YARRA VALLEY & DANDENONG RANGES
The Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges is a dual landscape of rolling vineyards, fine dining, and soaring mountain forests. It provides Melbourne’s finest escape into nature, gastronomy, and boutique art.
This region is renowned for world-class Pinot Noir and sparkling wine, contrasted by the misty mountain villages and heritage steam trains of the majestic Dandenongs.
Most Popular Attractions
Wineries, Cellar Doors & Culinary Experiences:
Domaine Chandon: A renowned winery famous for its sparkling wine and stunning grounds, offering tours and tastings.
Yarra Yering: One of the region’s first and most prestigious wineries, focusing on single-vineyard, high-quality wines.
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate: A large estate with a wide selection of wines, a cheese shop, and an acclaimed restaurant.
Oakridge Wines: Known for its exceptional Chardonnay and panoramic views, with a highly-rated, modern Australian restaurant.
Innocent Bystander: A popular, relaxed cellar door and restaurant, known for its vibrant atmosphere and wood-fired pizza.
Coombe Yarra Valley: The former home of Dame Nellie Melba, now a winery and elegant restaurant with magnificent gardens.
Four Pillars Gin Distillery: A globally recognized distillery offering tastings, masterclasses, and a signature Gin Shop experience.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: A popular stop offering thousands of handmade chocolates and a viewing area of the production.
Dandenong Ranges Scenic Drives & Nature:
Puffing Billy Railway: A historic narrow-gauge steam train that winds through the lush fern gullies and towering Mountain Ash forests of the Dandenongs.
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong: A lookout point offering spectacular panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline and the surrounding regions.
The 1000 Steps (Kokoda Memorial Walk): A challenging but rewarding bushwalk through the Dandenongs, popular for fitness and remembrance.
Olinda Rhododendron Garden: A magnificent garden covering 40 hectares, famous for its vibrant displays of rhododendrons and azaleas.
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens: Picturesque heritage gardens featuring a lake, boathouse, and stunning autumn foliage.
Sherbrooke Falls: A beautiful, accessible waterfall in the Sherbrooke Forest, surrounded by massive Mountain Ash trees.
William Ricketts Sanctuary: A unique forest sanctuary featuring ceramic sculptures integrated into the natural environment, representing Aboriginal culture.
Towns, Villages & Art:
Healesville Sanctuary: A bushland wildlife park specializing in Australian animals, including the platypus and koalas.
Sassafras Village: A charming village known for its antiques, artisan shops, and delightful tea rooms.
Emerald: A hub for the Puffing Billy Railway and home to the Emerald Lake Park.
Warburton: A scenic township on the Yarra River, with the popular Redwood Forest nearby, famous for its towering Californian Redwoods.
Tarrawarra Museum of Art: A contemporary art museum featuring Australian works, known for its striking architecture and vineyard setting.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival (Seasonal): A large, annual spring event showcasing millions of blooming tulips and other flowers.
Activities & Experiences
Go Hot Air Ballooning over the Yarra Valley: Experience a spectacular sunrise flight over the vineyards and rolling hills, often concluding with a champagne breakfast.
Ride the Puffing Billy Steam Train: Take a trip on this historic, narrow-gauge steam train through the fern gullies and towering mountain ash forests of the Dandenong Ranges.
Wine Tasting at a Cellar Door: Visit world-renowned wineries like Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, or Yering Station for guided tastings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines.
Explore the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden: Wander through 100 acres of stunning flora, especially vibrant during the rhododendron and azalea blooming seasons.
Indulge in a Gourmet Lunch at a Vineyard: Enjoy a paddock-to-plate dining experience at a winery restaurant, pairing local produce with award-winning regional wines.
Visit Healesville Sanctuary: Get up close with native Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and platypus, in a beautiful, natural bushland setting.
Hike to the 1000 Steps (Kokoda Memorial Walk): Challenge yourself with this steep, iconic trail in the Dandenongs, which pays tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought on the Kokoda Track.
