About the Region
Located less than one hour drive north east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges landscape is characterised with rolling hills and lush greenery.
Despite its proximity to a busy city centre, entering the region is a whole different experience. A true representation of regional Australia, it's perfect for a romantic getaway, a scenic tour and best of all, a place to indulge yourself with amazing local wine and produce.
The region was first settled in the 1850s as the main route to the Warbuton goldfields through the homelands of the Indigenous Wurundjeri people.
As home to Victoria’s first wine growing district, it's now home to many award winning cold climate growing wineries including Domaine Chandon, St Huberts, De Bortoli, Yering Station, Oakridge and Coldstream Hills to name a few.
Where there's good wine, there's sure to be good food to be found and the region is ripe for farming crops such as berries and fruit. It is also home to a multitude of local growers, producers and makers who take pride in using locally sourced goods to make their wares.
Here are some of our picks for things to see and do in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges.
Top things to do in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
Visit Geppetto’s Workshop
371 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras VIC 3787
Childhood dreams come back to life with Geppetto’s Workshop where the shelves are laden with 5000 exotic toys from around the world. They’re known for their puppets, marionettes and wooden toys so be sure to go there to pick up a gift or souvenir for yourself.
Step back in time onboard a steam train at the Puffing Billy Railway
Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave VIC 3160
You can’t deny the timelessness of a good old steam train. Puffing Billy has been around since 1900 and continues to chug along its original track through the lush forest, rolling hills and open farmland of the Dandenong Ranges. Your kids will get a kick out of dangling their legs over the edge and it’s a must do bucket list item for those still young at heart.
Embed yourself in the cultural heritage of the region at the Burrinja Cultural Centre
351 Glenfern Road, Upwey VIC 3158
A not for profit and community based cultural centre with the vision for the region of building community through arts, Burrinja encompasses multiple galleries showcasing local artists, a world class collection of Indigenous and Oceanic art, an Indigenous cultural garden and is the home of many community cultural development projects and artist studios.
Get up close with the furry locals at Healesville Sanctuary
Badger Creek Road, Healesville VIC 3777
Home to iconic Australian animals from koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, emus and more. Spend some time at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre there to learn about how the dedicated vets and nurses here care for sick, injured or orphaned local wildlife in need of care.
Follow the local food trails
Jump in the car and follow one of these food trails. This handy guide will help you explore the region by taking you to sample locally produced goods, pick your own fresh fruit straight from the farm and pull over at farmgates and roadside stalls to buy local produce straight from the growers.
Explore the local markets
Meet the community of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges and leave with full bellies and armfuls of locally made artisanal goods at one of the local markets. There’s always one or more you can visit every weekend through the year.
Check out the market schedule to help plan your next trip.
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Market is now on
Shop the market and discover the tastes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Meet the makers and learn about their stories.
