Yarra Valley/ Dandenong Ranges

(62km north-east of Melbourne)

Trip duration: One day.

On the roadDepart Melbourne via Maroondah Highway.

Must see

The Dandenongs, the hills of Melbourne, are a short drive from the city and provide breathtaking views of Melbourne. Due to heavy rainfall and rich soil, the hills and gullies are filled with tree ferns, creepers and mountain ash. The area is dotted with pretty townships, craft shops, art galleries and tearooms, and picturesque picnic and barbecue spots. The Puffing Billy Steam Train operates through the Dandenongs from Belgrave to Emerald and the Healesville Sanctuary at Healesville features native wildlife roaming in 79 acres of natural bushland.

The entire area is famous for its beautiful gardens and for its great variety of European trees, particularly attractive in spring and autumn. Many excellent restaurants, arts and craft galleries, antique shops and well-stocked plant nurseries add to the charm of these hills.

The Yarra Valley wine-producing district lies beyond the Dandenongs, 120km to the north-east via the Warburton and Maroondah Highways. There are 15 wineries in the area which provide wine-tasting, winery tours and at certain times, talks on the local wines. Of particular interest is Domaine Chandon. This complex is a stunningly modern operation which offers guided tours through the plant, and the chance to sit and sip sparkling wines looking out over acres of vines, landscaped watercourses and gardens. A meal at award winning De Bortoli’s winery is another treat.

For further information, contact:

Dandenong Ranges Tourist Information
PO Box 6
BELGRAVE VIC 3160
Phone: (03) 751 2344

South-east Coast and the Gippsland Lakes

(319km east of Melbourne)

Trip duration: Two days.

On the roadLeave Melbourne via Princess Highway through the Dandenongs.

Must see

Head for the lakes, Australia's largest inland waterways system, in East Gippsland. The area is popular for boating, sightseeing cruises, fishing and all watersports. This region of rainforest covered mountain slopes is surrounded by state forest including national parks and wilderness areas. The South Gippsland region includes the southernmost point on the mainland, Wilsons Promontory and Tarra Bulga National Park, both reached by taking the South Gippsland Highway route.

Within easy reach is the alpine high country and some fascinating little townships such as Walhalla, Omeo, Briagolong and Dargo. Also nearby are Buchan Caves, north-east of Bairnsdale. Set in a pretty valley, these limestone caves were formed by underground rivers.

Sale, at the western edge of the region, is the local base for the development of the Bass strait oil and gas fields. Both Sale and Bairnsdale, further east on the banks of the of the Mitchell River, make excellent bases from holidays on the Lakes or alpine trips.

Lakes Entrance, a the eastern end of the Gippsland Lakes, is a main resort town and close to the amazing stretch of the Ninety Mile Beach separating the lakes from the ocean.

Paynesville, is a mecca for boating and fishing.

For further information, contact:

Mansfield Tourist Information Centre
Old Mansfield Railway Station
High Street
MANSFIELD VIC 3722
Phone: (057) 75 1464
Fax: (057) 75 2518

Acknowledgement

Images courtesy of Tourism Victoria

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