Next Time you are in Victoria
Make sure you
Go Beyond Melbourne
Go Beyond, and the choices are just about limitless.
Melbourne is a magical city. But Go Beyond Melbourne and you’ll discover the pure alchemy of four extraordinary regions. Travelling between them is simply effortless – and what you discover along the way will stay with you forever.
Five Day Family Fun Itinerary
Head off to Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong, for a morning exploring the seafront attractions of Eastern Beach. Ride the historic carousel or take a dip in the lagoon, or head to Queenscliff’s Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre and spend some time exploring their aquariums and displays. Wander the streets of the gorgeous seaside towns of the Bellarine, including Point Lonsdale, Barwon Heads (take a walk along the river before afternoon tea overlooking the ocean at At The Heads) and Queenscliff, before settling into your overnight accommodation at the highly awarded BIG4 Beacon Resort, replete with indoor heated pool, inflatable trampoline and indoor fun room
Take the Searoad Ferries from Queenscliff to Sorrento, watching for dolphins and seals during the 40 minute crossing. In summer, pick your own fruit at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm or at one of the many cherry orchards; or visit Main Ridge Dairy and their flock of goats to see how they make their wonderful cheeses. Make time for lunch at Green Olive at Red Hill, take a walk around the kitchen garden, olive grove and vineyard (be sure to say hi to the Maremma guarding the massive chicken flock!), and jump to your heart’s content on their trampoline. Then travel on to Red Hill to climb and fly high above the forest floor at the Enchanted Adventure Garden, with its network of 50 aerial obstacles, zip-lines linking platforms up to 10 metres high, and one of Australia’s largest tube riding networks. Of course, don’t forget to spend some time at the beautiful bay beaches of the Mornington Peninsula – they’re calm, clean, and home to our iconic, colourful beach boxes. Stay overnight at Aquabelle Apartments in Rye.
This morning, continue around Western Port Bay to Phillip Island, stopping at Churchill Island as you arrive to see the working farm activities taking place on this first farmed site in Victoria. Head to the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory to take a tour to learn how their chocolate is created – and do some creating yourself! From here, spark your imagination at A Maze’n’Things, full of mental tests and games for all ages. Directly across the road you’ll find the Koala Conservation Centre, with boardwalks into the treetops to ensure great interaction with these cuddly locals. Cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises or the Wild Ocean Ecoboat to Seal Rocks to see the 30,000 strong colony of Australian fur seals, and take the kids to catch a fish at the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm before the Penguin Parade at sunset. Be sure to get the Penguins Plus upgrade to enjoy the ranger commentary and the chance to see the penguins from the underground viewing area, at eye height. Then spend the night at Phillip Island Apartments in Cowes.
The Phillip Island adventures aren’t over yet – enjoy some of the best ham and cheese toasties in Australia at Mad Cowes Café overlooking Cowes Beach, before heading to the Nobbies Centre and taking in the Antarctic Journey, coming face to face with orcas and seals (or at least 3D virtual reality versions of them). Then it’s goodbye to the Island, and a journey via the Dandenong Ranges to the Yarra Valley. Take a ride on Puffing Billy, feed the native birds at Grants Reserve, or visit any of the beautiful national parks in these ranges. If you’re travelling in September/ October, be sure to frolic in the fields of tulips at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Pick peaches, nectarines, feijoas and guavas at Rayners Orchard before heading to your overnight accommodation in the Yarra Valley itself at Balgownie Estate.
