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The Yarra Valley in One Day

Wine Grapes

Recommended duration:  1 day
Total distance:  144 kilometres (return to Melbourne)
Driving time:  Approximately 3 hours return to Melbourne

Highlights

  • Wineries
  • Hot air ballooning
  • Healesville Sanctuary.

The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of the world’s great wine growing regions, and Australia’s finest region for pinot noir and sparkling wines. Under an hour from Melbourne, it is also one of Victoria’s most accessible wine regions and a popular day trip from the city.

Start your day at dawn floating over forests, farms, and vines in a hot air balloon before landing for a breakfast of sparkling wine and local produce at a winery. If heights don't tempt you, tour the beauty of the area from the safety of your own car.

There are over 55 wineries in the region, 40 of which offer wine tastings and cellar door sales, and if you are lucky enough to be served by the winemaker you might also get a free wine appreciation lesson.

Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants at the major wineries, some of which feature well known names in the kitchen, or enjoy a cheese platter in a relaxed atmosphere at one of the smaller wineries.

Follow the Yarra Valley Regional Food and Wine Trail to discover local produce for yourself, stopping at farm gates, roadside stalls and gourmet outlets to collect ingredients for a picnic lunch.

Complete your tour getting close to Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of native birds and animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, platypus, lyrebirds and even a Tasmanian devil.