Destination focus: Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
It’s been Victoria’s favourite holiday destination for more than a century and there is still plenty to love about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
Do
Many people believe the ancient forests of the Dandenong Ranges are full of magic and looking at the lush rainforest, hidden glens and trickling streams leading to fern-fringed waterfalls, it’s easy to see why. There are many walks winding through the forest, ranging from easy strolls of just a couple of kilometres to the 40-kilometres Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail. Listen for the distinctive call of the lyrebirds that inhabit the forest, as well as curious wallabies, wombats and echidnas.
See
Coombe, the sprawling home of opera legend Dame Nellie Melba, has only recently opened to the public and is one of the hidden gems of the region. The beautifully restored house sits in seven acres of garden and has a world-class restaurant, as well as a small museum filled with priceless Melba memorabilia. Book a guided tour to get the full experience. You’ll also find one of the country’s most innovative and groundbreaking museums in Yarra Valley, the Tarrawarra Museum of Art. The building itself is architecturally arresting and the contemporary art exhibitions inside change with the seasons, so it’s always a good time to visit.
Drink
The Yarra Valley is the birthplace of the Victorian wine industry, with vineyards dating back to the 1830s. It’s still one of the closest wine regions to a capital city and there are more than 50 wineries producing some of the finest wines in the country. Almost 40 of these have cellar doors where you can sample some excellent cool climate wines and many have fine restaurants or art galleries attached. If you tire of wine, there’s also a cider and ale trail that takes you to the region’s leading breweries.
Stay
Step back in time and spend the night at the Yarra Valley Grand Hotel, built in 1888 and recognised as a landmark historic hotel by the National Trust. The luxurious Chateau Yering dates back even further, to the 1850s, and is surrounded by one of the oldest vineyards in the state. There are plenty of great accommodation options on vineyards, from small self-contained cottages to stylish modern studios.
What’s your favourite thing to do in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges? Share in the comments below.
Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. To arrange a quote, click here. For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.