A beautiful seven acre award winning display garden in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Featuring nine distinct garden areas, with seasonal displays. There is an extensive plant nursery with interesting and unusual plants and a cafe with great coffee, teas and cakes.
The purpose of the gardens at Alowyn is to provide an informative and educational experience for anyone interested not only in gardening, but also the enjoyment of a beautiful garden. It has been designed with shade and comfort in mind. Plant names are on view to educate and inform visitors about the gardens.
Visit Gulf Station and learn what life was like for a family living on the land in nineteenth century Australia.
Gulf Station is an extraordinary survival of Victoria's farming heritage, showcasing self-sufficiency and resilience.
The farm buildings are all hand constructed using traditional techniques making use of the materials available. They show the development of the farm and its domestic uses.
Scottish immigrants Agnes and William Bell colonised the land in the 1850s to run a farm. The practical and hardworking Bell family were generous, resourceful and kind. They ran the Station for 100 years. Mary Anne Bell was the matriarch and after her husband died, she continued to run the property.
On Open Days, families can join a guided tour at 11.30 am or explore at their own pace, wandering through the homestead, gardens, old schoolhouse and historic outbuildings. Meet the resident Clydesdales, and explore the barns and farm buildings where generations once worked the land.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn and experience the domestic world of a colonial farming family, where resilience, resourcefulness and hard work shaped daily life.
Hidden within the Yarra Valley Estate property, you will find the Edible Forest. A place to grow unique edible plants, create experiences and breathe the fresh air.
The ultimate goal is to have 1000 plants, ranging in maturity, from over 350 different varieties all with their own purpose of being either edible, medicinal, nutritional for the soil, bee attracting or for companion planting.
The Edible Forest is consciously designed using Hügelkultur and Permaculture methods. Permaculture is based on three ethics that mirror their philosophy – care of the planet, care of community and take personal responsibility for the way you organise your life. Chemical free and proudly organically grown, the abundant vegetation has created its own healthy eco-system.
Birds flit around the garden, together with bees and butterflies to ensure pollination and seed scattering, which would occur naturally within a forest. Seed gathering and plant shoots allow the regeneration of plants and provide the garden to additional growth.
When you visit, you will feel the calming and healing effect that a forest creates and the best of what nature has to offer.
Guests can now purchase plants in the Edible Forest Nursery and continue their edible gardening journey at home.
The Mt Everard Circuit Walk is approximately 22 kilometres in length so allow five to six hours to complete. It resides in the Kinglake National Park, only 50 kilometres out of Melbourne and home to almost 600 native plant species, over 40 native mammal and 90 native bird species. This loop tackles three of Kinglake's highest forested peaks, Mt Beggary, Mt Everard and Mt Jerusalem and is a great challenging walk.
The circuit can be started from several locations but it is recommended from Jehosaphat Gully Picnic Area. Begin on Shelley Harris Track through lush bush land, crossing several small streams in the wetter months. This trail then connects to the Mt Jerusalem Track for a short way to the Cookson Hill Track.
Through this section you may catch a glimpse or two of Melbourne in the distance before connecting with the Mt Everard Track. Here the trail follows the edge of the ridge line and you'll be rewarded with views of surrounding forest ridges. This then connects with the Bundy Track before reconnecting to the Mt Jerusalem Track for the return. Throughout the entirety of the route there's a mix of scrubby bush, gum trees and ferns along its length.
Nestled in the Christmas Hills, Sugarloaf is a tranquil setting for a picnic or a stroll near the reservoir shores, offering wonderful views across the water. For the more energetic, there is a 15 kilometre walk that circumnavigates the reservoir.
Try shoreline fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, redfin, roach or European carp.
Take a walk along one of the tracks in and around the park including the lronbark, Chris Phillips and Sugarloaf Walking Tracks.
Sailing at Sugarloaf is an enjoyable and exhilarating recreational pursuit. Visitors are permitted to launch appropriate watercraft from the Sugarloaf Sailing and Boating Club only. Launching facilities are available to visitors on Sundays and public holidays by calling the club. A launching fee may be charged.
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au
RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort offers an 18-hole golf course and a four-hole short course.
