Yarra Valley Travelers Recommend

Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a popular choice of day trip. With just one day, time is of the essence; its recommended to book tours well in advance and to choose a tasting tour that transports you between several different wineries. Here’s how to spend one day in the Yarra Valley. 

Morning: Vineyard Views

The lush vineyards and storybook villages of the Yarra Valley offer a serene backdrop for a hot-air balloon flight. Opt for an early-morning flight to watch sunrise over the mountains and then enjoy breakfast accompanied by sparkling wine after touchdown. 

With just a day in Yarra Valley, every moment counts so squeeze in a couple of cellar door wine tastings into the rest of the morning. Be sure to go with a guide so you can learn more about the region’s diverse wine varietals, the most popular of which are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. 

Afternoon: Wine and Dine

For lunch, book a table at a Yarra Valley’s restaurant; the Balgownie Estate restaurant overlooks the vineyards and offers Segway tours around the estate. Book a package that includes a wine tasting lunch and a guided tour of the winery.

With over 80 wineries in the region, there are plenty of options for wine tasting and visiting with a private guide means you can enjoy tailored recommendations. For those on a tighter budget, there are plenty of group tours available, but don’t be tempted to go it alone—you need a car to get around, and of course, you can’t drink and drive.

Night: Sunset tasting

The Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower, not far from the town of Yarra Glen, is a great spot to watch the sunset, as it boasts views over Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges.

In the evening, swap wine for something stronger and sample some of Yarra Valley’s other beverages. The region has a number of craft beer breweries, rum distilleries, and artisan cider mills. A Yarra Valley night tour is a great option as it combines multiple tastings with a pizza dinner.

Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is the ideal destination for a romantic weekend away or a country escape. Two days gives you plenty of time to indulge in wine and food tasting, explore the countryside, and take part in some fun activities. Here’s how to spend two days in the Yarra Valley.

Day 1: Vineyard Views and Wine Tasting

**Morning:**Rise early to soar over the Yarra Valley on a hot-air balloon flight. Watch the sunrise as you float over the vineyards, then celebrate your landing with sparkling wine and breakfast among the vines. For a hassle-free experience, choose a tour with hotel pickup. 

**Afternoon:**A wine tasting tour is a must; with more than 80 wineries to choose from, the insight of a local guide is invaluable and a designated driver is essential. Choose a tour that combines a big name winey with smaller boutique wineries, and sample popular varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. 

**Night:**Book a table at a winery restaurant for a decadent wine tasting dinner with views of the vineyards. De Bortoli winery, with its acclaimed Italian restaurant, is a great choice, while the Balgownie Estate also offers pre-dinner walking and Segway tours around the estate. Be sure to book ahead, especially in high season.

Day 2: Great Food and the Great Outdoors

**Morning:**Visit the Healesville Sanctuary to most of Australia’s native species in one place; residents include kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and platypus. Alternatively, opt for a hike or horseback ride through Yarra Ranges National Park or stroll through Blue Lotus Water Garden. Book your tickets in advance to avoid wasting time in the long lines. 

**Afternoon:**Yarra Valley is renowned for its artisan produce so a food tasting tour is a worthy addition to any itinerary. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, taste handmade cheeses and yoghurts at the Coldstream Dairy, or go fruit picking at Rayner’s Orchard.

**Night:**For the best sunset views, head to the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower, not far from the town of Yarra Glen. Afterwards, indulge in a final wine tasting or opt for a night tour of the Yarra Valley which typically include a pizza dinner and tastings of local beer, cider, and gin.

With three days in the Yarra Valley, you can afford to take your time and savor the region’s fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and photo-worthy scenery. Look for tours that combine wine tasting with fun outdoor activities, and venture further afield to discover the Dandenong Ranges. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Vineyard Views and Wine Tasting

Kick off your Yarra Valley adventure with a hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards. Early morning flights allow you to watch sunrise over the hills and typically include breakfast accompanied by sparkling wine. 

Devote the rest of the day to sampling the Yarra Valley’s diverse wines, which include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. A tour is essential, not just for the designated driver; exploring with a guide saves you the stress of arranging tastings and transport yourself. Choose a tour that visits multiple wineries in one day or opt to travel in style in a convertible Chevrolet.

For lunch or dinner, book a table at one of the Yarra Valley’s most renowned wineries, such as De Bortoli winery or the Balgownie Estate. Both offer wine tasting packages that include gourmet cuisine and a guided winery tour; Balgownie even offers Segway tours around the vineyards. 

Day 2: Art, Food, and Wildlife

The Healesville Sanctuary is a must-visit for animal lovers and families with kids; animal residents include koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and platypus, while zoo keeper talks and demonstrations create a fun and educational experience. Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines. 

Spend the rest of the day on a food tasting tour, hopping between the villages of the Yarra Valley, where you’ll find art galleries, handicrafts boutiques, and artisan food producers. Stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Yarra Glen; browse local art at the TarraWarra Museum of Art; and taste regional cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy. 

In the evening, swap wine tasting for a beer and cider tour of the Valley to discover the region’s craft beer breweries, rum distilleries, and artisan cider mills. 

Day 3: Discover the Dandenong Ranges

Located south of the Yarra Valley, the mountain village of Olinda is the gateway to Dandenong Ranges National Park. Spend the morning browsing art and handicrafts shops and then take a stroll in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, home to rhododendrons, azaleas, and other flowers. Nature lovers can also choose from a number of short hikes and wildlife trails in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.  

In the afternoon, journey further into the mountains with a ride on the legendary Puffing Billy Steam Train. The hour-long train ride winds its way through the fern gullies and forests of the Dandenong Ranges, affording fantastic views over the Yarra Valley. For the best value, look for Super Saver deals that combine a ride on the Puffing Billy Train with the Healesville Sanctuary or wine tasting in the Yarra Valley.