We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Drive northeast of Melbourne for an hour and you'll notice the scenery take on a dramatic change. Gone at the high-rise buildings and the busy streets and in their place are near-empty stretches of country road, sparse buildings and seemingly endless rows of vineyards that beckon you to explore, relax and unwind.
This is the Yarra Valley, a region renowned for its award-winning wineries, fresh local produce, well-being facilities and country atmosphere.
Whether you're searching for a romantic getaway, adventure-filled weekend or family holiday, the Yarra Valley and country Victoria has boundless activities to enthrall and excite.
Drive up from Melbourne or take a day tour from the big city. Whichever way you decide, just remember to leave your big city worries behind.
The closest airport to the Yarra Valley is Melbourne's Tullamarine.
Getting around the Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is a region famous for its vineyards and is just 50 kilometres from Melbourne.
You can get to Yarra Valley from Melbourne by car or by private tour . The drive usually takes just under an hour, and you can enjoy lovely views and even spot local wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies along the way.
Another option to reach Yarra Valley is by train (to Hurstbridge, Lilydale or Belgrave) or by bus.
Yarra Valley is car country since most wineries aren't within walking distance and public transport in the valley is scarce. This means in order to discover its vineyards and natural beauty, it's best to drive or to organise a tour. You can organise a tour either before you arrive or while you're in the area.
Yarra Valley public transport
Types of transport. Towns and attractions in Yarra Valley are not well connected by public transport. Your best transport options to get around Yarra Valley are hiring a car or joining a tour. Exploring the vineyards and wonderful landscape of Yarra Valley this way can help you experience more of the local area.
Paying for transport. You can pay for transportation with cash as well as with a debit or credit card.
Getting to and from the airport. Bus 906 and the Melbourne Metro can get you from Melbourne Airport to the Yarra Valley in approximately 50 minutes.
Best apps for getting around. There are no official transport apps for getting around Yarra Valley.
Car hire in the Yarra Valley
In the absence of public transport, renting a car is a good way to see Yarra Valley. An additional benefit is that it provides you more autonomy to travel far and wide.
You can hire a car from companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar,Hertz, DriveNow, Redspot and Thrifty, which are available at multiple locations in Melbourne.
Taxi. Taxis are scarce in Yarra Valley and can only be booked in advance through a phone or a website.
Uber. You can use Uber to reach Yarra Valley from both Melbourne and Essendon Airports. The cost is $70-$100 from Melbourne Airport and $55-$75 from Essendon Airport.
Airport transfers to the Yarra Valley
It's easy to get in and out of Yarra Valley using airport transfers.
The Yarra Valley is a popular holiday destination for those looking to unwind and relax. You can visit the vineyards, dine on local fresh produce or indulge in a luxurious day spa. Sound heavenly? We thought so too.
The Yarra Valley also offers holidaymakers the opportunity to explore and adventure in Dandenong Ranges National Park, where visitors can come face to face with some of Australia's native wildlife.
If all that's holding you back from a trip to the Yarra Valley is a few vital questions, don't panic.
Where is the Yarra Valley located?
The Yarra Valley is the area that surrounds the Yarra River. It's located in Victoria, southeast Australia.
How far is the Yarra Valley from Melbourne?
The Yarra Valley is located approximately 63kms away from Melbourne. This equates to approximately 56 minutes on the road.
How do I get to the Yarra Valley?
The Yarra Valley is most accessible via road, and thus you're best option to get there would be via car. You could also journey via bike along the scenic Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail.
The trail starts from train terminus Lilydale, where you have the option to rent a bike, and continues for 39kms across the valley to Warburton.
The trail passes lots of wineries, most only a short detour off-route. The route is a former trainline and is completely separated from road traffic.
What are the best things to do in Yarra Valley?
There's plenty to experience and see in Yarra Valley. We've outlined some of the best things below.
Wineries. There are wineries in abundance in Yarra Valley. Travel to traditional family-owned wineries such as Badger's Brook or indulge in luxurious surroundings at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, amongst an array of alternatives.
Explore nature. Why not picnic at the Big Peninsula Tunnel, explore the Cathedral Range State Park or take to horseback at Chum Creek?
Art. Stop by Art at Linden Gate to see some astonishingly contemporary sculptures, experience culture in a more traditional style at Bruno's Art & Sculpture Garden or take in the excellence on offer at Healesville Fine Art Gallery.
Personal pampering. Visit Piaf Day Spa, set in 10 acres of rainforest, or spoil yourself with a trip to the luxurious Japanese Mountain Retreat Mineral Springs and Spa.
Where are Yarra Valley wineries?
Since the mid-80s the Yarra Valley has experienced solid growth and is now recognised as one of the world's premium cool climate wine regions. Due to the region's varied microclimates the Yarra Valley has the ability to produce outstanding wines. The Yarra Valley wine region is located an hour's drive east from Melbourne.
Where is Yarra Valley racecourse?
Yarra Valley Racecourse is located at 2 Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen Victoria 3775. Yarra Valley is home to the Spring races, festivals and music events.
Up to 46% off Yarra Valley stays with nightly drinks + flights
Ends
Available for travel from 1 February 2021 - 1 June 2022. Includes return airfare, stay at Yarra Valley Grand Hotel, breakfast, $20 dining credit and more. Valid for 2 persons. T&Cs apply.
Plus get free drinks, upgrades, tips and Wi-Fi on board. Available on select voyages in 2021-2021 to Melbourne, Sydney, Vancouver, Los Angeles and more. T&Cs apply.
Valid on shared transfers in Melbourne with Skybus. Sample price is from the Avalon airport to Melbourne City. Includes Wi-Fi on board, free city hotel shuttle and more. T&Cs apply.
Veronica is the publishing support lead for travel at Finder and has been scouting airline, hotel and tour package deals for over five years. She has a Bachelor of Tourism major in Travel Management from University of Sto. Tomas Legazpi, Philippines and has been a local tour guide. She does her own itinerary and budget research every time she travels and has mastered the art of packing light for her family of three.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.