Why you need 48 hours in the Yarra Valley
Chances are it’s the lure of fine wines and delicious local produce or unbearably adorable local wildlife that’s drawing you to the Yarra Valley. After all, the region is known across the world for its wine and as the home of Healesville sanctuary - a bush haven for Australian wildlife. Either way, it’s easy to combine both options, and there’s plenty more besides, all conveniently close to Melbourne.
Day 1 If it’s Australia’s best pinot noir and sparkling wines you’ve come to enjoy, set out early to get in as many wineries as you can (there are over 55 in the region, 40 offering wine tastings and cellar door sales), as well as an unhurried lunch and an afternoon of indulgence.
Include the cellar door at Domaine Chandon, and, revered stalwart De Bortoli. Where you can take lunch at the winery’s Locale restaurant. Other options include the boisterous yet scrumptious Innocent Bystander, Oakridge Wines for chef Matt Stone’s delectable dishes, Teage Ezard’s gastronomic ezard @ Levantine Hill, or TarraWarra Estate where you can combine contemporary art, fine wine and delicious food.
A stroll to a waterfall in the Yarra Ranges National Park is a good way to walk off all that indulgence. Spend the night at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa.
And the best way to see the neighbouring Dandenong Ranges’ lushfern glades, towering trees and eclectic villages is on Puffing Billy, Australia’s beloved steam train. Fortunately, there’s no age limit for this escapade.
Day 2 Start your day at dawn floating over forests, farms, and vines in a hot air balloon before landing for a breakfast of sparkling wine and local produce at a winery.
Then devote the rest of your day to discovering Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary. Get up close to more than 200 species of native birds and animals. Book ahead for a Magic Moment with your favourite animal, and be sure to visit the orphaned, ill or injured wildlife in the Australian Wildlife Health Centre. There’s even a Healesville Sanctuary Wine and Wildlife Tour for you to combine the very best of the Yarra Valley.