Discover
Discover the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Less than an hour's drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs will have you feeling a world away, offering quality local food and wine, breathtaking scenery, romantic hideaways and indulgent adventures.
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. Healesville 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
High in the hills of Belgrave, Olinda, Sassafras, Kalorama, and Mount Dandenong, nature softens into mist-veiled forests and romantic villages. Famous for Puffing Billy, the 1000 Steps, and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, this area invites you to wander cool-climate trails before retreating to a heritage cottage or garden stay.
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 market. 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 Sea
Cardinia opens into broad horizons, stretching from the hills of Emerald, Gembrook, and Cockatoo to the communities of Pakenham, Officer, and Beaconsfield, down to the Western Port coast. Experience a UNESCO-recognised biosphere, ride Puffing Billy to Emerald Lake Park, explore Bunyip State Park, or find big family thrills at Gumbuya World.
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 in the cooler months, or head up Mt Donna Buang for winter snow play and sweeping alpine views.
The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of the world's premier wine growing regions with over 80 sensational cellar doors, superb restaurants serving fresh regional produce, luxury accommodation and more. Discover the Nillumbik/Western Yarra Valley, where the artistic charm of Eltham meets the boutique rustic wineries of Panton Hill.
The Dandenong Ranges is a haven of hidden delights with scenic winding roads to quaint hilltop villages. Journey through Olinda and Sassafras and enjoy the incredible views and forests. Then venture into the Southern Dandenong Ranges to explore the historic charm of Emerald and the peaceful, canopy-lined streets of Gembrook. Throughout the Dandenongs, there is an abundance of artist studios, craft stores and renowned gardens to explore as well as walking and cycling trails through mountain ash forests and clean, refreshing air.
We invite you to discover the very best of the region for yourself."
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.
The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of the world's premier wine-growing regions with over 80 sensational cellar doors, superb restaurants serving fresh regional produce, a wide range of accommodation to suit all types of visitors and more.
The Dandenong Ranges is a haven of hidden delights with scenic winding roads to quaint hilltop villages. There is an abundance of artist studios, craft stores and renowned gardens to explore as well as walking and cycling trails through mountain ash forests and clean, refreshing air.
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 slightly 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. 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.
Recognised as one of the world's great cool climate wine-producing regions, the Yarra Valley has a rich history of wineries and a significant history with beer and cider production dating back to the early 1800s.
Wander around our Towns
Healesville - The place to be for great coffee, food, shopping and art, also home of Healesville Sanctuary.
Olinda - You could spend hours browsing Olinda’s stores and boutiques for treasures in their busy retail strip, then take a break at a number of quaint cafés and eateries.
Sassafras - Here you'll find something truly special. Browse the antique, art, craft and specialty shops selling hand-picked and hand-crafted quality items, from wooden toys to potted flowers and fragrant candles.
Warburton - With the Yarra River meandering through the town, lined with gorgeous trees and numerous parks, Warburton offers a relaxing experience. The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail either starts or ends here (depending on your direction). It's a great day out for cycling or strolling.
Yarra Glen - Home to some of the country's best known wineries as well as the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery family attraction.
Eltham and Surrounds - Renowned for its green spaces, art community and family-friendly feel, the western area of the Yarra Valley is just 20km northeast of Melbourne.
How to get to the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
Take a stroll through our maps and trails.
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. (If you are heading to Warrandyte, take the next left at Warrandyte Rd). Turn left onto the Maroondah Highway towards Lilydale. Once past Lilydale, you can choose where in the Yarra Valley to explore.
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.
By Public Transport Public Transport Victoria has regular trains heading to Lilydale Station. From Lilydale Station, catch a McKenzies bus to either Yarra Glen or Healesville. For travel to Warburton, catch a Ventura bus.
For Dandenong Ranges, take the train to Belgrave Station. From Belgrave Station, catch a Ventura bus to Olinda and Sassfras.
Travel Times (by road)
Melbourne to Healesville (65kms) - 1 hour
Melbourne to Olinda (49kms) - 55 minutes
Melbourne to Belgrave (46kms) - 45 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
