This regional town sure knows how to pack a punch. Just north of the Great Dividing Range and only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Yea offers a relaxed country experience but with a progressive twist.
Boasting modern street art, award winning wineries, restaurants, historic buildings, a thriving main street and a strong arts culture, Yea Victoria is a key town on the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
HIGHLIGHTS
RAIL TRAIL
The Great Victorian Rail Trail winds through Yea, making it a great stop to wet the whistle, indulge the palate and inspire your inner creative, as cyclists can explore the fabulous range of welcoming country pubs, great eateries, local art galleries and quirky stores.
YEA WETLANDS DISCOVERY CENTRE
A trip to Yea, Victoria, isn’t complete without a wander through the Yea wetlands and the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre
Situated on a 32-hectare floodplain the wetlands are home to platypus, koalas and many native and migratory waterbirds that watch over the billabongs. While the YWDC is an environmental learning and accredited visitor information centre, where you can also learn about the traditional owners, the Taungurung people.
The Yea Wetlands may be small on a world scale, but they provide inspiration in spades, opening your eyes to an abundance of bird life and fauna throughout the seasons.
MURRINDINDI SCENIC RESERVE
Pack a picnic, throw a line in, or even pitch a tent at the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve. Situated at the northern end of Toolangi State Forest, this large green oasis is less than 2 hours from Melbourne.
It includes tumbling waterfalls, Mountain Ash, fern-filled gullies and is the perfect place for bushwalking, bird watching, fishing and paddling in the shallows of the Murrindindi River.
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
wawa dharrang
wawa biik has collaborated with Taungurung artist Uncle Mick Harding and his sons Mitch and Corey who take you on a journey through the Goulburn region to share the backstory of their work ‘We Scar Many Trees’, an innovative sculptural trail created using scar trees to convey their cultural stories and connections.
You will learn about their techniques and designs and have the opportunity to yarn with the artists over a bushfoods barbeque lunch, followed by a stringybark rope making workshop.
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.