The Yarra Valley
Known for its wines, the Yarra Valley has a country appeal and also a great place to bushwalk, cycle and drive. One of the prettiest towns is Marysville, with amazing waterfalls and walks nearby. This area is perfect for a getaway day trip or overnight stay, with plenty of camping spots and accommodation to choose from. There are a number of national parks in the Valley, including the King Lake and Yarra Ranges National Parks. You will leave feeling relaxed and invigorated after your stay here. Have a look at their website.
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Cross into the different worlds of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Escape to the Yarra Valley to indulge in life's great pleasures of food, wine and nature. Disappear from the bustle of city life into the Dandenong Ranges' secret fern glades, towering forests and eclectic villages.
Food and Wine
Discover the region where exceptional food and wine are the norm and not the exception, where international 'slow food' festivals are at home alongside the architecturally designed winery restaurants, and where wholesome country hospitality is the ideal embellishment to modern dining.
Vineyard dining and mountain retreats
Match the Yarra Valley's abundant fresh produce with fine wines as you linger over long lunches in winery restaurants with views of the rolling hills and boundless vineyards.
Tuck yourself in amid the towering trees and misty ranges of the Dandenongs and indulge your sweet tooth with the fresh cream and just-baked scones of the famous Devonshire teas.
Where the world goes for wine
Choose from over 40 winery cellar doors to visit and see why the Yarra Valley sets an international benchmark for premium cool-climate wines. Take a tour to learn the secrets of terroir and tradition and taste the trademark pinot noir and sparkling wines.
The region's bounty
Celebrate the region's other great harvests with the lush farmland also yielding freshwater fish, artisan ice creams and cheese, organic fruit and vegetables, pastas and preserves.
Vineyard dining and mountain retreats
Match the Yarra Valley's abundant fresh produce with fine wines as you linger over long lunches in winery restaurants with views of the rolling hills and boundless vineyards.
Tuck yourself in amid the towering trees and misty ranges of the Dandenongs and indulge your sweet tooth with the fresh cream and just-baked scones of the famous Devonshire teas.
Where the world goes for wine
Choose from over 40 winery cellar doors to visit and see why the Yarra Valley sets an international benchmark for premium cool-climate wines. Take a tour to learn the secrets of terroir and tradition and taste the trademark pinot noir and sparkling wines.
The region's bounty
Celebrate the region's other great harvests with the lush farmland also yielding freshwater fish, artisan ice creams and cheese, organic fruit and vegetables, pastas and preserves.
Art Galleries
Drop into galleries throughout the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges to see artists at work and to learn about the region's critical role in Australia's artistic history.
Australia's impressionists in the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley has been a source of inspiration for artists for over 100 years, since the famous Heidelberg School set up camp with a vision not unlike that of the French Impressionists.
Visit Australia's oldest artists' colony at Montsalvat, built in French provincial style. See exhibitions in the Barn and Long galleries and explore the grounds alongside resident peacocks.
Combine wine, art and architecture at TarraWarra Estate and the adjoining TarraWarra Museum of Art. Return for the changing exhibitions and revisit the permanent collection of works by outstanding artists from 1950 onwards.
Australian art through the ages in the Dandenong Ranges
See how art reflects life in the Dandenong Ranges, where creativity is contagious. View the works of local contemporary artists in studios, open spaces and tiny galleries.
Check out Aboriginal art at the Burrinja Gallery, and take heed of the environmental advice of William Ricketts Sanctuary's clay Aboriginal figures.
Australia's impressionists in the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley has been a source of inspiration for artists for over 100 years, since the famous Heidelberg School set up camp with a vision not unlike that of the French Impressionists.
Visit Australia's oldest artists' colony at Montsalvat, built in French provincial style. See exhibitions in the Barn and Long galleries and explore the grounds alongside resident peacocks.
Combine wine, art and architecture at TarraWarra Estate and the adjoining TarraWarra Museum of Art. Return for the changing exhibitions and revisit the permanent collection of works by outstanding artists from 1950 onwards.
Australian art through the ages in the Dandenong Ranges
See how art reflects life in the Dandenong Ranges, where creativity is contagious. View the works of local contemporary artists in studios, open spaces and tiny galleries.
Check out Aboriginal art at the Burrinja Gallery, and take heed of the environmental advice of William Ricketts Sanctuary's clay Aboriginal figures.
Alfred Nichols Gardens
The many linking paths through this garden take you beneath a canopy of the awesome mountain ash trees of the Dandenong Ranges. The garden was part of the historic Burnham Beeches Estate, home of Alfred Nicholas, developer of the Aspro formula. It is known for its extensive water features including waterfalls and an ornamental lake complete with boathouse.
Things to do
· Walk through shady trees down to the picturesque lake, and picnic by the quaint boathouse
· In spring view the flowering azaleas, cherry trees and viburnum
· Take photos of the colourful foliage in the autumn
· View the colourful birdlife
Things to do
· Walk through shady trees down to the picturesque lake, and picnic by the quaint boathouse
· In spring view the flowering azaleas, cherry trees and viburnum
· Take photos of the colourful foliage in the autumn
· View the colourful birdlife
