Roadtrip around Yarra Valley, VIC: A scenic hotspot
Roadtrip around Yarra Valley and uncover one of Victoria’s most scenic regions, just an hour east of Melbourne. Home to quaint towns like Healesville, Yarra Glen and Coldstream, the valley is known for its world-class wineries, artisan cafés, and hatted restaurants framed by the Great Dividing Range. Perfect for a weekend or longer escape, this Yarra Valley roadtrip promises incredible food, wine, and countryside fun.
Day 1 – Roadtrip around Yarra Valley: Wineries & Coldstream Heritage
Head to Coldstream, the gateway to the Yarra Valley. Too early to sample the local grapes? Go easy as you hop from boutique cellar doors and big-name wineries worth visiting. Here’s a trail about 60 km from Melbourne, starting with the home of an operatic icon, Dame Nellie Melba (and still in the Vestey family) is Coombe Yarra Valley. Established in 1998, the Coombe vineyards are located just five minutes north-east of Coldstream. Take a glimpse into Melba’s extravagant life on a guided tour of Coombe cottage or the stunning 100-year-old gardens surrounded by 600m of Cyprus hedges. Wine, dine, or wander the estate, spending easily an hour or two or three here, if you stay for lunch. Next stop is Helen and Joey Estate, a unique 220 acre Yarra Valley Farm made up of about 50 acres of productive vineyard (with 30 more acres under renovation), a cherry orchard, pasture, plans for a herb farm, sculpted gardens as part of a new Hotel and Restaurant build opened in late 2023, as well as a 30 acre native forest block that is undergoing regeneration.
A name you can’t drive by is Chandon. A must, because it is one of the most extensive collections of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines in Australia, all while enjoying the breath-taking views of the surrounding Yarra Ranges. Had enough? Never…push onto Oakridge Wines an exceptional single-vineyard wines set in the mesmerising vineyard and sweep of the mountains. Not eaten yet? No problem, there’s a restaurant nestled in the vineyard. You’ve time left to visit family owned and operated Tokar Estate producing authentic, award-winning wines that are bold and distinctive. You’re nearing Healesville by now so possibly last stop of the day is Rochford Wines where wine is produced from grapes grown sustainably on three diverse vineyards. As we have already said, there’s no shortage of wineries and finding them is simply a matter of search and discover. Here’s a resource to help you along and forge your own path Yarra Valley Wineries, or hone in on best small wineries found at Top 10 small Yarra Valley wineries
Day 2 – Healesville Highlights on Your Yarra Valley Roadtrip
Arguably the epicentre, Healesville has great accessibility to enjoy Mount Buangs snowy slopes in winter for the die heart tobogganist and cross-country enthusiast. It also offers some of the best hiking trails across the country in the off season with impressive panoramic views of the Yarra Valley, Melbourne and the Dandenongs from many vantage points.
Beechworth Bakery
Firstly on your Roadtrip around Yarra Valley, head first thing to the iconic Beechworth Bakery, located right next door to Brown Brothers’ Innocent Bystander and the ever popular Giant Steps winery, with plenty of inside and outside seating – under cover and in the garden area overlooking Grace Burn creek and park beyond, with live music on Sundays during summer. It’s open almost everyday of the year. Topped up?
Healesville Sanctuary
For animal lovers, Healesville is best known for its world-class sanctuary, home to Australia’s most iconic wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, emus and more. Birdwatchers will love the daily shows and the chance to see spectacular native species up close. On Sundays, Murrundindi, a respected Wurundjeri Elder, shares stories of Country, music, and culture — and you might even see a boomerang in flight.
Bushwalkers can head to Yarra Ranges National Park via Badger Weir Road, Badger Creek, for fresh mountain air and a wander through ancient fern gullies and towering Mountain Ash. Listen for the calls of the King Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Superb Lyrebird as you follow clear mountain streams.
Foodie Finds and Local Produce in Healesville
The Badger Weir Picnic Grounds walk is an easy 2.5 km loop (about 1.5 hrs), perfect for drumming up an appetite. Afterwards, treat yourself to something local, perhaps a fresh pastry from a Healesville bakery, seasonal produce from the Healesville Organic Farmers Market (Saturdays), fine cheese from Sophie Cheese Monger, or stone fruit and preserves from Rayner’s Orchard, a family-run boutique orchard growing over 450 fruit varieties.
