Here’s what I love about Summer:
- You don’t have to wear a jacket and a scarf when you go outside (but it is Victoria so a light scarf in your bag is safe!)
- Weekends can be planned and not have to worry about an ‘alternate’ plan (in case of rain)
- Summer produce & flowers – new strawberries, tomatoes, zucchini, plums, berries… pick and enjoy the fresh taste of summer
- Eating outside – when it is warm enough and the dinner is homemade.
My top 10 things to do in the Yarra Valley in Summer:
- Grab some delicious nibbles & go for a Picnic. There are some beautiful places to stop and enjoy. Grab the Frisbee, or set up a game of Finska and enjoy. Maroondah Dam is a great place and you can walk to the top of the dam wall for views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
- Hire a bike and see the valley from a different mode of transport. A range of trails and tours have been suggested at Pedals Bikes where you can hire a bike, choosing the location of pick up and drop off!
- Who wouldn’t love floating above the patchwork of farms, vineyards and orchards that make up the Yarra Valley? Why not get up early and see the valley with a champagne breakfast after traversing along in a Hot Air Balloon? Go Wild Ballooning have some fantastic mid-week specials. Tick off the bucket list with this one.
- See nature, go for a hike or better yet, take a night walk to Steavenson Falls in Marysville, the lights shine on this majestic waterfall until 11pm each night.
- As the animals wake from their winter hibernation and the newborns are out and about – pop into Healesville Sanctuary. What’s better is that during weekend, public holidays & victorian school holidays – kids are free!
- The Yarra Valley has some beautiful gardens that you can wonder around as part of the Open Gardens Victoria throughout the year. Although in the heart of the Yarra Valley a must do is Alowyn Gardens with their magical wisteria archway and many varied different gardens to explore.
- Pick your own fruit and take it home! Enjoy the fresh air and taste ‘real’ fruit straight from the tree- There are lots of orchards & berry farms out in the Valley although if you have the time, grab a tractor tour at Rayner’s Orchard
- When you think of the Yarra Valley you don’t automatically think Train… but you should. Departing from Healesville, you can have a scenic trip around the Yarra Valley on the Yarra Valley Railway
- & 10. The last 2 in the list are expected in the Yarra Valley – Food & Wine (or if Gin, Cider or beer is more your style… we have that too!) Four Pillars Gin is a perfect location to enjoy a fun & lively ‘tasting’ experience with a difference. Try there unique Gin flavours and meet the stills. The Cider & Ale Trail is a tasting for those who like to venture off the track
There are too many ‘things to do’ and experience on this list, so go to the link and find what Yarra Valley Tourism has pulled together for you
As the list is long, why not book a night or two and stay in the region? Yarra Valley Estate has self contained accommodation that is perfect to use as a base for recharging the batteries. See our mid-week specials & promotions for January.
Enjoy!