The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most visually inspiring and historical regions. It’s also a great place for foodies and wine lovers to visit.
The best way to explore the Yarra Valley is to take a guided tour. You’ll be taken to the top of the wineries and given a good understanding of how the region makes its famous wines.
1. Climb Mount Donna Buang
The Yarra Valley is home to a number of amazing hiking trails. One of the best ones is Mount Donna Buang, a mountain that rises to 1245 metres above sea level.
The climb up the mountain is a rewarding experience that can help you stay in shape and improve your overall health. It also allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Yarra Valley.
To prepare for this hike, you need to research the area and ensure that you have the proper equipment to complete the journey. This includes a backpack, trekking shoes and rain gear. It also helps to know how to handle different weather conditions and choose the best route for your hike.
For those who are looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure, Mount Donna Buang is the perfect choice. It offers beautiful views of the Yarra Valley, and is also home to some of Australia’s oldest rainforests.
When the weather is good, you can visit the mountain for a day trip to enjoy some of its amazing features. You can also climb the 21-metre lookout tower to get a panoramic view of Melbourne, Dandenong, the Cathedral Ranges and Mount Baw Baw.
It is recommended to climb the mountain with a group of people, as this can provide you with the opportunity to socialize and meet new people. It can also help you develop friendships with others who share the same passion as you.
The best time to climb this mountain is in the dry season, from March to August. This is because it is the most suitable time to take advantage of the mountain’s scenery and views.
During winter, the mountain is closed to traffic so it’s a good idea to check local weather before heading up to avoid unnecessary delays and stress. Chains can be hired at the summit gate, or you can bring your own snow toys and toboggans.
If you are looking for a great day out with family and friends, you should try climbing Mount Donna Buang. This mountain is the closest snow field to Melbourne, and it offers a variety of attractions for everyone. You can enjoy a picnic at the summit, climb the lookout tower to see spectacular panoramic views of Melbourne and the Yarra Valley, or embark on a series of walks on the mountain.
2. Hike to Steavensons Falls
The Yarra Valley is renowned for its wineries, vineyards, distilleries, cellar doors and cafes, but it also has an abundance of natural beauty to offer visitors. In fact, the Yarra Ranges National Park is one of Victoria’s top spots for hiking. The Yarra Ranges are home to towering mountain ash trees, lush green fern forests and a wealth of wildlife.
You can hike to Steavenson Falls, a 84-metre waterfall, that lies just outside the town of Marysville. It’s an easy day trip to add to any Yarra Valley itinerary, especially as it’s only a 350-metre walk to the base of the falls, and an 800-metre hike up the mountain to get to the upper lookout.
This is a beautiful hike that families love to do. It’s a well-shaded trail that is stroller accessible and the cabin that sits behind Acrigg’s Falls provides an excellent view point and picnic spot.
It’s a moderately difficult walk, so make sure to bring water and wear good shoes as it can be slippery in the rain. Hiking here is best in spring and early summer, and you can expect plenty of wildflowers along the way.
The only downside is that the hike can be tricky to navigate alone, or with children – especially if you’re not familiar with the area. It’s also not very well-marked, so it’s easy to get lost or injured if you fall off the trail.
But if you’re up for the challenge, this is definitely worth the effort. It’s a very scenic route and one that you won’t forget.
When you reach the top of the trail, keep an eye out for a few different types of birds – including lyrebirds that mimic other animals. The forest here is home to over 90 different species of native bird, so you’re likely to see a few while you’re here.
This is a beautiful place to explore and is a must do for anyone visiting the Yarra Valley. It’s a great way to explore the natural side of the region while taking in the gorgeous scenery and enjoying delicious meals at local restaurants.
3. Visit Yarra Valley Gardens
Just a short drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is an idyllic escape from city life. The perfect place for a family day out or romantic getaway, this lush region is packed with incredible wine, food, art and natural landscapes.
Yarra Valley Gardens is home to an awe-inspiring collection of eight display areas spread across four acres of perfectly manicured garden perfection. There’s an edible garden, a French garden, an arboretum of casuarina and birch trees, a 100-metre-long wisteria arbour, and an ornamental parterre garden. There’s even a nursery, so you can get your hands on a few bulbs to plant in your own garden.
It’s worth a visit for the gorgeous views, but you should also stop to take in the gardens’ intricate craftsmanship and horticultural expertise. With an abundance of rhododendrons and other flowering plants to enjoy, the Botanic Garden is a must-visit on any Yarra Valley itinerary.
Another popular Yarra Valley attraction is the Healesville Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus and platypus. If you’re visiting with children, there are lots of animal-themed experiences available to keep them occupied and engaged.
While you’re there, take a stroll along the river path or enjoy a picnic on the lawns. It’s a lovely place to catch some sun and relax in the warm weather.
The Yarra Valley is also renowned for its wine and there’s no better way to experience this than to visit one of the many cellar doors in the area. Whether you’re looking for a glass of Pinot Noir or an ice-cold farm cider, the team at Crowne Plaza Melbourne can help you find a cellar door to suit your tastes.
There are many other things to do in the Yarra Valley too, so if you’re not interested in a picnic, you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Yarra Valley by cycling or walking around the region. There are some wonderful scenic drives in the area, and if you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can hike to Steavensons Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls near Melbourne.
4. Ride the Puffing Billy
The Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s iconic steam trains and it’s the perfect way to explore the Dandenong Ranges, an enchanting fern glade-filled region. Embark on this journey through the majestic Dandenong Ranges and experience a unique perspective of secluded boutique hotels, sun-kissed gardens, vast national parks and the historic villages that pepper the valley.
You’ll be picked up from your CBD accommodation in an AC vehicle with free Wi-Fi, and the tour will begin with a ride on the puffing billy steam train to Emerald Lake Park. Here you’ll enjoy morning tea before taking a stroll through the park and exploring the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary.
At Healesville Sanctuary, you’ll have the opportunity to observe native animals like kangaroos, koalas and platypus. There are also animal education lessons and live shows that you can choose to watch as well.
After your visit to Healesville, you’ll be able to take a break at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for some free samples of delicious chocolates. This is a great opportunity to get your taste buds tickled and to try some new flavours.
Another great thing to do in the Yarra Valley is to indulge in some wine tasting at the various wineries. Many of these vineyards are located along the Warburton Highway, and they offer some of the best wines in the region. You can also buy bottles of the wines that you have tried from the wineries.
If you want to experience the Yarra Valley with your friends or family, consider booking a private tour. These tours are designed to be a great way to see all the key sites of the area and to take your time to enjoy everything it has to offer.
A tour of the Yarra Valley is an experience that you will never forget. There is no doubt that you’ll be blown away by all the beautiful places that you’ll see during your trip. There are so many things to do in the Yarra Valley that you’ll have plenty of options to pick from and there is something for everyone.