A popular area for day trips and its many natural sights, Yarra Valley is home to many vineyards and orchards. Perfect for a day outdoors with your family, this area offers a plethora of activities and sights to check out.

From wine tastings for the working adult, a chocolate paradise with free tastings for the children, and numerous spots to surround yourself in the wonders of nature; Yarra Valley is great for those looking for a short get away from their hectic lives in the city.

WINE TASTINGS

Yarra Valley is home to a temperate climate that makes it a perfect location for winemaking. Proving this, the area has several award-winning vineyards and wineries, particularly specialising in chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wine.

Check out the many vineyards located at Yarra Valley, try a few of their wines, pair them with a scrumptious cheese platter and kick back while taking in the picturesque view of the lush greenery surrounding you.

Photo Credit: Four Pillars Gin

FOUR PILLARS GIN

Four Pillars Gin is highly decorated by numerous prestigious international competitions for their gin. Incredibly passionate about the products they offer, their spirit’s purity holds at 93.5% alcohol body volume.

Head over to their distillery in Healesville for a tasting to try their botanically flavoured gin at just A$10 per person.

2a Lilydale Road, Healesville
VIC 3777, Australia
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 9pm
Tasting Bench closes at 5.15pm daily.

Photo Credit: Instagram

WARBURTON RAINFOREST GALLERY

Take a relaxing hike at the Warburton Rainforest Gallery, where the towering trees exude an enchanting mysticism due to their ancient old age. This stunning habitat has an elevated platform for visitors to admire just how tall the magnificent trees are.

A short and breezy walk through this majestic rainforest will cleanse your mind and soul with their minty fresh eucalyptus scent and green-filled treetops.

Acheron Way
Warburton VIC 3799, Australia
Daily: Open 24 Hours

Photo Credit: Instagram

MAROONDAH RESERVOIR PARK

Featuring vibrantly coloured gardens filled with beautiful native flora and fauna, Maroondah Reservoir Park is a serene getaway that is a popular picnic spot; particularly during the warmer seasons.

Overlooking the peaceful reservoir and the numerous tree-covered mountains, Maroondah Reservoir Park is a charming and scenic location to check out if you simply want an easy stroll while being surrounded by nature.

Maroondah Hwy
Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Daily: 8am – 6pm

Photo Credit: Cherryhill Orchards

SEASONAL FRUIT PICKING

Yarra Valley is also home to countless orchards with sweet peaches, plump cherries, huge strawberries and many more. Take the golden opportunity to pick your own fruit, fill your basket to the brim and eat it right under the tree that it grew on.

Since fruit picking is seasonal, do take note that only certain fruits in Yarra Valley are available for picking during the period of your visit. Check out what’s in season with this guide.

Photo Credit: Instagram

YARRA VALLEY CHOCOLATERIE AND ICE CREAMERY

Indulge yourself with sinfully fudgy brownies, decadent truffled chocolates and velvety ice creams at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Watch as the chocolate is tempered and handled by skilled hands at their chocolaterie, and stock up on their addictive cocoa treats.

This chocolate heaven offers free tastings and even has a stunning view that makes for great pictures in their backyard.

35 Old Healesville Rd
Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia
Daily: 9am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Instagram

KINGLAKE NATIONAL PARK

A natural paradise with plenty of greenery for a relaxing day surrounded by Australia’s native flora, Kinglake National Park boasts well-maintained walking tracks and numerous scenic picnic spots.

Do not miss out on viewing the waterfall located within this national park as well for its breathtaking beauty.

Kinglake West
VIC 3757, Australia
Daily: Open 24 Hours

Photo Credit: Instagram

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

The best way to take in all of Yarra Valley’s breathtaking views, book a hot air balloon ride! Lose yourself in the magnificent bird’s eye view of the incredible winery region’s vineyards and lovely orchards.

You’ll also be able to take in the awe-inspiring mountainous views and the scenic Yarra River!

YERING STATION FARMERS MARKET

Held on every third Sunday of each month, the Yering Station Farmers Market features a wide selection of locally grown and sourced products. Check out the organic loaves of bread, handmade jams, rich bars of fudge, and many more!

38 Melba Hwy
Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia
Sun: 9am – 2pm
Every third Sunday of the month.

PAMPER YOURSELF AT A DAY SPA

Treat yourself to a day of ultimate relaxation with a massage and facial spa. Hidden away in amongst the vineyards is Natskin Day Spa Yarra Valley, which offers a retreat away from the buzz of the city with a serene spot that is perfect for unwinding amongst nature.

1309 Melba Hwy
Yarra Valley VIC 3775, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9730 2866
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Instagram

HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

Healesville Sanctuary is home to numerous native Australian wildlife animals including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, platypus and dingos.

With a countless number of highlights planned throughout the day, visitors will have endless opportunities to get up close to the animals and learn about how they are taken care of at the sanctuary!

Badger Creek Rd
Badger Creek VIC 3777, Australia
Tel: +61 1300 966 784
Daily: 9am – 5pm