Cycle the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail: Rent a bike and ride all or part of this scenic 40km trail that follows the path of the old railway line through townships and farmland.
Discover Local Art at TarraWarra Museum of Art: Visit this striking architectural museum, which hosts significant exhibitions of Australian contemporary art and is integrated beautifully into the landscape.
Stop for High Tea in Olinda or Sassafras: Enjoy a traditional high tea experience in one of the charming, boutique villages nestled in the Dandenongs.
Visit the Blue Lotus Water Garden (Seasonal): Explore this stunning seasonal garden (open Jan – Apr) featuring tropical and exotic water lilies and lotus flowers.
Taste Craft Beer and Cider: Beyond wine, sample local brews at microbreweries or cideries in the region, such as Hargreaves Hill or Coldstream Brewery.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential for Flexibility: To fully appreciate the Yarra Valley’s scattered wineries and the Dandenongs’ mountain attractions, a rental car is highly recommended. Attractions are not close together, and public transport is limited outside of the main towns.
Designated Driver: If planning a day of wine tasting, it is crucial to arrange a designated driver or book a professional wine tour. Drink driving laws are strictly enforced.
Public Transport (Limited): The suburban train network extends to Lilydale (gateway to the Yarra Valley) and Belgrave (starting point for Puffing Billy). From these points, local buses (run by Ventura/Pakenham Bus Lines) connect to some of the main towns, but service frequency is low. Check timetables carefully.
Wine Tours/Shuttles: Numerous companies offer organized wine tours that handle transport, allowing everyone in your group to enjoy the tastings. Some major wineries offer paid shuttle services from Lilydale train station.
Mountain Roads: Roads in the Dandenong Ranges are often winding, steep, and narrow. Drive with caution, especially in wet weather, and be aware of wildlife (koalas, wombats) on the road, particularly at dusk and dawn.
Weather Difference: The Dandenong Ranges generally experience cooler temperatures and higher rainfall than the Yarra Valley floor. It can be significantly colder and wetter in the Dandenongs, even in summer. Pack layers!
Booking is Crucial: For popular winery restaurants, high tea spots, and hot air balloon flights, booking well in advance (often weeks or months) is mandatory, especially on weekends and during peak season.
The “Australian Bush” Experience: The Dandenongs are a temperate rainforest. You will see towering Mountain Ash trees—the tallest flowering plants in the world—and thick fern gullies. Stay on marked trails and always carry water and a charged phone when hiking.
Wine Tasting Etiquette: Cellar doors are typically friendly and welcoming. Tastings usually have a small fee ($5–$20 USD), which is often waived if you purchase a bottle of wine. It is polite to buy a bottle if you’ve enjoyed the experience.
Fires and Safety: During the Australian summer (Dec–Feb), the region is prone to severe bushfires. Always check the fire danger rating on the day of your visit, especially if planning to hike. In the event of extreme heat, some attractions (like the Puffing Billy) may have restrictions or closures.
Hidden Gems:
- SkyHigh Mount Dandenong: Offers incredible panoramic views of Melbourne and the surrounding landscape, especially beautiful at sunset.
- Coombe Yarra Valley: The former home of Dame Nellie Melba, this estate offers a fascinating history tour and a beautiful, contemporary restaurant.
- Alowyn Gardens: Located in the Yarra Valley, these lesser-known, stunning gardens feature a perennial border, a formal parterre, and a beautiful French provincial area.
- The Black Spur Drive: A beautiful, scenic drive between Healesville and Marysville through dense forest, often misty and atmospheric—perfect for a peaceful drive.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Australia, but it is appreciated for excellent service in restaurants (usually 5-10%).
Top Restaurants
TarraWarra Estate Restaurant [$40-$60] – A hatted restaurant committed to a seasonal menu, with ingredients often drawn from their own kitchen garden and local produce, creating innovative and delectable dishes.
Oakridge Wines [$40-$70] – Celebrated hatted restaurant known for its focus on hyperlocal produce, with chefs drawing inspiration from the kitchen garden and foraging excursions, all with stunning vineyard views.