In winter, head just 40 minutes out of the Valley to Lake Mountain, and indulge in snow play at this resort. Or, at any time of year, spend plenty of time at Healesville Sanctuary, taking in some of the most educational and inspiring shows on offer, such as Spirits of the Sky, dedicated to Australia’s bird life, and Tales from Platypus Creek. Get up close to our wildlife with Magic Moment encounter, and check out the amazing work done by the staff and volunteers at the Wildlife Hospital. Stop in at Meletos for some of the Valley’s best pizza for lunch, play a game of petanque at Dominque Portet Winery, and then head back into Melbourne, just 45 minutes away
Romantic Indulgence
Start your journey with lunch with a view at Jack Rabbit Vineyard, overlooking beautiful Corio Bay, just 1.5 hours from Melbourne on the Bellarine Peninsula. Stretch your legs with a walk on one of the stunning surf beaches here, or explore some of the villages of this region – Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff offer boutique shopping, cafés and providores as you meander your way around the Peninsula. Catch a late ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula (keep an eye out for dolphins as you cross), and make your way directly to Big Blue Backyard, a boutique B&B nestled in the dunes of St Andrews Beach. Book dinner onsite tonight – Paul and Lisa, the owners, will bring a meal direct to your suite for a quiet night in.
It’s a 5 minute ramble through the dunes to start your day with a walk on St Andrews Beach, so fill your lungs with fresh sea air before heading to the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula for a day of wine, food and indulgence. Schedule lunch at the stunning Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, and make sure you wander through their sculpture park. Then taste more of the Mornington Peninsula’s wine offerings at nearby Red Hill Winery and T’Gallant. Visit the famous beach boxes at Dromana, Mornington or Mt Martha, and perhaps pick up something for home at the Red Hill Market or vintage stores in the villages of Red Hill and Flinders. Settle in this afternoon with a massage at Peninsula Hot Springs and a soak in a private bath of geothermally heated mineral water. Sunset today can be seen from the top pool of this relaxing complex, with a 360-degree view of the Peninsula. Choose another dining option tonight – perhaps Paringa Estate, or The Long Table – and be sure to allow time for an outdoor bath or shower at Big Blue Backyard, surrounded by candles…
Make it a slow start today, then continue around Western Port Bay to Phillip Island, with its abundance of wildlife, beaches and walks. Stop in at the Koala Conservation Centre and get up close to these beautiful creatures as you take the boardwalk up to treetop level; if you like a little adrenaline in your day, cruise with the Wild Ocean EcoBoat to Seal Rocks and be delighted by the thousands of Australian Fur Seals that frolic off these shores and wave at you from the water. Lunch at Cape Kitchen is recommended, with stunning vistas of the Southern Ocean and fresh local fare. And for a view of the Island you’ll remember forever, take to the skies with Phillip Island Helicopters. Check in early to your accommodation at Glen Isla House or Oak Tree Lodge and relax, before heading off to the legendary Penguin Parade at sunset. Take the Ultimate Tour to be on a private beach with just 10 guests, or view them from the new Penguins Plus area where you’ll be right up close to these adorable birds as they make their way home to their nests.
Head north to the Dandenong Ranges and spend time wandering through the villages of Sassafras and Olinda. Take a stroll through the giant Mountain Ash forest, or pick berries as you wind your way to the Yarra Valley. The Dandenongs are home to some beautiful national parks and gardens, as well as the Tesselaar Tulip festival held every September – plenty of opportunities to get some fresh air and inspiration. Arrive in the Yarra Valley in time for a late lunch at TarraWarra Estate, followed by a look around their stunning art gallery. This evening, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and indulge at your accommodation, Chateau Yering. Stay onsite tonight for dinner in Eleonore’s Restaurant.
