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
Visit the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre - an environmental learning and accredited visitor information centre. Explore the Yea Wetlands and learn about the traditional owners, the Taungurung people.
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 of Yea Cafe and Produce Store
Located in the historic Purcell General Store (est 1887), Marmalades of Yea Cafe offers the best of local produce and wares coupled with a variety of their ‘favourite things’ from around their travels.
Their food is inspired by what they love to eat and they have the most amazing setting for their guests to enjoy, whether it’s winter by the fire or spring and summer in their courtyard oasis.
Yea is a fabulous place to visit, and no stop in Yea is complete without a visit to Marmalades for coffee and cake or lunch with a glass of local wine!
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Murrindindi Wine Weekend
The Murrindindi Wine Weekend encourages visitors and locals to discover the diversity, quality and regionality of their wines in the picturesque Acheron and Yea Valleys just north of the Great Dividing Range.
The three-participating family-owned wineries are passionate vignerons who love to share their stories of winemaking and the uniqueness of the terroir influencing their diverse wine styles.
While taking in the stunning rural locations, visitors can enjoy authentic country hospitality and rub shoulders with the vignerons. A diverse range of food and entertainment will be on offer at Philip Lobley Wines, Sedona Estate and Utter Wines.
Murrindindi is located within an easy scenic drive from Melbourne via the Black Spur or the Toolangi Forest. Stay for the weekend and explore the region with its abundance of wildlife, nature walks, waterfalls and bike trails.
STAY
Flowerdale Estate
Located in a picturesque area known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Flowerdale Estate is a stunning wedding, conference, wellness retreat, dining and accommodation venue.
Nestled between the Yarra Valley and Kilmore, Flowerdale Estate is located just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne … and a million miles from the stresses of city life with its landscaped gardens and rolling hills.
The Estate offers on site accommodation including 26 Estate King rooms, two luxury homestead suites, four newly constructed luxury glamping eco tents and a four-bedroom Guesthouse.
Gracie’s Restaurant is located within their historic 1842 homestead and is led by Executive Chef Dominic Grundy, who has worked in Michelin star and rosette awarded restaurants throughout the UK. With his kitchen team, seasonally led menus featuring the finest regional produce are presented.
Recreational activities abound with an indoor pool that looks out onto the hills, an undercover tennis court, a gym and a billiard room. Immerse yourself in nature with a walk along King Parrot Creek and mingle with the farm animals.
You’ll fall in love with this pocket of regional Victoria.