Seville Estate Restaurant [$40-$60] – Offers an ever-changing menu deeply influenced by its relationship with Yarra Valley producers, focusing on vegetables and herbs grown onsite, as well as high-quality local meats.
Locale Restaurant at De Bortoli [$35-$55] – Reflecting the De Bortoli family’s Italian heritage, this restaurant offers Italian-inspired dishes that celebrate local and seasonal Yarra Valley produce in a sunny dining room overlooking the vines.
Zonzo Estate Restaurant [$30-$50] – Known for authentic Italian cuisine, particularly its delicious wood-fired pizzas and large “Festa Menu,” offered in a rustic setting with stunning vineyard views, creating a welcoming family feel.
Healesville Hotel [$30-$50] – A long-standing local favourite consistently rated among the best, serving contemporary Australian cuisine with a strong commitment to sourcing produce locally.
Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar [$30-$50] – A relatively new and popular hub in Healesville with a great buzz, offering an exciting ‘wine experience’ alongside a hyperlocal menu that includes creative signature snacks.
Meletos [$35-$55] – Located on the beautiful Stones of the Yarra Valley property, this venue offers a more casual-yet-refined dining experience with seasonal, high-quality menus.
Punt Road Wines [$25-$45] – Offers relaxed, seated wine tastings paired with small, thoughtful plates, providing a lovely, unpretentious vineyard dining experience in Coldstream.
Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering [$50-$80] – A historic and elegant multi-award-winning restaurant offering contemporary fine dining within the 19th-century Chateau Yering.
The Stables at Stones of the Yarra Valley [$50-$80] – One of the estate’s dining venues, offering a memorable regional tasting menu experience in a beautiful, rustic setting.
Hargreaves Hill [$25-$45] – Located in Yarra Glen, this spot prides itself on serving regional food, local wines, and their own selection of handcrafted ales, creating a relaxed gastropub feel.
Vines Restaurant at Helens Hill [$35-$55] – Located at Helens Hill Estate, this restaurant offers high-quality dining with beautiful vineyard views, perfect for a relaxed yet sophisticated lunch.
Wild Cattle Creek Estate [$30-$50] – Set amongst landscaped gardens and a vineyard in Seville, this spot offers A La Carte dining with a focus on a contemporary menu paired with award-winning estate wines.
No.7 Healesville [$30-$50] – A leader in the new wave of creative and relaxed restaurants in the region, shaking up the historically formal fine-dining scene with innovative dishes.
Levantine Hill Estate [$60-$90] – Offers one of the finest and most luxurious culinary experiences in the Yarra Valley with a sophisticated menu and wine pairings.
Rochford Winery- Isabella’s Restaurant [$40-$60] – Known for its memorable dining experience, blending classic flavours with modern twists, with dishes designed to complement Rochford’s acclaimed wines.
Ferment [$25-$45] – Located at the Yarra Valley Gateway Estate, this relaxed spot focuses on local produce with dishes often featuring ingredients grown on the farm.
Dixons Creek Cafe, Bar and Grill [$20-$40] – A welcoming local spot just north of Yarra Glen, offering lunch and dinner with a selection of pub favourites and pizzas.
Coombe Yarra Valley – Restaurant [$40-$60] – Located on the estate that was once Dame Nellie Melba’s residence, offering elegant, modern dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.
Rae’s Restaurant – Balgownie Estate [$35-$55] – Situated within Balgownie Estate, offering a great venue for a romantic or special occasion dinner with views.
Yering Station Restaurant [$40-$60] – Located on the site of the Valley’s first vines, this restaurant blends historic charm with a refined menu of beautifully presented, contemporary dishes.
The Independent Gembrook [$25-$45] – An Argentinian restaurant in Gembrook, housed in a heritage-listed former motor garage, serving a unique menu influenced by South American heritage and travel.
Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen (Belgrave) [$15-$30] – A vibrantly decorated and unique find in the Dandenong Ranges, specialising in authentic, lesser-known village-style South Indian cuisine, including dosas and curries.
