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The beautiful Yarra Valley sits on Melbourne’s doorstep, bursting with nature trails, spectacular landscapes and charming cellar doors, all waiting to be discovered. Here are the region’s best winter activities.
Sample the Vino at Sutherland Estate
Boutique, family-owned Sutherland Estate at Dixon’s Creek has a stunning cellar door with an open fire giving it a beautiful, cosy ambience. Tastings are available at the bar, or perch yourself at a barrel and enjoy a glass of wine with a cheese board. Dominique Portet and Oakridge are also well worth a visit, as is Yarra Valley Dairy where you can sample wines from 30 small local producers while you make your way through the dairy’s delicious cheeses.
Rest and Relax with a Spa Treatment
Take advantage of the quiet and stunning natural surrounds with a well-deserve spa treatment. Enjoy a bit of ‘me-time’ at Endota Spa at Balgownie Estate, a beautiful vineyard overlooking the undulating hills with the promise of comfort, indulgence and soothing attention, or Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, designed for one or two people to restore and revitalise. Whether it be a pamper weekend, a hen's day or simply rewarding yourself with a bit of downtime, the Yarra Valley is the ideal place to pamper yourself.
Aussie Animal Experiences in Healesville
Get up and close with Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary, just one hour from Melbourne. Here you’ll wander tranquil tracks and see koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, emus and more. Discover majestic birds of prey and magnificent parrots in the spectacular Spirits of The Sky bird show.
Children under 16 years of age receive free entry every weekend, so why not make the most of it. In Healesville you’ll also find quaint vintage shops, delightful bakeries and cafes, as well wood fire-pizza at Innocent Bystander and award-winning gin at Four Pillars distillery.
Have High Tea at Coombe
Elegant finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and cakes, all washed down with a glass of bubbles and a warm cup of tea: the perfect way to spend a chilly afternoon. Situated among seven acres of stunning gardens, Coombe was once the home of world-famous opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba.
Drive Further to Find More
About another hour away from Yarra Valley, and two hours from Melbourne, head to Lake Mountain for its snow season that runs from June to September. While the location is best known for cross country skiing, it also offers gentle slopes for first-timers and tobogganing and snow play for little ones. While you’re in the area, winter is also the best time of year to check out Steavenson Falls. Plummeting 84 metres, they’re one of the highest in the state and easily accessible via a 700-metre walk from the nearby carpark.
Stay Overnight
The colourful, playful, stylish Quincy Hotel Melbourne, located in the heart of Melbourne on Flinders Lane is an excellent base for visiting the Yarra Valley. Only an easy one-hour drive away, Quincy offers standard, deluxe and club rooms, boasting Wi-Fi, espresso coffee, premium tea selection, pillow menu, Kevin Murphy bathroom amenities and Samsung 55” TVs that include Chromecast and free on-demand movies… without the added expense. After a long day in the Yarra Valley, rest easily at Quincy also home to southeast asian restaurant Salted Egg.
