Must-Book Yarra Valley Accommodation

These lush stays are all set against stunning natural landscapes.

Amid the rolling hills and premium vineyards of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, a myriad of accommodations awaits every traveller. From a grand chateau to a cosy loft, boutique winery, funky farmhouse, pet-friendly cottage, or off-grid bush hideaway, we’ve got you covered when it comes to Yarra Valley accommodation.

Winery accommodation

Wineries are an integral part of the Yarra Valley, so what could be more appealing than sleeping amongst the vines?

Soumah

Soumah is renowned for its lively wines and buzzy trattoria specialising in long lunches on the deck, It’s tucked into undulating foothills at the end of a quintessential country lane, a short drive from Healesville. And there are five elegant villas ranging from one to four bedrooms just moments away from the cellar door.

With spectacular vineyard views, chef-inspired kitchens, and outdoor spaces with fireplaces it’s quite possible to spend an entire short break here without leaving the property. Villa Sophia even has a bocce court.

the interior of Soumah, Yarra Valley — Relax in one of the elegant villas that overlook the vineyard.

Best for: Friends, couples, and lovers of Northern Italy wine and food.

Address: 18 Hexham Rd, Gruyere

Balgownie Estate

After partially being destroyed by fire in 2020, this icon of the valley has surpassed its former glory following a $7 million refurb.

Sprawling over 30 hectares, Balgownie Estate is an exclusive property a heartbeat away from everything the Yarra Valley has to offer.

the vineyard at the Balgownie Estate in Yarra Valley — The rustic-luxe retreat is sequestered within lush greenery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The generously sized suites boast a fancy yet relaxed vibe and are designed using an earthy palette for guests to unwind and take in the surrounding beauty.

the living room interior of Balgownie Estate — Experience relaxed living in the Yarra Valley countryside.

With an Endota Spa onsite, there’s plenty of pampering on offer, the cellar door has a range of tastings (including a wine and chocolate combo), and Restaurant 1309 serves exquisite meals focusing on local produce all day, every day.

the kitchen and dining at Balgownie Estate in Yarra Valley — Each suite is equipped with a full kitchen.

Best for: Accessible travel, romantic stays, pampering, special occasions

Address: 1309 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen

Belaradah at Stefani Estate

When a place is family-owned and run, it adds that special touch of homeliness. Set amongst the vines of a working winery, an olive grove and a pretty orchard, Belaradah at Stefani Estate features two-bedroom, two-bathroom open-plan units that offer scope for up to eight people.

the Stefani Estate Belaradah Road Sign — Stefani Estate is set amongst the vines of a working winery.

Each unit is contemporary in design with picture windows, a well-equipped kitchen, a wood fire and a large deck, perfect for enjoying a glass of fine estate wine. A short drive to Yarra Valley must-dos such as Healesville Sanctuary and TarraWarra Museum of Art, in addition to several wineries and restaurants.

a contemporary unit at Belaradah at Stefani Estate — Contemporary design meets comfort at Belaradah.

Best for: Holidays with friends, small families, couples, pet-friendly

Address: 711 Old Healesville Rd, Healesville

Luxury accommodation

Grandeur meets innovation, rustic meets sleek, luxe in the Yarra Valley is all about a sense of place.

Re’em

This 16-suite luxurious boutique hotel is the latest addition to the much-loved Helen and Joey Estate winery, and a welcome addition to the Yarra Valley accommodation scene.

Nestled into 80 hectares of manicured vineyards and gardens Re’em is a destination within itself, but close enough to other attractions of the valley.

a bathtub with views of the vineyard at Re’em, Yarra Valley — Each suite exudes relaxed luxury with a tub to soak in while admiring the view. (Image: Hugh Davidson)

Modernistic in style, rooms designed for two people are generous in size, with freestanding tubs in the ensuites, and either a balcony or patio to inhale the spectacular views.

indoor dining overlooking the vines at Re’em, Yarra Valley — Opt for indoor dining overlooking the vines. (Image: Hugh Davidson)

Take a seat in a booth at the swish restaurant to feast on an Asian-inspired menu crafted by head chef Abe Yang.

the restaurant at Re’em, Yarra Valley — Dine in style at Re’em. (Image: Hugh Davidson)

Best for: Special occasions, weddings, food lovers, accessibility travel

Address: 12-14 Spring Ln, Gruyere

Chateau Yering

Dating back to 1854, Chateau Yering is deservedly the grand dame of the Yarra Valley. Set within a rambling country garden, each of the 32 sumptuous suites has a private balcony and is individually decorated with fine antiques, plump cushions, and exquisite artwork creating the feel of being in someone’s home rather than a hotel.

Eleonore’s Restaurant, in the original dining room, serves a seasonal degustation menu highlighting regional fare, and breakfast for in-house guests is in the pretty conservatory-style Sweetwater Café overlooking the garden.

a look inside the lavish suite at Chateau Yering — Relax in the elegant drawing room at Chateau Yering. (Image: Visit Victoria)

In prime location (after all it was one of the first buildings in the area), Yarra Glen is moments away and Yering Station, Victoria’s first winery is right next door.

