On the doorstep of Melbourne lies the Yarra Valley, a sweeping swathe of fertile land producing the fruit that goes into some of Australia’s leading wines. Home to more than 80 wineries, the Yarra Valley is also a popular place for makers and foodies given the quality produce that grows here. It is ideally situated for mini breaks just over an hour from Melbourne, where you can spend your days meandering along scenic roads, indulging in world-class food and drink and immersing yourself in nature. Even if you are simply seeking a relaxing escape from city life, a trip to the Yarra Valley promises to be a delightful adventure.
Things to do in the Yarra Valley
Four Pillars Gin Distillery
Undoubtably one of Australia’s most famous and popular gin distillery’s, Four Pillars Gin calls the Yarra Valley home. The huge site houses the gin bar and tuck shop, tasting hall, manufacturing and bottling plant. The award-winning gin and distillery prides itself on creating unique quality gins using seasonal botanicals and ingredients. Collaborations with other makers and growers creates some of the most unexpected yet delicious gins, including the world first Shiraz Gin. Visitors can participate in a guided tasting or simply visit the bar and tuck shop to enjoy some of the amazing drinks and a menu featuring small bites made from gin.
Bookings recommended.
Four Pillars Gin Distillery, 2 Lilydale Road, Healesville
Amazing Picnic Co
Make sure you charge your phone and are ready to answer cryptic clues that direct you to destinations that fill your picnic hamper with an Amazing Co mystery picnic adventure. Effectively this is a scavenger hunt, picnic style where you stop at various locations based on clues provided and gather items for your picnic at the end. This is a fantastic way to see and experience new and unique businesses of the Yarra Valley. Purchase your picnic in advance and on the day of your picnic you will receive the details via email and the clues will begin. As you solve each clue it will take you to another destination where you will be gifted a picnic component, cheese, wine, fruit, charcuterie and breads etc. By the end of the journey you will have all the items for a generous picnic to enjoy in a fabulous location. You can also purchase additional items along the way – a great way to stock your wine cellar and fill your pantry!
Amazing Picnic Co, Various locations
Badger Weir
Just a short drive out of Healesville town centre you will find Badger Weir Picnic Area, an expansive historic picnic ground and nearby walking trail. Set among beautiful native bushland of the Yarra Ranges National Park, the creek runs through the area and there is the occasional shy wallaby or wombat that graze on the grassed areas particularly at dawn or dusk. Birdlife is abundant with the Australian King Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Superb Lyrebird all regularly appearing. The loop walk is about a 1.5 hour journey of moderate grading. This is a lovely place to enjoy native Australian flora and fauna.
Badger Weir Picnic Area, Badger Weir Road, Healesville
Dominique Portet Winery
The sweeping entry of the winery has a distinct French feel. Enter the cellar door and a contemporary open dining room awaits. Tastings can be enjoyed in the cellar door or you can take a guided tasting experience which begins with a wander in the vineyard. Learn about the history of Dominique, a ninth generation winemaker who has called the Yarra Valley home since 2000. A selection of signature French wine styles from sparkling through to cabernet sauvignon are created onsite. In the private tasting room guests are guided through the wines and enlightened of the nuances of each style.
Dominique Portet Winery, 870-872 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream
Places to eat in Yarra Valley
Jayden Ong Winery and Cellar Bar
Tucked away in the back streets of Healesville in a somewhat industrial street sits Jayden Ong Winery and Cellar Bar. Enter the expansive cellar bar and be greeted by the friendly bar staff who swiftly take drink orders. Be seated inside or outside and dive into the seasonal menu. The chefs menu is a no-brainer where the dishes are chosen for you and everything comes out in the most beautifully timed manner. Alternatively, you can select for yourself from the menu. The service here is second to none and the staff will pleasantly guide you through the drinks and food menu tailoring everything to your tastes and making your dining experience one to remember.
Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar bar, 8 Hunter Road, Healesville
No 7
You will feel like you have stepped into a Mediterranean restaurant at No 7. The al fresco area greets diners and is humming on long balmy summer nights. Inside the candles are lit and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. The chatter rises as the tables fill with eager diners. The menu is seasonally inspired with global dishes and is accompanied by a wine list featuring some of the best organic wines from all over the world. Open for lunch or dinner booking is recommended as the reputation precedes them being the 4th restaurant in the Stones of Yarra Valley and Meletos family.
No 7, 7 Lilydale Road, Healesville
Sister Mary Louise
This slick café serving delicious brunch dishes and fabulous coffee sits boldly in a former church and is names after a Benedictine Sister who was an advocate for people with physical disabilities and the gay community. The menu is delicious with all the usual brunch suspects which have been slightly elevated and a local twist added.
Sister Mary Louise, 114 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Places to stay in the Yarra Valley
Tarra Lane Cottages
Perfectly positioned between Yarra Glen and Healesville sits the cozy Tarra Lane Cottages. There are 2 double cottages on site which are fully self-contained. Each cottage sleeps two people in big comfy beds with pure cotton linen. The cottages are complete with a back patio to relax upon and take in the beautiful views. with a cup of tea or even a wine in hand. The spacious bathroom is fitted with a deep spa bath where guests can really relax. What sets these cottages apart are the extra touches – candles, tea, coffee, a little local welcome treat, an umbrella, bug spray you won’t want for anything. The cottages also have excellent heating and cooling to accommodate the Yarra Valley’s varying seasonal temperatures. A stay here is perfectly central for exploring all corners of the Yarra Valley.
Tarra Lane Cottages, School Road, Tarra Warra
Have you visited the Yarra Valley? We would love to hear all about it share your comments below and on out social media @possandruby on Instagram and Facebook.
Please note we were hosted for the following activities The Amazing Co Yarra Valley Mystery Picnic, Dominique Portet Estate Tour and Wine Tasting, Four Pillars Gin, and accommodation at Tara Lane Cottages. All content in our own.
1 comment
Love this post and photos! What an incredible weekend in the Yarra Valley. I loved how enthusiastic the locals were to show us around and how proud they are of their region. Definitely top of my list for my Weekend Wanders from Melbourne. The weather, wine, food, mystery picnic, gin, and accommodation all made for a memorable weekend.