Your Guide To Exploring Yarra Valley

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Where is Yarra Valley?

Nestled in Victoria, about 60 kilometres east of Melbourne, lies the Yarra Valley – a picturesque region with rolling green hills, fertile vineyards, and charming towns. Spanning across the upper reaches of the Yarra River, the region is known for its cool, temperate climate, and tranquil charm; a serene contrast to the bustling energy of Melbourne. Its proximity to Victoria's capital city makes it an excellent getaway for residents and tourists alike. From world-class wineries to wildlife sanctuaries, the Yarra Valley is a must-do for any Australia bucket list road trip.

Image: Visit Victoria

What is the Yarra Valley known for?

The Yarra Valley is a prized gem in Victoria's crown. While it is renowned for its lush beauty and agricultural abundance, it's most famous for its flourishing wine industry. With a wine-growing history dating back to 1838, the region is recognized globally for its exceptional cool climate wines, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. In fact, some of Australia's most distinguished wineries call the Yarra Valley home, including Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, and Yering Station.

But wine is only part of the Yarra Valley's magic. The region's fertile soils and temperate climate also make it an ideal stage for dairy farming and fresh produce. Moreover, the Yarra Valley is home to a range of attractions, including the Healesville Sanctuary, a refuge for native Australian wildlife, and the TarraWarra Museum of Art, a modern showcase of Australian contemporary art. Combine this with a range of outdoor activities – such as hot air ballooning, hiking, and fruit picking – it's clear why the Yarra Valley is number 1 on our top 10 things to see and do in Melbourne.

The best way to explore Yarra Valley

One of the finest ways to truly appreciate the breadth and beauty of the Yarra Valley is by touring the region in a self-contained campervan. Van travel offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to create your itinerary, stop at your leisure, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the region without being tied to a fixed travel itinerary. With the freedom of having your holiday home along with you for the ride, it's easy to stop in at little hidden gems along the way while bringing with you the luxuries of home.

Top tip: If it’s your first time travelling in a motorhome, we have plenty of resources to help, from choosing the right motorhome and what to pack to essential tips for motorhome holidays to assist you in planning your adventure.

The best things to do in Yarra Valley

From wineries to sanctuaries, here are some of the top things to do in the Yarra Valley on your upcoming campervan trip.

Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary is a premier wildlife destination perfect for an unforgettable experience of Australia's unique fauna. The sanctuary spreads over 70 acres of bushland and provides a home to over 200 native species, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and dingoes. This sanctuary also plays a vital role in fighting wildlife extinction through the on-site Australian Wildlife Health Centre. If you are travelling with family, children can explore the sanctuary and experience close-up encounters with some of Australia’s most well-known native animals, while adults can enjoy the "Wine and Wildlife" events that combine animal encounters with local Yarra Valley wines.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, with its intoxicating sweet delights, is an attraction that transcends age. Here, you can watch European chocolatiers craft their confections, with over 400 different variations to taste. Each season, the Chocolaterie offers themed activities and festivals, such as the "Hot Chocolate Festival" in August and the seasonal "Brownie Festival." If you are looking for a more interactive experience, join one of the chocolate-making classes or simply kick back and relax while enjoying a bite to eat in the café while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding valley. What better place to indulge in artisanal ice creams than while soaking in the views of the surrounding vineyards?

Puffing Billy Railway

The Puffing Billy Railway, nestled in the scenic Dandenong Ranges, offers a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of steam rail travel. Operating since the early 1900s, this century-old steam train still runs on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook, making it one of Australia's finest preserved steam railways. Passengers can experience a unique ride, as the railway winds its way through a panorama of fern gullies and towering Mountain Ash trees. One of the defining features of the Puffing Billy experience is the ability to sit on the open-side carriages, enjoying the cool breeze and panoramic views. In addition to the scenic open air, this train ride also offers a trip through history – giving a deeper look into the railway’s intriguing past and the challenges faced in keeping it operational. If you're up for something unique, jump aboard the first-class dining train and indulge in a three-hour journey, while riding in first-class comfort and feasting on the food and the beautiful view. Whether you choose to opt for a full-day adventure or just a two-hour afternoon trip, it's bound to be a trip to remember!

