Things to do in

Healesville

Wander through the tranquil tracks and meet over 200 species of Australian animals, including the iconic koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats and emus in their natural surrounds.  Enjoy the fantastic Spirits of the Sky experience, a hugely popular free show that takes place at Healesville Sanctuary daily. Be awed by the beauty and power of these birds as they demonstrate their incredible ability to fly.  Healesville Sanctuary is internationally renowned for its work saving endangered Australian species at the Australian Wildlife Center. Visit the center, which treats more than 2000 sick and injured native animals every year.  Be sure to visit the treetops of Koala Forest and hop into Kangaroo Country to see red kangaroos, tree kangaroos and wombats.

Winery tours have never been so much fun and so affordable! This full-day tour takes in some of Victoria's best wineries in the stunning region of the Yarra Valley, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Begin by learning the art of the swirl, sniff and slurp from your expert wine guide and then try a range of cellar door tastings. Move on to lunch at the next venue and enjoy a winery restaurant meal with a glass of wine. In the afternoon travel through the gorgeous scenery to a smaller boutique winery for some tastings and finish the day at another top winery. Return to Melbourne having had an unforgettable day out in the Yarra Valley. Detailed Itinerary 09:00–09:40 AM: Pick-up at designated stations and departure for the Yarra Valley (just under an hour’s journey in the touring coach). 11:00 AM– Greenstone is beautifully situated on a single site in the picturesque Yarra Valley, an hour's drive from Melbourne. The Winery and Cellar Door, which are nestled in to the base of the Christmas Hills, have unparalleled views of the Estate vineyard and Great Dividing ranges. It is here that winemaking operations are carried out, making Greenstone one of the most progressive wineries in the valley. 12:00 PM– Balgownie Estate: One of the Yarra Valley’s jewels, Balgownie Estate is a stylish winery featuring great views and an excellent restaurant, where you’ll enjoy lunch with a glass of the Estate’s wine. And, of course, there are more great wines to taste at the Balgownie cellar door. 01:30 PM– Yering Farm: This stop is one of the Yarra Valley’s most charming boutique wineries. Yering Farm boasts stunning views and a delightful sense of heritage. At the cellar door you’ll have the opportunity to experience traditionally-made wines and to see the antique copper wine-making equipment used by the Yarra Valley’s pioneer vignerons. 02:15 PM – Soumah of Yarra Valley: The cool climate allows this winery to specialize in styles and varieties typical to northern Italy and south eastern France. With awards for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, you’ll be sure to find something pleasing while overlooking the rolling hills of the vineyard and the majestic Warramate Hills. 03:30 PM: Depart the Yarra Valley for Melbourne. 04:30–05:00 PM: Return to drop off stations.

Experience the thrill of ascending over a changing landscape at sunrise, suspended in a basket, floating under a spectacular hot air balloon. The cold air hits your cheeks, clouds floating past, the hot flames above warm you up under the morning sky… as you take flight… up, up and float away. Join a spectacular hot air balloon experience with a bird's eye view of the picturesque Yarra Valley (located an hour’s drive from Melbourne) – Victoria’s renowned wine region. Operating 364 days of the year (weather permitting) this once-in-a-lifetime tour experience provides an entirely different perspective of the Yarra Valley, beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Take off on a beautiful hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley at sunrise. The Yarra Valley is home to 90 vineyards and 35 wineries, many of which hold a reputation for creating world-class wines. See it from an entirely new perspective as you breeze over the picture postcard landscape. Meet your pilot approximately one hour before sunrise (you will be advised of the exact time and location when you phone the duty pilot the night before your flight). Your pilot will give you a short briefing before being transported to the launch site where you may help with the launch or stand back and take photos of the balloon as it is inflated. Then, climb aboard and away you go gently floating over the Yarra Valley as if you were a cloud. It is truly one of the most magnificently tranquil, picturesque and dream-like experiences you can do. Afterwards, make a final landing, pack the balloon away and have a champagne breakfast (additional cost of $35pp).

Travel through the bush laden suburbs of the north-east to the world-famous Healesville Sanctuary, a little over a 1-hour drive from Melbourne. With more than 200 species of native animals on display, this is a great start to the tour. Located on 75 acres of beautiful bushland, the Sanctuary is a magical place to observe many of Australia's iconic animals. In the early afternoon, travel to the Yering Station Vineyard for lunch in a stunning Wine Bar Restaurant. With its world-class views and cuisine, there's an a la carte selection from which to select your main course meal and glass of wine. After lunch, visit the original winery (circa 1859) that features local artworks and produce as well as estate and reserve wines to taste. Finally, make your last stop of the day at the De Bortoli Vineyard at Dixons Creek. It’s a great end to the day with superbly flavored cheeses that compliment the sparkling, table and dessert wines. The journey home takes you through Steels Creek and Christmas Hills for superb Valley views and maybe, the occasional kangaroo.

