Regional Victoria touring options
Yarra Valley – Dandenong Ranges – Melbourne
Recommended duration: 2-3 days, 1-2 nights If dining out isn’t for you, then discover local produce stopping at farm gates, orchards, roadside stalls and Distance: gourmet outlets to sample, savour, or pick your own Yarra Valley – Dandenong Ranges – 32kms, 35 minutes ingredients for a picnic lunch directly from the grower. Dandenong Ranges – Melbourne – 50kms, 55 minutes Winding along the Black Spur YARRA VALLEY Linking the Yarra Valley with the mountain areas around Marysville is the road known as the Black Spur Drive, which Have you ever thought about rewarding yourself with seeing is between Healesville and Narbethong on the Maroondah the sun rise over vineyards drifting in a hot air balloon and Highway and is famous for its heady scenery of spectacular meeting more than 200 species of Australian birds and tall forests. animals in their natural environment? If you answered yes, then the Yarra Valley is the place for you! Wind down the windows and savour the fragrance of the Start your day at dawn floating over forests, farms, and vines Australian bush as you pass in a hot air balloon followed by a breakfast of sparkling wine through the forest. The drive and local produce at a winery. Then visit the Healesville is bordered by immense mountain ash trees that allow Sanctuary in the heart of the Yarra Valley which is world- dappled sunlight to make its way down to the cool, lush renowned as the best place to see Australian wildlife in their understorey of green ferns. natural habitat. Marysville After this, the hardest decision is what to do next. Here are In Marysville visit Victoria's highest waterfalls – Steavenson some suggestions to tempt you. Falls – an 84 metre drop to the bush and fern-fringed Steavenson River below. See them illuminated by floodlights at night. Keep driving along Lady Talbot Forest Drive along the Taggerty River. Take a picnic lunch and a walk through old Wine appreciation and gourmet delights growth myrtle beech forest to cascading waterfalls. Why not sample some of Australia's best pinot noir and sparkling wines in a world-renowned wine growing region. From winter snow to colourful mountains There are over 55 wineries, 40 of which offer wine tastings Hit the snow at Mount Donna Buang and Lake Mountain for and cellar door sales, and if you are lucky enough to be tobogganing and cross-country skiing during the snow served by the winemaker you might also get a free wine season, or see the mountains ablaze with wildflowers in appreciation lesson! summer. Stop for lunch at one of the many local eateries and enjoy Ensuring every sense is indulged some of the gourmet sensations on offer, choose between Prolong your visit by staying a night in the region's deluxe restaurants at the major wineries or enjoy a cheese platter accommodation, from chic boutique winery B&Bs to five- in a relaxed atmosphere at one of the smaller wineries. star luxury.
Business Events Victoria 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002 T: 03 8662 5425 F: 03 8662 5449 E: [email protected] W: www.businesseventsvictoria.com
The Yarra Valley has burgeoning spa and wellness retreats Explore the forest on a range of walks, where there is allowing you to hide away and rejuvenate with cutting-edge abundant native birdlife, including crimson rosellas, hydrotherapy treatments overlooking acres of vineyards in kookaburras and the superb lyrebird. the Yarra Valley. Old world delights with the modern touch When you decide to leave the Yarra Valley, make your way Indulge in the fresh cream and just-baked scones at icons to the Dandenong Ranges via the winding roads up through like Miss Marples around Olinda and Sassafras, dine aboard the thick, tall forests and cool fern gullies. Puffing Billy or savour just-picked berries and local produce in cosy cafes or airy • Recommended duration: one day and/or overnight restaurants. But save room for
the showcasing of local DANDENONG RANGES produce at Ranges at Olinda, While in the Dandenong Ranges, spend some time driving Olinda Creek Hotel, Wild Oak through the verdant Yarra Valley to the towering Mountain Café and Credo Restaurant. Ash forests, then jump aboard Puffing Billy steam train to Browsing boutiques and replenishing refreshments take the ride along a scenic mountain track where you can Search for boutique treasures and absorb the creative vibe dangle your feet out of the open-sided carriages. Then relax of shops and galleries in Olinda, Belgrave and Sassafras, over a delectable afternoon tea at the Sky High Restaurant, overflowing with one-off designs in jewellery, furniture and perched on the mountain top with extraordinary views that glasswork. extend all the way back to Melbourne. All this and more makes for a pleasant one or two days. If The Dandenong Ranges is full of adventure. Why not spend you’re feeling a little tired, why not stay the night before some time here and get to know it a little better. heading back to Melbourne in an elegant guesthouse dating from a century ago when the Dandenong Ranges was Melbourne's favourite retreat, or choose from more contemporary accommodation that combines old world affectations with modern luxury, space and style. Tall trees and grand gardens • Recommended Get reacquainted with the elements in the national parks duration: one day and gardens, from the blooms of the National and/or overnight Rhododendron Gardens to the whispering forests in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Meander through lush gullies and misty mountain ash to RETURNING TO MELBOURNE magical places like Sherbrooke Forest, Doongalla Homestead The drive back to Melbourne from the Dandenong Ranges is and One Tree Hill. Be guided in quiet contemplation by a scenic but pleasant one. Make your way to Eastlink which mystical sculptures hidden among ferns in the William will then take you right back to the city. Ricketts Sanctuary. Go hard and conquer the Thousand Steps and the fascinating Kokoda Walk. For further information including visitor and destination information and regional highlights go to www.visitvictoria.com This information has been sourced from www.visitvictoria.com Driving time/distance source www.maps.google.com.au
Business Events Victoria 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002 T: 03 8662 5425 F: 03 8662 5449 E: [email protected] W: www.businesseventsvictoria.com