Accommodation in Yarra Valley & the Dandenongs

The historical home of the Victorian wine industry has suffered the boom-and-bust cycle of other areas. After 80 successful years, most Yarra Valley vineyards had ceased operating by 1920. The cause was not the phylloxera scourge, from which the region was spared, but a growing fashion for fortified rather than table wines. After a resurgence in the 1960s there are now over 45 wineries in the area around Yarra Glen, Lilydale and Healesville, and the Yarra Valley attracts wine enthusiasts from around the world.

Only an hour's drive from Melbourne, the beautiful Dandenong Ranges form a natural backdrop to Victoria's capital city, attracting hordes of city visitors annually to this green haven of hills and forests. Rising to an average elevation of 500–600m, the Dandenong Ranges peak at Mount Dandenong, 633m above sea level.

Colourful, inviting and cool, especially in summer, the Dandenongs are popular for daytrips, not only for their intrinsic beauty but also for the many beautiful gardens and great variety of European and native trees and shrubs. The Dandenongs are home to six of the Great Gardens of Melbourne. The rich volcanic soil and plentiful rain ensures that plants flourish here, and there are many nurseries and arboreta. The smattering of restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and tearooms in the many townships of the Dandenongs provide excellent detours from exploring the region's stunning scenery.