MELBOURNE MUST-DO DAY TOUR: THE YARRA VALLEY

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If you are a nature lover or a fan of wines and you are visiting Melbourne for your next holiday or business trip, it would be a shame if you won’t schedule a whole day tour to the Yarra Valley. This flat, sprawling region is found just

an hour’s drive from the city centre. Here you can find numerous wineries, great markets, microbreweries, and country towns. All you have to do is jump on a car and

head down the Eastern Freeway and through Maroondah Highway and you’ll be at the valley in no time.

There are other numerous interesting activities to enjoy especially for those who are not into booze. Here is a

sample day tour itinerary that we recommend:

Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight

Begin your day by taking a glimpse of the beauty of Yarra Valley riding a hot air balloon. This will give you a chance to have a 360degree view

of the region and literally float over farms, vineyards and forests.

TIP: If you want to maximise your time for this activity or to catch a great view of sunrise in the valley, it is advisable to start your tour

early at dawn.

Vineyard and Winery Hopping

There are more than 50 wineries and vineyards in Yarra Valley and 40 of which offer wine tasting tours and wine sales. Most wineries are easily accessible from the highway and can clearly be noticed through signposts. We would

suggest visiting Helen’s Hill Winery, De Bortoli, Yering Station, Oakridge Wines, Tokar Estate and Whispering hills among others.

BONUS: If you happen to be served by the winemaker at one of the wineries that you’ll visit, you might have the chance to get a free wine appreciation lesson.

Shop for Local Produce

Markets and shops are also abundant in the region, most of them offer local gourmet delights. You can follow your way through the Yarra Valley Food

Trail to find gastronomic hotspots where you can stop and sample the freshness of the local produce such as cheese, pasta, chilli, persimmons,

and smoked salmon.

TIP: Schedule your visit at the first Sunday of the month to experience what Yarra Valley farmers’ Market and Hurstbridge Farmers’ Market has to offer.

Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary

Meet and get up close to local wildlife by paying Healesville Sanctuary a visit. This protected area is home to more than 200 species of endemic animals such as koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, platypus, lyrebirds and the Tasmanian devil. The sanctuary is

settled in a 30-hectare area that offers a distinct Australian wildlife setting.

TIP: Entry for a person costs AUD 30.80. However, kids under 16 years of age are free to enter the sanctuary every weekend and during Victorian school and public holidays.

A day tour to the Yarra Valley is an ideal side-trip during your Melbourne holiday. You can contact Stay 

Innercity if you are in need of a place to stay for your holiday. We offer self contained accommodation in great locations in Albert Park, Middle Park, South Melbourne

and Port Melbourne. For more information, visit our website at http://www.stayinnercity.com.au/.