Discover
Discover the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Nar Nar GoonFrom sunrise over rolling vineyards to towering mountain forests, the Yarra Valley & the Dandenongs is a region of remarkable contrasts and unforgettable moments. Just an hour from Melbourne, you'll discover world-class wine, exceptional food, breathtaking scenery and experiences that reconnect you with nature, creativity and each other.
This website is your gateway to the best wineries, places to eat & drink, attractions, arts & culture, gardens, nature and everything else to See & Do in our region.
Yarra Valley — Food & Wine Country
Taste the region’s abundance across the vineyard vistas of Yarra Glen, Coldstream, Gruyere, and Yering. This premier destination features celebrated cellar doors, craft distilleries, local breweries, and farm-gate orchards. Travel via Yarra Glen or to Healesville which stands out as a vibrant food and art hub, home to the Healesville Sanctuary where visitors get close to iconic Australian wildlife.
The Dandenongs — Forests, Gardens & Villages
Belgrave, Olinda, Sassafras, Kalorama, Mount Dandenong, Emerald, Gembrook and Cockatoo.
High in the hills, everything softens. The Dandenongs are the region’s most romantic expression of nature; mist in the trees, fern-fringed waterfalls, cool-climate gardens and village streets made for wandering or lingering over tea and scones. Connecting the villages you can explore ngurrak barring - an arts and culture trail winding through forests of towering Mountain Ash and lush fern gullies. From the Kokoda Memorial Walk (1000 Steps) to Sherbrooke Falls, Olinda Falls and the beauty of Alfred Nicholas and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, this is where fresh mountain air and storybook surroundings lift the spirit. Take a trip on Puffing Billy from Emerald Station through the quiet hills village of Gembrook, and stay for lunch, drinking in the peaceful atmosphere. When the day is done, the escape continues in heritage cottages, garden stays and glamping retreats tucked into the hills and villages.
Nillumbik — Makers, Trails & Secret Spots
Nillumbik offers a quieter discovery where nature and creativity meet. Explore the artistic legacy of Eltham’s mudbrick heritage, the artisan charm of Hurstbridge, and the bustling St Andrews. With scenic bushland trails in Diamond Creek and Kangaroo Ground, it is a place for slow-crafted, deeply local experiences.
Cardinia — Where the Ranges Meet the Bay
Pakenham, Beaconsfield, Western Port coast, Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield, Bunyip and Officer
Cardinia is where the region opens out into bigger skies, broader horizons and shared adventures. From the flourishing communities of Pakenham, Officer and Beaconsfield, and onward to the mangroves, mudflats and wildlife-rich wetlands of Western Port; this is a place where nature, community and discovery take many forms. Western Port is recognised by UNESCO as an internationally significant biosphere, where restoration, conservation and natural wonder create one of Victoria's most extraordinary coastal landscapes. Try kayaking or canoeing at Aura Vale Lake, explore farm gates and weekend markets, or venture into Bunyip State Park bushland and living First Nations cultural landscape. Visit the railway towns of Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield & Bunyip to experience a bygone era and well preserved heritage. More adventure can be found at Gumbuya World, where rides, waterslides and wildlife bring nature and fun together in one place. Wide-open, under an hour from Melbourne, richly diverse and refreshingly real, Cardinia is ripe for exploration.
Warburton & Yarra Ranges — River, Forest & Adventure
For those who love motion, Warburton, Yarra Junction, Wesburn, and Millgrove offer pure release. This invigorating landscape invites you to go river tubing in summer, explore rainforest walks or bike rides all year round, or head up Mt Donna Buang for winter snow play and sweeping alpine views.
We invite you to discover the very best of the region for yourself.
What is the weather like?
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is a cool climate region with average temperatures of:
Summer - 26.6°C
Autumn - 20.4°C
Winter - 14.1°C
Spring - 19°C
Please note that the weather in the Yarra Valley can vary from the Dandenong Ranges so be prepared to dress for four seasons in one day!
The State & National Parks in the region are free to enter (excluding Sky High). For more information on parks in the region and any safety advice, please visit Parks Victoria's website.
Accommodation - so much to choose from!
Discover a wide variety of accommodation types and locations that will suit any group size or budget, some are even pet-friendly.
Wineries, Attractions and Incredible Nature
From the Western Yarra Valley to the southern end of the Dandenong Ranges is a varied and beautiful region. One of the best ways to discover our region is to look through the map and find the area that appeals to you.
How to get to the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
By Road - From Melbourne City to Yarra Valley (via Eastlink Tollway) - Make your way onto the Eastern Freeway and travel towards Ringwood. The Eastern Freeway turns into the Eastlink Tollway after Springvale Road. If you have an Eastlink or Citylink pass, continue on the Eastlink Tollway and go through the Mullum Mullum tunnel - make sure to stay in the left lane as the turnoff is straight after the tunnel ends. Turn left after exiting the tunnel towards Ringwood and follow the signs to the Yarra Valley.
For Dandenong Ranges, take the Eastern Freeway towards Ringwood. Take the Canterbury Road exit, then turn left towards Montrose. Once in Montrose, take the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and follow through to the Dandenong Ranges.
For the Cardinia end of the Dandenong Ranges find your way on to Burwood Highway and head to Belgrave and then follow the signs to Gembrook, Cockatoo etc or for Packenham Upper head down the Monash Freeway and follow the signs.
To get to the Nillumbik area head to the Eastern freeway and get off at Doncaster or Elgar road and the head down Williamsons Road out to Eltham, Hurstbridge and St Andrews townships.
By Public Transport Public Transport Victoria has regular trains heading to Lilydale Station. From Lilydale Station, catch a bus to either Yarra Glen, Healesville, Warburton or up to the Dandenong Ranges.
For the Nillumbik area catch the train to Hurstbridge and jump on a bus to your town of choice
For the southern end of the Dandenong Ranges including Monbulk, Gembrook, Olinda etc, take the train to Belgrave Station and catch a bus to your town of choice.
For Cardinia catch a train to Packenham and then catch a bus to your town of choice.
Travel Times (by road)
Melbourne to Healesville (65kms) - 1 hour
Melbourne to Olinda (49kms) - 55 minutes
Melbourne to Belgrave (46kms) - 45 minutes
Melbourne to Hurstbridge (36kms) - 65 minutes
Melbourne to Gembrook (66kms) 1 hour 20 minutes
Healesville to Olinda (39kms) - 40 minutes
Healesville to Belgrave (45kms) - 45 minutes
Melbourne to Warburton (78kms) - 1 hour 20 minutes
Lilydale to Warburton (36kms) - 35 minutes
Coldstream to Yarra Glen (9kms) - 8 minutes
Coldstream to Healesville (18kms) - 15 minutes
Yarra Glen to Hurstbridge (23 kms) - 25 minutes
Healesville to Eltham (40 kms) - 45 minutes
Healesville to Warburton (38 kms) - 40 minutes
Warburton to Olinda (42 kms) - 45 minutes
Olinda to Gembrook (26 kms) - 30 minutes
