The Best Things to Do in the Yarra Valley

Well-loved for its world-class wines, there’s more to the Yarra Valley than meets the eye.

It only takes an hour or so to drive from Melbourne to one of Australia’s best wine regions and while some come for day trips to the cellar door there are many more things to do in the Yarra Valley beyond enjoying a top drop.

1. Let Driven Indulgence be your designated driver on a winery tour

Go on a winery tour with Driven Indulgence.

Your vehicle or theirs, take the stress out of wine tasting by booking a private tour from your Yarra Valley accommodation with Driven Indulgence . Design your own itinerary or choose one of their ‘hidden gems’ tours, then sit back and enjoy a day meandering around Victoria’s first wine region home of more than 90 cellar doors.

2. Wander through inspirational gardens

the Coombe Estate in Yarra Valley — Coombe Yarra Valley, the former estate of operatic legend Dame Nellie Melba, invites you to experience its historic charm. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Alwoyn Gardens in Yarra Glen is the seven wonders of the Yarra Valley’s gardening scene.

With seven distinctive gardens including a formal parterre with its tightly clipped geometrical shape, The French Provincial featuring lavender and sunflowers, and a glorious central archway planted with highly scented wisteria and Pierre de Ronsard roses, it’s a gem for garden lovers. Across at Coombe Yarra Valley , Melba’s garden tour will send your heart singing, literally. As the former home of operatic legend, Dame Nellie Melba, and still under the stewardship of her direct descendants, expect to be wowed by old world trees (including an oak more than 180 years old), terraced lawns and rambling roses.

3. Pick up a treasure from a farmers’ market

the exterior of Punt Road Winery, Yarra Valley — Don’t miss the Yarra Valley Farmers’ Market at Punt Road Winery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

In a region based on growing and making, it stands to reason there are great farmers’ markets. The Yarra Glen Racecourse Market oozing with charm and creativity is held on the first Sunday of the month. Wander around the labyrinth of stalls where everything sold needs to pass muster on the market’s philosophy – ‘fresh, home-made, good value and great quality’. If you’re in the Yarra Valley on the third Sunday of the month, don’t miss the Yarra Valley Farmers’ Market held in the scenic grounds of Punt Road Winery where handmade goodies abound and you’ll have the chance to meet the makers. Additionally, keep your eyes open for honesty boxes where you can pick up fresh produce from farm gates.

4. Step back in time at Gulf Station

the Gulf Station, Yarra Valley — The historic Gulf Station in Yarra Glen is one of the country’s oldest farms.

A self-guided tour around one of the oldest and most intact farms in the country is a snapshot into the life of the pioneers of agriculture. Simply known as the Gulf , the station was built in the 1840s and was owned by one family for over 100 years. Now under the care of the National Trust, you can plan a visit on the first Thursday and last Sunday of the month in addition to one of the special events including ‘lost traditions’ day, where demonstrations include butter churning, sheep shearing and horses working the fields.

5. Drive over the Black Spur

a white car driving along the Black Spur — Winding between dense nature, Black Spur offers a scenic drive in the region. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Starting in Healesville, this classic drive winds along 27.5 kilometres of lush forest linking the Yarra Valley with the mountainous areas of Northern Victoria. Lined with the tallest flowering tree on the planet – mountain ash, towering above iridescent green ferns the road zig-zags its way up the Great Dividing Range. Along the way make a stop at Badger Weir to breathe in the scent of the forest and listen to birdsong. The 1.5km walking trail will take you amongst ancient tree ferns along Coranderrk Creek, or there’s a more difficult 3km loop. At the base of the Black Spur, relax at Fernshaw a spacious picnic area surrounded by forest.

6. Cook up a storm

Seasonal menus with an Italian or French flair are the signature of the Yarra Valley Cooking School hands-on cooking sessions. Gaze across rows of grapes from the purpose-built kitchen as you learn the tricks of the trade during the three-hour class culminating in dining on the fruits of your labour with delicacies like; carrot and mascarpone galette, salt-crusted sea snapper with summer salad, followed by peach clafoutis. Book well ahead and for extra fun, gather a group together and make a day of it.

7. Groove along to one of Rochford Estate’s legendary concerts

If you think most of the action in the Yarra Valley happens during the day, a concert at Rochford Estate will soon have you rocking. Set amidst the family-owned architectural masterpiece, with a capacity of 12,000 people, the Rochford Estate amphitheatre is the home of live music in the Yarra Valley. Over the years, blockbuster names like Elton John, Simple Minds, John Farnham, Cold Chisel and Simple Minds have graced the stage, and fans wait with bated breath (with fingers on speed dial ready to book) when a new concert series is announced. The indoor Rochford Concert Lounge adds another dimension to the music scene with dinner shows featuring local talent playing tribute song lists.

8. Have a berry nice time

a hand holding blueberries, Yarra Valley — The summer season is the best time to pick blueberries. (Image: Getty/Iuliia Pilipeichenko)

Go for the blueberries, and stay for the fun-filled gardens including the super kid-friendly dinosaur trail, and the miniatures garden dedicated to gnomes. Tucked away in Steels Creek, minutes away from Yarra Glen, Oasis Theme Gardens and Blueberry Farm welcomes visitors over the summer season. Once you’ve tasted blueberries straight from the farm, there’s no going back.

9. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon

a hot air balloon over Yarra Valley — Hot air ballooning is a unique experience that is not to be missed when visiting the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve ever dreamt of taking a hot air balloon ride, the Yarra Valley is the place . Protected by the surrounding mountain ranges, stable climatic conditions create the perfect scenario at sunrise to take to the skies float above the valley filled with a patchwork quilt of vineyards, farmland and forests. Make up for the early start by adding in the post-flight breakfast and toast the day with a glass of sparkling.

10. Admire TarraWarra Museum of Art’s fine collection

a man sitting while admiring art inside TarraWarra Museum of Art — TarraWarra Museum of Art presents stimulating and innovative exhibitions. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Designed by acclaimed Australian architect, Allan Powell, to harmonise with the contours and colours of the landscape, the not-for-profit TarraWarra Museum of Art is a work of art in itself. Within the rammed earth walls, the gallery is home to one of the country’s most important collections of Australian art from the 1930s to the present day with pieces by artists including Arthur Boyd, Fred Williams, Charles Blackman, Brett Whitely and Sidney Nolan. The gallery has a robust calendar of exhibitions and with TarraWarra Estate next door, book a table for a lunch where you’ll enjoy an innovative menu featuring local produce.

11. Meet all your favourite Australian animals at Healesville Sanctuary

kangaroos at Healesville Sanctuary — See some of Victoria’s cutest wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Loved by locals and visitors alike, sprawling across 28 hectares of bushland, Healesville Sanctuary is ‘the’ place to connect with around 140 species of Australia’s unique wildlife.

Meander through the various habitats to spot everything from kangaroos to lyrebirds, Tasmanian devils, green-bellied parrots and platypus. Hear from experts about the plight to fight the extinction of native species, book a close-up experience with an animal, go to a keeper talk, or avoid the crowds and take the VIP Sanctuary Tour that includes reserve seating at the ever-popular Spirit of the Skies bird presentation.

12. Connect to Country

Hand in hand with learning about Australian animals, Healesville Sanctuary also focuses on Indigenous history. The Yarra Valley is home to the Wurundjeri people from the Kulin Nation, and the self-guided Wurundjeri Walk was created in consultation with present-day Elders and spiritual custodians of the land. Celebrating the life of revered Elder, and accomplished artist, William Barak, the self-guided walk passes an ancient scar tree and bark canoe in conjunction with soundscapes of four generations of Elders reflecting on family stories. If you go on a Sunday, you can listen to Murrundindi (Wurundjeri Elder) play the didgeridoo, and find out what makes a boomerang come back.

13. Visit a winery and an Indigenous art gallery at the same time

an aerial view of Hubert Estate, Yarra Valley — The Indigenous art gallery is surrounded by vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria)

One of the stalwarts of the valley, Hubert Estate has been making wine for over 100 years and along the way adding innovative experiences for visitors to enjoy. Initiated by Adam Knight and Gerry Ryan OAM, who share a passion for Australian Indigenous art, the Hubert Gallery of Art houses works from more than 20 Indigenous communities and includes paintings, sculptures and Marebu (woven mats). The gallery is open seven days a week and conveniently located in the same building as the stylish cellar door.

14. Taste cheese straight from the farm at Yarra Valley Dairy

farmhouse cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy — Sample a range of fresh cow and goat milk cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wine and cheese are a winning combination, and in the Yarra Valley, you can taste both directly from the source. At the Yarra Valley Dairy fresh cow milk from resident cows and goat milk from the neighbouring region of Mansfield are used to create a range inspired by the farmhouse cheeses of France and Italy. Take a seat by the window and watch the world (and cows) go by over a cheese plate with local baked bread and charcuterie.

15. Have a Willy Wonka moment in a real chocolate factory

edible art on display at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery — Some of the edible art on offer at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery makes more than 400 different chocolate products, and thanks to the large viewing windows you can watch their chocolatiers at work before enjoying a free chocolate tasting. Learn how to make your own chocolate in one of their hands-on classes, or if you’re travelling with kids, they can lick their fingers in the Junior Chocolatiers class for six-to-12-year-olds. For an off-the-scale chocolatey experience, make it a date for one of the special Chocolaterie High Teas, a decadent twist on a classic.

16. Be-GIN instead of wine

a array of Four Pillars Gin bottles on display — Since its launch in 2013, Four Pillars has become Australia’s most famous spirit. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wine isn’t the only drink winning awards, as one of Australia’s leading spirit houses, Four Pillars has a long list of international gold and best gin awards to its name. Centrally located in Healesville, the impressive building is a hive of activity seven days a week. Delve into the intricacies of distilling on a behind-the-scenes tour; snag a table in the mezzanine bar for a Four Pillars signature tasting flight, or go all out and book ahead for a distillery gin masterclass and leave with a generous goodie bag to keep the good vibes rolling. And thanks to their Bandwagon range, non-drinkers can enjoy alcohol-free cocktails.

Discover the best restaurants in the Yarra Valley.

Originally written by Amanda Woods and updated by Jocelyn Pride

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.