What better way to start the last day of your romantic journey than with a hot-air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley at sunrise, watching the vineyards and farms come to life? Enjoy a champagne breakfast, freshen up, then head to Healesville Sanctuary for your chance to Wade with the Platypus, or experience a Magic Moment with some of the other friendly locals – hand feed an echidna, or give a wombat a tickle behind the ear. Lunch at Herd in Healesville, outdoors at Levantine Hills, or overlooking vines at Meletos or Oakridge, before heading back to Melbourne, just 1 hour from the Yarra Valley
Wildlife and Adventure
Head straight for Healesville Sanctuary, just 1.5 hours from central Melbourne. Spend the morning interacting with Australia’s iconic animals. Explore the Wurundjeri Walk that takes visitors through emotive soundscapes, sculpture, a Dreaming Place, and an ancient scar tree. Enjoy lunch at Rochford Winery before heading out on a winery tour with a difference – on a Segway! In the evening, sip a glass of red wine on your deck at Yering Gorge Cottages while you watch the resident mob of kangaroos (includingonerarewhiteone)grazeonthe lawns
Up early for a dawnflight withGlobalBallooning, watch the Valley spring to life as the sun comes up, and finish with a champagne breakfast. After freshening up,head south to Phillip Island.Visit Nobbies Centre and experience the Antarctic Journey, then get up close to some of our cuddliest locals at the Koala Conservation Centre. In the afternoon, head out with Wildlife Coast Cruises to see the 30,000 Australian Fur Seals that inhabit Seal Rocks, before the crème de la crème of wildlife experiences at the famous sunset Penguin Parade. Book early for the Ultimate Penguin Tour, a small group adventure to a remote beach, with night-vision goggles to enable you to see the tiny birds as they leave the ocean and waddle past you en route to their nests. Stay overnight at Clifftop B&B and wake up to a view of the Southern Ocean.
Take an early morning walk on one of Phillip Island’s beautiful beaches and be the first footsteps in the sand. If you prefer a more challenging morning activity, walk out to Pyramid Rocks or Cape Woolamai, or take a surf lesson at Out There Outdoors. And if hitting the heights is more your style, see the Island from the air with Phillip Island Helicopters. Then it’s off around Western Port Bay to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Head to Horseback Winery Tours for an introduction to some of the region’s iconic wines with a completely different viewpoint – from the back of one of their gorgeous horses. Soak any aching legs at the Peninsula Hot Springs before heading for your overnight accommodation, Glamping with Happy Glamper at Iluka Retreat.
An early start will have you at Sorrento by 8am for a trip out to Port Phillip Bay with Polperro Dolphin Swims. Search out the wild pods of bottlenose dolphins and visit the resident seals at Chinaman’s Hut. Sticking with the aquatic and coastal theme for the afternoon, hire snorkelling gear from Bayplay to view the Weedy Sea Dragons near the piers on the bay side of the Peninsula or hire a Stand Up Paddle Board and see why this peaceful activity is so popular. If you’d rather not get wet, hire a bike from Bayplay and cruise around the national parks of the Peninsula; walk some of the Mornington Peninsula Walk (we say some because there is over 100kms of trails); or try strawberry or cherry picking in the summer months. Take a ferry across the bay with Searoad Ferries, running every hour until 6pm (7pm in summer)for the 40-minute crossing to Queenscliff, and stay overnight at BIG4 Beacon Resort.
If you’re a scuba diver, head out from Queenscliff with Dive Victoria and visit the site of the ex HMAS Canberra, scuttled in 2009 in 30m deep water. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf – why not take a lesson with the experts at Go Ride A Wave at one of Victoria’s iconic surf beaches, Ocean Grove or Torquay? Or take to the water with Sea All Dolphin Swims to learn about the wildlife of the bay, and the history of the treacherous stretch of water known as The Rip. Enjoy lunch at Jack Rabbit Vineyard before heading back to the city James Bond-style with a Microflite helicopter transfer from the landing pad right in front of your restaurant.
Belerine Peninsula
Jack Rabbit Vineyard
Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula
Jack Rabbit Vineyard’s restaurant, vineyard and cellar door offer guests a brilliant regional experience! The unrivalled, spectacular panoramic views across the bay to Melbourne, the You Yangs and Geelong are just the beginning. The winery has forged a reputation as a gastronomic showpiece for the Bellarine Peninsula alongside a stable of multi award-winning sophisticated cool climate wines.
Experience the delectable food and take a guided tasting of award-winning cool climate wines. Soak up the spectacular and ever-changing views across the bay in every direction.
