Just an hour from Melbourne is a wine lover and nature lover’s paradise. The Yarra Valley is famous for its cool climate wines and is home to many boutique wineries that produce some of Australia’s best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines. Beyond the world class wine, Yarra Valley is also home to stunning natural habitats where you can see native wildlife like kangaroos, koalas and many species of birds. In this guide we’ll show you the top spots to taste wine and see Australian animals while taking in the scenery. From picnics at Maroondah Reservoir Park to hiking in Kinglake National Park, Yarra Valley is an experience like no other where you can enjoy premium wines and nature.
Yarra Valley’s Wine Regions and Biodiversity
Yarra Valley is famous for its cool climate wines, beautiful scenery and native wildlife. It’s a place where wine lovers can get amongst the beauty of nature while tasting wine at some of the region’s best wineries.
Healesville Sanctuary: Where Wildlife Conservation Meets Wine Tasting
One of the top destinations in the Yarra Valley is Healesville Sanctuary, a place dedicated to Australian wildlife conservation. Here you can meet native animals like koalas, kangaroos, emus and the elusive platypus. A visit to Healesville Sanctuary is not just about seeing animals – it’s an opportunity to support the sanctuary’s conservation efforts through their animal hospital. After you’ve visited the sanctuary, head to Rochford Wines or Yering Station for a wine tasting. These top wineries produce exquisite cool climate wines and with stunning architecture and mountain views, they are the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine after a day of wildlife adventures. Add in a lunch and try some of the region’s best reserve wines.
Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve: Hiking with views
For a more rugged experience Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve has walking trails with stunning views of the Yarra Valley wine region. Here you might see echidnas or wallabies in the wild and after your walk you can visit nearby wineries like Medhurst Wines or Yering Farm Wines to taste their premium wines. An experience like no other where you can combine the beauty of bushland with wine tasting.
Maroondah Reservoir Park: Picnics and Wineries
Maroondah Reservoir Park is one of the Yarra Valley’s most beautiful spots, with gardens, big trees and lakes. This is a popular picnic spot with picnic tables among the greenery, perfect for a family day out. After your picnic head to nearby TarraWarra Estate for a full day tour of the vineyard and winery, learn about the winemaking process and taste premium wines. Maroondah Reservoir Park’s scenery and proximity to boutique wineries makes it a top spot to combine nature and wine tasting. Don’t miss TarraWarra Museum of Art where contemporary art exhibitions are housed in a building with amazing architecture. Art, nature and wine, what more could you ask for?
Kinglake National Park: Bushwalking and Wineries
For those looking for more than just a wine tour, Kinglake National Park has many walking trails that wind through eucalyptus forests and open grasslands. Home to wombats, echidnas and lyrebirds, the park is a great day out of bushwalking. The trails have stunning views of the Yarra Valley and are perfect for photography, wildlife spotting or just getting back to nature. After your walk head to the nearby wineries of Steels Creek or Dixons Creek. Steels Gate Wines and Sticks Winery are great places to sit and enjoy a glass of wine with the mountain ranges as your backdrop. The contrast between the wild beauty of Kinglake National Park and the refinement of Yarra Valley’s boutique wineries is unbeatable.
Dandenong Ranges National Park: Flora and Fauna
Just a short drive from the Yarra Valley, the Dandenong Ranges National Park is home to the majestic Mountain Ash trees, some of the tallest flowering plants in the world. The park has many walking trails that take you through fern gullies, tall forests and scenic lookouts where you can take in the views of the region. One of the highlights of the park is the William Ricketts Sanctuary where the sculptures blend into the landscape and create a peaceful space. After the park head to nearby wineries Domaine Chandon or Tokar Estate. At these top wineries you can taste their premium wines while looking out over the Yarra Valley. Nature, art and wine, what more could you ask for?
Warburton Rail Trail: Cycle and Wine along the Trail
The Warburton Rail Trail is a favourite among cyclists and walkers, with a 40km trail that runs through the heart of the Yarra Valley wine region. You’ll pass by several boutique wineries, including Yarra Glen where you can stop for a wine tasting or lunch at one of the many vineyard restaurants. Along the trail you’ll also find beautiful spots like Alowyn Gardens, a magical place with seasonal gardens, cherry trees and an ancient cork tree. For a different view book a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley and see the vineyards and mountains below. Whether you’re cycling, walking or just relaxing at a winery, the Warburton Rail Trail has endless adventure and relaxation.
Steavenson Falls: A Nature Lovers Paradise
If you love waterfalls Steavenson Falls is one of the best in Victoria. Located near Gallipoli Park this 84m waterfall is surrounded by rainforest and has several walking trails to explore the natural beauty of the area. After visiting the falls head to nearby wineries Badger Weir or Yering Station and relax with a glass of wine and take in the views. These wineries are known for their cool climate wines and are the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you’re sipping on premium wines or taking in the views, Steavenson Falls and its surrounding wineries will have you in Yarra Valley heaven.
Conclusion
From Healesville Sanctuary to Steavenson Falls, Yarra Valley has it all. National parks like Kinglake National Park or a ride along the Warburton Rail Trail, you can combine outdoor adventures with wine tastings at some of Australia’s best wineries. With native wildlife, landscapes and world class wineries Yarra Valley is the ultimate wine and wildlife getaway.
FAQ
Can I visit wineries and wildlife parks in the same day in Yarra Valley?
Yes, Yarra Valley has many options to combine wine Yarra Valley Winery Tours with wildlife experiences, Healesville Sanctuary and nearby wineries like Rochford Wines or Yering Station.
What wildlife will I see in Yarra Valley?
Kangaroos, koalas, wombats and many bird species.
What are the best nature spots near wineries?
Maroondah Reservoir Park, Kinglake National Park and the Warburton Rail Trail are the top spots to combine nature and wine tasting.
Are there wineries near the Dandenong Ranges?
Yes, Domaine Chandon and Tokar Estate are near the Dandenong Ranges so you can enjoy the ranges and a wine tasting.
Can I hot air balloon over Yarra Valley?
Yes, hot air balloon flights over Yarra Valley are a popular activity, providing breathtaking views of the wine region and its mountain ranges.