Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley © Judith Duk
Just under an hour from Melbourne are the rolling hills and vineyards of the Yarra Valley, popular for cellar-door tastings, good food and peaceful scenery. The Yarra Valley is home to Victoria's first vineyards and is renowned as one of the world's great wine growing regions. Visit the Dandenong Ranges for a ride on the oldest steam train in Australia, Puffing Billy, through forests and fern gullies, or browse antique shops, cool-climate gardens, craft shops and tea houses.



Attractions

Dandening Ranges National Park
Dandening Ranges National Park © avlxyz

Dandenong Ranges National Park

The famous lyre bird, which has the ability to mimic any other bird, is the most important inhabitant of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, just 25 miles (40km) from Melbourne via Burwood Highway or Canterbury Road. The park, covering 3,215 hectares, plays an important role in protecting the famous birds. Visitors enjoy walking, cycling and picnicking in the park at venues with enchanting names like Ferntree Gully, One Tree Hill or Sherbrooke Forest. The park is rich in wildlife and spectacular mountain ash forests and fern gullies are to be seen. The historic Puffing Billy steam train runs from Belgrave to Lakeside close to the park, and there are numerous craft shops, antique shops, gardens and restaurants in the area.

Address: Monbulk Road; Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au; Telephone: 131 963 (Parks Victoria Information Centre)


National Rhododendron Gardens
National Rhododendron Gardens © wlcutler

National Rhododendron Gardens

These gardens are world-famous and attract 50,000 visitors a year who come to admire an unparalleled variety of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and daffodils. One can stroll through 43 hectares of scenic gardens or enjoy a picnic by the lake and enjoy a view of the Australian Alps. During the Spring Floral Festival, held each year from August to November, visitors can see the largest undercover display of daffodils in the Southern Hemisphere. The Gardens can be found in the quaint hill town of Olinda, an hour’s drive from Melbourne.

Address: The Georgian Road, Olinda; Website: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au; Telephone: (0)3 9751 1980; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm; Admission: Off season A$6.90 (adult); A$3.10 (children); Spring A$11.50 (adult); A$5.60 (children). Concessions available

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