the pull of Mexico in this pretty pink, pared-down setting which is all mod Mexican minimalist chic: think polished concrete floors, clusters of cacti, alcoves and arches. The sister bar to Wilma and Pearl is a must-visit.

Address: 17 Garema Place, Canberra ACT

14. Bacaro

Find the dinky lane off Lonsdale Street marked with a red neon light and you’ll literally stumble into Bacaro . This tucked-away small bar attached like a sidecar to Italian & Sons is full of stalwart supporters. Some are waiting for a table at the restaurant, others are just here for the banging cocktails.

Italian & Sons in Canberra
The bar is attached to Italian & Sons eatery. (Image: Jez Rozdarz for VisitCanberra)

Once you’re inside, sidle up to the marble-topped bar and order an amaro and a selection from the enviable list of antipasti. Bacaro also has a massive wine selection with its own range of reds and whites, which you’d be silly not to try. The speakeasy is modelled on an Italian-style bar and is moody and elegant in an understated way, with a wood-fired oven at its heart adding to the atmosphere.

Address: 7 Lonsdale Street, Braddon ACT

15. Molly Bar

Molly Bar is a chic, well-designed throwback to the Prohibition era and a dark, discreet place to go when you’re in party mode. It’s all rhythm and booze when you stop for a tipple at the swinging jazz club that hosts local musos each week.

Molly Bar in Canberra
Linger a little longer at Molly Bar. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The theme is strictly 1920s, so this is certainly the place for you if you like to stick to the classics when it comes to cocktails. Devotees of dive bars will enjoy the speakeasy vibe at the bar, which is tucked secretively behind a doorway in Odgers Lane. The backlit bar is like a private parlour and the laid-back ambience encourages you to linger.

Address: Odgers Lane, Canberra ACT

16. Highball Express

If you can’t get to Cuba this year, head to Canberra’s Highball Express instead. There’s nothing clandestine about ordering cocktails muddled up from the countless varieties of rum on offer. The colourful bar speaks to Canberra’s remarkable renaissance as a destination for drinking and dining.

Highball Express Bar Canberra
Rum is at the heart of Highball Express. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Known for its cocktails, punches and exotic rums, Highball Express pays homage to a time when thirsty Americans made their way to Cuba and landed in paradise. Shake it up with a cocktail class, or opt in for Golden Hour from 5 pm to 6 pm, which offers one for one daiquiris. With its pops of watermelon pink and mint green, this buzzing bar is perfect for a night out in pretend Havana.

A pina colada at Highball Express, Canberra.
Learn the craft of making cocktails at Highball Express. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Address: 75 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

17. The Old Canberra Inn

You no longer have to tether your horse to the posts at the front of The Old Canberra Inn . These days, there’s a car park out the back of the coach house, which was built in 1857. This atmospheric, low-ceilinged pub in Lyneham is now a fun, family-friendly flophouse with a leafy beer garden and a more sophisticated take on pub food.

It may be old, but the pub has a list of new craft beers from independent, Australian breweries on heavy rotation. There’s also a well curated wine and spirits list, as well as food the whole family can enjoy. It’s the perfect Sunday out.

Address: 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham ACT

18. Joe’s Bar

Joe’s Bar gives a wry wink to Canberra’s Brutalist architecture with its custom concrete curtain a stunning centre piece. The dramatic curtain, conceptualised by Kelly Ross of Kelly Ross Design, contributes to the bar’s theatrical and quirky vibe and is perfect for the brand that bills itself as ‘the small bar celebrating big things’.

Joe's Bar at East Hotel in Canberra
Stop in for a tipple or two at Joe’s Bar. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Located on the ground floor of the East Hotel, the colourful, quirky lobby bar is mobbed by locals and guests who want to muse about art, society and politics. Linger over some classic cocktails and Italian fare with fellow nocturnal types. The bar is a little bit extra, with vivid velvet furnishings, a marble bar and striking light fixtures. You’ll fit right in.