The General Food Store (Emerald) [$15-$25] – A popular, welcoming spot committed to a delicious and diet-friendly menu, using local produce and famous for its friendly service.
Paradise Valley Hotel [$20-$35] – Known to locals as “The Clemo” in Clematis, this pub offers great food (including an award-winning parma) and a fantastic beer garden.
Ripe Sassafras [$15-$25] – A well-known and loved cafe-restaurant run by hills locals, offering a cosy, rustic, and relaxing ambience for coffee, brunch, or lunch.
Micawber Tavern (Belgrave) [$20-$35] – A traditional English/Irish pub experience in a charming setting with an extensive menu, live music, and a tree-filled beer garden.
Herd Bar Restaurant (Healesville) [$20-$40] – A great local favourite known for a relaxed setting and quality food, located right on the main street of Healesville.
Bam Bam Italian (Avonsleigh) [$20-$40] – A modern, locally-owned Italian bistro that celebrates the spirit of ‘family first’ with vibrant, family-friendly dining.
Pig & Whistle Tavern (Monbulk) [$20-$35] – A true tavern in the Dandenongs, fantastic on a cold day with a roaring fire, a large selection of ales, and a menu of English favourites.
Terminus Hotel Healesville [$20-$35] – A boutique country pub with a chic and funky bistro, offering contemporary pub food for lunch and dinner.
Yarra Valley Grand Hotel [$20-$35] – A landmark historical hotel in Yarra Glen offering great pub food, known for its atmosphere and local charm.
Kelly’s Bar & Kitchen (Olinda) [$25-$45] – A cozy log cabin with a large open fire situated in the heart of the Dandenongs, serving a wide variety of meals and cocktails.
Dudley’s (Olinda) [$20-$40] – Offers a relaxed atmosphere with two open fireplaces and two outdoor courtyards, serving breakfast favourites, light tapas, and wood-fired items.
House of Fras (Sassafras) [$25-$45] – Offers a rustic charm with contemporary dining, focusing on fresh, flavour-forward fare with a Mediterranean soul.
Olinda Tea House & Restaurant [$20-$40] – While famous for its high tea, this venue also operates as an Asian fusion restaurant for lunch and dinner in a beautiful Olinda setting.
Oscars On The Yarra (Warburton) [$25-$45] – Located along the Yarra River, offering a thoughtful dining experience that showcases the region’s quality produce without pretense, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Fondata 1872 (Kangaroo Ground) [$30-$50] – A historic and rustic Italian-inspired restaurant, offering traditional dishes steeped in local history.
Sahar Takeaway Dandenong [$15-$25] – An authentic Afghan Charcoal Kebab restaurant, highly praised for its comforting food and mixed platters.
Greasy Zoes (Hurstbridge) [$70-$100+] – A two-hatted, highly-regarded produce-driven restaurant focusing on a seasonal, set menu experience. It’s a true destination for serious food lovers.
Seasons Restaurant at Cloudehill (Olinda) [$35-$55] – A unique dining experience overlooking the beautiful Cloudehill Gardens, using the best and freshest local produce in a warm and friendly setting.
Citrine Bistro & Bar (Olinda) [$35-$55] – A sophisticated bistro and bar offering an elevated and authentic dining experience in the heart of Olinda, with a menu that is seasonal and generous.
Only Mine Gourmet Chocolates (Olinda) [$15-$25] – A must-stop for a gourmet experience, offering hand-crafted chocolates and high-quality hot beverages.
Yarra Valley Dairy [$15-$30] – Offers a delicious cheese experience at their authentic Farmgate Cheese Shop, a non-traditional dining spot perfect for a local platter.
Elevation @ Emerald [$30-$50] – A two-level restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering spectacular views of the Dandenong Ranges alongside its wood-fired pizza and pub food menu.
Cannibal Creek Vineyard [$40-$60] – A boutique, award-winning, single estate vineyard offering a refined dining experience, often praised for its French-inspired cuisine and commitment to estate-grown produce, located slightly off the main Yarra Valley trail.
