From sunrise hot air balloon rides to relaxed wine tasting sessions, Yarra Valley always has something new and exciting to discover. Just an hour from Melbourne, its trees tower higher, the birds sing louder, and its sun shines even brighter!
Spring
The Yarra River runs from its source in the Yarra Ranges all the way into Melbourne’s CBD, and much of this riverfront has been preserved to provide green space with limited development. This wildlife corridor with abundant biodiversity allows people to appreciate nature in this region.
From lush mountain forests to picturesque Yarra Valley vineyards, Yarra Ranges National Park is a veritable treasure chest of botanical delights. Explore iconic wineries like Punt Road with behind-the-scenes tours like Punt Road Wine Tours; and wander through carefully curated gardens that show spring blooms off their full glory – everything from fragrant rhododendrons and fragrant blooms to fragrant shrubbery make exploring its blooming gardens an experience all its own!
This National Park contains the headwaters of Melbourne’s three principal rivers – Yarra, O’Shannassy and Taggerty – as well as their reservoirs that supply 70% of Melbourne’s drinking water supply. Low plains of You Yangs and Brisbane Ranges host large open woodland bird populations while Mt Donna Buang boasts rugged granite hills containing cool temperate rainforest with spectacular views.
Mt Donna Buang offers visitors an ideal place to experience the park’s high-country atmosphere, providing scenic views across the valley and snow-topped peaks of the Victorian Alps. Additionally, Mt Donna Buang boasts a diverse array of plants from wet Mountain Ash forest and cool temperate rainforest. Furthermore, Yarra Ranges National Park is known for its wildflower display between late August and October each year – it makes Mt Donna Buang an excellent way to do just that!
The Yarra Ranges are home to an abundance of native Australian animals, such as wombats, swamp wallabies, possums and lyrebirds. Explore these curios Australian creatures by taking a national park walk in one of its national parks or joining Healesville Sanctuary’s nighttime forest walk and witness nocturnal fauna at play in their natural environment.
Healesville Sanctuary is Victoria’s premier native wildlife attraction and an ideal way to discover Australia’s distinctive fauna and flora. See, touch and interact with over 200 Australian species – more than any other park or zoo in Victoria!
Summer
The Yarra Valley offers an idyllic combination of world-class wines, gourmet food, stunning natural landscapes and charming small towns just outside Melbourne. Enjoy wine tasting tours between cellar doors; meet curious Australian animals at Healesville Sanctuary; or traverse breathtaking national parks by foot or mountain bike – it’s the ideal escape!
The Yarra Ranges National Park consists of lush Mountain Ash forests and cool temperate rainforest with towering mountain peaks and deep gullies, as well as dense forest covered in mossy tree ferns, acacia trees and myrtle beech trees dotted throughout. At its core is Melbourne’s water catchment which supplies them with some of Australia’s cleanest drinking water from here.
In springtime, this area boasts an array of wildflowers and terrestrial orchids; Koala sightings have also been reported across different habitats in Yarra Ranges. Wombats, Platypus and Powerful Owls reside here too!
The Yarra Valley lies at the intersection of Victoria and New South Wales, boasting numerous spectacular waterfalls. Perhaps best known is Yarra Falls located within Yarra Ranges National Park; with two tiers of cascading falls that is considered one of Australia’s most breathtaking sights.
Yarra Ranges are home to numerous incredible hiking trails that will exhilarate nature lovers looking for adventure. There are gorges and canyons to discover as well as the popular Falls Trail that will test all fitness levels while providing breathtaking views over Yarra Valley.
Climate change has placed the Yarra Ranges under immense strain, leading to reduced rainfall and freshwater flowing in its rivers. This negatively impacts Melbourne residents as well as those using their resources for plant life and fauna of this national park.
Autumn
Autumn brings abundance to our wildlife. Hedgerow harvests – such as berries, rose hips, hazelnuts and seeds – allow many animals to store up for winter. As days become shorter and sunlight lowers further in the sky, beautiful sunsets and morning mist-and-frost formation can occur.
Kinglake National Park offers visitors an exciting forest walk experience, perfect for hikers and bird watchers. Enjoyed year round but particularly breathtaking during autumn when its leaves change color kaleidoscopically, bring a picnic and make use of shady spots under towering eucalypts – Masons Falls especially come alive after rain! Camping spaces within the park also allow plenty of room for tents, caravans and camper vans.
Head to nearby Braeside Park for another relaxing walk. This wetland is popular among walkers, runners, kayakers, canoeists, as well as birders. Kookaburras and ducks abound here – there is even an excellent bird hide overlooking Edithvale Road that allows birders to observe them! You will also find great views along Governor Road which cuts across this wetland for even greater wildlife watching opportunities.
Healesville Sanctuary provides an ideal bush experience. Traverse serene tracks to encounter iconic Australian wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, dingoes and platypus before learning about its spiritual and cultural heritage at Spirits of the Sky – an immersive bird presentation.
Parks Victoria recognizes and respects the longstanding ties that the Wurundjeri People have with this area of land. Parks Victoria recognizes their profound attachment to this space.
The Yarra Ranges cover an expansive mountainous region of cool temperate forests in Healesville, Marysville and Warburton about one hour’s drive from Melbourne. Their breathtaking scenery includes spectacular views, lush mossy tree ferns and dark gullies home to major reservoirs that supply Melbourne with drinking water. Discover its 14.8km Mount Donna Buang track that winds its way through Mountain Ash forests on its journey towards Lake Mountain – don’t forget your hiking boots for this adventure!
Winter
Yarra Valley is an all-year destination, but winter brings its own special magic. Crisp morning fog, golden-hued vineyards and post-summer serenity give this region its tranquil charm; plus winter is the ideal season to stay longer in one place.
Make the most of your visit from Melbourne by spending more than just one day there by staying multiple nights. Staying several nights allows you to explore a wider array of attractions, while taking advantage of fresh country air and an authentic home away from home feel. There are various outstanding accommodation options to choose from, ranging from luxury boutique hotels and cottages for families to self-contained apartments in the center of town.
Explore the Yarra Valley’s breathtaking blend of national parks, mountain ranges and sprawling forests and encounter iconic Australian wildlife along the way. Enjoy an early-morning hot air balloon ride to experience its beauty from above or wander along Healesville Sanctuary tracks for close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, dingoes and wombats – not forgetting those adorable koalas, kangaroos dingoes dingoes and wombats!
At this time of year, winemakers prepare to showcase their latest releases at cellar doors across the region. Savor signature drops while meeting their creators and learning more about the region’s rich heritage.
The Yarra River and its tributaries boast some of Victoria’s most stunning waterfalls, nestled amid towering mountain ash trees and vibrant fern glades, in national parks that also host tranquil lakes with sky-scraping cliffs.
The open fields of the Yarra Valley offer a winter playground for western grey kangaroos and common wallaroos alike. Additionally, during cooler months you may spot rare yellow-footed rock wallabies hopping across its landscape.
Discover a natural wildlife haven just an hour from Melbourne at Healesville Sanctuary. Take a stroll along its tranquil tracks and you are likely to spot iconic Australian species like koalas, kangaroos and platypus; as well as dingoes, wombats and many species of native birds – plus visit Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Centre which treats over 2000 sick or injured native animals annually and acts as a training centre for wildlife veterinarians!