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
Sedona Estate
Nestled in the rolling hills of Murrindindi near Yea, Sedona Estate is a boutique winery producing fine cool-climate wines with true provenance. Established in 1998, owners Paul and Sonja focus on growing and crafting classic French and Italian varieties producing regionally distinctive wines. Their passion and dedication make each bottle of wine a true experience.
Sonja and Paul pride themselves in offering an authentic and welcoming cellar door experience at Sedona Estate. A visit to this boutique winery offers warm country hospitality, with the vignerons sharing the story and offering interesting and engaging wine tastings.
With stunning views over the Murrindindi Valley, it is easy to spend a leisurely afternoon grazing on Sedona’s artisan boards sipping the wines grown at the Estate.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Yea Racing – Picnic Horse Racing
Join in for their picnic horse racing events for the Season 2026/2027.
You can expect free kid activities such face painting, pony rides, Kelly Sports on cup day, live music and barbeque. Catering is available or bring your own picnic basket. Drinks are also available at the bar or bring your own drinks.
Marquees, umbrellas, shaded sites or public areas available.
Come and see the Picnic Club of the Year 2024/2025 and join in on the fun.
STAY
Villa Minto at Bloom Into You Flower Farm
Villa Minto is an architecturally designed luxury villa set within Bloom Into You Flower Farm in Flowerdale, Victoria, an 80-minute scenic drive north of Melbourne. Built for two, it is a private space to slow down in the rolling hills.
Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between the landscape and your living space. Inside is a king bed dressed in premium linens, a full kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, and a dark, moody micro-cement bathroom with a generous double shower. Solar-powered and quietly off-grid, the villa runs without compromise. The sweeping private deck, set above the flower fields, is made for sunset and stargazing over the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Complimentary gourmet breakfast provisions are included, with gluten-free options.
The villa is private and adults-only, booked as the whole property. On Saturday evenings from January to April, as part of the A Summer in Bloom season, guests receive complimentary access to the Gather and Bloom Twilight Pick (valued at $150 per person), stepping straight from the villa into the food and the sunset.
Near the Yarra Valley, Villa Minto is also a luxury base for weddings at Flowerdale Estate and Trawool Estate.