Maroondah Reservoir Park
Back into the car and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park an impressive 41-meter-high dam wall offers scenic views over gardens and the peaceful reservoir. Discover a sundial, Rose Stairway, and towering eucalypts, alongside exotic trees with stunning autumn colours. The park features six rotundas, picnic tables, barbecues, and a quiet spot near Watt’s River Rotunda. Enjoy easy to moderate walks, including the Maroondah Forest Track and the 1.4km Henderson’s Hill Track. Cyclists can ride across the dam to Donnelly’s Weir or challenge the Mount St Leonard trail.
Discover a sundial, Rose Stairway, and gardens with towering eucalypts and exotic trees in stunning autumn colours. The park offers six rotundas, a shelter, picnic tables, and barbecues for a relaxing visit. For quiet moments, head to the Watt’s River Rotunda. Enjoy easy walks like the Maroondah Forest Track or the 1.4km Henderson’s Hill Track. Cyclists can ride across the dam to Donnelly’s Weir and challenge the Mount St Leonard trail.
Four Pillars Gin (optional stop)
On your way back to Healesville, stop by Four Pillars Gin, where a small copper still helped launch a world-renowned brand. Founded in 2013, it became the world’s leading gin producer three times (2013, 2020, 2023). In 2022, Four Pillars became Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral gin distillery. Taste their signature gins made with fresh citrus, and experience the distillery housed in a former timber yard.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie (who wouldn’t stop?)
For a sweet finish, visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, known for its creamy ice creams and sustainable chocolates. Set on 16 scenic hectares, it features picturesque views, an orchard, wetlands, and farm animals. Enjoy delicious treats while soaking in the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley.
Roadtrip around Yarra Valley: Scenic Drives & Adventures
Your Yarra Valley adventure doesn’t have to end here. Extend your stay and discover even more of this magical region. From scenic drives to action-packed experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Morning Adventures: Hot Air Balloons & Flights
Start your day with a hot air balloon ride over the valley’s vineyards and mountains. Local operators include Global Ballooning, Go Wild Ballooning, and Geelong Ballooning.. Prefer to stay on the ground? Scenic helicopter flights and joy rides from Lilydale Airport offer incredible views of wineries like TarraWarra and Domaine Chandon. Thrill-seekers can even try a skydive!with Sky Dive Australia at Lilydale Airport.
Scenic Drives: Black Spur & Lady Talbot Drive
Take in the lush beauty of the Black Spur Drive, a 30 km stretch from Healesville to Narbethong through towering Mountain Ash and rich rainforest. Stop at Fernshaw Picnic Area or Dom Dom in Marysville State Forest for a breather.
The Lady Talbot Drive offers waterfalls, rainforest trails, and lookout points with panoramic views of the Yarra Valley. Seasonal road closures can happen, so check ahead.
Explore Marysville & Surrounds
Just 20 mins from Healesville, Marysville is perfect for nature lovers. Visit Steavenson Falls (an 84-meter drop cascades into the fern-fringed Steavenson River!) or head to Mount Donna Buang and Lake Mountain in winter for snow adventures. In summer, the area comes alive with vibrant wildflowers and spectacular countryside.
Local Cafes & Flavours
Hungry? Marysville and surrounding towns are full of cafes and bakeries, including Freshly Blended, Fraga’s, and Keppel Cafe. Or enjoy a winery lunch at Seville Estate , Halliday Winery of the Year 2019, is a standout with its chefs-in-residence philosophy.
Art Trail & Cultural Stops
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are packed with art studios and galleries. Pick up a map at Yarra Valley Art Trail to plan your visit. Notable stops include:
- MiRa, Marysville
- Healesville Glass Blowing
- TarraWarra Museum of Art
- YAVA Gallery & Arts Hub
- Tread Sculptures Narre Warren
- Arts Centre Warburton
- The Water Wheel Gallery Warburton
- Bunjil Place Narraween
- Melba Estate Gallery
- Sherbrooke Gallery Belgrave
Find yourself at a potter’s wheel, watching the intricate work of a master jeweller or enjoy being astonished and inspired. After a day of exploration, you can head home or spend a night or two.
Travel Tips for Your Yarra Valley Roadtrip
Before setting off, check road and weather conditions, pack water, walking shoes, and snacks. Keep an eye out for local events, festivals, or seasonal activities that can make your roadtrip even more memorable.
Looking for more Things to do in Healesville?
Check out our recommendations at Things to do in Healesville by Travellarks Getaways.