Joe's Bar at East Hotel in Canberra
The bar has a theatrical and quirky vibe. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith ACT

19. Bar Beirut

Bar Beirut is a love letter to Lebanon. Established by owner and bartender Soumi Tannous, who learned his craft in the underground nightclub scene of war-torn Beirut, the bar is, says Soumi, like the country’s buzzing capital: welcoming and cosmopolitan.

Soumi Tannous Bar Beirut
Soumi Tannous hard at work mixing up his delightful concoctions.

Soumi says people who like to party describe Beirut as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’. And his aim is to bring people together with music and dance and rebrand his beloved home as a sophisticated and vibrant place to be. The lighting is enticing, the bar a dazzle of pink-painted walls. Enjoy big, punchy flavours that marry the Middle East with the Mediterranean and sip on a drink of your choice to match.

Bar Beirut Canberra
Inside the glamorous bar space.

Address: 25 Garema Place, Canberra ACT

20. Hippo Co.

The best Canberra bars of today look a lot different to some of the capital’s hot spots from the 90s, when grunge was having its heyday. Hippo Co. transports hipsters and lovers of jazz and whisky to the Prohibition era in the American midwest.

Hippo Co bar in Canberra
If you like whisky and jazz, this is the place for you. (Image: VisitCanberra)

A couple of decades on, you can still don a flanno and feel right at home in this Canberra bar, which has been going strong since the noughties. The dimly lit space has a hunting lodge vibe with warm timbers, well-loved leather sofas, Art Deco fittings and taxidermic creatures.

Hippo Co bar in Canberra
Keep the drinks flowing at Hippo Co. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Although the bar had a revamp about a decade ago, the focus on whiskies remains. Like many of Canberra’s bars, there’s also live music, with a tight menu of whisky-forward drinks and inventive cocktails.

Address: 1/17 Garema Place, Canberra ACT

21. Bentspoke Brewing Co.

Everyone loves a brewery. And Bentspoke Brewing Co is one of Canberra’s most celebrated . The charming industrial-style beer hall has been welcoming thirsty patrons since 2014 and is a stalwart of the Australian beer scene.

Bentspoke Brewing Co in Canberra
The brewery is a favourite among locals. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Owner Richard Watkins has twice been crowned Australian Champion Brewer, and together with partner Tracy Margrain has opened a production-scale brewery in Canberra. And while this means you can get BentSpoke bevvies outside the nation’s capital, it’s worth paying them a visit.

Bentspoke Brewing Co in Canberra
Take your pick from a range of on-tap craft beers. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Want a big full-flavoured brew to enjoy at one of the best drinking dens in Canberra? We rank the Crankshaft. And so do those beer geeks who voted it No. 1 in GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers Poll in 2020 and 2021. Once your glass is empty, there’s plenty more to choose from.

Address: 38 Mort Street, Braddon ACT

22. Paranormal Wines

Paranormal Wines looks pretty stock-standard from the outside. But, using the powers of telekinesis, a Canberran clairvoyant told us there’s paranormal powers at play here that go beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding.

A quick browse of the Paranormal Wines website and you’ll see a predilection for pink things writ large. This space is not for mere mortals. Rather, it’s for those who also like pink things, fizzy things, orange things and bright things.

Paranormal Wines Canberra Interior
The wine list mostly features a minimal intervention focus. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Don’t wait for the planets to align. Add this to your itinerary of Canberra bars to sample interesting drops and start your journey toward becoming a bona fide oenophile. Sit, sip and enjoy cheese, charcuterie and premium tinned fish to accompany your organic wine.

Paranormal Wines Canberra menu
The food menu doesn’t disappoint. (Image: Ashley St George)

Address: G27/6 Provan Street, Campbell ACT

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Your guide to slowing down in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

Yarra Valley Dairy
Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park
Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

TarraWarra Museum of Art
Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation
Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.