A fun day trip with kids from Flowerdale Estate to the Yarra Valley

If you’re staying at Flowerdale Estate, set off on a family day trip through the Yarra Valley with kids to enjoy the rich outdoor setting. This region is renowned for its local attractions and is an ideal destination for creating memories that turn an ordinary day out into something truly special.

Wildlife and nature experiences in the Yarra Valley

The fun things to do in Yarra Valley near nature below will get you outdoors among towering trees and curious creatures, perfect for creating lifelong memories.

See Australian natural wildlife in Healesville Sanctuary

• Location: Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia.
• Opening hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm.
• Tickets: Adult entry is approximately AUD 55; but free for children aged 4-15 are free on weekends/holidays (weekday child ticket: AUD 28.50). Always free for kids under 4.
• Highlights: Over 200 species of native wildlife in a bushland zoo setting.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 65.7 km via Break Oday Rd, 57-minute drive.

Expect to see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and a lively platypus show. Don’t miss the “Spirits of the Sky” free-flying bird presentation at noon, where eagles and parrots soar overhead. Arrive early for animal talks to beat crowds.

Bird watching in Yarra Ranges National Park

• Location: Lockwood Rd, Reefton VIC 3799, Australia.
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day, admission is free.
• Highlights: This park is a haven for bird lovers. Features picnic tables and BBQ shelters.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 12120 km via Maroondah Hwy, 1 hour 43 min-minute drive.

Take an easy 1 km forest stroll (try the Coranderrk Track, suitable for most prams) through towering mountain ash trees to the historic weir. Mornings are best for bird activity; remind children to walk quietly and look for movement in the foliage.

Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk

• Location: Toolangi, VIC 3777, Australia.
• Opening Hours: Daily 24/7, free entry.
• Highlights: A short outdoor activity that feels like stepping into a fairy tale rainforest.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 53.6 km, 45-minute drive.

This Wirrawilla walk is a 700 m return boardwalk loop through a cool, shady gully. The rainforest is also cool year-round, so be sure to bring a jacket.  

Hands-on activities to do with kids in the Yarra Valley

For family bonding, the Yarra Valley offers creative activities for kids.

Fruit picking

If this is your idea of fun, several local farms welcome families to share the harvest. Each orchard has its own seasonal specialties:

• Rayner’s Orchard (Woori Yallock): Join tractor tours to taste seasonal fruits straight from the trees and meet friendly farm animals. This orchard is open daily and is ideal for hands-on fruit-picking.
• Oasis Berry Farms (Steels Creek): Known for giant blueberries and a playful dinosaur garden, this family-run orchard lets kids explore, snack, and enjoy a relaxed countryside setting.
• CherryHill Orchards (Wandin East): During summer, families flock here for all-you-can-eat cherry picking, scenic views, and cherry ice cream at the on-site café.

Making chocolate at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

• Location: 35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen.
• Opening hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm.
• Tickets: Free entry, but the junior chocolatier workshop session costs AUD 45 per child.
• Highlights: In this fun DIY activity, children (ages 6-12) learn to make their own chocolate creations.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 53.6 km via Break Oday Rd, 45-minute drive. 

Your kids will enjoy guidance from an expert chocolatier. Don’t forget a cooler bag if you plan to buy chocolates, especially in summer. 

Picnic spots in the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley boasts numerous green spaces ideal for a family picnic. Here are three top picks, each offering facilities and scenic surroundings ideal for kid-friendly outdoor activities.

Badger Weir Picnic Area

• Location: Yarra Ranges National Park, Badger Weir Rd, Badger Creek VIC 3777, Australia.
• Opening hours: The park is open daily; park gates close at 5 pm in winter (8 pm in summer). Entry is free.
• Highlights: Feature modern facilities with short walking tracks and kid-friendly activities.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 68.5 km via Break Oday Rd, 1-hour drive.

After being closed for several years due to storm damage, Badger Weir Picnic Area has reopened. Keep in mind this is a No-Dog zone (being in a National Park).

Maroondah Reservoir Park

• Location: Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia.
• Opening hours: Open daily, 8 am to sunset (gates close around 5-6 pm in winter, 8 pm in summer). No entry fee.
• Highlights: Enjoy expansive gardens with scattered picnic tables and two large rotundas (shelters) featuring multiple tables.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 57 km via Break Oday Rd, 65.4 km.

Maroondah Reservoir Park is more of a mini botanical garden, perfect for a relaxed weekend getaway. Arrive early on public holidays, as the spot is popular and parking spaces may fill up by midday.

McKenzie Reserve

• Location: Anzac Ave, Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia.
• Opening hours: Open 24/7, free of charge.
• Highlights: Features sheltered picnic tables, public toilets, and BBQ facilities. 
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 56.4 km via Melba Hwy, 43-minute drive.

This modern playground delights children of all ages. On warm days, pack sunscreen and consider bringing a change of clothes for kids who enjoy water sports.

Shop in the Yarra Valley local markets

Bring a reusable bag when you visit these popular markets in the region and let the kids pick out a treat or two.

St Andrews Market

• Location: Kangaroo Ground, St Andrews Rd, St Andrews VIC 3761.
• Market day and time: Every Saturday at the St Andrews Community Market site from 9 am to 2 pm.
• Highlights: Stallholders sell organic fruits and veggies, artisan breads, homemade jams, pottery, jewellery, and more.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 56.5 km via Whittlesea-Yea Rd, 49-minute drive.

This market, situated on the outskirts of the Yarra Valley near Melbourne, has been operating for over four decades. Many stalls are cash-only, although some accept cards; therefore, it’s advisable to bring some cash just in case.

Yarra Glen Racecourse Market

• Location & Time: Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen.
• Date and Time: Held on the first Sunday of the month from September through June from 9 am to 2 pm.
• Highlights: Almost everything sold here is handmade or home-grown.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 56.1 km via Melba Hwy, 42-minute drive.

Expect live music by local performers that adds a festive touch as you stroll and shop. Remember sunscreen on sunny days. The open areas get a lot of sun by midday.  

Where to stay after a day in the Yarra Valley?

After a full day exploring the Yarra Valley, you might be looking for somewhere peaceful to unwind.

Just 65 minutes from Melbourne Airport, Flowerdale Estate offers a quiet escape set on 106 acres between the Macedon Ranges and the Yarra Valley. It’s the perfect spot to relax, surrounded by open fields and fresh country air.

There are different ways to stay, depending on what you need:

• Estate King Rooms – spacious and comfortable.
• The Guest House – ideal for families or small groups.
• Luxury Glamping Tents – made for couples who love the outdoors, each with a queen bed, private deck, and fire pit.

End the day watching the sunset over Mount Disappointment State Forest – a calm, natural setting to rest before your next adventure.