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
Yea Peppercorn Hotel
The Yea Peppercorn Hotel caters to many travellers passing through to Lake Eildon in the Summer and Mt Buller during Winter.
It is also a welcome overnight venue for cyclists exploring the 134 kilometre Great Victorian Rail Trail which passes through Yea, just across the road from the hotel at the old railway station.
Being only 1.5 hours out of Melbourne it is the perfect distance for a day trip or overnight stop. Serving delicious Indian food from 5.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and more traditional pub fare from Thursday to Sunday, with lunch available on weekends only.
With boutique accommodation available as part of the premises, why not make the most of your visit and stay a night or two? With five queen rooms onsite and a two bedroom apartment nearby, Yea Peppercorn caters for couples and small groups.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Cycle Dindi 26
Cycle Dindi 26 is a joint project by the Rotary Clubs of Alexandra and Yea, together with Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail and is a charity bicycle ride along the trail.
It is centered on the lovely townships of Yea, Yarck and Alexandra and includes those towns as starting locations. Riders have a number of distances and options to choose from. This year the prices are again linked to the rider, not the distance. Included in your entry ticket is Billy tea and damper, a barbecue lunch at Cathkin and Tunnel Treats, a chance to pause and take in the historic Cheviot Tunnel whilst enjoying some refreshments.
Money raised will be used to support Rotary Youth Projects.
STAY
Flowerdale Estate
Flowerdale Estate offers a unique escape nestled between the Yarra Valley and Macedon Ranges, just over an hour from Melbourne.
Surrounded by rolling hills and landscaped gardens, this picturesque retreat is perfect for weddings, corporate conferences, romantic weekend getaways, and wellness retreats.
Guests can enjoy a range of accommodation, including 26 Estate King rooms, two luxury homestead suites, four romantic glamping tents, and a spacious four-bedroom guesthouse.
The historic 1842 homestead is home to Gracie’s Restaurant, led by executive chef Dominic Grundy, who has worked in Michelin-starred and rosette-awarded restaurants across the UK. The menu showcases fine dining using fresh, regional produce, making it one of the best restaurants in the Yarra Valley.
Flowerdale Estate offers a variety of experiences, from relaxing by the indoor pool with scenic views to enjoying a game on the undercover tennis court or unwinding in the billiards room. Nature walks along King Parrot Creek provide a peaceful escape, while friendly farm animals add to the country charm. Nearby, visitors can explore the Dindi Arts Trail, Masons Falls in Kinglake National Park, and Strath Creek Falls. Guests can also indulge in Sunday High Tea events, making it a sought-after destination for High Tea in Victoria.