Just north of the Great Dividing Range the township of Yea is nestled in a beautiful valley at the meeting of the Yea and Goulburn Rivers. Only a 90 minute drive from Melbourne, Yea offers a relaxed country experience.
The Yea township boasts historic buildings, a thriving main street and a strong arts culture. It's also a key town on the Great Victorian Rail Trail. With a range of award-winning wineries, restaurants and accommodation options on offer, Yea is the perfect base to explore the area’s surrounding scenic and historic sites.
HIGHLIGHTS
RAIL TRAIL
The Great Victorian Rail Trail winds through much of this area making these townships a great stopping off point for cyclists wishing to explore the fabulous range of welcoming country pubs, great eateries, local art galleries and quirky stores.
YEA WETLANDS DISCOVERY CENTRE
Drop into the Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum for a ride on one of the historic locomotives and learn more about the early history of rail in the area.
MURRINDINDI SCENIC RESERVE
One of the lesser known gems of our region, the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, is a great spot offering a bit of everything. There's a range of bushwalking, multiple camping areas, waterfalls, a picturesque river for water play as well as bird watching and fishing opportunities.
EAT & DRINK
The General Strath Creek
Set within a restored barn, The General Strath Creek is a country corner shop with a condensed curation of everyday items. From hot coffee, to home made sausage rolls, each item conveys a sense of support and community. Built to supply locals and welcome visitors, The General Strath Creek is a place for everything and everyone. Open everyday (except Tuesday) with evening meals served Friday and Saturday night.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Gather and Bloom Twilight Pick
Gather and Bloom Twilight Pick is a unique seasonal event at Bloom Into You Flower Farm in Flowerdale, Victoria. Just over one hour from Melbourne, this immersive twilight experience invites visitors to explore a boutique flower farm as the sun sets, gather their own blooms, and enjoy an evening of food, music, and connection in a serene country setting.
Stroll along grassy pathways lined with dahlias, zinnias, and cosmos glowing in the golden hour light. Breathe in the scent of fresh blooms and listen as gentle acoustic music drifts across the fields. Guests can savour wood-fired pizza served under summer’s twilight while relaxing into the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Perfect for Melbourne day trips and weekend getaways, this seasonal event offers stunning photography opportunities, hands-on floral activities, and a memorable connection to Victoria’s rural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to linger, soak up the peaceful surroundings, and leave with a hand-picked bouquet as a memento of their evening.
As part of A Summer in Bloom, guests may also enjoy Brunch Among the Blooms, a premium long-table dining experience, or stay overnight at Villa Minto, luxury accommodation overlooking the flower farm, to complete their country escape.
Numbers are limited to maintain an intimate feel. Early bookings are essential.
STAY
Cheviot Glen Cottages
At the gateway to beautiful north-east Victoria, Cheviot Glen Cottages sit in a hillside on a rural working farm just east of the Yea township, 110 kilometres or 1.5 hours from Melbourne and 400 metres from the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
Side-by-side the cottages are ideal for a relaxing escape from the city, a base for cycling, horse riding, walking the Trail or just exploring the beautiful rolling hills to the Dividing Range. A tranquil, serene view from the verandah supports relaxation , rest and recuperation.
Each cottage offers one queen-size bedroom, a generous ensuite bathroom with double spa, separate shower, a fully-equipped kitchen. The living area includes a sofa bed for an extra two guests and a slow combustion wood heater.
Stays of two nights upwards and extended stays, includes a choice of breakfast provisions (Cheviot Glen Cottages aim to be sensitive to guests dietary preferences) and welcoming little touches such as freshly baked bread and a home-baked welcome jar of goodies.