A day trip from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley offers a fantastic opportunity to escape the city and experience the best of rural Victoria.
As well as being home to Victoria’s wine industry, Yarra Valley also boasts an array of food and dining experiences, along with villages that play host to an enviable array of boutique businesses.
A day out in the Yarra Valley offers city dwellers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a weekend escape. And best of all – it’s only a one hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
Begin by selecting your designated driver, pick up your rental car from Hertz in Melbourne CBD, then hit the road for the ultimate day out.
Stop One: Healesville Organic Farmers Market
Begin your morning with a visit to the Healesville Organic Farmers Market. The market was founded back in 2004 with the aim of developing a local sustainable food industry. Since then, it has attracted all manner of local producers and growers who operate weekly stalls. Arrive early and spend time chatting to the farmers before picking up some fantastic seasonal food and local produce to take back to Melbourne.
The market can be found at Coronation Park and runs every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm.
Stop Two: Lunch at Zonzo Estate
After a morning at the farmers market, head to Zonzo Estate for lunch at one of Yarra Valley’s most elegant eateries.
Zonzo Estate is a restaurant and winery situated amongst rolling hills and vine rows, with gorgeous views of the Yarra Ranges off in the distance. Enjoy an afternoon with a leisurely lunch and set the tone for the rest of the day.
Zonzo Estate is a place built on a firm philosophy, dedicated to enjoying the good life, surrounded by family and friends and great food and wine. And when you sample the authentic Italian cuisine on offer, you’ll taste all the passion and dedication that has made this place possible. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that offer the greatest pleasure.
In winter, opt for a cosy seat inside by the crackling fire, or in summer, grab a table outside in the sunshine and admire the views of the hills and vines.
Stop Three: Healesville Sanctuary
Just a short 20-minute drive from Zonzo Estate is Healesville Sanctuary, a zoo that specialises in native Australian animals. After a little food and wine, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and take a stroll.
Healesville Sanctuary is also home to the Australian Wildlife Centre, an animal hospital dedicated to treating sick and injured native animals. It also serves as an important training centre for young veterinarians who come to learn and hone their skills.
Wandering through the tranquil grounds of the sanctuary offers you the opportunity to encounter some of Australia’s most iconic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats and emus.
Yarra Valley is perfect for a short break or city escape. Hire a rental car from Hertz and explore Victoria today.
