Ozhorizons - Victoria - Yarra Valley Travel, Tour and Accomodation Guide

The Dandenong Ranges lie just beyond the suburbs of Melbourne to the east. They are a popular drive on a weekend for those wishing to get away from town and explore the craft shops, and scenic spots of the area. Mount Dandenong is dotted with Devonshire tea rooms serving delicious scones and jam; or you can dine in a German-style restaurant echoing the cuckoo-clock character of the Black Forest.

Belgrave Station at the end of a Melbourne metropolitan train line is also the departure point for Puffing Billy: the hiss of steam from lovingly restored steam trains and rolling stock make for a charming way to spend a few hours. Emerald Lake at the end of the Puffing Billy line is a superb picnic spot Hidden deep in a valley Warburton is one of those placid towns which just seems to breathe relaxation.

Even the Yarra River seems to flow more serenely as it meanders along just behind the main street.

Don’t miss the other intriguing towns of the Upper Yarra Valley. The breathtaking beauty of the majestic stands of trees and giant tree ferns between the Black Spur and Healesville makes us humble in the presence of Nature. These ranges are the foothills of the Victorian Alps and the mystical mountain village of Marysville, long a favourite all-season escape from the city with its guest houses and open hearths.

Three of the great forest drives of Victoria are linked to Marysville - the Black Spur the Lady Talbot Forest Drive and the Acheron Way. The Beeches Rainforest Walk through 300 year old myrtle beeches is almost impossibly beautiful, although little known. Lake Mountain, with 41 kilometres of cross country ski trails, is the premier Nordic ski field in Australia Steavenson Falls, Victoria’s highest, are just a few minutes from the township.

As the wineries began producing some of Australia’s most impressive Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, new restaurants created fine food to complement the wines. Local food producers found ready outlets for their exceptional cheeses, venison and fruit.

Wine and food lovers began driving up from Melbourne to take winery tours and in the great French tradition, hot air balloons started drifting over the valley, ready to float down for a winery champagne breakfast.