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
Marmalades Yea
Nestled in the heart of Yea, Marmalades is a warm and welcoming café built on good food, genuine hospitality, and community connection. A place where locals gather, travellers pause, and everyone feels at home.
From slow breakfasts and hearty lunches to fresh coffee and house-made favourites, Marmalades celebrates simple moments done well. With a focus on quality ingredients, friendly service, and a relaxed country atmosphere, it’s more than just a café — it’s part of the fabric of Yea.
Whether you’re stopping in for your morning coffee, meeting friends for lunch, or discovering the region, Marmalades is a place to settle in, connect, and enjoy.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Yea Garden Expo
The township of Yea is just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. The Yea Rotary Club has organised a Garden Expo. This is just the time of year when interested gardeners are busy preparing their gardens for spring colour. The Expo provides an opportunity to view a host of garden-related products at the Yea Saleyards site (Flat Lead Road), just off the Yea – Whittlesea Road, a few kilometres on the south side of Yea. The site is flat, sealed and easily accessible for everyone. Dogs are permitted, provided on a leash.
The expo will feature a wide range of goods and services and a plentiful supply of food and drinks, much of it homemade. Over 70 vendors will be on site with exhibits ranging from bulbs, seeds, seedlings, flowering plants and trees to garden tools and equipment, garden art and ornaments, compost, fertilizers and more. Check out the quirky horseshoe garden sculptures, produced by local Darryl Callander and which can be made to order.
New this year will be the opportunity to visit two spring gardens for the added cost of $10 (includes both gardens).
STAY
Yea Riverside Caravan Park
Whether it is one of the brand new and comfortable cabins or well-groomed sites for campers, caravans or motor homes, Yea Riverside Caravan Park offers a range of accommodation types to be enjoyed along the banks of the picturesque Yea River.
Just under 100 kilometres from Melbourne at the junction of the Goulburn Valley Highway and the Melba Highway, Yea Riverside Caravan Park is ideally situated for ski trips to Mt Buller, fishing and water sports activities, visiting the region’s historic sites or simply relaxing and enjoying the environment.
Pet friendly options are available.