A Relaxed Guide to Explore Yarra Valley on Australia Day

Australia Day, celebrated every year on 26 January, is a public holiday for a relaxed getaways with friends and family. If you’ve been thinking about escaping the city and discovering wine country at your own pace, there’s no better time to plan a laid-back day in the Yarra Valley. Picture scenic drives, leisurely winery stops, long lunches with vineyard views and a gentle summer atmosphere that invites you to unwind and enjoy the day your way.

Slow down with a relaxing spa experience

Yarra Day Spa

• Location: 152 Yarra St, Warrandyte VIC 3113, Australia 
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM – 3 PM
  • Monday and Sunday: Closed 
• Best service to try: Aromatherapy massage, body treatments, 
• Price range: around $160 per person

Located in Warrandyte on the edge of Yarra Valley, Yarra Day Spa offers a peaceful semi-rural retreat focused on relaxation and well-being. The spa is known for its award-winning aromatherapy treatments, calming interiors and natural approach to beauty and wellness. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, body rituals and spa packages designed to help soothe the mind and body, making it a lovely stop for a slow and relaxing Australia Day getaway.

endota spa Yarra Valley

• Location: Balgownie Estate, 1309 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen VIC 3775
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Sunday:  10 AM – 4 PM
• Best service to try: Pregnancy massage, relaxation massage, foot massage
• Price range: from $150 per person

Set within Balgownie Estate in Yarra Glen, endota spa Yarra Valley offers a luxurious wellness experience surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside views. The spa features massage therapies, organic facials, infrared sauna sessions and indulgent spa packages designed for complete relaxation. During treatments, the calming scent of essential oils and soothing background music create a tranquil atmosphere that helps guests fully unwind and switch off from the outside world. Its relaxing setting makes Endota Spa a perfect stop during a laid-back Australia Day escape in Yarra Valley.

Discover scenic dining restaurant across Yarra Valley

Gracie’s Restaurant & Cafe

• Location: 2285 Broadford-Flowerdale Rd, Strath Creek VIC 3658 
• Opening hours:
  • Friday and Saturday: 12 – 3 PM and 5:30 – 8 PM
  • Sunday: 12 – 3 PM
  • Monday to Thursday: Closed
• Best items to try: Dip Trio V, Rosemary & Sea Salt Fries
• Price range: $40 – 120 per person 

Set within the elegant Flowerdale Estate, Gracie’s Restaurant & Cafe offers a relaxed countryside dining experience surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful views. Led by Executive Chef Dominic Grundy, the restaurant focuses on seasonal menus crafted with fresh local produce and refined flavours inspired by the region. Its warm interiors, classic homestead atmosphere and scenic setting make it a lovely choice for a slow Australia Day lunch or dinner in Yarra Valley

Emerald City

• Location: 207 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777
• Opening hours:
  • Monday and Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday and Thursday: 6-10 PM
  • Friday to Sunday: 1-10 PM
• Best items to try: Sweet potato tempura, Streak, Roasted pumpkin
• Price range: $200+ per person

Emerald City delivers a refined dining experience with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients, creative flavours and contemporary presentation. The restaurant combines intimate lighting, stylish interiors and thoughtfully curated dishes to create a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere perfect for an Australia Day evening in Yarra Valley. Its modern menu and carefully selected wine pairings make it a memorable stop for food lovers exploring the region.

Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar

• Location: 8 Hunter Rd, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
• Opening hours:
  • Monday and Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday and Thursday: 6-10 PM
  • Friday to Sunday: 1-10 PM
• Best items to try: Oysters, lamb, and focaccia
• Price range: $60-160 per person

Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar offers a relaxed food and wine experience centred around Asian-inspired flavours and minimal intervention wines. Located in Yarra Glen, the venue combines a laid-back cellar bar atmosphere with a menu designed for sharing, featuring seasonal ingredients and dishes influenced by Southeast Asian cuisine. Its welcoming setting, curated wine tastings and casual dining style make it a great place to slow down and enjoy Australia Day in Yarra Valley.

Visit local bars and wineries for a relaxed afternoon

Cavanagh’s Whisky & Alehouse

• Location: 207 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777 
• Opening hours:
  • Wednesday and Thursday: 4-8:30 PM
  • Friday: 4-10 PM
  • Saturday: 1-11 PM
  • Sunday: 1-8:30 PM
  • Monday and Tuesday: Closed
• Best items to try: Whiskey, cocktail, local wines, jaffles
• Price range: $20 – 40 per person

Hidden along the main street of Healesville, Cavanagh’s Whisky & Alehouse is a cosy and intimate bar known for its impressive collection of more than 120 whiskies from Australia and around the world. The venue combines dim lighting, relaxed hospitality and expertly crafted cocktails to create a warm atmosphere that feels especially inviting for an Australia Day evening in Yarra Valley. Alongside whisky, guests can also enjoy local wines, craft beers and casual bites while soaking up the lively yet laid-back ambience.

Punt Road Wines

• Location: 12 St Huberts Rd, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
• Opening hours: Daily, 10:30 AM-5:30 PM 
• Price range: from $15 per person 

Punt Road Wines offers a welcoming experience. Family-owned and deeply connected to the region’s winemaking heritage, the winery is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz, alongside Napoleone Cider produced from estate-grown apples and pears. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings in the warm barrel hall and relax with seasonal small plates while taking in the peaceful countryside setting, making it a lovely stop during a relaxed Australia Day getaway.

Staying at Flowerdale Estate after a relaxing day in Yarra Valley

If you are planning a relaxed Australia Day escape in Yarra Valley, Flowerdale Estate offers the perfect place to recharge after a day of dining and countryside exploring. Surrounded by peaceful hills and natural scenery, the estate combines elegant accommodation with warm hospitality and a calm country atmosphere just outside the heart of Yarra Valley.

Spend the evening enjoying a seasonal meal at Gracie’s Restaurant, unwind in a cosy room or luxury glamping tent, and enjoy a slower pace before heading home. 

Book your stay at Flowerdale Estate and turn your Australia Day outing into a relaxing countryside getaway.