Surrounded by beautiful native trees and vegetation, the Michael Clayton designed 18-hole course offers members and guests a unique playing experience. The four-hole short course is a hidden gem and gives beginner golfers a non pressured environment to learn the game. It also provides a wonderful practice facility for all members to enjoy.
An additional feature to the 18-hole course is the extensive paved cart path network, which allows for all weather access.
Treat yourself to a sensory escape in the heart of the Yarra Valley
Nestled in the beautiful Yarra Valley, One Spa at RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort offers a rejuvenating retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They invite you to indulge in the revitalising treatments the day spa has to offer, and in the caring hands of the spa professionals, release all tension in a blissful exercise of self-care.
The Memo has been a part of the fabric of Healesville since 1924 and has been a source of many significant memories for the community.
Following a major redevelopment, The Memo reopened in September 2012 to thrive again with community and cultural events, creating memories for a new generation.
Featuring a large presentation space that seats over 300 people, this first class facility caters to great theatre, music and other live performances and is available to hire. The flat floor space is a great space for conferences and other private functions.
From silent films in the 20s, to the talkies in the 30s, to the latest 3D digital technology today; Cinema has long been a tradition in Healesville and returns to The Memo bigger and better than ever with regular screenings each week.
Several ancillary rooms are suitable for meetings and private bookings.
The gallery space features regular exhibitions of local and touring artworks.
The team look forward to welcoming you to visit and experience all The Memo has to offer.
Yarra Valley Tea Company is a family-owned and local Certified Organic tea manufacturer located in Coldstream, the gateway to the Yarra Valley.
Specialising in Victorian grown organic green tea, you can visit the factory and witness the tea making process. An access friendly tea emporium is located at the front of the factory where you can peruse and purchase from the extensive range of Yarra Valley Tea Co teas together with local and regional gourmet goodies and tea wares.
Jehosaphat Gully is a pleasant open picnic area near the town of Kinglake and the starting point for several walks include the approximately 20 kilometre Mt Everard Circuit.
The picnic area has plenty of picnic tables under shelter, barbecues and public toilets. Enjoy picturesque walking tracks or a social picnic or barbecue with family and friends here.
The Yea River walk exists on land donated to the people of Toolangi and until the turn of the century a sawmill, 'Scherbers' operated in this forest. The Yea River begins its journey in the mountains of the Central Highlands and becomes part of the Goulburn water catchment, flowing into the Goulburn River.
This walk is an easy one hour loop that takes you through two different forest types: open forest at the start of the walk and then it changes dramatically to Mountain Ash and associated ferns and mosses at the Yea River.
Across Kinglake- Healesville Road the Toolangi Sculpture Trail can be added on if you have time for a longer walk and an appreciation for ephemeral art.
Explore a bushland haven for Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary.
An Australian wildlife experience just one hour from Melbourne in the stunning Yarra Valley. Wander tranquil tracks and see iconic Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, emus and more. Discover majestic birds of prey and magnificent parrots in the spectacular Spirits of The Sky bird presentation.
Every Sunday, Murrundindi (Wurundjeri Elder), is here to share the cultural stories of his land. Learn a little language as he welcomes you onto Country with a friendly Womenjika; listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo; stop to have a yarn; hear local stories, and be amazed at his mastery making that Boomerang really fly.
Take a visit to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre to meet the vets and nurses as they care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in need of care.
Healesville Sanctuary offers many close-up experiences where guest have the opportunity to meet iconic Australian animals including koala, kangaroo, dingo and echidnas.
Children under 16 years of age receive free entry every weekend, during Victorian Government school holidays and on Victorian public holidays.
Ever wondered which Indigenous plant has leaves that can be used as soap? Or maybe you want to know what makes a Boomerang come back? Perhaps you would like to hear a local Dreaming Story about how the Lyrebird came to speak in the language of many other animals?
Every Sunday, Murrundindi (Wurundjeri Elder), is here to share the cultural stories of his land. Learn a little language as he welcomes you onto Country with a friendly Womenjika; listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo; stop to have a yarn; hear local stories, and be amazed at his mastery making that Boomerang really fly.
You can meet Murrundindi every Sunday 10:30am to 3:00pm, or every day except Saturday in the school holidays and on public holidays. Free with general admission.
