Yarra Valley is an incredible wine country region in south Australia, arguably the best in the country! These rolling hills can be accessed only 45 minutes from Melbourne city, making it a perfect day trip for wine lovers.
In this guide I will detail the perfect Yarra Valley day trip itinerary where you will be picked up in Melbourne by a wine driver and taken to 4 spots in the valley. At the bottom of this guide, I will list a few extra wineries that I would’ve liked to visit but didn’t have the time incase you want to swap any of the spots out.
If you’re not into wine (gasp!), there are also craft breweries, distilleries, and even a gin tasting room at Four Pillars (which I recommend at the bottom of this itinerary).
Let’s get into it!
PSSST.. if you are traveling to Australia and are looking for the perfect 14 day itinerary, click here for my 2 Week Australia Itinerary (QLD, Melbourne & Sydney)! And since you are obviously in the Melbourne area, be sure to check out my Great Ocean Road Day Trip itinerary!
Where is Yarra Valley?
If you’re planning a getaway from Melbourne and craving rolling vineyards, adorable wildlife, and so much wine, the Yarra Valley is your answer. Just an hour’s drive from the city, this dreamy region feels like a whole different world — think misty mornings, gourmet cheese shops, and endless cellar doors.
Wine tasting is the star here — and with over 80 wineries, you’ll definitely need an experet guide to help you pick the best wineries in Yarra Valley (yes, that’s me!).
The Yarra Valley, located just an hour northeast of Melbourne, is actually one of the oldest wine regions in Australia — with vines dating all the way back to 1838. The very first vineyard was planted by the Ryrie brothers at what would become Yering Station.
Do I need a driver?
If you are planning to have a full wine tasting experience, I always recommend a tour guide. Not only because you should never drink and drive, but also because they can recommend the lesser known / hidden gem wineries in the area.
We booked with Dancing Kangaroo Tours and were BLOWN away! They are a husband and wife team that knows the Yarra Valley wine region like the back of their hands and helped us create the most amazing itinerary!
Best time of year to go to Yarra Valley?
Dreaming of sipping world-class wines amid golden autumn vines? March – May is hands-down the best month to visit Yarra Valley, Australia, where Mother Nature rolls out the red carpet with mild 20-25°C days, cool evenings ideal for cozy winery firesides, and the electric buzz of harvest season transforming every estate into a festive playground.
This shoulder-season sweet spot delivers unbeatable value on luxe stays, from boutique guesthouses to glamping pods, letting you craft a bespoke itinerary blending cool-climate varietals, gourmet trails, and unforgettable moments—because in Australia’s fall season, the Yarra Valley isn’t just a destination; it’s your perfectly timed love letter to wine country bliss!
Yarra Valley Day Trip Itinerary
Stop 1: We visited a family owned winery, Helen & Joey’s Estate, for a standard wine tasting where we got to try our first ORANGE wine! The views from their tasting deck were truly out of this world. While we were there, we got a private tour of the property where they showed us the hotel and wedding venue they are building on-site!
Stop 2: Our second stop was a second winery for a full lunch and wine pairing at Soumah Winery. Their restaurant is adorable with floor to ceiling windows and 10/10 food! I always recommend including a winery that serves lunch for your mid-day spot. Here are a few more options that serve gourmet meals:
- Oakridge – the most known winery / lunch spot in Yarra Valley. They are known for their “garden-to-table” menus.
- Levantine Hill – A large and luxurious property that has a helipad right on site!
Stop 3: Third stop was Yering Station, which is the oldest winery in the area! It is a massive winery that we saw on almost every wine list during our 14 days in Australia. They are known for their Pinot Noirs, crisp Chardonnays, and bold Bordeaux blends.
Beyond the glass, immerse in the Yarra’s pioneer spirit with estate walks, art exhibitions, and seasonal events like harvest festivals, making it a must-stop for any self-drive itinerary blending heritage, flavor, and those golden autumn vistas that define wine country magic.
Stop 4: Lastly we visited a gin distillery to try out some gin at Four Pillars! If you are not a big gin drinker, there are breweries in the area or obviously more wineries. Australia is one of the leading producers of gin and it is growing rapidly every year!