The Kitchen at Warburton [$20-$40] – A community-focused cafe/restaurant in Warburton offering modern dishes with a strong emphasis on seasonal and local produce, a favourite among locals.
King Henry Arts Cafe (Sassafras) [$15-$30] – A family-owned cafe in scenic Sassafras, offering a cosy and creative spot for light meals, coffee, and local art.
Bonsai Bali (Tecoma) [$20-$40] – Known for sharing authentic Chinese and Indonesian food in a comfortable and relaxed environment, highly rated for its flavorful dishes.
Miss Marple’s Tearoom (Sassafras) [$15-$30] – A charming and quaint spot in Sassafras, offering a lovely selection of cakes, scones, and light lunches with an old-world feel.
Trattoria d’ SOUMAH [$30-$50] – Located at Soumah of Yarra Valley, offering exceptional Northern Italian cuisine in a relaxed, trattoria-style dining room, emphasizing comfort and fresh, quality food.
Fatty Arbuckle’s (Healesville) [$15-$25] – A casual local joint known for high-quality burgers and milkshakes, offering a great alternative to winery dining.
Stone Flower Korean Restaurant (Belgrave) [$20-$35] – A highly-rated local restaurant offering authentic Korean cuisine, a great non-Western dining option in the Ranges.
Beechworth Bakery (Healesville) [$10-$20] – An iconic Australian bakery institution, perfect for a casual, quick, and hearty meal of pies, pastries, and sandwiches.
The Deli at Stones of the Yarra Valley [$25-$45] – Offers a more casual dining option on the Stones estate, perfect for platters of local produce, cured meats, and cheeses.
Pietro Gallus Estate – Olivigna Restaurant [$40-$60] – A stunning Italian-inspired restaurant, grappa bar, and distillery nestled in the rolling hills, offering a beautiful destination dining experience.
Riverlea Estate Restaurant [$35-$55] – A newly designed restaurant at a reimagined venue, focusing on contemporary regional cuisine in a beautiful estate setting.
Yarra Glen Grand Hotel [$20-$35] – A local landmark offering classic pub fare in a beautiful heritage setting, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Four Pillars Gin Distillery [$20-$40] – While primarily a distillery, they offer a great casual food menu designed to pair with their famous gin cocktails and tastings, a popular Healesville spot.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Four Pillars Distillery (Healesville): An iconic gin distillery in the heart of the Yarra Valley, offering a sophisticated bar experience with tasting flights and a huge menu of creative, gin-focused cocktails made with their internationally-awarded spirits.
Sooki Lounge (Belgrave): Located in the Dandenong Ranges, this venue is a true community hub. It features a great cocktail list and a warm, eclectic vibe, perfect for a relaxed yet lively night out.
The Public Bar at Yarra Valley Grand Hotel (Yarra Glen): Found within a grand heritage pub, this bar offers a welcoming atmosphere, featuring a selection of local wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong Restaurant & Bistro (Mount Dandenong): While primarily a restaurant, its location on the uppermost reach of the Dandenong Ranges offers spectacular views of the Melbourne skyline at night, making it an incredible spot for a sophisticated evening cocktail.
Naught Distilling (Eltham, on the fringe of the Yarra Valley): This elegant cocktail bar, set within a leafy suburb, focuses on showcasing their small-batch gins in beautifully crafted classic and contemporary cocktails.
Jayden Ong Winery and Cellar Bar (Healesville): A captivating space that transforms from a cellar door by day into an ambient cellar bar in the evening, offering high-quality wines, spirits, and simple, produce-driven cocktails in the Yarra Valley.
Meletos (Badger Creek, near Healesville): Set on a picturesque country road, this stunning venue offers a refined bar area where you can enjoy local Yarra Valley wines, craft beers, and simple, elegant drinks in an Italian-inspired setting.