Delight in Jack Rabbit Vineyard’s rich, diverse stable of sophisticated cool climate wines.
Sea All Dolphin Swims
GEELONG & BELLARINE PENINSULA
Snorkel, swim or sightsee with wild seals and dolphins, cruise from the land or sea, and catch a wave in ocean beaches. Delight in the best outdoor experiences the region has to offer with Sea All Dolphin Swims! Transport and accommodation options are available.
Sea All Dolphin Swims provides the most exciting ocean and bay experiences on Port Phillip Bay and nearby ocean beaches.
Tour with this multi award-winning eco- tourism company, renown for innovation, development, and superior customer service.The entire team takes pride in going above and beyond to ensure visitors experience the best of Port Phillip Bay and the south Victorian coastline.
Operating for 22 years, the team has a world of knowledge and are incredibly passionate in what they do. These friendly, energetic, qualified instructors and guides love to showcase the region’s best natural environments and wildlife. Their aim? To inspire happy, smiling customers with fond, lasting memories of their adventure experience.
Flying Brick Cider Co
Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula
A must! This retro-inspired landmark venue is definitely calling. Think innovate space, a tasting paddle of ciders, amazing food without the ‘fancy’, the best Bellarine wines around, a solid selection of beer, Friday night live music which traces the roots of rock, soul, rhythm and blues and you will get an inkling of what to expect – fabulous, funky, fun. Flying Brick ciders are traditionally crafted from 100% fresh fruit and contain no sugars, colours, flavourings or concentrates.
Established in 2010 on the stunning Bellarine Peninsula, Flying Brick Cider is now heralded one of the ‘old boys’ of Australian cider. The holistic, contemporary range continues to extend its status as one of the fastest growing boutique ciders in the country.
Flying Brick ciders are traditionally crafted from 100% fresh fruit and contain no sugars, colours, flavourings or concentrates. The three classic and highly awarded Flying Brick signature offerings include Original, Pear and Draught. In addition, the onsite cidery at the Flying Brick Cider House is continually crafting boutique seasonal batches from fresh, seasonal fruit under the watchful eye of cider master, Nyall Condon.
A visit to The Bellarine is not complete without exploring Flying Brick Cider Co’s retro-inspired landmark venue which opened its doors in 2014.
Open 7 days for lunch and guided tastings. Dinner on Friday and Saturday nights.
Mornington Peninsula
Peninsula Hot Springs
Mornington Peninsula
Your journey to relaxation starts here. Peninsula Hot Springs is the first natural hot springs and day spa centre in Victoria, located on the Mornington Peninsula. Natural thermal mineral waters flow into the pools and private baths at this award-winning coastal oasis, providing the idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Peninsula Hot Springs’ two bathing facilities provide an experience for everyone:
Bath House is a social bathing experience like no other. Explore over 20 globally-inspired bathing experiences: cave pool, reflexology walk, Turkish steam bath (Hamam), sauna, cold plunge pools, family bathing area, massaging thermal mineral showers and hilltop pool, offering stunning 360 degree views of the region. This is the perfect social thermal bathing experience for groups of friends and families.
Spa Dreaming Centre is a sanctuary reserved for guests 16 years and over. Let your mind and body can relax in the natural surrounds. Enjoy the serenity of this bathing area, and discover over 10 bathing experiences: thermal mineral pools, massaging bamboo shower, zen chi machines, infrared sauna, traditional sauna, hammam (steam room) and cold plunge pool. This area also offers private bathing options. The perfect tranquil thermal bathing experience to revitalise body, mind and spirit.
Moonlit Bathing: Indulge your sense of adventure with an overnight bathing experience like no other. Enjoy moonlit bathing under the starry evening sky and unwind with refreshments from our supper menu, available seven nights a week in our adults only Spa Dreaming Centre
Point Nepean National Park
Mornington Penisula
Point Nepean is truly one of Victoria’s beautiful natural landscapes. A special place with so much to see and discover. It has a rich history and played an important role in shaping the early settlement, quarantine and defence of Victoria.