BONUS Stop 5: Ice cream & chocolate at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is a MUST! Ice cream and chocolate just hit differently after a day filled with drinking and this place did not disappoint!
Open daily; entry free, tastings complimentary. Insider hack: Join a hands-on workshop to craft your own treats and ship ’em home via their online shop! 😉
PSST.. Like this stop recommendation?! Then you will love THIS TOUR that takes you on the scenic Puffing Billy train to the Healesville sanctuary, through the scenic wine region of Yarra Valley, and to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery!
Extra wineries to consider
Well Known Commercial Wineries:
Smaller & lesser known hidden gems:
Things to do in Yarra Valley Wine Region that are not alcohol
Beyond the drinks, there’s tons to do! Yarra Valley has loads of fun experiences and the most incredible scenery. Even if you are not a drinker, the views alone are worth the drive from Melbourne. Or even if you want to check out on winery, but fill your day trip to Yarra Valley with non-drinking activities, I’ve got you covered. 🙂
Here are some of the many fun experiences Yarra Valley has to offer:
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Start your morning with a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards (yes, it’s as magical as it sounds)! These hot air balloon rides take off during sunrise, so be prepared for an early wake up time to get into Yarra Valley by sunrise. This hot air balloon tour includes a one hour scenic flight and endless photo opportunities. There is also an option for a breakfast + Melbourne transfer.
If you are coming from Melbourne, be sure to read my full 14 day Australia itinerary that covers Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road! 🙂
Healesville Sanctuary
Traveling with kids? Or just love to see exotic animals that are native to Australia? Book your tickets to the Healesville sanctuary.
THIS TOUR takes you on the scenic Puffing Billy train to the Healesville sanctuary, through the scenic wine region of Yarra Valley, and to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery!
Truffle Hunting
Spend the afternoon truffle hunting with Truffle Valley. If you sign up for a tour, you will receive a truly unique and interactive, winter experience, guided by their expert truffle dogs, Tessa and Rita.
Even if you do not want to do a truffle hunting tour, you can still stop by their shop for some souvenirs to take home!
Golf
If you or someone you’re traveling with is an avid golfer, you will want to book a tee-time (and maybe a night’s stay) at the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort. If you are like me, and have a golf obsessed husband but I would rather be at the spa, this resort has it all with an on-site spa and beautiful grounds.
Grab lunch with a view
If you’re a foodie, grab lunch at one of the many scenic wineries in the area that service farm-to-table food. Here are a few recommendations:
- Oakridge – the most known winery / lunch spot in Yarra Valley. They are known for their “garden-to-table” menus.
- Levantine Hill – A large and luxurious property that has a helipad right on site!
Hotels in Yarra Valley Wine Region
It’s popular as a day trip, but honestly? One day barely scratches the surface. I recommend staying overnight (or two!) to fully soak in the views and slow-paced vibes.
$$$: Chateau Yering Hotel – The Timeless Heritage Crown Jewel
$$: Yarra Valley Grand Hotel – The Historic Heartbeat Haven
$: Warburton Motel – A quaint motel with nice size rooms
Okay, that’s a wrap!
Just an hour from Melbourne, this dreamy region’s got rolling vineyards and cute-as wineries pouring silky Pinot Noirs, bubbly sparklings, and crisp Chards that’ll have you obsessed. Squeezing in a one day Yarra Valley itinerary into your trip is a MUST to visit Insta-worthy tastings with epic valley views. March is prime time—harvest season’s buzzing, crowds are chill, and you can legit pick grapes! Pair with wood-fired pizza or truffle bites, and your self-drive day trip’s giving all the chic, wine-soaked feels!
A Yarra Valley day trip is from Melbourne is easily doable, or if you have the time, it would be a perfect spot to unwind for a few days (be sure to check out my hotel recommendations section above if you want to extend your trip by a few days). Yarra Valley was truly magical in the fall season with vibrant autumn leaves on the vines, minimal crowds, and cool & foggy temperatures.
If you are staying in the Melbourne area for a few days, be sure to dedicate a full day to the Great Ocean Road. You can read my full self drive Great Ocean Road trip itinerary here!
This day trip to Yarra Valley was on my EPIC 14 day Australia Itinerary that covers the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Great Ocean Road, Melbourne must-sees, and of course.. Sydney!
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