The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest and most celebrated wine region, producing some of Australia's finest cool-climate wines - particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But it's far more than just vineyards. With hot air ballooning, Healesville Sanctuary's native wildlife, cideries, artisan food producers, and some of the best restaurants outside Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a world-class gourmet destination just an hour from the city.
Getting There
The Yarra Valley is about 60-80 minutes northeast of Melbourne by car, depending on which part of the valley you're visiting. Take the Eastern Freeway and then Maroondah Highway through Lilydale. There's limited public transport - a train runs to Lilydale, but you need a car to explore the valley properly. If visiting wineries, consider a designated driver or book a wine tour.
Hot Air Ballooning
A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley is one of Victoria's most magical experiences. Drifting silently over the patchwork of vineyards, farms, and misty valleys as the sun rises is utterly unforgettable. Flights operate year-round (weather permitting) and typically include a sparkling wine breakfast at a vineyard upon landing. Expect to pay $350-400 per person. Global Ballooning and Go Wild Ballooning are the main operators.
Wineries
The Yarra Valley has over 80 wineries, ranging from boutique family operations to grand estates:
- Domaine Chandon: The Australian arm of Moet & Chandon. Stunning modern cellar door and restaurant with sweeping valley views. The sparkling wines are exceptional.
- De Bortoli: A large family winery with an outstanding restaurant (Locale) and one of the region's best cellar doors. Try the Noble One dessert wine.
- TarraWarra Estate: A striking contemporary winery with an art gallery featuring changing exhibitions. The Pinot Noir is excellent.
- Yering Station: The site of Victoria's first vineyard (planted 1838). Beautiful heritage property with a restaurant, cellar door, and sculpture garden.
- Oakridge Wines: Consistently rated among Australia's best wineries. The restaurant is outstanding. Try the 864 Chardonnay.
- Giant Steps / Innocent Bystander: Two brands under one roof in the heart of Healesville, with excellent pizza, wines, and a lively cellar door.
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is one of Australia's best wildlife parks and a highlight of any Yarra Valley visit. Set in natural bushland, it's home to native animals including platypuses (one of the best places in the world to see them), koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and wedge-tailed eagles. The Spirits of the Sky birds of prey show is spectacular.
Cideries & Breweries
- Napoleone Cider & Brewery: Family-run with excellent ciders and beers. The pizza and cider combination is a winner.
- Watts River Brewing: Small-batch craft beer with a relaxed taproom.
- Coldstream Brewery: Craft beer with food trucks and a family-friendly beer garden.
Where to Eat
- Oakridge Restaurant: One of the valley's best, with sweeping views and seasonal degustation menus. From $110.
- Locale at De Bortoli: Rustic Italian-inspired dining in a beautiful vineyard setting. Mains $32-45.
- Innocent Bystander: Buzzy Healesville cellar door with excellent wood-fired pizza, tapas, and wines. Pizza from $22.
- Balgownie Estate Restaurant: Fine dining in a grand vineyard setting with panoramic views. Mains $38-52.
- Healesville Hotel: A renovated country pub with elevated pub food and a great wine list. Mains $26-38.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Healesville Hotel (pub rooms), Yarra Valley Caravan Park, Badger Creek Holiday Park.
- Mid-Range: Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa (vineyard suites and a day spa), Yarra Valley Lodge (B&B in the hills).
- Luxury: Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel (a grand 1854 heritage mansion set in gardens), Yering Gorge Cottages (private cottages overlooking the Yarra River gorge).
Practical Tips
- Getting around: A car is essential. The valley is spread out and there's very limited public transport between wineries and attractions. - Weather: The Yarra Valley can be several degrees cooler than Melbourne. Mornings are often misty and cool, even in summer. Autumn (March-May) is beautiful with vineyard colours changing. Winter is cold but atmospheric. - Weekends: The most popular wineries and restaurants get very busy on weekends. Visit midweek for a more relaxed experience, or book well in advance for weekend lunches. - Festivals: The Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival (February) and the Yarra Valley Wine & Food Festival are excellent events worth planning around.
AUBIS Tip
: The Yarra Valley is perfect for a day trip or a luxurious weekend from Melbourne. Use AUBIS to plan your winery route (we recommend 3-4 wineries plus lunch), book your balloon flight, and add Healesville Sanctuary. The platform will help you schedule everything without rushing - the Yarra Valley is best savoured slowly.