Discover
Discover the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
From 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, the Dandenongs offer misty forests, fern-fringed waterfalls, cool-climate gardens and villages made for slow wandering. Follow the ngurrak barring arts and culture trail through Mountain Ash forests and fern gullies, explore the 1000 Steps, Sherbrooke and Olinda Falls, or visit Alfred Nicholas and Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. Ride Puffing Billy from Emerald to Gembrook, then stay on in heritage cottages, garden retreats or glamping escapes tucked among the hills.
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 opens into bigger skies, broader horizons and shared adventures from the flourishing communities of Pakenham, Officer and Beaconsfield and onward to Western Port, this diverse region blends nature, community and discovery. Explore the UNESCO-recognised Western Port biosphere, kayak at Aura Vale Lake, visit farm gates and markets, or head into Bunyip State Park’s bushland and First Nations cultural landscape. Discover heritage railway towns, then add family fun at Gumbuya World. Wide-open, under an hour from Melbourne 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