The Dindi Arts Trail is a series of murals located throughout the Kinglake Ranges, each telling their own unique story. There are 10 different murals spread over six different locations in Toolangi, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West and Flowerdale. An easy day trip from Melbourne or part of your weekend getaway, the Dindi Arts Trail is a must do on any visit to the area.
Bollygum Park is a magical playground based around the award winning children's book Bollygum by Garry Fleming.
You will be enchanted as you wander along the shady paths of this two and a half acre wonderland, from Bower Birds Nest with its sparkling blue treasures, across the bridge over the creek and pay a visit to platypus, whose house sits on the bank of the dry creek bed.
Continue down the path, bordered by native plantings, indigenous message sticks, colourful storyboards and flora information panels to Wombats house with its artistically carved story wall, slides, mirrors and wombats hiding spot. You can enjoy Wombat's favourite fishing spot by the large sandpit and he has even left a few fishing poles out for you.
Frogmouths House is the main play structure of the park and has senior and junior sections so no one is left out. Among its many features are a climbing wall, monkey bars, rope bridges, flying fox, wave slide, bird nest swings, dual metal slide for racing (under cover) and many noisy musical elements and a talk and listen tube.
There is an architecturally designed skate park adjoining the playground with a bowl.
Maroondah Reservoir Park in Healesville is a must-do activity.
Going for a walk and picnicking here is a wonderful day out for the whole family with lots of rotundas, barbecues and picnic tables to use. But, the main feature here is the amazing dam wall.
An impressive 41 metre high dam wall offers amazing scenic views over gardens, mountain ranges and a reservoir lake. Construction of this dam wall took place from 1920 - 1927 and this catchment is an important source of Melbourne’s water.
There are a number of walks around the park including on top of the dam wall, the Falls Lookout and gardens. Walking to the bottom of the dam wall really shows the grandeur and size.
Photograph the historic Rose Stairway which is at its best in Autumn. Enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom in spring. During the wetter months experience the awesome force of the water tumbling over the spillway.
Before you go: conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
Heritage Golf and Country Club is founded on a philosophy of elegant simplicity. It is a vision realised in every detail – each graceful curve of the fairway, in the swathes of colour that flush the landscape and in the exquisite natural finishes of the architecture.
In the heart of the Yarra Valley and framed by the spectacular mountains of Australia’s Great Dividing Range, Heritage is less than an hour’s drive north-east of Melbourne.
Boasting two magnificent 18-hole championship courses, Heritage Golf and Country Club is one of the most beautiful and captivating private golf courses in Australia.
Get back into nature and stretch your legs on the iconic Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail. The 40 kilometres trail is perfect for walkers, cyclists, walking dogs and even horse riders!
One of the region's most popular trails, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail follows the path of the historic railway line that went through the Yarra Valley. The trail is mostly flat, or has a very slight incline/decline making it perfect for all abilities.
On the trail, you'll venture through the scenic terrain of farmland, vineyards, mountains and forests. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including cafes and picnic rest stops.
Starting at Lilydale, the trail heads east through increasingly rural suburbs and finishes at Warburton. Even though it is called the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, you can start or finish the trail at either end. If you'd like to do the trail in sections, you can enter the trail from various townships such as Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Wandin, Seville, Killara, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Millgrove and Warburton.
If you don't own a bike, bike hire is available at Lilydale and Warburton.
Cyclists can take anywhere from two hours to five hours to ride one way.
The entire trail is dog friendly with water fountains at various points throughout the trail.
Lady Stonehavens Lookout is located within Frank Thomson Reserve, northwest of the Kinglake township. The reserve sits on a hill in Victoria and has an elevation of 630 metres, offering wonderful views of Melbourne’s skyline rising from the southern plains and the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley to the east.
Enjoy a family picnic or barbecue in the open grassy area of Frank Thomson Reserve with picnic tables and a gas barbecue are located close to the parking area. There is plenty of space for the kids to roam while adults can relax and enjoy the view.
Dogs are prohibited in Kinglake National Park, but are permitted on a lead (at all times) in the Frank Thomson Reserve.
