9 Best Things to Do in the Yarra Valley: Wine, Food & More

Last Updated: October 2026

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of Victoria’s most beautiful regions, famous for its world-class wineries, rolling green hills and fantastic food scene.

During our years living in Melbourne, we escaped to the Yarra Valley countless times. And while we certainly enjoyed visiting its cellar doors, we quickly discovered there’s much more to this picturesque region than wine tasting!

From charming country towns and gourmet food experiences to beautiful countryside, art galleries and wildlife encounters, there’s plenty to keep you busy for a weekend or longer.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a relaxing weekend with friends or simply looking for somewhere beautiful to escape the city, here are some of our favourite things to do in the Yarra Valley.

Best Things to Do in the Yarra Valley

Visit the Yarra Valley’s Famous Wineries

As Victoria’s oldest wine-growing region, the Yarra Valley is home to an incredible selection of wineries, from internationally renowned estates to charming boutique cellar doors.

If you’re a wine lover like us, you’ll quickly discover that one day simply isn’t enough to explore them all! Famous names such as Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli and Yering Station are well worth visiting, but some of the smaller wineries offer equally memorable experiences.

With so many to choose from, deciding where to stop can be tricky. To help you plan your wine-tasting adventure, check out our guide to five of our favourite Yarra Valley wineries.

Explore the Beautiful Yarra Valley Countryside

Driving around the gorgeous countryside of the Yarra Valley is a fantastic experience itself. There are beautiful rolling green hills all around, field after field of vineyards and acres of farmland. Watching the cows and sheep happily grazing is incredibly relaxing and will quickly distance you from the madness of the city. In autumn, the change of colours throughout the valley is breathtaking.

Discover Australian Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary

If you want to see the most iconic Australian animals all in one place, head to the Healesville Sanctuary. It’s the best wildlife park in Victoria and you will find kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, platypus, wombats and all sorts of other native Australian animals there. It’s a popular attraction in the Yarra Valley, especially for international visitors who want to meet our wildlife, and also for parents with young children.

Address: Badger Creek Road, Healesville

Enjoy the Yarra Valley’s Fantastic Food Scene

The Yarra Valley has some fantastic dining options, from elegant winery restaurants to relaxed country cafés.

For a special occasion or a romantic lunch overlooking the vineyards, consider TarraWarra Estate Restaurant or Levantine Hill, both known for their beautiful settings and excellent food.

For something more relaxed, Meletos is a lovely option, with its rustic charm and seasonal menu. Alternatively, head into Healesville, where you’ll find plenty of cafés and casual dining spots to enjoy between wine tastings.

We recommend booking ahead for winery restaurants, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Sample Local Craft Beer and Gin

Not a wine lover? Don’t worry, the Yarra Valley has plenty of other delicious drinks to discover!

For beer and cider enthusiasts, Napoleone Cider Co. is a great place to explore locally produced ciders in a beautiful countryside setting.

If gin is more your thing, head to Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville. Famous for its award-winning Australian gin, Four Pillars offers tasting experiences where you can discover its unique botanical blends. It’s also a fantastic spot to enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic.

Whether you prefer wine, cider or gin, there’s certainly no shortage of opportunities to enjoy a drink in the Yarra Valley. Just make sure you’ve organised a designated driver!

Indulge at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

For anyone with a sweet tooth, The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Ice Creamery is the place to go. The Chocolaterie is free to enter, and once inside you can taste a selection of chocolates and watch the talented European chocolatiers in action behind large viewing windows.

It’s a great place to visit for adults and kids alike and it’s suitable for all seasons too. In summer you can treat yourself to a delicious ice cream, while in winter you can sit in the cafe and warm up with a yummy hot chocolate.

If it wasn’t for the crowds, you’d feel a bit like you were on the set of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Yes, this place is extremely busy! Try and visit early, just after they open, or be prepared to share the experience with hundreds of others.

Address: 35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen

Taste Local Cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy

I don’t know about you but I’m a huge fan of cheese! Nothing makes me happier than a cheese platter paired with a nice glass of red wine. The Yarra Valley Dairy offers free tasting of their delicious locally made, award-winning cheeses. They produce fresh and soft cheeses made in Italian and French styles.

Up until 4 pm, you can order a cheese platter and enjoy it inside the original hundred-year-old milking shed that they now use as a tasting room. Don’t forget to grab a glass of local wine to go with it. They have a selection of over sixty locals wines to choose from.

Another great option is the less popular Coldstream Dairy. They also offer free tasting and sell very generous takeaway cheese platters for as little as $25. In summer you can grab one for a picnic at one of the nearby wineries. In winter, just grab one for dinner!

Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art

The TarraWarra Museum of Art is an art gallery set in a beautiful location, with amazing views out of the gallery windows across the stunning Yarra Valley and the adjacent TarraWarra vineyards. Another good reason to visit the museum is that afterwards you can walk across to the cellar door and enjoy some wine tasting!

Address: TarraWarra Estate, 311 Healesville – Yarra Glen Road, Tarrawarra

Take a Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Yarra Valley

If you’re looking for the ultimate experience in the Yarra Valley, sign up for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. It’s not a cheap experience (>$350 ahead) but it’s definitely one to remember. As you ascend into the sky and float over the Yarra Valley’s vineyards, it’s nothing short of magical. It’s the perfect thing to do on that romantic weekend away!

Where to stay in the Yarra Valley?

The Yarra Valley is full of accommodation options and you can find anything from five-star luxury hotels to small bed & breakfasts and even camping and glamping options. If you want to be in close proximity to all the wineries and the afore-mentioned activities, pick a place in Yarra Glen, Healesville or Coldstream.

Budget – Yarra Valley Grand Hotel

Located in the heart of Yarra Glen, the historic Yarra Valley Grand Hotel is a charming and affordable option for exploring the region. Dating back to 1888, it offers comfortable rooms, plenty of character and the convenience of an on-site pub and restaurant. It’s also a great base for visiting nearby wineries without spending a fortune.

Mid-Range – Yarra Gables

For something a little more peaceful, Yarra Gables in Healesville is a lovely boutique accommodation option surrounded by beautiful gardens. The spacious, comfortable rooms provide a relaxing base for exploring the Yarra Valley, with wineries, restaurants and local attractions just a short drive away.

Luxury – Chateau Yering

For the ultimate luxury weekend away, you can’t do better than a night at Chateau Yering. The historic and iconic Chateau Yering Hotel is a five-star property offering luxury accommodation. Book a package including a three-course dinner at the award-winning Eleonore’s Restaurant, and cooked breakfast at the Sweetwater Cafe. It’s the perfect romantic getaway!

How to get to the Yarra Valley?

The Yarra Valley is located only one hour away from Melbourne. The best way to get there is by car. You can take the Eastern Freeway and on to the Maroondah Hwy.

If you don’t have a car and don’t fancy renting one, a few companies offer tours to the Yarra Valley, including visits to a handful of wineries, gourmet lunch, and transportation from the city and back. This is a good alternative if none of your party fancies being the designated driver.

Best Time to Visit the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is beautiful year-round, but autumn (March to May) is one of our favourite times to visit, when the vineyards turn gorgeous shades of red, orange and gold.

Spring brings green landscapes and pleasant temperatures, while summer is perfect for long winery lunches and outdoor activities. Winter can be chilly, but there’s something lovely about enjoying a glass of red wine beside a cosy fireplace!

How Many Days Do You Need in the Yarra Valley?

You can explore some of the Yarra Valley’s highlights on a day trip from Melbourne, but we’d recommend spending at least two days to really enjoy the region.

A weekend gives you time to visit several wineries, enjoy a leisurely lunch, explore Healesville and discover some of the beautiful countryside without rushing.

How to Get to and Around the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is approximately one hour’s drive from Melbourne, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

Having a car is the easiest way to explore the wineries, villages and attractions at your own pace. Public transport is available to some towns, including Healesville, but it’s less convenient for visiting individual wineries.

If you’re planning on wine tasting, consider joining one of the many organised Yarra Valley tours departing from Melbourne’s CBD. That way, everyone gets to enjoy the wine!

FAQs About Visiting the Yarra Valley

Is the Yarra Valley Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! With its beautiful countryside, excellent wineries, delicious food and charming country towns, the Yarra Valley is one of our favourite escapes from Melbourne.

Can You Visit the Yarra Valley Without a Car?

Yes! Organised day tours from Melbourne are a convenient option, particularly for wine lovers. Public transport also serves some towns, although exploring the wineries independently is more difficult.

Do You Need to Book Wine Tastings in Advance?

Not always, as some cellar doors welcome walk-ins. However, booking ahead is recommended for weekends, public holidays and special tasting experiences.

What Is the Yarra Valley Famous For?

The Yarra Valley is best known for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. It’s also famous for its beautiful vineyards, gourmet food, wildlife attractions and picturesque countryside.

Read more:

Our Top 6 Wineries in the Yarra Valley 

Top 12 Things to do in Melbourne

The Best Day Trips from Melbourne