Experience the exquisite natural beauty of Yarra Valley’s cascading vineyards, towering forests and charming townships for yourself. Savour its delicious cool-climate wines and local produce while making memories that will last a lifetime!
Yarra Valley is home to an abundance of talented artists and creatives who host workshops and events all year long. You may want to give painting a try or watch jewellers at work; whatever your interests, there’s plenty to discover here!
Healesville
Healesville is an idyllic town situated within the Shire of Yarra Ranges and adjacent to suburbs such as Lilydale, Yarra Glen, and Coldstream. This gorgeous country town serves as an arts hub with numerous galleries and studios to discover; take a stroll down Main Street for art appreciation or stop in at one of many alfresco cafes or pubs for lunch or drinks; you could also stock up on top quality wine and gin from boutique shops found there!
Healesville Sanctuary is an Australian wildlife refuge specializing in native species such as kangaroos. Your general entry ticket allows for all-day exploration, so take your time exploring and marvelling over these delightful animals – you’re bound to meet plenty of cute kangaroos as well! Plus you’ll meet hundreds more creatures like koalas, dingoes, wombats, wallabies & co – that may come out for special demonstrations and tours at additional costs!
Clair Bremner is an internationally acclaimed full-time artist known for her breathtaking paintings depicting nature’s wonders. Highly collectable pieces have been displayed widely around Australia. Additionally, she runs workshops to teach people to paint an artwork as well as creating installations. Clair’s art explores layering techniques as an audience engagement strategy and widening societal perspectives.
Assume the burden of organizing your own transportation by joining an organized tour from Melbourne that visits Healesville Sanctuary, Dobbies Centre, and Phillip Island penguin parade. Choose from various full-day tours with hotel pickup/dropoff for an effortless way to visit two of Victoria’s greatest attractions.
Monsalvat
Montsalvat Art and Cultural Precinct in Nillumbik, Victoria was established by artist Justus Jorgensen as an artists’ colony in 1934. Today it remains Australia’s oldest continuously active artist community housing over 2,000 artworks and architectural heritage buildings on site – not forgetting garden areas, restaurants, concerts workshops and life celebrations!
Artists often turn to different environments as an escape from daily life, to help inspire their work and find solace from its stresses. Creative havens can be found anywhere from historic properties, university studios and galleries to public institutions that see these spaces as soft hubs of cultural diplomacy (Aitken and Swee 2004).
At present, most contemporary artist communities differ significantly from The MacDowell Colony in that their primary goal is sharing resources and ideas among members rather than isolating themselves with isolationist tendencies and artistic integrity as their goal. Most are self-sufficient communities such as The Laughing Waters Artist Residency.
Laughing Waters’ mud brick dwellings evoke Heide and Montsalvat in some respects, yet have a much less formal aesthetic. Designed by architect Alistair Knox and constructed by local builders, these cozy yet inviting houses make the most of sun exposure with small courtyards for relaxing in. Their closeness to Yarra River and fernery add an additional charm for visitors. Sigmund Jorgensen now runs this site through Montsalvat Charitable Trust which hosts numerous events such as Nillumbik Shire Art Prize every year!
Dunmoochin
Dunmoochin is an artists’ colony located near Cottles Bridge in Melbourne’s north. First purchased by an artists collective in the 1950s and eventually home to three-time Archibald Prize winner Clifton Pugh, today Dunmoochin Foundation operates on this property as a retreat for artists and researchers; its collection also contains many examples of Pugh’s artwork.
Dunmoochin offers visitors an idyllic bushland experience that inspires feelings of relaxation and rejuvenation. At its highest point, visitors can see Melbourne, Kinglake Ranges and Whittlesea to the south, north, west. Accommodation at Dunmoochin includes studios and cottages to make this nature-infused environment even more accessible to guests.
Dunmoochin’s wetlands are an integral component of its landscape. From ponds and creeks, offering water for animals living in nearby forests, to picnic spots favored by visitors that allow visitors to see local birdlife, Dunmoochin’s wetlands are an integral component of its ecology.
William Williams’ work at Dunmoochin explored how different elements of Australian landscape interact. In particular, he was fascinated with how ponds and wetlands punctuated this unique terrain, providing him with opportunities to paint landscapes he couldn’t paint elsewhere.
Dunmoochin Pond, commonly referred to as The Black Dam, can be found nestled within a gully adjacent to Barreenong Road and boasting its distinctive dark surface surrounded by tall and slender eucalypts – this location holds great national significance and has been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum
The Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is an exquisite new space that captures unique aspects of both historic and modern life in Lilydale. Just an hour from Melbourne, this impressive architectural blend comprises both its 1889 building and an innovative modern extension – providing visitors with exhibitions, professional programs and collections such as the internationally significant Dame Nellie Melba collection for display or purchase – that make this institution a crucial community resource.
The retreat is open to artists of all disciplines and provides a peaceful environment in which to launch, expand or complete creative projects or works. The program provides time and space for art making and research activities related to local environment – participants are encouraged to take advantage of Yarra Ranges’ various inspiring cultural attractions like restaurants, wineries and galleries when developing work that responds to them.
TarraWarra Estate provides art enthusiasts with an incredible experience, from its private art collection and cellar door wine tasting, to wineries and vineyards that provide ample room to roam and wine tasting opportunities. Indulge in exploring its Montalto Sculpture Trail which spans 1km through vineyards featuring around thirty sculptures by winners of annual exhibition.
Yarra Valley is the perfect location for romantic or family vacations. Accommodation choices range from 5-star hotels to farmstays with spas and fireplaces – some even feature stunning mountain scenery – or why not stay at Wiggley Bottom Farm which features everything from writerly charms like Wiggley Bottom Cottage all the way through to staying in one of their mud-brick cottages or relax at Diamond Light Healing Centre of Warburton which specializes in supporting spiritual development?
Jodie Westall Gallery
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is home to numerous art galleries, some with stunning vineyard views while others tucked away into quiet woodland villages. Some exhibit local artists while others host international exhibits. Some galleries also provide fine dining or wine tasting experiences – perfect whether you’re searching for gifts or works of art!
Jodie Westall Gallery (formerly Jodee Creations) is an inviting Art Gallery and Boutique created by Watercolour Artist Jodie Westall-Kimpton. It showcases her artworks, greeting cards and handmade jewellery as well as inspirational books, candles and gifts for the soul. Jodie also hosts regular Workshops here – visit the Jodee Creations website for information regarding future Workshop dates!
TarraWarra Museum of Art can be found in Healesville’s picturesque village setting and captures the vision of its founders, Eva and Marc Besen AO. Boasting stimulating exhibitions set against Australia’s natural terrain, its award-winning building provides stimulating displays. Furthermore, public collections showcase works from Australian masters of contemporary art alongside significant Aboriginal pieces – both aspects being included within public displays at TarraWarra.
TarraWarra Museum of Art offers free admission all year long and parking on-site, while the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum closes for two afternoon sessions each Monday and Friday afternoon, while TarraWarra is closed on public holidays. In addition to tours and educational programs available through TarraWarra, this must-see museum for art enthusiasts should not be missed!