Start the tour with pickup from Melbourne’s Princess Theater in a deluxe 1956 Chevrolet. Admire this impressive and historical car then hop inside and head out of the city towards the sprawling countryside. As you explore, listen to your driver’s fascinating stories about the car as well as the Yarra Valley itself. Head through the scenic Wonga Park, driving along winding back roads to reach the historic Melba Estate. Enjoy a stop for complimentary morning tea and coffee with traditional scones while soaking up the view. From there, head to one of the region’s premium wine estates for a tour and tasting session. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, drive into the charming town of Healesville and grab lunch at one of the many restaurants. After lunch, cruise through the town and get sense of rural life, then pass by the impressive TarraWarra Estate. Finally, stop at the Yarra Valley Dairy for some light refreshments before heading back to the city.

Drive from your central accommodation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi to the world-famous Puffing Billy steam train. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. Enjoy morning tea at the scenic Emerald Lake then take a leisurely walk around the park. Then, explore the Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander around, observing native animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take a seat at the animal education lessons and live shows. You can also purchase lunch here. Finish the tour with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can sample complimentary chocolates. Return back to your accommodation in central Melbourne.

Taste a wide variety of Yarra Valley products on a full-day tour. Start the day with a delicious sharing platter of seasonal produce at the Gateway Estate. Enjoy views of vineyards and rolling hills before continuing to a boutique winery to sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varieties. Stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, home to 200 different chocolates. Afterwards, head into the township of Healesville, where you’ll sample a selection of the best beers produced in the Yarra Valley. Finish off the day with a spectacular view of the vines at another boutique winery, where you’ll of course have the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of superb wines from the region.

After being picked up from your accommodation in Melbourne, ride in air-conditioned comfort with free Wi-Fi to your first stop on this full-day tour. Wander around the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary and see Australia's native wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take part in animal education lessons and live shows to learn more about these wonderful creatures. Choose to buy your lunch here before heading to the next stop. Visit Nobbies Tourist Information Center, where you will be able to find out all you need to know about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then, continue to the Nobbies Lookout and Boardwalk. Take on the glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this iconic viewpoint. Walk along the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock and enjoy the spectacular surrounds. Head to Phillip Island, where you can purchase your dinner at the venue. Then, get ready to witness the world-famous Penguin Parade. Watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. After a day to delight animal and nature lovers, return back to Melbourne city center and be dropped back off at your accommodation.

Discover the best wine and local produce that the Yarra Valley region has to offer on a guided day tour around the region. Enjoy free chocolate samples at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery and watch the chocolatiers at work. Enjoy ample time here to pick up some goodies. Then, sit back and enjoy the views as you travel through the vineyards and rolling hills of the Yarra Valley with each winery selected for its excellent cellar door experience. The cool climate region provides the perfect growing conditions for all varietals, famous for its Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Chardonnay, some of which you will get to sample throughout the day. Take some free time to explore Healesville township. Stroll by the boutique shops, artist galleries, and grab a bit to eat at one of the cafes or popular pubs. You can even pop into Alchemy Distillery for a quick tasting (own expense). End your tour with a visit to a final cellar, for tastings of red and white wines.

Get out of the big city on this day trip to the Dandenong Ranges and Victoria’s famous Yarra Valley. Enjoy a 4-mile hike through towering forests, indulge in delicious wine tastings, and visit Matilda Bay Brewery and Four Pillars Gin Distillery. Begin your day with a quick ride from Melbourne to the stunning Yarra Valley. Follow your guide through the beautiful Eastern Sherbrooke Forest's Mountain Ash trees and wetland ferns. Keep your eyes peeled for the many lyrebirds, wombats, wallabies, and echidnas that call the forest home. After getting your appetite up, head to one of the Yarra Valley's favorite wineries, Innocent Bystander, for a snack and some wine tasting. Skip over the road to visit the craft beer brewery Matilda Bay before jumping back in the van to visit the popular Payten and Jones Winery. Top the day off with a visit to Four Pillars. This small craft gin distillery has received the title of the world's leading gin producer two years in a row and produced unique and interesting gins. After you've picked out some gin to take home, head back to Melbourne with your guide.