The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Yarra Valley, Victoria

Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, this award-winning, fully landscaped regional playground boasts a huge variety of activities for all ages. Locals love it, but it is also a favourite for families from all over Melbourne who've heard about just one of Yarra Glen's great assets. Adjacent to the skate park, it has good shade, public toilets, picnic facilities and barbecues available. *This playground is accessible for all abilities.

Yileena Park is a family owned Cellar Door, Winery and Vineyard located in the beautiful Yarra Valley just one hour drive north east of Melbourne. The vinyard was established in 1998 and comprises 5 acres of Pinot Noir, 5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.5 acres of Merlot. It is situated on a north facing slope at the base of the Christmas Hills which keep it cool and protected. And the grey loam soil surfaced over a rock studded clay base make it ideal for growing premium wine grapes. The vineyard is pruned to produce between 1-2 tones of fruit per acre which allows the vines the opportunity to completely ripen the fruit. Our watering system is an American Sub-surface drip irrigation type, which delivers the water and organic liquid fertilizer directly to the vine’s roots. It allows for excellent control over our watering which we judiciously monitor. The unique sandstone cellar door at Yileena Park was opened in 2006. It is anchored back into a steep hill to ensure cool cellaring of our premium wines as the ground floor is virtually buried underground. Climb the superbly timber panelled stair case to the warmly inviting tasting room which is swathed in Tasmanian Myrtle and features and open fire place, an ornate Victorian mantle and a beautifully detailed granite bar. French doors open onto an expansive deck affording views over the vineyard and the beautiful Yarra Valley. The deck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine with a pre-ordered cheese platter. When you visit Cellar Door you must also sample our unique smoked delicacies. These are infused with the smoke from old wine barrels and the combination of wine and oak flavours imparts an amazing flavour that needs to be tasted to be believed. Our smoked products are only available at Cellar Door and include smoked salt, olives, nuts, mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar and cheeses. With such close proximity to Melbourne this stunning Celar Door, Winery and Vineyard is so accessible. We look forward to seeing you when you are next in the Yarra Valley.

Sir Paz Estate Cellar Door is a unique food & wine experience that is sure to fire the senses. With sweeping views of our vineyard and the valley beyond, visitors can begin with a tutored wine tastings and when the appetite grow's … our signature Woodfired Lunch offering is available to ensure a most fulfilling experience like no other.

Warramunda Estate is a destination for lovers of good wine which is elegant, distinctive and still very approachable. A family owned and run winery, Warramunda Estate crafts premium handmade wines that deeply express our site and each variety. Visit us at Cellar Door to taste the wine, enjoy a bite to eat and take in the incredible vistas of the Yarra Valley.

Healesville Sanctuary, in the heart of the Yarra Valley, is world-renowned as the best place to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Set in a beautiful natural environment, the Sanctuary offers a place for people and animals to reconnect with nature from creek to canopy, and plays a critical role in saving some of the world's most endangered animals. Explore the 70 acre bushland haven to experience close-up encounters with some of Australia's unique and endearing wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, birds of prey and platypus. Visitors are also free to explore the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, a working vetinary hospital treating over 1500 orphaned, ill or injured wildlife every year. The expert team shares the journey of animal rescue, rehabilitation and release with the Sanctuary's visitors. Don't miss: Spirits of the Sky: A free flight presentation featuring Australian raptors such as the Wedge Tailed Eagle, and colourful parrot species. Tales from Platypus Creek: Come face-to-face with Healesville Sanctuary's most iconic species in a world-first interactive Platypus show. Observe Platypus as they interact with keepers, play in the water and even enjoy having their tummies tickled! Wade with the Platypus: In this world-first, hands-on experience it will be your turn to be the Platypus keeper. You will have the opportunity to step into the shallow water of the 'Platypus play pool' where it's normally the keeper's job to play, frolic, tickle and feed our little furry friends.

PUFFING BILLY OPERATES DAILY (except Christmas Day). Puffing Billy is Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. This century-old steam train continues to run on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40kms east of Melbourne. Puffing Billy was built to serve at the turn of the century and is a genuine relic of our more leisurely days. The Railway is the major survivor of four experimental lines used to develop rural areas in the early 1900s. Puffing Billy Railway is now a major tourist attraction and operates every day except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 600 dedicated volunteers.

Less than an hour's drive from Melbourne, the De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate is a vibrant, family friendly winery, overlooking the valley's rolling hills. Enjoy the views and warm hospitality while sharing good wine, good food and good times with family and friends. Taste wines from the De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate, as well as wines from their King Valley, Heathcote, and Bilbul Estates. With the current restrictions due to Covid-19, our restaurant has re-opened as Locale Cafe, where we are offering a new-style cafe menu for you to enjoy. Our cafe is open Thurs - Mon 10am - 3pm. Our Cellar Door is open from 10am - 4.30pm for cellar door tastings by appointment.

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is an iconic 39 km recreation trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The trail follows the path of the historical railway line through the stunning Yarra Valley commencing at the rear of the Lilydale Railway Station and finishing in the Warburton township.Follow the 'Warburton Trail' through vineyards, beautiful mountain scenery, farmlands and forests. Cross the many restored bridges. Meander past remnants of the former station platforms and stop in at the original 1882 railway station, also known as the Upper Yarra Museum.The Rail Trail's gentle gradients make it ideal for all levels of fitness including families. Access to the trail is free for the public, however permits may be required for events.

Everything we do comes from our home in Coldstream. Ideas are born here, the grapes are grown here, and our wines are crafted and shared here. As a family-owned vineyard and winery, we aim to create wines that reflect the heritage of our site, and the independent, creative energy of the Yarra Valley. Winemaker Tim Shand guides the path of fruit from more than 150 acres of estate-grown vineyards. We have planted several varieties over the past 27 years to best suit this site, including pinot gris, chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay, shiraz, merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. These varieties shine in different ways across three distinctive expressions – Airlie Bank, Punt Road and our limited release ‘Block Series’ wines – with our full Punt Road range always available for tastings. Relax with a cheese platter, a glass or a full wine flight, chat with our team and experience why we spend every day here.