Are you looking for things to do in Yarra Valley? Famed for its wildlife and wineries, the Yarra Valley is the ideal getaway from the city and offers a wide range of attractions suitable for people of all ages, especially families with children. This list to things to do in Yarra Valley will help you make the most of your time, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a day excursion.
Things to do in Yarra Valley
You may be at the picturesque Yarra Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, in less than an hour from Melbourne’s central business district. Being natives of Melbourne, we enjoy venturing out to explore the neighborhood.
One of the nearest national parks to Melbourne is the Yarra Valley, which offers a variety of activities. We frequently visit the Yarra Valley with and without children, so we offer a variety of accommodations for friends, couples, and families. See our list of the top Yarra Valley attractions below. In case you want to stay overnight or for the weekend, we have also listed places to stay in the Yarra Valley.
Steavenson Falls, Marysville
Steavensons Falls, which stands an astounding 84 meters tall and is one of the most stunning waterfalls close to Melbourne, is also one of the highest. It is definitely worth a stop if you are in the Yarra Valley since it is rather easy to get to. The 350 meter hike to the main overlook is quick and simple, and the views are worth it.
While considering other things to do in the region, you could easily add Steavensons Fall to your itinerary for a day trip to the Yarra Valley.
Redwood Forest
A visit to Redwood Forest is like stepping into a storybook. It is both one of Victoria’s hidden beauties and one of the most well-known Yarra Valley attractions. The forest, which is a few kilometers outside of Warburton, is home to almost 1500 enormous Californian Redwood trees. The way these trees are neatly arranged in rows provides a charming haven from the outside world.
The woodland offers several picnic areas and photo possibilities that the whole family will appreciate in addition to the ideal silence. On a day trip to the Yarra Valley, it is simple to explore the Redwood Forest.
Yarra Vallery Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Since 2012, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery has been luring tourists of all ages with their mouthwatering treats as one of the most well-known Yarra Valley attractions. These days, chocolate shops on the Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road also sell their internationally renowned confections.
You may indulge in pastries, sweets, and ice creams with daily tasting sessions, chocolate-making lessons, and even an all-day café in addition to getting lost in a chocolate showroom that displays thousands of chocolates.
Knowing that the Chocolaterie is a part of the Chocolate Horizons program, which helps farmers and their communities make sure that all the cocoa they use is grown and obtained sustainably, you may indulge guilt-free. Regardless of age or price, this Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is a surefire hit when looking for things to do in Yarra Valley.
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary, one of the Melbourne Zoos, is another well-known Yarra Valley site where you can get up close to some of the most well-known Australian icons. Observe native animals like koalas, kangaroos, dingos, emus, and wombats.
Families can go to Healesville Sanctuary in one day from Melbourne since there are so many events taking place over the holidays that are free for children to attend. Take the kids and a picnic, and be sure to listen to what they have to say about the wildlife.
Kinglake Forest Adventures
For those who are more daring, visiting Kinglake Forest Adventures, where you may climb in the treetops, is one of the best things to do in Yarra Valley. One of the most well-liked Yarra Valley attractions for families with children is because it offers activities for younger visitors.
They feature a variety of mountain bike trails with varying difficulty levels if you enjoy riding. Visit a picnic area and pass the day.
Mason Falls
Mason Falls, one of the most breathtaking sights in the Yarra Valley, are situated within the charming Kinglake National Park. With free gas barbecues, tables, and restrooms in addition to the magnificent towering gum trees that are home to over 90 native bird species, the Masons Falls Picnic Area is perfect for families.
All ages can complete the short climb to the falls, which ends at the Masons Falls overlook, a viewing area. The falls are most impressive after a significant amount of rain, but even on dry days, a trip through the verdant forest is delightful.
Return to the Mason Falls picnic area after your trek for free BBQs, restrooms, and covered seating—perfect for picnics with the family. This location was restored in 2019.
Lake Mountain Alpine resort
From Melbourne, a day in the snow is only two hours away! You may simply take a day excursion from Melbourne, so there’s no need to prepare for a lengthy journey. Cross-country skiers will love the family-friendly Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, which is ideal for first-timers. Take a ski or snowboard lesson, try out one of their three toboggan lines, or go cross-country skiing. lack equipment? You can rent everything you need at Lake Mountain, including jackets, boots, shoes, toboggans, and even adult and child-sized skis and snowboards, so don’t worry.
Blue Lotus Water Garden
The Blue Lotus Water Garden in the breathtaking Yarra Valley invites you to explore a vibrant new world of lotus and waterlilies. This 14-acre garden is home to a wonderland of traditional Japanese and Amazonian flowers from December to April. Enjoy the over 70 different species of waterlily blossoms that grow in the man-made lakes, ponds, and lagoons, including a priceless collection of Claude Monet’s original waterlilies from his garden in France.
One of the most lovely things to do in Yarra Valley at this time offers many of family-friendly activities to keep the youngsters occupied.
Yarra Valley Wine Tour
Vineyards can be seen for miles in every direction in the Yarra Valley because of the milder environment, and wine tours are among the most well-liked activities there. Over 160 wineries in all, specializing in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz, are located in the region. Most of them include regional food to go with tastings and cellar door excursions. Several of my favorites are:
Helen and Joey Estate: Enjoy your sampling on the terrace of the Helen and Joey Estate, which offers stunning views of the grapes and valley, if the weather and crowds permit. A delectable charcuterie board filled with the best meats, cheeses, and biscuits is the perfect complement to your tasting.
