The Best Guide for your next Yarra Valley Day Trip In Any Season
Planning a quick escape from the city? A Yarra Valley day trip from Melbourne or another neighbouring city is just the reset you need. This region wraps you in rolling vineyards, farm-fresh flavours, and crisp country air, no matter the season.
Whether you’re after wine tastings, scenic drives, or a relaxing lunch in nature, there’s always something new to discover. This guide covers the best things to do in the Yarra Valley for every season, so you can plan your perfect escape anytime. Let us walk you through the best picks for each time of year.
Why is the Yarra Valley worth visiting every season?
The Yarra Valley is worth visiting every season because it offers something unique year-round – whether it’s sipping cool-climate chardonnay in summer, walking through misty forests in winter, enjoying wildflowers and vineyard picnics in spring, or tasting cider among golden hills in autumn.
Just an hour from Melbourne, it’s an easy escape filled with wineries, gardens, and gourmet stops that are perfect for relaxed exploring, whether for romantic getaways, family adventures or spontaneous road trips.
Spring day trip to Yarra Valley (Sep - Nov)
Spring in the Yarra Valley is all about renewal. Wisteria drapes over arched trellises, and vines sprout their first green shoots. This is a great time to stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp, floral air, and get reacquainted with nature’s softer side.
Morning
Start your day at Alowyn Gardens – an Instagram favourite in peak spring – from the Edible Forest to the famous Wisteria Tunnel. The Wisteria Café offers fresh-baked treats and a view to match. Bring your camera because spring here is made for it.
Location: 1210 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia
Opening hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
Fee for Day ticket:
- Adults: $15.00
- Concession: $12.50
- Group (>15 people): $11.00
- Under-12-year-olds: Free
Fee for Annual pass:
- Adult: $60.00
- Concession: $50.00
Afternoon
Next, head to Yarra Valley Dairy for a relaxed, rustic tasting experience. Their handcrafted cheeses—especially the marinated Persian feta and Yering—taste even better in spring, thanks to the lush seasonal pastures.
Location: 70 Mcmeikans Rd, Yering VIC 3770, Australia
Opening hours: Daily 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Then, make your way to Domaine Chandon, one of the region’s most iconic wineries. Take a guided tasting flight of their sparkling wines, and settle in at Greenpoint Brasserie for a long lunch.
Location: 727 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
Cellar doors: Daily 11 AM – 4:30
Packages:
- Guided tasting: $22 per guest (from 1 to 12 people)
- Premium private tasting (with local cheese): $90 per guest (from 2 to 6 people)
- Behind The Bubbles (experience by recreating their Vintage Brut blend): $90 per guest (from 1 to 12 people)
Evening
End with an early dinner in Healesville, try the pub or stroll the local bakeries. If you are not rushing home, settle in somewhere with a fireplace and toast the season’s soft return.
- Beechworth Bakery Healesville: 316 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
- Natures Cakes: Shop 1/232 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Summer day trip to Yarra Valley (Dec - Feb)
If you are looking for Yarra Valley day trip ideas that mix sunshine with indulgence, summer is the perfect time to visit. Think golden light on the vines and unrushed evenings. During this period, you can create a packed calendar of things to do in Yarra Valley, from outdoor concerts to picnics and vineyard lunches.
Morning
Kick off with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the valley—smooth skies, golden light, and unbeatable views. Most flights include a champagne breakfast at Balgownie Estate or similar venues.
Afternoon
Head to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to cool off with house-made ice cream or join a chocolate tasting. Great for families or anyone with a sweet tooth.
Location: 35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia
Evening
Wrap up at Rochford Wines for an early dinner, a wine tasting, or—if your timing’s right—one of their open-air summer concerts. Their views and sunset light are stunning.
Location: 878-880 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770
Cellar Door: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Concerts: The upcoming Summer concert is on 11 October 2025 (Blankets & Wine)
Autumn day trip to Yarra Valley (Dec - Feb)
Start your day at Yering Station, Victoria’s oldest vineyard. Enjoy a walk through the gardens, glass in hand, with sweeping views of the autumn-coloured ranges. The cellar door team is known for their Pinot Noir and cool-climate Shiraz. Be sure to ask for a guided tasting, and take your time.
Address: 38 Melba Hwy, Yering VIC 3770, Australia
Opening hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
Morning
Start your day at Yering Station, Victoria’s oldest vineyard. Enjoy a walk through the gardens, glass in hand, with sweeping views of the autumn-coloured ranges. The cellar door team is known for their Pinot Noir and cool-climate Shiraz. Be sure to ask for a guided tasting, and take your time.
Address: 38 Melba Hwy, Yering VIC 3770, Australia
Afternoon
Head to Four Pillars Distillery in Healesville for something different. Their copper bar and gin garden are perfect spots to unwind. Try a tasting paddle or book a Maker Session and distil your gin from scratch if you are up for it.
Address: 2A Lilydale Rd, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Opening hours:
- Sun – Thur 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last drinks 5:15 PM)
- Fri – Sat 10:30 AM – 9 PM (last drinks 8:45 PM)
Evening
As the sun sets, you can settle in at Healesville Hotel for a rustic fireside dinner celebrating the best of the Valley, both on the plate and in your glass.
Address: 256 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Opening hours: 24/7
Winter day trip to Yarra Valley (Jun - Aug)
A Yarra Valley day trip in winter is all about slowing down and soaking up the charm. Think crackling fireplaces, mushroom foraging, long lunches, hot springs, and hearty local flavours wrapped in crisp air and misty vineyard backdrops.
Morning
Visit Healesville Sanctuary in winter. During these days, many animals, such as koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and platypuses, are more active in cooler temperatures, providing better viewing opportunities.
Location: Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM
Afternoon
Start your day at Meletos, a converted century-old vigneron’s quarters with sweeping views of the Great Dividing Range. Grab a coffee by the fire or go for a rustic farmhouse breakfast. The quiet grounds and winter skies offer perfect photo moments if you want to stroll before lunch.
Address: 12 St Huberts Rd, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
Opening hours:
- Mon – Thur 12 PM – 9 PM
- Fri 12 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sat 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sun 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Evening
End the day with a stop by the Endota Spa. Here, expect steamy saunas, facials, massages and aromatherapy. This section in your itinerary offers comfort and stillness, a perfect way to embrace the Yarra Valley’s quieter, more intimate side.
Location: Balgownie Estate, 1309 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia
Where to stay when you are on your way to the Yarra Valley?
If you want to turn your Yarra Valley day trip ideas into a longer escape, Flowerdale Estate is a beautiful place to stay. Tucked between the Yarra Valley and the Macedon Ranges, it is just an hour from Melbourne but ensures convenient access to many fun activities across the four seasons.
With glamping tents, creekside walks, and hearty country dining, Flowerdale delivers comfort without losing its rustic charm. Whether this is a romantic weekend or a family recharge, you will find space to pause and enjoy the region at your own pace. Contact us today to book a stay at Flowerdale Estate and make the most of every moment.
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