Your Guide to the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

What are the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges known for

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are both renowned for their natural beauty and outdoor activities. The Yarra Valley,  situated in the region surrounding the Yarra River, is just an hour's drive from Melbourne. The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region and is renowned for its culinary experiences and cool climate wines. Since 1838, the Yarra has become famed particularly for its Chardonnay, sparkling wine, and Pinot Noir varietals. With over 80 cellar doors, it's a paradise for wine lovers. 

Meanwhile, the Dandenong Ranges offers a unique mix of stunning scenery, charming towns, and abundant wildlife that will leave you spellbound. This region, in particular, is known for its fern glades and excellent hiking trails and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Scattered throughout the ranges, you can also explore the many creative little villages which offer an abundance of unique shopping experiences, galleries and markets. 

 

When to visit Yarra Valley and Dandenong ranges

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges tend to be a bit cooler than Melbourne, making them a great destination to escape the summer heat. Summer, with temperatures around 25 degrees, is a great time to visit if you like warm weather. While autumn is a great time to visit the vineyards, with comfortable temperatures and occasional rainfall. However, if you are hoping to do a bit of exploring the outdoors and enjoying the region's stunning scenery, the end of spring is the best time to visit. With temperatures around 20 degrees and plenty of sunny days, this is the ideal time to soak up the beauty of hiking in this region. 

 

Best things to do in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges 

To help you craft the perfect Victoria campervan itinerary, we have put together this list of the best things to do in the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges National Park on your upcoming adventure. 

 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Visit the gardens

One of the must-visit attractions in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is the historic botanic gardens. The Alfred Nicholas Gardens offers a variety of gardens to explore, each with its own unique charm and character. From picturesque bridges and colourful blooms to the Warratina Lavender Farm with its panoramic views of the valley, and the Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens, boasting an impressive collection of rare and exotic plants. These gardens are the perfect chance to immerse yourself in nature and admire the region's stunning flora. 

 

Wander the TarraWarra Museum of Art

Whether you are an art lover or just curious to learn more about the region's artistic flair, no visit to the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges National Park would be complete without a visit to the TarraWarra Museum of Art. The museum features a range of modern and contemporary Australian art across multiple exhibition spaces - including its impressive outdoor grounds exhibits. Here you can choose to wander through the museum's galleries, take a guided tour, or attend one of the many events that are held on-site throughout the year.

 

Visit the Healesville Sanctuary

The Healesville Sanctuary is a bushland haven home to hundreds of native Australian species. This unique wildlife experience offers travellers the perfect chance to see iconic Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, and wombats up close and learn about the important conservation work being done to protect these species. The sanctuary offers a range of experiences, including wildlife encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and daily presentations, including the impressive Spirits of the Sky show. 

 

Ride a train through the forest

Riding the Puffing Billy steam train through the forest is a truly memorable way to explore the Dandenong Ranges. The train winds its way through lush fern gullies, towering mountain ash forests, and picturesque countryside, offering passengers breathtaking views of the region's natural beauty. Hosting a number of journeys spanning from 1 - 6 hours, you can choose your own adventure! Along the way, the train stops at several scenic locations, allowing passengers to hop off and explore the surrounding forest. One of the most memorable sections of the journey is the historic Trestle Bridge, which stands up to 15 meters high and is over 80 meters long. So don’t forget to pack your camera for this experience! 

 

Visit the Chocolaterie and ice creamery

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is bound to be a treat for the whole family. Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, this chocolate factory offers a range of delicious chocolate treats, including handmade truffles, bars, and pralines. Here you can watch the chocolatiers at work in the open kitchen or take part in one of the many chocolate-making classes and workshops. If you prefer your chocolate in frozen form, don’t miss your chance to try the ice creamery’s range of gourmet ice cream made on-site using locally-sourced ingredients. Yum! 

 

Take a hike in Dandenong Ranges National Park

Of course, the Dandenong Ranges National Park itself is a stunning natural attraction in and of itself! This park is home to a range of native flora and fauna, including towering mountain ash trees and colourful birdlife, as well as the elusive lyrebird. Here you can choose from a range of forested trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Popular trails include the Sherbrooke Falls Trail, the Olinda Falls Walk, and the 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. While the 1000 Step walk is best when it's dry, the Sherbrooke and Olinda Falls trails are best to experience after there has been some rainfall, when you can smell the aroma of the forest and see the falls flowing. 

 

Visit the wineries

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region and easily one of the best things to do in the Yarra Valley. With over 80 cellar doors to choose from, it's an incredible area to shop around to stock your wine cellar or grab a bottle for dinner in your campervan. The region specializes in cool-climate wines, so be sure to sample the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir! This is the perfect spot to join a winery tour to learn about the winemaking process from the experts, go for a tasting, or simply wander through the scenic vineyards. Popular wineries to visit include:

• The De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate

• The Domaine Chandon Winery

• The Yering Station Winery

 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Where to stay in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Looking for places to stay in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges? Here are some of our top picks for places to park up for the night in your campervan on your upcoming campervan adventure to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges National Park.

 

Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane holiday park

Just outside of Healesville, Big4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park gives access to both the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Range while also being immersed in natural bushland and surrounded by native wildlife. At this park, guests have access to plenty of great on-site facilities, including:

• Camp kitchen

• Convenience store/kiosk

• Ensuite sites

• Games room

• Jumping pillow/Inflatable trampoline

• Sewage dump point

• Tennis court

• TV & movies room

• Pump track

• Adventure playground

Cost: A powered site starts at around $80 a night

 

Warburton Holiday Park

Nestled in the spectacular Australian bushland and right alongside the Yarra River, Warburton Holiday Park is a great spot for travellers looking to relax for a day or two while exploring the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Offering sites that back onto the river, the park is a perfect place to sit back and switch off. Warburton Holiday Park also gives guests access to great facilities, including: 

• A spacious camp kitchen

• Splash park

• Half-court tennis and basketball 

• A sheltered outdoor space with two open fireplaces

Cost: A powered site starts at around $50 a night

 

Lilydale Pine Hill caravan park

Right in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park offers a perfect overnight stop for travellers. With easy access to the local wineries and national parks, you won’t want to leave! The facilities on-site include: 

• Wifi

• Playgrounds

• LPG gas fill-ups 

• Fully serviced camp kitchen 

• Dump site

Cost: A powered site starts at around $47 a night

 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Escape to the fresh air of Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

From wine tasting to wildlife spotting and hiking through stunning forests, this region truly encompasses the beauty (and deliciousness!) that Victoria is revered for. With so many attractions to choose from, this region can be a perfect local getaway or easily incorporated into a larger Australian road trip. For more ideas for larger itineraries like the iconic Melbourne to Sydney itinerary and more, check out the Britz blog. 

Ready to escape into the fresh air of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges? Book your campervan from Britz today online or at your local branch.