Discover
Discover the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Less than an hour's drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley will have you feeling a world away, offering quality local food and wine, breathtaking scenery, romantic hideaways and indulgent adventures.
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, luxury accommodation 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!
There are a wide variety of accommodation types and locations in the region that will suit any group size or budget.
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 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 speciality 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