The Yarra Valley is one of Victoria’s most famous areas. It’s a unique wine region that acts as a weekend getaway destination for Melburnians wanting to escape the busy city, and is also a popular wedding destination. But beyond the wedding bells and the city slickers, the Yarra Valley is home to an array of sights, sounds, and secrets set to indulge and engage your senses.

A foodie’s paradise

As Victoria’s premier wining and dining destination, the Yarra Valley is home to more than 80 wineries. A cooler climate with consistent rain, pristine soil and, of course, plenty of sunshine make grapes of all varieties thrive in this region. Only an hour out of Melbourne’s sprawling urban jungle, you’ll be welcomed by fields of the juiciest fruits for as far as the eye can see. Beyond the pastures of green, you’ll not only find quaint gardens and tasty red, white and sparkling beverages, but you’ll also be savouring some of Victoria’s most decadent, tender, delicious and tastebud-tingling culinary delights.

Test your endurance

While winter usually calls for some hibernation, at Caravanning Australia, we’re all about exploring the great outdoors – regardless of the weather! Chuck on a woolly scarf and your warmest jacket, and explore some of Victoria’s most beautiful walking tracks, forests and bike trails.

Fitness fanatics are bound to jump for joy at the Kokoda Memorial Track in Upper Ferntree Gully, at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. Known to locals as the 1000 Steps, this popular exercise spot is a great way to get your blood pumping.

Views for days

What makes the Yarra Valley such a popular destination for tourists, wedding parties and weekenders alike is the endless amount of scenery on display. Views atop mountains, in forests and through sculpted gardens snatch you away from the hustle and bustle of reality, and plonk you right in the middle of utopia. The SkyHigh scenic lookout is a favourite among Melburnians, offering views across the city and out to Port Phillip Bay.

Cuddle up to local culture

If you’re an animal lover and want to see some cuddly koalas up close, then a trip to Healesville Sanctuary is for you! Dedicated to looking after and breeding endangered native animals, Healesville Sanctuary features different tracks for different species, giving everyone a chance to see their favourite Aussie animals.

To find out more about the Yarra Valley, check out the Winter 2022 edition of Caravanning Australia!

_{Image: Hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley (C) Visit Victoria.}