Day Trip to Healesville and Warburton
Melbourne is a wonderful place to call home. What is ideal? This city is blessed with a wealth of day trip possibilities. Some of them can be reached in under an hour!
The renowned wine region known as Yarra Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne.
The Yarra Valley is a big area to cover. See the best of Yarra Valley if you only have one day to spare! The key destinations covered by this Yarra Valley day trip itinerary are Healesville and Warburton.
Given their close proximity, visiting Healesville and Warburton in one day is simple.
Start driving at 7am if you want to see everything on this list!
The Flying Apron Patisserie, Warburton
Start your day at The Flying Apron Patisserie. It is one of the best cafés in the area. Almost e Everything in the store is sourced locally.
The cappuccino that I got from the Flying Apron had an unbeatable fragrance. Their coffee is brewed with coffee beans from Silva Yarra Valley Coffee Roasters. The aroma of the coffee was beyond words. Taste it for yourself!
Besides, the lemon tart and the blueberry cheese pie there were divine.
I strongly advise arriving hungry!
Along with the patisserie, there is a little fromagerie. If you enjoy cheese, pay it a swift visit so you can stock up on some cheese for the day if you are planning for a picnic.
The Redwood Forest, Warburton
Head up to the Redwood Forest to get some fresh air! Surrounded by enormous trees, you will immediately feel the oomph of the land as soon as you step in the forest.
Bodhivana Buddhist Monastery, Warburton
A small Buddhist monastery is only a short drive from the Redwood Forest.
The monastery is open from 9:00am – 1:00pm every day of the year. If you wish to make food offerings, arrive by 10:00am to allow time to prepare food.
After that, you can take part in the monks’ daily rice offering.
Rainforest Gallery, Warburton
Walk through the Rainforest Gallery on an elevated walkway that is 350 metres long.
Observe spectacular 65-meter-tall old growth Mountain Ash trees, ancient Myrtle Beech trees, ferns, mosses, and other flora that make up this lush and rich rainforest ecosystem.
There is a viewing area accessible by wheelchairs and strollers, however the gallery itself is down some steep stairs.
Drive to Healesville
To get to Healesville, take either C505 or C506.
I strongly advise you to go through C505. It is not just a gorgeous journey, but it also passes through several interesting sites, such as the Mt Donna Buang observation tower and the 10 Mile picnic area.
If you are lucky (or unlucky), it can be snowy during the winter months.
St. Ronan's Cider + Badger Creek Blueberry Winery
You will pass by St. Ronan’s Cider and Badger Creek Blueberry Winery once you join C506.
I highly recommend giving this place a quick visit. The pear cider is terrific! Great flavours packed in a cheeky little red can with no added sugar or concentrate. I am not sold on the blueberry wine, but it’s worth a try!
After all, how often do you get to try blueberry wine?
Lunch in Yarra Valley
When it comes to lunch in Healesville, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
If you’re travelling during the peak season, I highly recommend making a reservation for lunch because these eateries are usually packed.
My Little Kitchen, Healesville
The food at My Little Kitchen Cafe was excellent. The MLK Zucchini & Mint Fritters were scrumptious! Every bite was bursting with flavour. The rockling fillet with chermoula spice was extremely fresh – the fish feels almost meaty because it was so juicy!
Two other lunch options:
Healesville Town Area
In the Healesville town area, there are a few beautiful tiny stores to explore.
Four Pillars Gin Distillery, Healesville
Next, head to Four Pillars Gin Distillery. Even if you’re not a gin fan, this distillery is just a great place to be at. If you know when you’ll arrive, reserve a table to avoid the waiting list.
As we went a month before Christmas, their gin tasting menu included a complimentary glass of Christmas gin.
Their limited edition Bloody Shiraz Gin was my favourite. Just picture what could happen when their award-winning gin was infused with some magnificent Australian Shiraz grapes. Flavour explosion.
In addition, the Four Pillars Gin Distillery is a photographer’s dream. Every step you take is an Instagram moment.
Healesville Glass Blowing Studio
After a few G&Ts, walk a few blocks to Healesville Glass Blowing Studio. It’s simply a museum of glasses – just don’t smash anything!
Domaine Chandon, Yarra Valley
Depending on how you’re doing for time, I highly recommend checking out Domaine Chandon as well. It’s on the way back to Melbourne when you’re driving back. Not only the vineyard is aesthetically pleasing, the wine is so delicious. They close at 4:30pm so make sure you plan your ahead of time!
Dinner in Yarra Valley
Finish your day by dining at another award-winning restaurant in the region.
A few suggestions:
Accommodation in Yarra Valley
If you wish to spend the night after your day trip in Yarra Valley, I recommend staying in the Healesville town area just because it is more accessible to shops and restaurants.
One of the cheapest options would be Healesville Hotel. It is strategically located in Healesville. Moreover, it is well-rated. For the price, definitely a bargain!
Stay in a Victorian house. The best thing? A queen room that comes with spa bath. Be sure to snatch up this great deal before it’s gone as it’s super popular! It’s not too pricey as well!
Want your own space? Stay in this apartment! This modern apartment has an open living plan and a deck with mountain views! Highly recommend booking in advance!
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