The bedroom of the Yering Suite — Treat yourself to the Yering Suite, a split-level, apartment-size suite.

Best for: Romantic getaways, weddings, corporate gatherings

Address: 42 Melba Hwy, Yering

Stones of the Yarra Valley

A slice of Europe without an international air ticket, no ‘stone’ is left unturned here when it comes to atmosphere, pampering and the finest of hospitality.

Overlooking the vineyards, each of the 22 rooms in the Meletos Farmhouse at Stones of the Yarra Valley is curated with timeless pieces of provincial furniture, artwork and soft furnishings lovingly sourced from around the world.

a room with nature views at Stones of the Yarra Valley — Take in spectacular vineyard views from your window.

On the northern side of the 80-hectare property, a five-bedroom self-contained villa is straight out of a picture book. Stones is only a 10-minute drive from Yarra Glen.

the exterior of the Meletos Farmhouse at Stones of the Yarra Valley — Stay at the Stones of the Yarra Valley for a slice of Europe.

Best for: Romantic getaways, groups of friends, weddings, corporate gatherings, adults only

Address: 14 St Huberts Rd, Coldstream

Holiday cottages

Fancy living like a local? Try one of these cottages.

Yarrawalla Vineyard Cottage

Family-owned for over four generations Yarrawalla Vineyard Cottage overlooks the vineyard in one direction and a herd of Black Angus cattle grazing on lush green grass in the other.

With polished floorboards, a country-style kitchen, two Queen sized bedrooms and a sofa bed in the sunroom, there’s room for up to five guests. Help yourself to produce from the veggie garden, catch the sunrise or sunset on the front or back deck, and enjoy snuggling by the wood fire on cool nights.

the dining space at Yarrawalla Vineyard Cottage — The cottage is equipped with a kitchen and dining area.

The cottage is within walking distance of wineries with restaurants, and a 10-minute drive to Healesville and Healesville Sanctuary.

the outdoor deck at Yarrawalla Vineyard Cottage — The outdoor deck is a cosy spot for relaxing.

Best for: families (childminding can be arranged), couples travelling together

Address: 13/15 Maddens Ln, Gruyere

Yering Gorge Cottages

Yering Gorge Cottages are set against the Christmas Hills in a nook where the bush meets the Yarra River, less than a 10-minute drive from Yarra Glen.

The cottages are perfect for self-catering, with eight one-bedrooms, a couple of two-bedders (can be booked adjoining or separately), a three-bedroom villa and one and two designated accessible cottages hidden within a 50-hectare reserve with wombats, echidnas, kangaroos and mega birdlife as neighbours.

the scenic landscape at Yering Gorge Cottages — Yering Gorge Cottages offer views over the valley’s scenic landscape. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Next door to a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman also makes it a dream for golfers.

the Eastern Golf Club near Yering Gorge Cottages — The Eastern Golf Club runs alongside the Yarra River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Best for: Accessible travel, small or large family or friend groups, golf enthusiasts

Address: 215 Victoria Rd, Yering

Bed and breakfast

Who doesn’t love a great B&B? Here are a couple of the Yarra Valley’s best in the biz.

Nissen Hut at Glenlowren

It would be hard to find a more picturesque setting than Nissen Hut a B&B part of the Glenlowren collective, set within a 100-acre working farm.

Perched overlooking a small lake, the historic hut is distinctively recognisable in structure but totally transformed into a luxurious two-bedroom (ensuites) with open plan living oozing charm.

the Nissen Hut at Glenlowren on a small lake — The historic hut is tucked away in divine seclusion on the Glenlowran Estate. (Image: Ben Frazer)

Generous farmhouse goodies are provided for a ‘cook your own’ style breakfast. Nissen Hut is less than a 20-minute drive from attractions, wineries, restaurants and cafes.

a look inside the the Nissen Hut at Glenlowren — The accommodation stands out with its curved nterior. (Image: Sarah from Kindred Photography)

Best for: Couples travelling together, romantic getaways, trout fishers,

Address: 281 Bottings Ln, Dixons Creek

The Burrow at Wombat Bend

Set on a bend in a billabong, teeming with birds and native wildlife, The Burrow is a place to embrace nature, soothe the soul and feel inspired. It is hidden from civilisation on Dixon’s Creek, ten minutes from Yarra Glen.

The mud-brick cottage has a homely vibe with pure linen bedding, a fire pit for toasting marshmallows and a country kitchen for cooking up a storm. Pre-ordered chef cook meals can be organised, the breakfast goodies are generous and picking the garden veggies encouraged.

the interior of The Burrow at Wombat Bend, Yarra Valley — Rustic charm fills the interior of this mud-brick cottage. (Image: John Murray)

Best for: solo travellers, nature lovers, writer’s retreat, sustainable travel

Address: 200 Beachs Ln, Dixons Creek

Hotels and retreats

Point of difference is a signature of Yarra Valley accommodation, and hotels and retreats are no exception.