Located right at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, the Park offers 360-degree views of the dangerous Rip, wild Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay.
Explore the military forts and tunnels at Fort Nepean. Discover the historic Quarantine Station through a self-guided tour. Explore this historical precinct which has almost 50 heritage listed buildings. The Quarantine Station was established in 1852 and from 1952 the buildings also housed the Army Officer Cadet School.
Witness the wild waves from Cheviot Hill and view the memorial where former Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared in December 1967.
Take a picnic, walk or cycle over 10 kilometres of coastal tracks whilst enjoying the coastal native trees and grasses which are an ideal habitat for Australian wildlife.
A hop on hop off shuttle bus service operates from 10.30am to 4.00pm daily, except Christmas day, between the Quarantine Station and Fort Nepean.
Arthurs Seat Eagle
Mornington Peninsula
Board a state-of-the-art gondola at the Arthurs Seat Eagle and fly over the State forest to the highest point of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula where the views will take your breath away. You will be torn between looking at the amazing view across the bay to the city or over the Peninsula, and spotting the wildlife, as you soar high above the trees.
The high-flying Eagle is Mornington Peninsula’s newest attraction. Gliding smoothly throughout the journey, you will be able to appreciate Arthur Seat’s natural heritage and some of the best views in Victoria.
Designed to be an all-inclusive and accessible experience, the Eagle caters for everyone from families with young children through to senior citizens and others with mobility limitations.
Arthurs Seat Eagle travels between the Base Station in Dromana to the Summit Station at the top of Arthurs Seat. Choose to board at either station.
Enjoy this experience all year round with a choice of both open or closed gondolas and take in the different views throughout the seasons.
Take time while visiting to grab a snack or enjoy a meal in the Eagle Café, or explore one of the many walking trails through the Arthurs Seat State Park.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Mornington Peninsula
Fantastic opportunities to get close to Australian native animals at this award-winning wildlife conservation park. Pet a koala, feed a kangaroo, play with dingoes, hold an owl or a python. Frequent keeper talks and daily wildlife show. Find out about local endangered species or enjoy a magical evening wildlife tour.
Winner of the 2018 Victorian Tourism Awards in Ecotourism and for Best Attraction, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park invites you to explore 10 hectares of bushland, meeting endangered species, feeding kangaroos and wallabies, petting koalas and enjoying hands-on encounters with friendly birds, pythons and dingos.
Moonlit Sanctuary is home to over 60 Australian species. Many, including about 80 kangaroos and wallabies, are free to roam through the bush and give visitors a rare natural encounter. Others are housed in large natural enclosures, including endangered creatures such as the strange-looking bush thick-knees bird whose call hadn’t been heard on the Mornington Peninsula for more than 60 years.
Colourful parrots abound, waterbirds are at home in extensive wetlands and visitors can explore the flourishing bush foods garden. You can even see Australia’s majestic wedge-tailed eagles.
During the day, visitors can enjoy 9 different keeper presentations as well as a daily wildlife show. For a little extra, visitors can also cuddle up to a koala, play with dingoes, hold an owl or even have a python around their neck!
At night, Moonlit Sanctuary comes alive in a remarkable way, with world-famous lantern-lit tours. Owls and other night birds are active, tiny feathertail gliders and beautiful squirrel gliders swoop around, and quolls, pademelons and bettongs forage for food. Visitors are amazed that even animals such as wallabies are much more active and responsive at night.
Learn about our endangered species programs, including for the critically endangered orange bellied parrot, red bellied pademelons, southern bettongs, spot-tailed quolls and Tasmanian Devils.
Philip Island
Phillip Island Nature Parks – Penguin Parade
Phillip Island
Witness Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins in the nightly Penguin Parade as hundreds of little penguins come out of the sea at dusk and head back to their sand dune burrows for the night.
