One-Hour's Drive: the Eastern Melburnian's guide to a day in the Yarra Valley

If you're living in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and craving a quick escape from the urban hustle, look no further than the Yarra Valley — a scenic slice of paradise less than an hour's drive away. Here, the vineyards sprawl, wildlife thrives, and the air tastes just that little bit better. So what are you waiting for?

The Eastern Melburnian’s One-Hour’s Drive series highlights accessible and fun adventures you can take alone, with friends, or with family, that are only one hour away. Think of it as a curated, easy-to-follow guide for a ready-made day out. And yes, we’re trying to pack a lot in, so it might be worth getting up early.

For this trip, we’re starting from any of the eastern suburbs — be it Blackburn's tree-lined avenues or the busy streets of Box Hill — and setting course for the Yarra Valley. As the suburbs recede in the rearview and the surroundings morph into a deep green, you'll likely begin to wonder why you don't do this more often. The drive alone is worth the trip.

Once you’re into the Yarra, we’ve tried to keep every stop fairly close. Here’s what it looks like on a map:

Make your first stop at Healesville Sanctuary

A must-visit en route is the Healesville Sanctuary. Home to more than 200 species of native Australian animals, it's one of the best places in the country to get up close with kangaroos, koalas, and that weird unit, the platypus. The sanctuary's commitment to conservation and education, combined with its truly stunning natural location, will leave you with a childlike sense of true joy as you step back in the car for the rest of your journey.

Next up, make a quick sip-stop at some premier vineyards

Venture into the heart of what the Yarra Valley is famous for — its world-class wineries. You really can’t go wrong here, as they’re all top-class. Head to Yering Station if you want to see where it all began, as it's here where the first grapevines of the region were planted by the Ryrie brothers way back in 1838. 

Grab a late gourmet lunch with a view at TarraWarra Estate

Speaking of wineries, settle down for a bite at TarraWarra Estate. This isn't just one of the region's most respected wineries, it's also home to a brilliant farm-to-table restaurant, with the ingredients for its seasonal menu sourced from its garden and local suppliers. Good food, good wine, and truly stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes await.

Check out some art and culture at TarraWarra Museum of Art

Not too far from the restaurant, the TarraWarra Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of Australian contemporary art. The museum's architecture itself is a sight to behold, let alone the treasures housed inside. A relaxed stroll through the museum grounds and gallery spaces is the perfect way to wind down an action-packed day.

Make the end of your trip a sweet one and head to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Before you head back, you simply must make a pit stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Watch chocolatiers at work, sample an array of handcrafted chocolates, and maybe pick up a couple of treats (or several) to take home. 

And that's it! Enjoy the drive home, take in the view, and please make sure you have a designated driver sorted before you get stuck into the wine tastings. 

Have your own One-Hour’s Drive to share? Email us at [email protected] with your pitch. We’d love to hear from you.

Image source: phatfreemiguel / Flickr