The Yarra Valley is one of those places that makes you wonder why you don't come up more often. It's barely an hour from the Melbourne CBD, yet it feels like a different world: rolling vineyards, misty mountain ranges, towering mountain ash forests and small towns full of good food. Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend away or building an itinerary around your skydive, here's our pick of the best things to do in the Yarra Valley.
1. Taste your way through the wineries
Let's start with the obvious. The Yarra Valley has more than 70 wineries and is one of Australia's best cool-climate wine regions, especially famous for chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling. You could spend a month here and not get through them all, so here are a few favourites to get you started.
Yering Station (Yering) - Victoria's first vineyard, planted back in 1838. The historic 1859 winery building, the tasting bar and the restaurant with its sweeping valley views make it a great first stop, and it's only a short drive from Lilydale.
Chandon (Coldstream) - If bubbles are your thing, this is the place. Chandon specialises in sparkling wine made the traditional way, and the bar overlooking the vines is one of the best spots in the valley to sit back with a glass. Try the sparkling pinot shiraz if you've never had one.
Oakridge (Coldstream) - Home to one of the region's most acclaimed restaurants, with much of the produce coming from its own kitchen garden. The chardonnay here is the benchmark many people judge the rest of the valley by.
TarraWarra Estate (Yarra Glen) - Striking contemporary architecture set into a hillside, an underground tasting room, a seasonal restaurant and, next door, the TarraWarra Museum of Art. Wine and culture in one stop.
Giant Steps (Healesville) - Named Winery of the Year in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, Giant Steps is a must for pinot noir lovers. It's right in the main street of Healesville, so it's easy to pair with lunch in town. Bookings are recommended.
Dominique Portet (Coldstream) - A little piece of France in the Yarra Valley. The Portet family has a winemaking history stretching back generations in Bordeaux, and the French-inspired lunches and rosé make this a relaxed afternoon favourite.
Coombe Yarra Valley (Coldstream) - The former estate of opera legend Dame Nellie Melba, now a restaurant and cellar door with beautiful gardens and elegant chardonnay and pinot.
Yarra Yering (Gruyere) - One of the valley's oldest and most respected names, for those who want to taste something truly special.
De Bortoli (Dixons Creek) - A family-run institution with a well-loved restaurant, a cheese room and a big range of wines at every price point.
Tip: If you'd rather not worry about a designated driver, a guided winery tour is the way to go. Several local operators run day tours from Melbourne and around the valley.
2. Gin, beer and cider
Not a wine drinker? You're still well covered. Four Pillars Gin in Healesville is one of the best-known distilleries in the country, offering tastings, tours and a G&T in the sunshine. For beer, call into Coldstream Brewery or Hargreaves Hill, and cider fans should head for Napoleone & Co. in Coldstream or St Ronan's Cider.
3. Meet the locals at Healesville Sanctuary
Run by Zoos Victoria, Healesville Sanctuary is home to more than 200 species of native Australian wildlife set in natural bushland. Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, platypus and the spectacular birds of prey show are highlights, and you can even watch check-ups at the wildlife hospital. It's a perfect half day, especially if you have kids in tow.
4. Indulge at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Between Yarra Glen and Healesville, the Chocolaterie is pretty much impossible to drive past. Free chocolate tastings, a huge range of handmade treats, ice cream and views across the valley. Consider it fuel for the rest of your day.
5. Explore Healesville
Healesville is the beating heart of the valley. Wander the main street for bookshops, vintage stores, galleries and cafes, then grab a pub lunch at the Healesville Hotel or the Grand Hotel. If you're around on the first or third Sunday of the month, the Healesville Community Market is worth a browse.
6. Drive the Black Spur
Just north of Healesville, the Black Spur is one of Victoria's most beautiful drives. The road winds through towering mountain ash and lush tree ferns, so take it slow and stop along the way. For a short walk nearby, the Badger Weir loop and Maroondah Reservoir Park are both lovely picnic spots.
7. Ride or walk the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
This one starts right on our doorstep. The 40km Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail follows the old railway line from behind Lilydale Station all the way to Warburton, with gentle gradients that suit all fitness levels. Along the way you'll cross restored timber bridges (including a 175m bridge over Woori Yallock Creek), pass vineyards and farmland, and can stop for coffee at the Carriage Cafe in Seville, housed in an old train carriage. Do a section or tackle the whole thing and treat yourself to lunch in Warburton at the end.
8. Head into the hills at Warburton
Warburton is a gorgeous little town on the Yarra River surrounded by forest. Walk the river trail, visit the Redwood Forest at nearby Cement Creek (a grove of towering Californian redwoods that feels like another world), or drive up to Mount Donna Buang for the rainforest gallery walk and, in winter, a dusting of snow.
9. Float over the vines in a hot air balloon
The Yarra Valley is one of the best places in Australia for ballooning. Sunrise flights with operators like Global Ballooning drift silently over the vineyards and usually finish with a champagne breakfast at a local winery. It's a very different way to see the valley from above, and a great warm-up for seeing it from a lot higher up.
10. Gardens and markets
Slow things down at Alowyn Gardens in Yarra Glen, famous for its 100-metre wisteria walk (best in spring). In summer, Blue Lotus Water Garden in Yarra Junction puts on an incredible display of lotus and water lilies. And for local produce, time your visit with the Yarra Glen Racecourse Market, packed with local makers, growers and food stalls.
11. Skydive over the Yarra Valley
Of course, we're a little biased on this one. If you want to see the Yarra Valley in a way most visitors never will, there's nothing like a tandem skydive. From 15,000ft you'll see the vineyards spread out below you, the Yarra Ranges rolling into the distance and, on a clear day, the Melbourne skyline on the horizon. Then comes up to 60 seconds of freefall before a peaceful canopy ride back to earth.
We jump from Lilydale Airport (13 MacIntyre Lane, with free parking), right at the gateway to the valley and around an hour from the CBD. That makes it easy to build a full day around your jump: skydive in the morning, then celebrate over lunch and a glass of something at one of the wineries above. No experience needed, you're attached to a highly experienced instructor the whole way.
We're open Friday to Monday, 9am to 2pm.
Planning your Yarra Valley day
Here's a simple itinerary we love:
Morning: Tandem skydive at Lilydale Airport.
Late morning: Coffee and something sweet at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
Lunch: A long lunch at Yering Station, Oakridge or TarraWarra.
Afternoon: Tastings at Chandon and Giant Steps, or a gin flight at Four Pillars.
Evening: Dinner in Healesville, or a scenic drive home over the Black Spur.
Important: If you're skydiving, save the wine tasting for after your jump. Alcohol and skydiving don't mix, and there's no better way to toast your achievement than with a glass of Yarra Valley sparkling once your feet are back on the ground.
Ready to see the Yarra Valley from 15,000ft? Book your tandem skydive and make it the highlight of your trip.