Dandenongs Hike and Yarra Valley

Combine an invigorating morning's walk through the forests of the Dandenong hills with an afternoon of indulgence as we explore the best of the Yarra Valley's rustic wineries. We avoid the tourist traps and coach parties in the Valley and show you the hidden beauty of the Dandenong's and our favourite vineyard hang outs

Victoria's Dandenong Ranges, around an hour's drive from Melbourne, have a unique English tradition in it's hill top villages surrounded with beautiful native forest environs. The tall mountain ash and charming fern gullies, streams and waterfalls, and towering copses of tree ferns, represent some of Victoria's most loved forest scenery and walking.

The Dandenongs is renowned for its English gardenscapes. In Autumn the deciduous European trees provide a glorious specatcle, while in spring the National Rhododendron gardens are a dazzle of massed blooms. The English association with the area is carried through to restaurants and tea houses as well as accommodation styles and themes.

The Mountain Ash forests provide the perfect habitat for wildlife such as the Superb Lyrebird, Ring-tailed and Brush-tailed Possums. We'll take a morning hike on established trails through the heart of the forest, surrounding by towering trees and the giant tree ferns that are characteristic of this area. Treecreepers, kookaburras and bell birds, colourful crimson rosellas and king parrots can all be seen. The beautiful and elusive Blue-winged Parrot has also been sighted in Sherbrooke Forest. There is also an opportunity to hand feed the colourful rosellas and cocktaoos inhabiting Sherbrooke Forest at Grant's picnic ground.

After our hike we head to the National Rhododendron Gardens in the Dandenong's for a gourmet picnic lunch from a superb viewpoint overlooking the Yarra valley. The gardens are a delight and offer many seasonal contrasts. Summer is a great time to wander the cool rainforest and picnic amid the shade of the Cherry lawn. Autumn is ablaze with colour as the deciduous trees turn extravagant shades of red, yellow and orange. Spring is glorious with Cherry trees, magnolias and Rhododendrons in full flower.

The hiking in the Dandenong's is suitable for people of reasonable fitness and we usually walk for 2 hours total. Please note there are some uphill sections and stairs so you should have good mobility, though the route can be varied to accommodate the needs of the group. You should have comfortable walking shoes to join this trip and it's advisable to have a light jacket in the event of cold weather or rain.

Yarra Valley Wine & Cheese tasting

After lunch we head into the nearby Yarra Valley for wine tasting and visiting our favourite vineyards. We have chosen small, intimate cellar doors away from the Coach tours which visit the larger wineries so that you can have a more personal and enjoyable experience. The Yarra Valley is internationally recognized as a leading cool climate wine region and also the home to fine produce. We begin our winetasting at Elmswood Estate where the views over the Yarra valley are simply breathtaking.

Next stop is the rustic cellar door at Seville Estate, before we head further into valley for a delicious cheese tasting session at the Yarra Valley Dairy. Last stop is Coombe Farm which was once home to the famous Dame Nellie Melba. We then return back to Melbourne aiming to be back in the city for 5:30.

In the event of extreme weather that prevents us from walking we will arrange alternative activities in the area, such as a ride on Puffing Billy railway or visits to local places of interest such as tours at Domaine Chandon, the Tarrawarra museum. The winetasting will be unaffected.

Please see our dedicated wine tours website at:

www.vinetours.com.au