House of travel Sydney & Melbourne Brochure 2017 | Page 33

Yarra Valley &
Dandenong Ranges
Escape to the Yarra Valley to cruise the vine-strung
hills indulging in life’s great pleasures; food, wine
and beautiful landscapes. Then disappear into the
Dandenong Ranges’ secret fern glades, towering
forests and eclectic villages. Base yourself in the
Yarra Valley and go on day trips to explore the region.
Kinglake West
© Mandala Wines; Visions of Victoria
2 days/1 night Suggested Self-Drive
Tarrawarra
Yarra Glen
Day 1: Melbourne – Yarra Valley (58km)
Enjoy the easy drive from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley. Stop in the
town of Yarra Glen where you can explore the shops and pop into
Yering Station for some wine tasting. Nearby is the amazing Tarrawarra
Museum of Art, a privately funded, public gallery housed in an
impressive building.
Domaine Chandon
Lilydale
Melbourne
Next stop is Domaine Chandon, a winery that was established by French
Champagne house Moët & Chandon and is dedicated to the production
of sparkling wine. It has a great visitor centre with spectacular views
across the vineyard and valley. Do a wine tour, sample the goods and
enjoy a late lunch.
Day 2: Dandenong Ranges – Melbourne (39km)
Make your way to Belgrave, the home of Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest
steam railway and enjoy a ride travelling 24 kilometres through the
beautiful forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges.
After your rail journey take some time to explore the cute villages of the
ranges like; Olinda, Sassafras and Belgrave that have shops and galleries
galore. Get out into the fresh air in the Dandenong Ranges National Park,
it offers a vast network of walking tracks through native bush and is
home to the Mount Dandenong Observatory.
Healesville
Seville
Mount Dandenong
Observatory
Yarra
Junction
Olinda
Sassafras
Belgrave
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Coldstream Brewey – Converted from a former wool shed, Coldstream
Brewery offers a unique experience blending delicious food with boutique
beer and cider. Come by for a tour conducted every Saturday and Sunday,
for an exclusive tasting inside the custom built microbrewery.
Healesville – Located just under an hour from Melbourne and home to
some of the region’s most talented artists. Meander along the main strip
for some great window shopping opportunities, or divulge in some retail
therapy – you won’t be disappointed.
Hot Air Balloon – Start your Yarra Valley day with a hot air balloon
experience. The Yarra Valley provides views of rolling hills, green
landscapes and the chance to see some kangaroos feeding on breakfast as
you fly over them during sunrise. It is such a great feeling as your basket
glides up and over the trees.
Rental car: Hertz (Group C) from $95 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
•
Balgowine Estate, Yarra Valley
•
Yarra Valley Grand Hotel
•
Yarra Gables Motel
Balgownie Estate
Mount Donna Buang – Located in the Yarra Valley, overlooking
Warburton in Victoria. Head to the 21 metre high lookout tower on the
summit for breath-taking panoramic views of the Yarra Valley, Dandenong
Ranges, Melbourne, and the Alps.
Yering Station produce store
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 2 day hire rate. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date
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