Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Postcard picturesque, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are famous for their farms and vineyards, national parks, rolling green hills, tall forests and fern gullies - all less than an hour's drive from Melbourne.

Take in the region's natural beauty from a hot air balloon, make your way through the heady scenery of spectacular tall forests along the Black Spur Drive, or head to Lake Mountain to walk through spring wildflowers or ski this popular cross-country resort in winter. Stop at Healesville Sanctuary to see Australian wildlife, including more than 200 species of native birds, mammals and reptiles, amid a beautiful bush setting. Have a relaxing stay at the RACV Healesville Country Club.

The Yarra Valley wine region produces award-winning sparkling chardonnay and pinot noir. Sample the wines of this region, regarded as one of the world's finest cool-climate wine districts, at one of more than 90 wineries open for cellar-door tastings year round. Domaine Chandon is one of only a few Chandon wineries outside of France. Call in at Rochford Winery for stunning wine and hot air balloon rides over the Yarra Valley, St Hubert's, which has been operating since 1863, the family-owned De Bortoli Winery, or Yering Station, Victoria's first vineyard.

The region also has a reputation for excellent local produce. Cellar-door cafés and restaurants, historic pubs and hotels, fresh fruit farms and orchards, dairies and produce markets sit among the valley's famous vineyards. Follow the Yarra Valley Regional Food Trail to more than 100 epicurean hideaways, from cheese makers and trout farms to organic vegetable growers and orchards.

The Dandenong Ranges is an idyllic retreat for those seeking mountain air and an escape from city life. Discover romantic hilltop villages, luxury hideaways and quaint tea rooms. Wander through historic, manicured parks or the National Rhododendron Gardens, lush rainforest and towering trees.

Survey the sweeping views of Mornington Peninsula, the city and the You Yangs from SkyHigh, Mount Dandenong. See the thick forests and lush fern-filled gullies from Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest surviving and famously preserved steam railway.

Go to Visit Victoria (Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges) for further information.