Yarra Valley & the Dandenongs

Puffing Billy, Dandenong Ranges, Vic. Photo credit: Tourism Victoria

Yarra Valley & the Dandenongs

It may sound like an Australian folk band, but Yarra Valley & the Dandenongs is in fact two areas to the north-east of Melbourne. And here’s why you should visit them…

Visiting Yarra Valley

Victoria’s oldest wine region has over 120 wineries peppering the lush, undulating landscape.

The state’s oldest vineyard is Yering Station, named after the area’s aboriginal name. It was planted in 1838 by the Scottish-born Ryrie brothers. Many of the wineries have restaurants and boutique accommodation, maximising their appeal to wine-lovers. Add to the experience with a hot air balloon ride above the vineyards to see the scale of the Yarra Valley’s relationship with wine.

As for the wines themselves, the area is famous for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, but also produces lovely Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Riesling.

Healesville Sanctuary
The sanctuary cares for over 2000 injured and/or orphaned animals every year. Many of its residents are eventually returned to the wild. Those that can’t be returned are kept and cared for.

Most of the animals are in enclosures but there open areas where kangaroos, wallabies or emus may stroll or bounce around you. And how many other places could you wade with a platypus?

The talks and shows (held throughout the day) are well worth attending too.

Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenongs are about an hour’s drive from Melbourne city centre, where the city’s eastern suburbs blend into the mountains and dense rainforest.

The Dandenong Ranges National Park
Its national park status means the natural beauty of this outdoor haven is protected. Happily, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to help you explore the valleys and hills of thick temperate rainforest and dense ferny undergrowth.

Mount Dandenong
At 633m, it’s a long way down to Melbourne from Mt Dandenong – but the view is spectacular. Bring a picnic, eat in the bistro, or find something to eat in the surrounding villages. There are galleries, weekly markets, beautiful gardens and many plant nurseries to explore nearby – and there’s some rather lovely boutique Mount Dandenong accommodation if you’re planning a romantic weekend.

Puffing Billy
This steam train runs between Belgrave, Emerald and Gembrook, and is a wonderful way to see the Dandenong Ranges at their best. As you’re sat down, it’s only the train that’s doing the puffing.

The William Ricketts Sanctuary
We love walking the pathways here, looking for the sculptures part-hidden amongst the trees.

Emerald Lake
A manmade oasis featuring a swimming pool and paddle-boats. A perfect way to cool down.

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Take a break from wine...

Sometimes you just need a break from the glorious Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

So why not visit the Yarra Valley and follow a different type of trail? The Cider and Ale Trail leads you to some of the region’s very best microbreweries.

Or how about sampling the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery in Yarra Glen? Not only are the hand-crafted chocolates and ice creams delicious; there are plenty of free samples too.