TarraWarra Estate has a world-class cooking garden restaurant and on-site art gallery in addition to being a must-see cellar entrance that is creatively built into a hill. On the same afternoon, indulge in exquisite cuisine, sample some fine wines, and see the TarraWarra Museum of Art. For hours of operation and activities, visit their website.
Yering Farm: Yering Farm is recognized for its fun approach and offers a modern, laid-back experience. Their wines are the perfect complements for a laid-back family barbecue thanks to their vibrant labels and assortment of easy-drinking options. As a former fruit farm, they also provide a pink lady apple cider called a “Syder,” which is the ideal refreshing treat on a hot Sunday.
Domaine Chandon: Offering tastings for $12 for six sparkling wines, Domaine Chandon is known for their top-shelf sparkling wines for both informal and formal occasions. You can enjoy your wine tasting or glass of bubbly on the terrace with views of the vineyards in addition to self-guided tours of the winery. Additionally, their restaurant, which serves delectable delights from 12 to 4 p.m., offers dining options.
Looking for a unique winery tour? Try a cycling trip. Embark on a guided bicycle tour of the Yarra Valley vineyards. You can enjoy the breathtaking environment and alluring samples at your own pace because the trips may be customized to your interests and skills.
Cherryhill Orchards
The Cherryhill Orchards are a great choice if you’re looking for family-friendly activities in the Yarra Valley. Since 1940, the Riseborough family has shipped its cherries throughout the globe, but anyone can stop by and select their own.
Along with having a picnic and taking in the breathtaking vistas, you can also choose your own luscious cherries from their 85 acres of cherry orchards for dessert. If you’re short on time, just pop by and pick up a punnet or some delectable cherry ice cream to enjoy on your drive through the area.
The orchards only have a certain number of “pick your own” tickets available each day, so you must reserve online in advance if you want to go cherry-picking.
Big Peninsula Tunnel
Enjoying a cold swim at Big Peninsula Tunnel during the summer is one of the best things to do in Yarra Valley to stay cool. The tunnel, which dates to the 1850s, was manually excavated to change the course of the river and expose miles of gold-bearing riverbed for mining.
The tunnel, which is around 2 meters high and 25 meters long, makes the ideal summertime location for exploring, picnicking, and swimming. A charming tiny pool at the tunnel’s entrance serves as one of the most tranquil things to do in Yarra Valley since the soothing water acts as a natural spa.
After your revitalizing swim, you can cross the river using stepping stones, or for the more daring, you can begin the 13-kilometer McMahon Creek Goldfield hike, which takes around four hours to complete.
Edendale Community Environment Farm
Edendale Community Farm is one of the most memorable activities in the Yarra Valley for an informative afternoon. The farm, which is located in Etham, gives visitors a practical look at sustainable living.
Visitors can feed chicks or turkeys, pet a resident guinea pig, visit the goats, and get up close and personal with Taffy the jersey cow. A kid-friendly spiral garden, sustainably grown orchards, and vegetable gardens are also available in Edendale to encourage both young and old to cultivate their own.
You can find artworks dotted about that also have a sustainable theme, such as the Copper Butterfly Mural and Bee Stepping Stones, in addition to the friendly creatures and inspiring environment.
Daily hours of operation are 9:30 till 4:30, and entry is by gold coin donation.
Seville Water Play Park & Playground
The Seville Water Play Park is one of the greatest locations to go if you’re seeking for family-friendly activities in the Yarra Valley, especially during the summer months.
The water jets in the water park are among of the strongest we’ve seen in Melbourne! Little ones can explore it safely, and older children can still have fun there.
It is an excellent place to stop in the Yarra Valley for a picnic because there are numerous covered areas with picnic benches and BBQ amenities.
The main drag of Seville is directly over the street, and it is lined with eateries and cafes where you can fuel yourself for an exciting day.
Glamping
Would you enjoy camping but not the pressure of really being outdoors? Try “glamorous camping,” or Glamping. Comfortable beautiful tents with mattresses, couches, dining tables and chairs, refrigerators, air conditioning, heating, and even TVs are available at the Big 4 Yarra Valley Holiday Park.
The vacation park, which is located near Healesville and is bursting at the seams with activities, is ideal for a weekend with the family or a romantic retreat.
When to Go to the Yarra Valley?
Families can find lots to do in the Yarra Valley all year long, and each season has its benefits.
Autumn (March to May): The Yarra Valley is at its most picturesque in the autumn, when the forest’s leaves turn a bright yellow-red and start to fall from the trees. It can be freezing, but it is incredibly lovely.
Winter (June–August): If you want to go skiing, winter is the best season. There is plenty of time to arrange a trip since Lake Mountain typically opens from the beginning of June through to September. If you decide to remain the night, find a cozy cabin close by, light a fire, and unwind.
Spring: (September to November): The Yarra Valley is at its most colorful during the spring, when the flowers begin to bloom. In general, the climate is pleasant, bright, and warming. After the wet Winter months, it is also an excellent time to see the waterfalls.
Summer (December to February): Due to the warmer temperatures and increased number of sunny days, summer is a popular season in the Yarra Valley. It’s a terrific time to go camping, but because it’s high season, make sure you make reservations in advance.
Your Guide to the Yarra Valley Attractions
Hopefully, this Yarra Valley guide has given you a few suggestions for family-friendly things to do in Yarra Valley. Whether you come to the Yarra Valley for the wildlife or just the wine, there are always more attractions to enjoy than when you first arrived. Do you know of any further Yarra Valley activities for tourists or families? Inform us!
If you are in Richmond, Victoria 3121, and looking for a winery tour to Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula, this is the best way to visit us.
Winery Tour Yarra Valley
Unit 201/98 River Esplanade
Docklands, VIC 3008
(03) 7042 3201