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
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
The Vineyard House
Nestled in the rolling hills of Murrindindi, the new vineyard accommodation at Sedona Estate offers a unique country experience with a touch of luxury. You will be spoiled by mesmerising views over the Sedona Estate vineyards, stunning sunsets, and night skies plus an abundance of wildlife. The Vineyard House experience is a soulful winery escape for discerning couples.
Surrounded by pristine landscapes guests will wake up to the songs of native birds or local farm animals and fall asleep to the concerts of frogs. The Vineyard House offers a King Room with ensuite plus a luxe main bathroom. Each room is curated with attention to detail and the house and garden are an exhibition of fine local art. Extra guests can enjoy the comfort of the Queen Room.
With the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve at the doorstep, guests can explore the natural beauty of the cool temperate rain forest of the Great Divide, enjoy a hike to the Wilhelmina Falls or a stroll along the Murrindindi River. For keen bike riders the Great Victorian Rail Trail offers an adventure featuring the nearby historic Cheviot Tunnel and stunning artwork along the trail.
Within an easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne, you can enjoy the amazing Victorian countryside and experience the viticulture of an award-winning winery tucked away in Murrindindi’s beautiful rolling landscape.