Melbourne Holidays - Yarra Valley
Although the Yarra
River is the major natural feature that impacts on the
Melbourne and surrounding area
landscapes, it is only a small river by world standards. It runs for
just 242 kms from its source at
Mt Baw Baw to its mouth at the head of
Port Phillip Bay. It is not very wide, nor is it very deep.
However it carries high levels of organic silt and over the
centuries that silt has been deposited across the flood plains of
the Yarra Valley, resulting in the rich soils that support a
thriving agricultural region.
 The history of wine
in the
Yarra Valley dates back to 1845 and the region enjoys the status
of being
one of Australia's premier wine producing regions. The area has many
wine routes providing opportunities for cellar door tastings as well as
sampling the local products in any of the many fine restaurants
found throughout the region.
Guided
tours of the wine routes are always available. The Grape Escape, held in
March each year, is the annual Yarra Valley Grape Grazing
Weekend and provides a festival of wine, food and music.
 As the Yarra River winds
its way through the valley, its waters attract hordes of canoe and kayak
enthusiasts.
Sailing is popular on Sugarloaf Reservoir and hot air balloons drift over the valley
providing an aerial panorama of the region.
The Yarra Valley provides testing bush walks
and hiking,
rock climbing for the adventurous and fishing for the keen angler.
For an insight into
the Aboriginal history and culture of the region, the Galeena Beek Living
Culture Centre is recommended. The Mount St Leonard Lookout is a much
visited location and the renowned
Healesville Sanctuary
introduces visitors to the largest collection of Australian wildlife
anywhere in the
world.
With its rugged
timbered hillsides and fine golf course,
Warburton is the jumping off point for the gold mining and timber
cutting relics of
the upper Yarra Valley. This is a popular area for rock climbing
and absieling, hang gliding, caving and eco tours. The 38km
Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is
perfect for walking tours, cycling
and horse riding.
Inspect our
Yarra Valley Hotels
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