When you think of the Yarra Valley, in Australia, it’s usually the wine and gourmet cuisine that come to mind. But there’s more to this region than food and drink. From the Healesville Sanctuary – where you can see dingoes, koalas, wombats, kangaroos and even the Tasmanian devil – to a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train, and a look at Indigenous art at the TarraWarra Museum of Art, here are 12 great reasons to visit.
Victoria’s wine industry can be traced to a vineyard at Yering Station in 1838, with viticulture expanding rapidly throughout the 1860s and 1870s. Today, the Yarra Valley boasts 300 vineyards and 160 wineries, with the region’s cooler climate lending itself to the production of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and pinot noir. Wineries in the region include Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, Oakridge and Yering Station.
Wake up bright and early for a bird’s-eye view of the Yarra Valley on a scenic hot air balloon flight. With unrivalled views of the region, this once-in-a-lifetime experience will take your breath away. Watch the sunrise as you soar over rolling hills embroidered with vines. Once you float back down to earth, it’s time for a champagne breakfast.
