How to Spend a Weekend

South Australia is not the only place to get great wine when traveling down under. Just outside of the city of Melbourne is an area full of vineyards, kangaroos, and picturesque scenery that shouldn't be missed when you are traveling to this part of the country.

The Yarra Valley combines old world charm with one of the best wildlife sanctuaries around, modern restaurants and first-class wineries.

Healesville Sanctuary

If you want to take a good look at Australian wildlife, there is no place better to do it than Healesville Animal Sanctuary. It's a massive zoo that houses animals and birds native to Australia. In addition to the shows and chance for observation, Healesville offers opportunities for you to get up close and personal with a platypus, koala, or kangaroos.

Healesville Sanctuary, which is part of Zoos Victoria, is a great place for kids of all ages. Be sure to book your animal encounter in advance.

Visit the Wineries

You will not run out of wineries to visit on a weekend in the Yarra Valley. There are more than 50 to go to if you can extend your visit, but you want to be sure to hit the top ones if you are short on time.

De Bortoli has a wide selection of stilled and sparkling wines. This family run winery is in its fourth generation. The grounds are beautiful and there’s also an Italian restaurant on site so you can taste with or without food.

Chandon is part of Moet & Chandon, the French champagne house. They are most known for their sparkling wines, but you will find a nice selection of stills to find at this scenic location.

While the production may be a bit smaller, don't miss visiting Yering Station, Chateau Tanunda (on an actual chateau), and Tarrawarra Estate while you are in the Yarra Valley. (There is also a museum of art at Tarrawarra.)

In addition to the actual wineries, you’ll hear a term you may not have heard before when touring Australia wine regions: Cellar Door. It just means tasting room, whether it’s for one winery or a group together.

Stay Here

The Yarra Valley is filled with quaint bed & breakfasts and flat rentals, but the ultimate spot to say is Chateau Yering. There’s nothing quite like it in this region, especially for a romantic weekend getaway.

This Relais & Chateau property lives up to its reputation for luxury and you’ll find prices comparable to a city hotel. The property has 32 suites on 250 acres, all immaculately manicured. They even offer a traditional high tea.

Foodie Haven

Good food is an important part of Yarra Valley and you won't have a hard time finding an assortment of gourmet fare in every ethnicity, as well as local Australian specialties.

Elenore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering is a fine dining restaurant that offers beautiful views of the grounds and a sophisticated tasting menu. It has been a winner of Australia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants for 13 straight years.

Yering Station has an excellent restaurant right near the vineyards. Chandon has Chandon Fare, which has an a la carte menu, as well as set menus with wine pairings.

If you are looking for something more casual, Giant Steps in Healesville, which also makes their own wine, has some of the best pizza you will find anywhere in this part of Australia.

You can even combine fun and food by enjoying the food at Healesville Animal Sanctuary. This is a far cry from your usual zoo cafeteria. Here you can get things like Lamb Souvlaki or Salmon Nicoise—and they even serve Australian wine.

Getting There and Around

Yarra Valley is only about 20 miles from the city of Melbourne. It’s a beautiful drive through the tree-lined forests. It you don’t want to drive—which in Australia is on the left side of the road—there are other options.

Public train and buses can take you through other parts of the Victoria province to Yarra Valley. Hop It is another option. This tour bus can pick you up in Melbourne and take you around the area’s sites, including Healesville, where you can get off and then get picked up when you are done to head to the next spot.