Here are some local tips from Leanne De Bortoli.

"We are so spoiled for choice out here, I have so many more places I could gush about all day, so here's just a handful of tips from me."

 

Healesville Hotel/Healesville Harvest/Kitchen & Butcher

Run by dynamic husband and wife team, Michael Kennedy and Kylie Balharrie, the Healesville Hotel is a great place for a quick bar meal or for finer dining in the restaurant. Healesville Harvest is a good place for a quick catchup for cake and coffee. Kitchen and Butcher is handy for buying tasty treats to take home to cook.

https://www.healesvillehotel.com.au/

 

Tarrawarra Museum of Art

The TWMA was built by the Besen Family some years ago and is a showcase of the Besens contemporary Australian art collection as well as visiting art exhibitions. The architecture of this wonderful building is worth the visit on its own.

https://www.twma.com.au/

 

Healesville Sanctuary

Got kids? Well look no further than this place to while away a few hours. All manner of Australian flora and fauna can be found here and is well worth the visit, even without kids!

https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville

 

Drive Tours 

Take a drive around the valley and the Dandenong Ranges through some very spekky scenery. Favourite drives include:

 

• Myers Creek Rd from Toolangi to Healesville for the tall trees and ferns.
• The Black Spur from Healeville to Narbethong. Although ravaged by the fires in 2009, it is still worth the drive to see nature's comeback.
• Mount Dandenong Tourist Drive through the Dandenong Ranges is a must-do but don't do it on the weekend. Too busy.

 

Balloon flight over the Yarra Valley

Want to do something a little different? Take a float over the valley and vineyards with Global Ballooning. Not done the Melbourne City flight but have done the Valley one a few times. Memorable.

https://www.globalballooning.com.au/yarra-valley

 

For more ideas on things to do and see in the Yarra Valley, have a browse through the Visit Yarra Valley website. 

Want to visit other Yarra Valley wineries? The Wine Selectors Magazine has put together a list of their favourite wineries and cellar doors. Click here to read more.