Yarra Valley Grand Hotel

The Yarra Valley Grand Hotel is an iconic National Trust building still going strong since first opening as a pub in 1888. The rooms and suites in the historic part of the hotel are decorated in period style.

The piece de resistance for a special occasion is the Tower Suite which takes in three levels with a library and access to the top balcony for 360-degree views over the Yarra Valley.

the elegant interior of Yarra Valley Grand Hotel — The hotel is equipped with elegant furnishings.

Meals are hearty pub style with country weekly specials like ‘parma and pot’ and curry night. Separate from the hotel, the four-bedroom manager’s house has a swimming pool, log fire and full-size kitchen.

food and drinks on the table at Yarra Valley Grand Hotel — Dine on hearty pub-style meals.

Best for: couples, friends travelling together, history buffs, celebrations

Address: 19 Bell St Service Rd, Yarra Glen

Kangaroo Ridge Retreat

Shhhhh this is a secret hideaway. Sitting high almost touching the clouds, each of the two self-contained sumptuous cabins at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat comes with jaw-dropping views. Designed in earthy tones using mud-brick and timber, a vacay here is all about chilling out and recharging.

There’s an in-retreat wine bar stocked with hand-selected local vintages, gourmet regional fare in the larder and a turntable at the ready to play the collection of vinyl for dancing, or listening to while soaking in the spa bath, or sitting by the log fire. For an added indulgence, arrive by helicopter.

the lounge area at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, Yarra Valley — This sleek stay overlooks the rolling hills.

Believe it or not, the accommodation is a short drive from Healesville.

the bed at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, Yarra Valley — Rooms are designed to promote relaxation and well-being.

Best for: Solitude, romantic escape, special occasions, adults only

Address: 38 Turners Ln, Healesville

RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort

This mainstay of Yarra Valley accommodation is well-loved by travellers of all ages and stages. Simplistic, yet elegant in design everything you need is right here.

The Michael Clayton-designed 18-hole golf course is a drawcard for golfers, then there’s the floodlit tennis courts, a 25-metre swimming pool, lawn bowls, croquet and bocce. Young kids will love the jumping pillow and adventure playground, and parents the pampering at One Spa.

an indoor pool at RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort, Yarra Valley — Treat yourself to a soothing dip.

Guest rooms are spacious, with views over the mountains, garden or golf course. The elegant Banyalla restaurant showcases regional produce, and the more casual Riddell’s Green is perfect for an up-market family-friendly dining experience.

the dining at Banyalla restaurant, RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort, Yarra Valley — Dine on regional produce at the on-site restaurant.

Best for: golfers, families, couples, friends travelling together, weddings, corporate gatherings, accessible travel

Address: 22 Healesville-Kinglake Rd, Healesville

Caravan Parks, Glamping and camping

The Yarra Valley is overflowing with natural beauty, and under canvas is a great way to connect with the environment.

Park Lane Holiday Park

This is one seriously creative holiday park . There are cabins that sleep up to eight decked out in various ways like retro, contemporary, wheelchair accessible and studio style. For something quirky, a couple of retired Melbourne W Class trams have been lovingly restored and transformed into a luxe experience for eight with ensuites, a full kitchen and a private hot tub.

Glamping pods are for two or a family style, one with an ensuite, and a range of powered and unpowered sites are scattered within nature. There’s a licensed kiosk onsite, as well as two camp kitchens and fire pits, and a paradise for kids with a giant jumping pad, pump track for bikes, recreation room, playground, swimming pool and tennis court.

kids enjoying at the giant jumping pad, Park Lane Holiday Park, Yarra Valley — Kids can play at the giant jumping pad.

Surrounded by bush with Badger Creek running alongside, the park is a five-minute drive to Healesville for the Healesville Sanctuary, shopping, restaurants and cafes.

a family sitting outside a glamping tent at Park Lane Holiday Park, Yarra Valley — You’ll also find stylish glamping tents.

Best for: families, accessible travel, couples,

Address: 419 Don Rd, Healesville

Hipcamp – Yarra Valley vineyard views

The equivalent of Airbnb for camping, Hipcamp , a USA initiative, is starting to make a splash in Australia. The two hectares of grassy level land framed by shady trees and a vineyard has five sites with plenty of space for kids (big and small) to explore. There’s a winery for tastings and food a short walk away, and plenty of hiking trails nearby.

Hipcamp with Yarra Valley vineyard views — Hipcamp lets you stay next to lush vineyards.

Already rated as a verified ‘star host’ Robert H people are discovering this style of accommodation as an enlightening and sustainable way of travelling. Hicamp is hidden from the world, but only a five-minute drive to Lilydale for supermarkets, restaurants and services.

a 4WD at Hipcamp, Yarra Valley — You can set up either your caravan or tent.

Best for: Travellers with a sense of adventure. BYO tent, caravan, camper trailer etc. Totally off-grid with no potable water, power or bathroom facilities. Pet-friendly, families, sustainable tourism

Address: 600 Thonemans Road, Hoddles Creek

Discover the best restaurants in the Yarra Valley.

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate , I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art . Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The best Yarra Valley accommodation for your perfect getaway