From winery tours to wildlife encounters, Yarra Valley offers a range of activities for locals and visitors from Melbourne and beyond. Below is a list of fun things to do in Yarra Valley that will give you a true taste of the region, including its wineries, farms, trails, art galleries, and native animals.
- Helicopter Winery Tour to Yarra Valley
- Yarra Valley Horseriding
- A Hot Air Balloon Ride
- The Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
- Visit Stunning Art Galleries
- Experience a Rochford Estate Concert
- Taste the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
The Best Activities in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
When it comes to the best activities in the Yarra Valley, here is a combination of cultural, dining, winery, and outdoor experiences for you to undertake.
1. Helicopter Winery Tour to Yarra Valley
Take a stunning helicopter winery tour that takes you from Melbourne into the heart of Yarra Valley. Depart from Essendon Airport with Rotor One, fly past over the valley and Dandenong ranges, and land at Zonzo Estate.
Here, you’ll have a relaxed winery lunch with a three-course menu and wine tasting. The experience includes a private 25-minute flight each way and two hours on the ground to visit cellar doors and enjoy amazing views of vineyards and farms.
This tour is perfect for couples or groups who want to explore the wineries, grab a drink, and enjoy a high-end lunch while experiencing local wine and heritage in Victoria.
2. Yarra Valley Horse Riding
Spend a few hours exploring the Yarra Valley on horseback and experience the great outdoors. Guided horse riding tours are available for both beginners and experienced riders, taking you along established trails that wind through the region’s nature and farms.
You will pass open fields, local gardens, and picnic spots while keeping an eye out for native animals and birds. This activity is ideal for anyone looking to relax and explore nature. The ride offers a chance to see the rural heritage of Yarra Valley and the trails that connect small farms with wider natural areas.
3. A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Take to the skies in a hot air balloon over Yarra Valley early in the morning and experience a relaxing time above vineyards, trails, and the national park that borders the Dandenong ranges.
This ride gives you a bird’s eye view of the valley, its wineries, and even the city of Melbourne in the distance.
Once you land, you can enjoy a post-flight breakfast and grab a drink while you relax in the calm atmosphere. A hot air balloon ride is perfect for those looking for a peaceful way to explore nature and capture inspiration from the region’s landscape without a rush.
4. The Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary to get up close with the native animals of Australia. For a unique twist with a luxury feel, take a helicopter tour with Rotor One that takes you from Melbourne to the sanctuary.
This tour begins with a 25-minute private flight from Melbourne, featuring spectacular aerial views of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong ranges. The flight lands near the sanctuary, where you join a guided VIP tour.
You will see kangaroos, koalas, and various native birds and learn about wildlife conservation in Victoria.
The tour includes reserved seating at a bird presentation and, if you choose, an option for wine tasting and a picnic lunch. This experience is great for families and wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore nature and see Australia’s native animals in a relaxed setting.
5. Visit Stunning Art Galleries
Explore art galleries in Yarra Valley that showcase local art and history. These galleries feature stunning architecture and are set among quiet gardens that invite you to sit and relax. They are ideal for art lovers and those interested in the region’s heritage.
Here, you can view a range of art from traditional to modern, offering inspiration and a glimpse into the creative spirit of Victoria.
A trip to these art galleries also gives you a chance to experience the local culture and explore small boutique shops that focus on art and design. The TarraWarra Museum of Art is one of the most renowned in the area, and always worth the visit.
6. Experience a Rochford Estate Concert
If music is your poison, a concert at Rochford Estate is a must. The venue, set within a family-owned estate, is known for its simple yet enjoyable atmosphere. You can sit back, listen to performances, and then enjoy a picnic or dinner under the open sky.
The concert is a good option for music fans who want to visit wineries and trails during the day and then relax in the evening.
The event brings together heritage, local food, and quality sound in a setting that combines vineyards with native wildlife. This experience is fun and inviting for groups or couples looking to enjoy live music in Yarra Valley.
7. Taste the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Bring any day together with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Watch chocolatiers at work through large viewing windows and sample a free chocolate tasting.
This venue is perfect for families and couples who enjoy a sweet treat after a day of exploring. You can grab some ice cream or join a hands-on class to learn how to make chocolate.
The experience is relaxed and provides a fun way to visit a local food spot that combines art and culinary skills.
