Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
On Melbourne’s doorstep are a world-renowned wine region and a lush national park.
The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine regions, known for its Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varietals.
In the Dandenong Ranges, great hikes, cute villages and gorgeous gardens offer an escape to nature.
Must-dos in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges include:
- Wine tasting – of course!
- Seeing kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, dingoes, platypuses and native birds at Healesville Sanctuary
- Taking a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley at sunrise
- Riding the century-old Puffing Billy steam train
- Wandering through the picturesque Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
- Stopping for Devonshire tea in Kallista, Olinda or Sassafras
