Guide to Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Victoria Australia

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges region located at the corner of Victoria is home to stunning sceneries and laid-back adventures. Yarra Valley is famous for restaurants and wineries because of its lush vineyards that give regional flavors to the foods and beverages. Serene forests, charming villages, and cool waterfalls are just some of the things that will welcome you as you visit Yarra Valley.

Dandenong Ranges is also ready to welcome visitors with towering forests and wonderful waterfalls in Warburton as well as rich arts and history on a railway in Belgrave. Remember not to keep your appetite full since there are a lot of tea houses and pubs that you will surely brag to your friends.

With only less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are inviting you to discover the region’s culture, foods, and rainforests. Planning your trip to the region? You will not run out of things to do. Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges have a lot of activities and experiences to offer.

Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries

Yarra Valley is known for producing great wines from the grapes that have grown in areas with cool climates. Famous wineries such as Domaine Chandon, Yering Station, and De Bortoli provide an intimate wine tasting experience for every visitor.

Aside from wineries, the region is also home to micro-breweries and cider makers. Due to this, you can visit the cider and ale trail that passes through St. Ronans, Coldstream Brewery, Punt Road Wines, and Kellybrook. You can also find Four Pillars, an internationally known gin distillery.

Ride The Puffing Billy Railway at Belgrave

Puffing Billy is Australia’s oldest heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy provides a relaxing break from the city as it passes along the wonderful wildlife and spectacular rainforest of the Dandenong Ranges.

Aside from the steam railway experience, the Lakeside Visitor Center can be visited by guests who want to enjoy the surroundings while sipping on a cup of coffee, buy the freshest produce from the region, or shop locally designed at the gift store. Ticket holders can also visit the Menzies Creek Museum to explore exhibits about railways.

Indulge in Sweets, Champagnes, and Teas

Located at Sherbrooke Forest, Maybrooke Manor offers unlimited scones, sweets, and morsels that suit a glass of champagne or a cup of tea, or brewed coffee.

Another place to visit for people with a sweet tooth is the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. You will be welcomed with free tastings of pastries and a refreshing drink when you visit. A unique tea experience will be headed by the head pastry chef and a European chocolatier. The tea and treats are served on a long table in a private room where you can also request ribbon sandwiches or a local hot chocolate.

Aside from teas, champagnes, chocolates, and pastries, you can also have delicious cakes and pies at Mary Eats Cake. The location has a classy interior in all private rooms which can be booked for special events. They offer different packages that can fulfill whatever your tastebuds want.

Walk Along Rainforest Gallery at Warburton

The Rainforest Gallery is a 350-meter walkway above the trees of Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech. Along the walkway, you will be able to enjoy the area surrounded by mosses, ferns, and abundant plants that completes the environment.

Before you reach the walkway, there will be some stairs. But for those who are in wheelchairs but still want to experience the rainforest, there is a viewing area that is accessible if you e in a wheelchair. Some of the plants that can be seen as you stroll the gallery are Southern Sassafrass, Mountain Grey Gum, and Messmate, while you may also see animals such as Australian King Parrot, Cockatoos, and Galahs if you are lucky.

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges have a lot to offer aside from its cool weather, from making your stomach full from the restaurants or make yourself relax through the lush green environment surrounding the region. Whether you are a large group of visitors or you want to experience the region alone, there are a lot of accommodation options to choose from.