Home of the world-famous Penguin Parade, Phillip Island Nature Parks feature incredible Australian wildlife experiences, spectacular coastal scenery, world class beaches and much more. This world class ecotourism experience boasts the best natural penguin viewing in the world and promotes conservation and protection of wildlife and their environment.
Experience the Penguin Parade from General Viewing, the premium viewing areas of Penguins Plus and Underground Viewing, or choose from a great range of eco-accredited tours with a ranger guide. Guided tours include the:
- Guided Ranger Tour with our knowledgeable rangers through the Penguin colony.
- Ultimate Adventure Tour for a sunset adventure to a part of the penguin colony closed to the general public at night.
- Family Wildlife Tour for all the family to enjoy, including front row seating.
Phillip Island Nature Parks is a must for any nature lover. As well as the Penguin Parade, explore the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, the Koala Conservation Centre the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre. Bundle and Save with a 4 Parks Pass.
Visitors can enhance their penguin viewing experience with the free Penguin Parade app for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. The app is available in six languages: English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, German and Spanish and includes a live penguin camera and free images to share.
A Maze’N Things
Phillip Island
Be entertained, amused, enthralled and stimulated. A Maze’N Things is an exciting world of illusions, puzzles, magic and mini golf that will entertain, intrigue and amuse adults and children for hours. It boasts world-first activities and a range of interactive exhibits that will have you roaring with laughter or scratching your head in disbelief.
Right from the moment you enter the property, there are things that catch your eye and trick your brain. Starting with the Giant Flying Tap, Flooded House and even the world’s largest backwards clock, you are in for an experience unlike any other.
Get your head chopped off, be shrunk to half size, get lost in the mirror maze or outdoor maze, fall off a cliff or zoom along on the flying boogie boards. Enter Magic Manor for a whole new world of magic and mystery.
Play on our landscaped Maxi Mini Golf. The holes are challenging, but sometimes luck is what you really need. It will entertain and challenge everyone from beginners to experienced golfers.
SkyTrail provides a great adrenaline rush for those seeking a high ropes course challenge conducted in complete safety.
This truly unique, weird and wonderful place is open 7 days, offering a long, long list of things to do, problems to solve and places to go. And at the end of it all, there is The Puzzle Café and specialty retail shop to rest and take a breather.
A Maze’N Things offers a range of specialised programs for small and large groups: educational, corporate, international. They have a strong reputation for great service, reliability and customer care.
Wildlife Coast Cruises
Phillip Island
Take an unforgettable cruise around Phillip Island experiencing wildlife in their natural habitat with seals, dolphins, birdlife, and seasonal whales to be found.
Wildlife Coast Cruises have expert knowledge of the local area, running for over 20 years, letting passengers discover Phillip Island and Western Port’s stunning coastal scenery.
Visit Seal Rocks, Australia’s largest fur seal colony located two kilometres off the Phillip Island mainland and home to thousands of seals. These curious mammals will come up to the boat to check you out, going amongst their normal day playing and feeding in the waters below.
Wildlife Coast Cruises is a proud leader in ecotourism, boasting a range of environmental accreditations and promoting sustainability in their operations.
Their range of cruises is unique to Victoria and includes:
- Phillip Island Seal Cruise
- Twilight Sunset Cruise
- Cape Woolamai Cruise
- Winter Whale Cruise, Dolphin & Whale Cruise
Bookings are required for all cruises. Wildlife Coast Cruises can also cater for group tours, private charters, school groups and corporate functions.
Phillip Island Penguins
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Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Puffing Billy Railway
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Travel through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, with lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead. Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest.
Experience the time-honoured tradition of sitting on the carriage sill – a true thrill for young and old! Ride in open-sided carriages over the rolling hills, down the valley and into the forest on the original 24km mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook and enjoy the simplicity and beauty of the region on board our Excursion train journey.