Riddell’s Green at RACV Healesville Country Club Resort (Healesville): This spacious bar and restaurant overlooks a beautiful golf course in the Yarra Valley, offering a relaxed environment for enjoying a cocktail with a view.
Eleonore’s Restaurant Bar at Chateau Yering (Yering): Located in the historic 19th-century Château Yering hotel, the bar offers a luxurious and intimate setting for enjoying classic cocktails and fine wines.
No. 7 Healesville (Healesville): This venue combines a bustling front wine bar with intimate dining. You can enjoy a well-made drink amidst barrels and chandeliers in the Yarra Valley town centre.
Dark Horse Cafe, Wine & Produce (Kangaroo Ground): Minutes from Eltham and Yarra Glen, this bar offers a relaxed, rural atmosphere, serving local wines and a selection of spirits, perfect for a casual drink.
Willow & Jackson (Healesville): A modern, friendly cafe and bar on the main street of Healesville, offering well-made coffee by day and a simple, quality selection of drinks in the evening.
Coombe Yarra Valley – The Restaurant Bar (Coldstream): The restaurant’s bar is an elegant spot surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, where you can sip on a glass of sparkling or a cocktail crafted with local spirits.
Cunninghams Hotel Bar (Yarra Junction): A classic pub with a modern twist located in the Upper Yarra region, offering hearty welcomes and a selection of cold drinks, including some classic cocktails.
Kinglake Pub (Kinglake): A local mainstay known for its genuine country hospitality, it offers a solid selection of drinks, including the basics, serving as a social hub for the northern Dandenong Ranges area.
Sooki Lounge (Belgrave): This venue functions as one of the few true “clubs” in the Ranges. Beyond the cocktails, it is renowned for hosting regular live music nights, including bands and DJs, providing a lively dance-floor atmosphere.
Yarra Valley Grand Hotel (Yarra Glen): While primarily a pub, it often hosts live music every weekend, transforming its public bar space into a high-energy late-night spot popular with locals and visitors in the Yarra Valley.
Micawber Tavern (Belgrave): A long-standing favourite nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, this tavern offers a bustling indoor bar, outdoor bar, and a beer garden. It’s famous for its regular live music acts, especially on weekends, creating a lively pub atmosphere that goes late.
Mount Dandenong Hotel (Mount Dandenong): This popular local pub hosts live music jam nights on Sunday evenings and offers a public bar with a pool table, darts, and a spirited, social atmosphere late into the evening.
Dandenong Club (Dandenong, a broader regional hub): Located near the Dandenong Ranges, this large club offers a Pulse Lounge Bar and regular live entertainment and shows in its Banquet Room, making it a reliable destination for a big night out.
Dandenong RSL – Huey’s Sports Bar (Dandenong, a broader regional hub): This venue hosts live bands every Saturday and a Sunday night DJ, making it a strong option for dancing and traditional club-style entertainment near the Ranges.
The Pig & Whistle Tavern (Olinda, Dandenong Ranges): A traditional English tavern that, while focused on food and beer, offers a cosy, atmospheric space for late-night drinks and good conversation, often featuring low-key entertainment.
The Public Bar at Healesville Grand Hotel (Healesville): A beautifully transformed “Grand Old Lady” of the Yarra Valley that focuses on quality produce and local drinks. Its bar area is a popular, late-opening spot for a nightcap and socialising.
Rochford Wines (Coldstream): Known for its events, the venue often transforms into a large-scale entertainment space, hosting major concerts and festivals, which are the closest the region gets to a large-scale club experience.
Watts River Brewing (Healesville): While a brewery, this popular local spot in the Yarra Valley sometimes extends its hours or hosts special events, offering a lively, modern space for a late-night craft beer or local spirit.
Innocent Bystander (Healesville): A bustling and stylish emporium with a cellar door and bistro, offering late hours for enjoying their wines and local drinks in a vibrant, communal setting.
Coldstream Brewery (Coldstream): This brewery and dining hall often provides a relaxed, convivial atmosphere that lasts into the evening, popular for groups wanting quality local beer and a late-night chat.