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
Country Club Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Yea, the Country Club Hotel is a local favourite with a long-standing reputation for hearty meals, cold beers, and good old-fashioned hospitality. Whether you are a local popping in for a weeknight parma or a traveller exploring Victoria’s High Country, you will feel right at home.
With a spacious beer garden, classic pub fare, regular live music, and a welcoming team behind the bar, the Country Club is a gathering place for friends, families, and visitors alike.
Great food. Great people. Country charm, served daily.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Rotary Club of Yea Australia Day Community Breakfast
Enjoy a free breakfast on the median strip opposite the Yea Shire Hall followed by some formal proceedings.
They recommend wandering across the road to the Annual Art Show after that.
STAY
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve Camping
Whether you’re into camping, bushwalking, waterfalls, birdwatching, picnicking, fishing, or paddling in the gentle waters of the Murrindindi River, the reserve caters to all kinds of outdoor adventures. Just 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne, it’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend retreat.
There are six riverside camping areas along the river in the reserve, some of which are suitable for small caravans.
Flushing toilets are located at Ferns Camp and Bull Creek Camp and pit toilets are located at all other campgrounds. Flushing toilets can also be found at the Suspension Bridge day area at the start of the reserve near Wilhelmina Falls Road.
Most camping areas have fireplaces and picnic tables and some have wood-fired barbecues, however you will need to bring your own wood and check fire bans before use.
Camping fees apply but you cannot book or reserve your site. Sites are available on a first come first served basis. In peak periods, camping sites may be unavailable, so have contingency plans in place for these busy times.
The river is great for fishing and paddling but is generally not deep enough for swimming or canoeing.
Dogs are not permitted in the reserve.
The reserve is part of the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.