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

Those dreaming of a river escape that’s less rush and more rest will discover the perfect getaway in Echuca Moama.

Best known for summer river holidays, Echuca Moama dishes up extraordinary options for those craving good food, experiences and culture. Discover how best to spend your getaway in this gorgeous river town.

1. Find unique stays in Echuca Moama

Goolwa River Retreat villas — Bathe under the stars at Goolwa River Retreat.

An adventure here starts with the perfect place to stay. Echuca Moama is famous for its luxury houseboats. Be spoilt for choice with amenities like spas, chef’s kitchens and en-suites onboard Murray River Houseboats and Echuca Luxury Houseboats .

For those who prefer to stay on dry land to sleep, there’s no shortage of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The villas at Goolwa River Retreat offer spectacular views of the Murray Riverfront, cosy evenings by the fire pit. And, a truly unique and luxurious experience: bathing under the stars in an outdoor bathtub.

Families travelling with young kids will appreciate the fully self-contained cabins, which sleep up to six, at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park . Complete with BBQ facilities and a kids’ playground, Echuca Holiday Park is the perfect base for families exploring the Echuca Moama region.

More adventurous guests can experience off-grid serenity at Carriages Water Front Retreat , where they can slumber among the redgums in a lovingly converted vintage train carriage.

If you prefer a more central place to stay, the Mercure Port of Echuca is located just five minutes from the Port of Echuca on foot and offers comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to all the region has to offer.

2. Explore the Murray River

PaddlesteamerS on the Murray River — Jump aboard one of Echuca Moama’s famous paddlesteamers.

A trip to Echuca Moama isn’t complete without seeing the Murray River. Take in views from the water, with Murray River Paddlesteamers and Echuca Paddlesteamers . Or combine sightseeing with lunch at a local winery or brewery on a Wharf to Winery or Port to Plate cruise .

Those who prefer an active holiday can hire a stand-up paddleboard with Echuca SUP to explore the river. Duck under the historic Echuca Moama Bridge and listen out for local wildlife. At the end of your paddleboarding trip, you’ll find a shuttle service to return you to the car park.

Kayaking is another great option if you like to combine seeing the sights with a full-body workout. Hire a kayak from River Country Adventours , or join a river safari for a guided experience.

3. Go hiking and biking in Echuca Moama

two bikers riding on the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail — Peddle along the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail.

On foot or by bike, there are plenty of trails to explore the region. Embark on a guided e-bike tour with Green Pedal (or hire an e-bike and go it alone) to explore the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail . Traverse through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Bakeries and picnic areas in the historic town of Rushworth provide the perfect place for refreshments.

Day trip to the lookout at Whroo Forest, near the now-abandoned Whroo township, located on historic Balaclava Hill. The Hill was once the site of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine and home to a thriving town. Today, the area offers picturesque walking tracks and picnic sites.

4. Taste Echuca Moama’s best dining options

lobster dish on the table at opa in echuca moama — Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you like a candlelit dinner or a coffee in the sunshine, Echuca Moama is ready to delight your taste buds.

Pop into Opa for authentic Greek fare with views of the town from its upstairs balcony. Enjoy seasonal produce at The Mill , offering everything from global street food and share plates to classic dinner and dessert options inside a historic building.

Discover a local secret at Monkee and Co , a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant serving up classics like Banh Mi and dumplings.

Start the day with excellent coffee and waterfront views at the family-run Watson St Pavilion .

5. Drink at Echuca Moama’s best bars

two people drinking cockatails at paradise bar in echuca moama — Cheers to neon at Paradise Bar.

Top-notch tipples can be found at Paradise Bar , a new cocktail bar serving up handcrafted cocktails to delight the taste buds in the heart of Echuca. The menu features classics like mojitos, margs, and spritzers. As well as Paradise’s own creations featuring funky ingredients like bubble gum syrup and an Old Fashioned with truffle oil.

Bar Lee at the Echuca Distillery is the place to go to watch the sun go down at the rooftop bar, taste Echuca’s locally made spirits and nibble your way through an exceptional selection of share plates.

For river views, excellent service and a more than extensive wine menu, head to Social Wine Bar . You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere in the riverfront beer garden that sprawls out under an ancient pine tree and a cosy interior perfect for hiding away on a cool evening.

6. Follow local art trails

Jump in the car and follow the Silo Art Trail.

The region’s silos have been transformed into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad. Follow the Silo Art Trail by car, which takes between three and four hours.

Rochester Mural Park is home to an annual lineup of changing murals, while the Rochester Mural Festival showcases established and emerging artists.

7. Dive into local history

Echuca Port Museum and Penny Tourism — See the historic Port of Echuca.

The Echuca Moama region is bursting with history. Among its historical treasures is the Port of Echuca . Interactive displays showcase the port’s importance to historical trade along the river, industrial sites like the Evans Brothers Sawmill and the Port of Echuca railway station with its very own heritage steam train.

The displays pay homage to the site’s significance to the local Yorta Yorta People and their ancestral connection to the land where the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers meet.

Explore the port independently or join a guided tour to learn from Echuca’s history buffs.

Learn more and start planning the perfect holiday to Echuca Moama at visitechucamoama.com.au.

16 of the best things to do in the Yarra Valley