How to spend two days exploring the wineries, restaurants and views of the Yarra Valley

Magnificent wine, delicious food, breathtaking views — and all only a stone’s throw from Melbourne. Here’s how to spend a weekend in the beautiful Yarra Valley.

One of the many stunning views in the Yarra Valley.

A relaxing break filled with unforgettable experiences, glorious views, delectable food and cellar doors, and all within an hour’s drive of Melbourne — now that’s something to raise a glass to.

Here’s what to do if you have 48 hours to kill in the Yarra Valley.

DAY 1

9am: Depart Melbourne CBD. An hour’s drive later, you will find yourself enjoying the peaceful surrounds of the Yarra Valley.

10am: Your first stop is the Dominique Portet Winery (870-872 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream). Stretch your legs then savour the acclaimed sparkling rose or chardonnay. The ninth-generation winemaker is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Try the acclaimed sparkling rose or chardonnay at Dominique Portet Winery cellar door. Picture: Robert Blackburn

11am: Venture a few minutes down the road to try the Italian-influenced wine at Soumah (18 Hexham Rd, Gruyere). Stay on for lunch at Trattoria d’Soumah overlooking the vineyard and Warramate Hills.

1pm: Head to Healesville to explore the boutique shops and discover the fresh regional produce on offer from a large range of local growers and suppliers.

2.30pm: Drop in to Innocent Bystander (316-334 Maroondah Highway, Healesville) for a cheeky afternoon wine and cheeseboard. Or take a 10-minute drive to the TarraWarra Museum of Art (313 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Healesville), which exhibits Australian art from the second half of the 20th century to the present day.

The food and wine at Innocent Bystander in Healesville is second to none.

5pm: Check in to your overnight accommodation. Araluen Boutique Accommodation (603 Steels Creek Rd, Yarra Glen) is about a 20-minute drive from Healesville. Disconnect from the world and relax in a self-contained villa in a stunning bush setting.

For something more secluded, the luxurious adults-only mountain cabins at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat (38 Turners Lane, Healesville) are set in scenic surrounds with breathtaking views and may be the perfect escape.

TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley, exhibits Australian art from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. Picture: RedfishBluefish Photographic

Enjoy a beer or a cider with a tasty pizza or shared plates at Coldstream Brewery. Picture: Steve Tanner

DAY 2

10am: Meander back to Healesville for breakfast; head to Habituel (314 Maroondah Highway) for delicious pastries and coffee.

11.30am: Stop for a mid-morning walk at Badger Weir Picnic Grounds (Main St, Badger Creek), just 7km from Healesville, and see if you can spot an elusive lyrebird or two.

Yarra Valley Dairy has a huge range of cheesy goodness.

1.30pm: Visit the home of the famous “Shivering Man” at Coldstream Brewery (694 Maroondah Highway). Enjoy a beer or a cider with a tasty pizza or shared plates.

3.30pm: Sample and buy some takeaway cheese goodness. Think sumptuous Persian feta or velvety camembert-style cheese at Yarra Valley Dairy (70-80 McMeikans Rd, Yering).

4.30pm: Time to head home — armed with an enviable haul of wine and cheese!

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