Your Ultimate Guide to Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley is not just a haven for wine lovers but a region filled with diverse and captivating experiences! Let’s dive into our curated list of the best things to do and see in this breathtaking part of Victoria.

Discover the Alfred Nicholas Gardens

At Alfred Nicholas Gardens, find a serene, lush sanctuary in the Dandenong Ranges. Wander along winding paths through vibrant flower beds, across quaint wooden bridges, and beside tranquil lakes, all surrounded by towering trees. Once part of the private Burnham Beeches estate owned by Alfred Nicholas (of Aspro aspirin fame), the garden was designed by renowned landscapist Hugh Linaker and became a memorial to Nicholas after his death, before opening to the public in 1973. Drop in here for a perfect and peaceful afternoon escape, this garden is a picture-perfect place for photography and reflection.

Step Back in Time at Puffing Billy Railway

Hop aboard a historic steam train and be transported to a bygone era aboard the Puffing Billy Railway. Opened in 1900 to connect isolated communities in the Dandenong Ranges, the line originally hauled timber, farm produce, and even livestock before becoming one of Australia’s best-loved heritage tourist railways, now kept running by hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

This charming ride through the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges offers breathtaking views of the countryside, along with a nostalgic glimpse into Australia’s rail heritage. The best part? You can even ride with the windows down, feeling the breeze as you journey through lush forests and scenic landscapes, and if you’re lucky, you’ll cross the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge along the way.

Get Up Close with Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary sits in the Yarra Valley at Badger Creek, on land that started out in 1920 as Dr Colin MacKenzie’s Institute of Anatomical Research and was once part of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve. It opened to the public in 1934, and by 1943 had become the first place on Earth to successfully breed a platypus in captivity; a milestone that still shapes its work today.

Now home to kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, and over 200 native bird species, it’s less a tourist stop than an active conservation hub, running breeding programs for endangered species like the helmeted honeyeater. With natural enclosures and interactive encounters, it’s a genuinely worthwhile stop for anyone keen to see that history and science up close.

Chase the Waterfalls at La La Falls

For a truly peaceful and scenic experience, visit La La Falls. The trail is named after Leila Ward, a past landowner whose guesthouse “La La” once stood in the area, fittingly, the word means “welcome, welcome” in the local Indigenous language, and the walk has been drawing visitors since the 1880s.

A short hike through the Yarra Ranges National Park, crossing Four Mile Creek over a string of mossy stone bridges, leads you to this wonderful gem, where water cascades gently down rocky steps into a serene pool. Surrounded by lush rainforest, this is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic or to take in the pure beauty of nature. Trust us, you’ll want your camera ready!

Take on the Kokoda Memorial Walk

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, better known as the 1000 Steps, offers a blend of history and adventure in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The steps were originally hand-cut from tree fern trunks in the early 1900s to help walkers navigate the muddy gully, and it wasn’t until 1998 that Kokoda campaign veterans adopted the track as their memorial site, struck by its resemblance to the actual Golden Staircase section of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

Today, bronze plaques line the climb, honouring the Australian soldiers and their local Papuan guides who endured the brutal WWII campaign against Japanese forces. It’s a physically challenging trek, but the stunning views from the top and the history behind it make every step worthwhile.

Explore Art at TarraWarra Museum of Art

Philanthropists Eva and Marc Besen spent over fifty years building one of Australia’s great private art collections before opening it to the public here in 2003, gifting both the collection and the award-winning building that houses it. Set amid the Yarra Valley, the museum takes its name from a Woiwurrung word meaning “slow moving water”, and its ever-changing exhibitions trace the story of modern and contemporary Australian art from the 1950s to today, spanning painting, sculpture, and installation. From emerging artists to established names, it’s a genuinely distinctive cultural stop in the heart of wine country.

Taste the Wine at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate

No visit to the Yarra Valley is complete without indulging in the region’s world-renowned wines, and De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate is the place to do just that. This family-owned winery offers not only exceptional wines but also stunning views over the vineyards. Enjoy a wine-tasting session in the cellar door, where you can sample their premium selection while learning about the winemaking process. Cheers to an unforgettable tasting experience!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Husband and wife duo Ian and Leanne Neeland (she previously of the Margaret River Chocolate Company) opened this purpose built chocolate haven on 16 hectares of orchards and lawns near Yarra Glen in December 2012, after scouting locations around the world. Today it draws over a million visitors a year, with a team of chocolatiers, several flown in from Belgium and France, handcrafting more than 480 products behind giant viewing windows using Belgian couverture chocolate and fruit picked from the property’s own orchard.

You can indulge in artisan chocolates, decadent truffles, and mouth-watering ice creams, all handmade with love and care, while watching the chocolatiers work their magic right before your eyes. It’s the perfect place to satisfy your cravings while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Step Back in Time at Gulf Station

Gulf Station began in the 1840s as part of a vast 25,000-acre grazing run, before Scottish immigrants William and Agnes Bell took it over in the 1850s and built the homestead and outbuildings that still stand today. The Bell family farmed the land for nearly a century, prospering by supplying food and goods to travellers and gold rush diggers, until the last of William and Mary Ann’s children died in 1951. The State Government purchased the property in 1976 and handed its care to the National Trust, preserving it as one of the oldest and most intact pioneer farm complexes in Australia. This historic farmstead offers visitors the chance to step back in time, where you can explore the preserved buildings, learn about early colonial life, and experience farm activities, all set against the rolling hills and vineyards of the Yarra Valley.

Explore on Horseback at Chum Creek Horseriding & Huts

For an authentic Yarra Valley adventure, nothing beats a horseback ride through its stunning landscapes. Found on over 130 acres of pasture backing onto roughly 83,000 acres of State Forest, Chum Creek has been run by a principal trail guide who started out leading rides back in 1995, building decades of experience matching riders to the right horse and trail.

Chum Creek Horseriding & Huts offers pretty much everything from beginner-friendly rides to more advanced treks through beautiful valley views, with routes crossing creeks and open farmland into the old-growth bush of the high country. And after your ride, you can relax in their charming rustic huts, one of which was a national finalist in Stayz’s “Most Romantic” category, making for the perfect countryside getaway.