Lakeside Visitor Centre features indoor and outdoor event spaces, local food and wine, and inspiring group experiences.
Function spaces can be hired independently or combined with our steam train journeys, including private charter trains, exclusive carriages for groups, and onboard dining in enclosed heritage first-class carriages.
Sit back, relax, and bask in the company of loved ones with a ride onboard Australia’s oldest preserved steam railway.
Rayner’s Orchard
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Rayner’s Orchard is a family run boutique orchard in the Yarra Valley. The 37 acre orchard has over 450 varieties of fruit including: peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, tamarillo, pomegranate, persimmon, pepino, feijoa, guava, kiwi fruit, dutch medlar and various citrus throughout winter.
Enjoy the best of the best tree ripened fruit in season (nothing is cool store ripened) This orchard is unique in that, it is the only farm in the Yarra Valley to have fruit ALL YEAR ROUND.
Their signature one hour Tractor Fruit Tasting Tours run everyday from 9am – last tour departs at 3pm. U-Pick is available on Fruit Tasting Tours.
Rayner’s Orchard offers fruit bottling workshops, where you will learn the age old art of preserving fruit the ‘old fashioned’ way -bookings essential.
Visit the Peach Cafe and retail farm shop, and a wander around their extensive Fruiting Plant Nursery is a must.
No matter what time of year it is, it’s always a good time to visit Rayners Orchard
Oakridge Wines
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
Oakridge Wines provides a superb winery setting that is bound to make every occasion a memorable one. The property is in the heart of the Yarra Valley, bordered by the mountains of the Great Dividing Range and stretching across 10 hectares of vines along Maroondah Highway.
The family-owned Oakridge Wine estate is dedicated to producing outstanding and distinctive wines whilst providing visitors with a truly memorable wine and food experience.
The 130 seat Oakridge Restaurant embodies all that this exceptional region has to offer: the finest award winning wines, exceptional food experiences and magnificent scenery.
Celebrate in the Yarra Valley with the renowned Oakridge ‘Unique Experiences’, off-site dinners, day conferencing, board meetings, private celebrations, product launches, hot topic seminars, milestone events and end-of-year celebrations.
Global Ballooning
Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
It’s a wonderful thing, to be able to give someone the experience of a lifetime over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. Since 1992, Global Ballooning Australia has shared a sunrise with over 90,000 people in a fleet of 30 balloons – and it never gets old. We’re proud of our safety record, and we care deeply about our guests’ experience, but for us, it’s more about the people we meet along the way and the pristine natural playground we call our office.
It starts with an alarm; that familiar shrill that drags you from bed and dares you to meet the dawn. Today is different. Your adventure starts before the city stirs. Birdsong begins as balloons inflate and you find yourself drawn to the heat of the flame. As the earth falls away, you rise with the sun. For an hour, it’s just you and the sky. This is what freedom feels like; you have nowhere to be but here. The world around you is just waking up – and you’ve already crossed something off your bucket list. If you are looking for a romantic soft adventure that gives you a peek at country life from a totally different angle, then ballooning over Yarra Valley is a must.
One of Victoria’s most spectacular winery regions, with outstanding vineyards and mountains, the Yarra Valley is a leisurely one-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD. It is a natural amphitheatre, which makes it the perfect location for a ballooning tour: great views, native fauna and flora, excellent food and wine and stable weather. Let the breeze usher you along the corridors of grape vines and over the Yarra River as you lose yourself in the breathtaking views of mountains that surround the valley. This region has excellent locally grown food/wine and makes for a brilliant full day in the countryside!
Global Ballooning Australia also offer flights over Melbourne city. There are few major cities around the world where you can traverse by hot air balloon.
We rise before the sun almost every day of the year because we believe there’s something magical about experiencing the world from the sky. Nothing excites us more than bringing out a child-like joy in adults and a sense of wonderment in children. It’s all part of a journey that’s finished by 9am, but leaves a lifelong impression.
Puffing Billy