Melbourne Surrounds Holidays

Melbourne Surrounds Holidays - Places of Interest

The Yarra Valley - a wine history that dates back to 1845 and one of Australia's premier wine producing regions. Travel the many wine routes, try out the cellar door tastings and enjoy good food in the many fine restaurants. There's plenty of wine, food and music at the Grape Escape festival held in March. 

This is an area of strenuous bush walks, caving and rock climbing. Sail on Sugarloaf Reservoir or kayak down the Yarra River on its course through the valley. Take a leisurely hot air balloon rides and appreciate the valley from above.

See the panoramic views from the Mount St Leonard Lookout. get an insight into local Aboriginal history and culture at the Galeena Beek Living Culture Centre. Visit the famous Healesville Sanctuary which houses the largest collection of Australian wildlife anywhere in the world.

Warburton is the gateway to the attractions of the upper Yarra Valley. It's a popular destination for absieling, rock climbing, hang gliding and caving. A town of rugged, timbered hillsides, a fine golf course, gold mining and timber cutting relics.

For those with a head for heights, try the Donna Buang Rainforest Gallery tree top walkway. The Warburton Water Wheel and Visitor Centre is a popular attraction. The 38km Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is great for walking, cycling and horse riding.

Dandenong Ranges - some of the finest gardens in Australia are found here. The National Rhododendron Gardens at Olinda, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens near Sherbrooke Forest, the Pirianda Gardens in Hacketts Road are all must see attractions for garden lovers. The native flora garden of Karwarra is located at Kalorama on the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road.

A must for the kids is to ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake. For panoramas  across Port Phillip Bay, visit the lookouts at Skyhigh and Mt Dandenong. The Woolrich Lookout has views of the surrounding Olinda area and there are more lookouts at One Tree Hill in the National Park and at John's Hill Reserve at Kallista. 

Murrindindi Region - take a trip back in time and visit the grand architecture of Alexandra, a gold rush town that had 27 hotels during its heyday. Ride the timber train or take the town heritage walk. Visit the legendary C.J Dennis Gardens and Fraser National Park. Nature lovers will enjoy the magnificent tall timber of the Black Spur rainforest.

Take a trip to the spectacular Wilhemina Falls and Murrindindi Cascades to the south of Yea, try your hand at trout fishing in the Yea and Goulburn Rivers or take a "Harley" tour to take in some snow at Lake Mountain behind the beautiful Marysville.

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country - this area lies to the north-west of Melbourne and comprises the bottom tip of the Great Dividing Range. Promoted as a region of "Pure Indulgence" and the mystery of Hanging Rock,  this is an area of mineral and freshwater springs and famous for its vineyards, mountain retreats and historic homes.

The "Ashes", a prized cricket trophy with significance for Australian and English cricket followers, had is origins in Sunbury. Historic buildings and homes preserve much of the grandeur of yesteryear. Visit the George Evans Museum for local heritage displays and the historic buildings at the Victoria University. Take a trip to the the National Trust classified Emu Bottom Homestead, the earliest homestead in Victoria.

The cool climate at Macedon, together with rich volcanic soils, attracted grand homes and gardens. Tours of the historic homes and woodland settings are popular with visitors. take in the views from the lookout on top of Mt Macedon or walk the 20 km of tracks around the mountain. 

It's only a short drive to Hesket, site the famous rock formations of Hanging Rock. Woodend's history is linked to tales of bushrangers and is now known for its markets, antiques, craft shops and galleries.

Examples of fine colonial architecture are to be found in Kyneton, a haven for arts and crafts lovers. An extensive collection of period pieces is on display in the Kyneton Museum which has an original squatters homestead in the museum grounds. The heart of bluestone country is Malmsbury, known for its stone bridges, viaducts, mills and cottages.

Located at the north-east end of the Macedon Ranges are Kilmore & Lancefield in what is known as thoroughbred country. Ride Hudson Park in the old cable tram and visit the Dreamtime Emu Park.

Known for their mineral springs and spas are the twin towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. This is a place of stately homes, genteel afternoon teas and fine dining amongst the largest collection of natural mineral and freshwater springs in Australia. Lake Daylesford Central Springs is one of the best known with its numerous pavilions and springs.

Try the Hepburn blowhole and visit the waterfall, river gorges and raging rapids in the surrounding streams. There are numerous excellent walks and treks throughout the area. For something different, see the area via an historic train rides.

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