Home among the vines

Venture through wine country for a blissful day of good wine, good food and even better views.

On cloud nine

Float high above the Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon or wind your way by foot or car for scenic views of vine-strung hills, lush greenery and pastures.

Hot air ballooning, Yarra Valley, Victoria

Views and vines

With boutique wineries around every bend in the valley, you'll soon be attuned to its charms. Enjoy tastings at cellar doors or a meal with wine and picturesque vines as you travel around. Pop in at Fergusson Winery, Medhurst Wines and TarraWarra Estate.

TarraWarra Estate, Yarra Valley, Victoria

See views of the valley from both in and outside the curved TarraWarra Museum of Modern Art, built to blend into the landscape.

Picnics and wildlife

Graze on a gourmet picnic with local produce in the peaceful fern gullies and mountain ash at Badger Weir Park near Healesville. Spend an afternoon in the company of friendly native wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos and the shy platypus.

Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Valley, Victoria

Venture into Sugarloaf Reservoir for a spot of bushwalking along the 18-kilometre trail. Enjoy birdwatching, sightseeing, sailing and shoreline fishing, or relax with a picnic at Ironbark Ridge or Saddle Dam overlooking the reservoir.

Blossom magic

The valley blooms in spring. Look for cherry festivals at Cherryhill Orchards and Blue Hills Berries and Cherries, and celebrate lavender season at Warratina Lavender Farm.