Practical information, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia

Overview

There's really no better way to explore the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges than to drive. Winding mountain roads, dense fern forests, rolling vineyards – it's a pretty special backdrop. Of course, there are lots of public transport options, too, not to mention visitor centres in most of the major towns. Here's our top tips for getting around this beautiful region.

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Getting here & around

Get in your car and cruise the vine-strung hills and rolling farmland of the Yarra Valley. Drive to the ancient forests and Alice in Wonderland streetscapes of the Dandenong Ranges.

Travelling by car from Melbourne

Yarra Valley

From Melbourne, travel along the Eastern Freeway and continue onto Eastlink tollway. Exit at Ringwood Bypass and turn left onto the Maroondah Highway and follow the road through Ringwood and Lilydale to Healesville. At Coldstream, leave the Maroondah Highway and turn onto the Melba Highway to Yarra Glen.

Alternatively, drive the scenic route from Melbourne along the Eastern Freeway until you reach the Burke Road North exit. Follow Burke Road to Upper Heidelberg Road and Metropolitan Route 44 to Eltham then follow the Main Road through Eltham to Kangaroo Ground and turn right onto the Eltham-Yarra Glen Road.

Dandenong Ranges

From Melbourne, travel along the Eastern Freeway and continue onto Eastlink tollway. Exit at Burwood Highway and follow the road to Upper Ferntree Gully, or exit at Canterbury Road and follow the road to Montrose. At Montrose, turn right at the roundabout and follow the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road through Kalorama and Mount Dandenong to Olinda.

Please note, there are no toll booths on Eastlink. Passes must be pre-purchased from breeze.com.au for Eastlink.

Public transport options

Travel by train to Hurstbridge, Lilydale or Belgrave. Various bus companies run services between towns and villages in the region. For up-to-date public transport information, visit ptv.vic.gov.au, visit one of the three PTV Hubs (located in Melbourne, Bendigo and Geelong) or call 1800 800 007.