The multi-award winning Yarra Ranges Regional Museum features stunning architectural design set in tranquil surrounds, the museum features exhibition spaces, programs for all ages and abilities, a resource library, museum shop and café. An ever changing array of exhibitions and programs bring art, belongings and fascinating stories to life.
Begin your journey into the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges with the Museum and learn about how industry, nature and people have shaped how they live. The Connections Gallery is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the story of the Yarra Ranges region, a place of connections and relationships between people, the environment and the histories we share. Connections is an ongoing story – yours included – discover your connection to the Yarra Ranges region.
The fully accessible building ensures everyone can enjoy celebrating the past, present and future of the Yarra Ranges area.
Brood is a working knitwear studio and retail destination in the heart of the Yarra Valley, offering visitors a rare behind-the-scenes look at Australian fashion manufacturing. Designed, developed and made on site, Brood's premium knitwear celebrates natural fibres, thoughtful design and local craftsmanship, combining cutting-edge knitting technology with traditional hand-finishing techniques.
Visitors can explore the studio, witness the knitting process in action, meet the makers, and discover the story behind each garment, from fibre to finished piece. Through regular studio tours, demonstrations and special events, Brood provides an engaging experience that connects people with Australian design, regional manufacturing and the value of locally made products. On the second Thursday of each month, visitors can attend their Around the Table Make and Mend, a monthly gathering offering a relaxed space to sit, stitch, make, mend and to connect with others over a cup of tea, a glass of wine and good conversation. The studio will provide basic mending materials, tools, and tea during these sessions.
Whether you're interested in fashion, textiles, design, sustainability or simply looking for a unique Yarra Valley experience beyond the wineries, Brood offers an authentic insight into contemporary Australian manufacturing and the people keeping it alive.
The Kinglake Ranges Heritage Trail features locally designed and crafted interpretive signage highlighting sites of historic environmental and social significance in the Kinglake Ranges.
The trail along the north side of the main road follows the route of the timber railway, which operated from 1911 to 1926, along the central spine of the range between Kinglake West and Kinglake. The trail can be traversed from either direction starting with the Trail information and map at either end of the trail.
The 32 information panels incorporate text, photographs, artist's impressions, maps and general information to explain site significance. It features locally designed and crafted signage highlighting the local flora and fauna and sites of historic interest. It also displays the work of local artists and school children.
Community groups had the idea for a trail, however following the 2009 fires, the loss of life, landscape and historical buildings emphasised the need to preserve and acknowledge the heritage of the area.
The Western side of the trail is situated on the Cnr Whittlesea-Yea Road and Forest Street, Kinglake West, while the Eastern side is located on the corner of the Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd and the Kinglake-Glenburn Rd.
The Myrtle Gully Circuit is one of several hiking and walking trails within the Toolangi State Forest which can easily be combined to create an even longer day hike. These include the Tanglefoot Loop (10.5 kilometres) and Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk (2 kilometres).
The trail is approximately eight kilometres in length and may take anywhere up to two to three hours to complete. It loops around the lush forest filled with boardwalks, creek crossings, ferns, tall Mountain Ash and other greenery, and you can be assured that the ground will be muddy with some streams flowing down the trails in wetter months.
Please note the trail can become quite muddy after rainfall so it's best to wear proper hiking shoes and prepare to get a bit dirty as you trek through the rainforest. Look out for possible streams flowing over the trails and keep in mind you may encounter a few obstacles over the path which may require you to duck under or climb over to get past. Hiking poles may come in handy for additional stability in muddy areas.
Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk is an easy and spectacular short circuit walk through cool temperate rainforest in Toolangi State Forest, one and a half hours drive north east of Melbourne.
The ancient myrtle beech trees and southern sassafras provide a dense canopy that shades the understory all year round. Ferns, mosses and fungi love these dark, damp conditions and thrive in the moist soil environment.
Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk is a Grade 1 all abilities walk. It is around 700 metres return and approximately 450 metres of the trail is a boardwalk wide enough for wheelchairs. There is a short formed dirt track from the carpark down to the start of the boardwalk.
From the carpark and trailhead on Sylvia Creek Road visitors have the option of undertaking three different walks – the short Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk or longer Myrtle Gully Circuit or Tanglefoot Loop.
Picnic facilities, shelter and a toilet can be found adjacent to the Wirrawilla car park.