Image: Visit Victoria

Yarra Valley Dairy

A visit to this corner of the world would be incomplete without a visit to delight in the rich, creamy flavours of handcrafted cheeses at the Yarra Valley Dairy. Here, traditional cheese-making techniques meet the freshest local cow's and goat's milk. The cheese shop offers a wide selection, from the famous Persian Fetta to the smooth and creamy Farmhouse Brie. You can even pair your dairy experience with locally sourced wine at their Cheese and Wine Bar if you choose. If not, this is the perfect place to stock up and grab a picnic hamper filled with cheeses, bread, wine, and other delicacies for a gourmet picnic from your motorhome amidst the beautiful Yarra Valley.

Yarra Valley Ballooning

Drift high above Yarra Valley's patchwork quilt of vineyards and farmland on a Yarra Valley Balloon flight. After an early start before sunrise, you'll be floating on cloud nine as you witness the landscape painted in pastel hues – a breathtaking view only accessible from a hot air balloon. Once you are done, celebrate your successful touchdown with a delicious post-flight champagne breakfast at Balgownie Estate.

Top Tip: Always allow a few hours post-flight, as weather can sometimes delay takeoff.

TarraWarra Museum of Art

The TarraWarra Museum of Art is an artistic jewel in the heart of the Yarra Valley not to be missed. Seamlessly blending art, architecture, and landscape, the museum's collection mainly comprises works made by Australian artists dating back to the 1950s. Plus, the stunning Yarra Valley views from the vista walk, combined with the beautiful modern architecture, make a visit to the museum feel like a living art experience in itself.

Rayner’s Stonefruit Orchard

At Rayner's Stonefruit Orchard, you can experience the joy of plucking fresh, juicy stone fruits straight from the tree. The farm grows over 450 different varieties of fruit, including peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and cherries.

Having such a wide range of fruit allows the farm to have at least eight varieties of fruit available every day of the year. The unique 'U Pick' tours, available seven days a week, are a great way to roam the orchard, tasting different fruits and learning about their cultivation. Afterwards, be sure to sample some of the delicious house-made products, such as jams, sauces, and fruit leathers, at the farm shop or indulge in a homemade stone fruit sundae at the Peach Cafe.

Maroondah Reservoir Park

Maroondah Reservoir Park, with its picturesque gardens and expansive views, is a haven for relaxation and outdoor activities. The park features a historic dam that was completed in 1927 and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Here you can wander along a variety of walking tracks, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. And from the top of the dam wall, you can admire panoramic views of the reservoir and its catchment. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic areas, or try your luck spotting local wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and a plethora of bird species.

Where to stay in Yarra Valley

As you immerse yourself in all that Yarra Valley has to offer, you'll need a comfortable place to rest and recharge, below are some of the top places to stay in your campervan in the Yarra Valley.

BIG4 Yarra Valley Holiday Park

If you're after a holiday space immersed in natural bushland, surrounded by native wildlife and shaded by gorgeous gums, then Big4 Yarra Valley Holiday Park will be an amazing option for a base while you explore the region. Located in Healesville, it is a great central option offering plenty of modern facilities, including:

Beautiful walking trails
A community fire pit
Direct access to badger creek
Cafe and licensed bar
Swimming pool
Games room and jumping pillow for the kids

Price: Prices for a powered site start at $80 a night.

Warburton Holiday Park

Right beside the Yarra River and nestled in the surrounding Australian bushland, Warburton Holiday Park is only a few minutes outside of Warburton. Here you can search for the elusive platypus along the river, and explore the biking and walking trails – all from this idillic Yarra Vally base. The park facilities on-site, include:

Campfires
Barbeque areas
Playground and water play park
Spacious sites

Price: Prices for a powered site start at $50 a night.

Doon Reserve Caravan Park

Just 20 minutes southeast of Healesville, amidst the towering gums along the Yarra River, is Doon Reserve Caravan Park. The reserve offers an immersive nature experience with gorgeous riverside sites. Here you will find all the necessities, including:

Modern amenities blocks
Firepits
Ensuite sites
Laundry