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Being one of Australia’s most liveable cities, Melbourne has many amazing sights and attractions in its near surroundings. However, places like the Great Ocean Road or Wilsons Promontory are best enjoyed at least in a 3-4 days road trip. If you are short of time and have a day to spare, Yarra Valley should at the top of your list to visit. Located just outside of Melbourne, Yarra Valley is a delightful experience filled with stunning landscapes, delicious food and wine, and outdoor activities. Here's a plan for your day trip to Yarra Valley:
Morning:
1. Departure from Melbourne: Start your day early to make the most of your day trip. Yarra Valley is approximately a one-hour drive from Melbourne. You can rent a campervan or join a guided tour for convenience.
2. Breakfast: Stop for breakfast at a local cafe in Yarra Glen or Healesville. Enjoy some fresh coffee and a hearty breakfast to fuel your day.
Our recommendation would be the Cherry Tree Café and Restaurant. They have amazing coffee, delicious and nutritious food plus an outdoor area if you are travelling with your dog. However, remember to leave some room in your tummy as there will be gastronomy experiences during the day.
Opening hours: 8:00am-3:00pm Friday to Wednesdays. Closed on Thursdays.
Late Morning:
3. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: Begin your exploration with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. This delightful destination offers visitors a chance to indulge in high-quality chocolates and artisanal ice creams while enjoying the stunning rural scenery of the region. Sample some delicious chocolates such as truffles, pralines and chocolate bars or treat yourself to some artisanal ice creams and sorbets if the weather is hot. Be sure to lookout for events and educational workshops like chocolate-making classes or festivals and activities on that day. Visitors without a sweet tooth can also enjoy the beautiful Yarra Valley landscape like vineyards, rolling hills and greeneries around.
Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily
4. Yarra Valley Dairy: Next, head to the renowned artisanal cheese producer, the Yarra Valley Dairy. This dairy is celebrated for crafting a wide range of high-quality cheeses using traditional techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Some of their popular cheese varieties include Persian Feta, Marinated Goat Cheese and Yering, which is named after the Yarra Valley’s Yering Station winery.
Visitors can enjoy cheese tastings before making purchases. We highly recommend their popular cheese platter that features a selection of cheese accompanied with bread, fruits, nuts and condiments.
Opening hours: 10:30am – 5:00pm Daily
Afternoon
5. Lunch at a Winery: Yarra Valley is renowned for its wineries and excellent dining options. Choose one of the many wineries for a leisurely lunch. Some popular options include De Bortoli Wines, Innocent Bystander, or TarraWarra Estate. Make sure to book a table in advance. After lunch, you can explore the winery of your choice with a guided tour to learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the finest wines the region has to offer.
Friendly reminder: Please do not drink and drive after the tour.
Late Afternoon
6. Healesville Sanctuary: If you're interested in wildlife, a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary is a must. This renowned wildlife park allows you to see and interact with native Australian animals up close. It is part of Zoos Victoria, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and research.
What sets the Healesville Sanctuary apart from the other zoos is its dedication and initiatives to conserve the native Australian wildlife. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in the protection and preservation of endangered and vulnerable species, many of which are unique to Australia.
Visitors get to get up close with animals such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus, echidnas and many more. The sanctuary is designed to replicate the natural habitats of these animals and to create an immersive experience for visitors.
Visitors can also participate in various educational programs, talks and wildlife presentations to learn more about the behaviour, habitats and conservation status of different species.
Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily
Evening
7. Scenic Drive: Take a leisurely drive through the picturesque Yarra Valley before settling for dinner. There are plenty of scenic routes to enjoy, such as the Maroondah Highway or the Black Spur Drive. As you navigate the Black Spur Drive, you'll find yourself surrounded by towering mountain ash trees, lush ferns, and a variety of native flora. The road winds its way through the Great Dividing Range, providing stunning views of the Yarra Ranges National Park. Be sure you pack an extra camera battery to capture these amazing scenic beauties.
8. Dinner: Head back to a charming town like Healesville or Yarra Glen for dinner. Many restaurants offer locally sourced and seasonal dishes. The food here is often paired with Yarra Valley wines.
9. Settle in for the night: If your energy level permits, Melbourne is just an hour’s drive away. However, take caution of wild animals when driving during dusk and night.
If you are travelling in a camper, you can also check in to the many campgrounds around like the Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park. There are plenty of amenities like bathrooms and power. There are also amenities like a swimming pool, tennis court and playground if you like to have some fun the next morning.
Whether you plan to visit Yarra Valley by renting a car or campervan, Aussie Campervans have a wide selection of vehicles you can hire from Melbourne. Here are 3 best camping apps you can use to search for amenities such as campgrounds, dump stations or service stations around Australia. Our team members are also available if you need vehicle recommendations.
