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
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
Gather and Bloom Twilight Pick
Gather and Bloom Twilight Pick is a unique seasonal event at Bloom Into You Flower Farm in Flowerdale, Victoria. Just over one hour from Melbourne, this immersive twilight experience invites visitors to explore a boutique flower farm as the sun sets, gather their own blooms, and enjoy an evening of food, music, and connection in a serene country setting.
Stroll along grassy pathways lined with dahlias, zinnias, and cosmos glowing in the golden hour light. Breathe in the scent of fresh blooms and listen as gentle acoustic music drifts across the fields. Guests can savour wood-fired pizza served under summer’s twilight while relaxing into the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Perfect for Melbourne day trips and weekend getaways, this seasonal event offers stunning photography opportunities, hands-on floral activities, and a memorable connection to Victoria’s rural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to linger, soak up the peaceful surroundings, and leave with a hand-picked bouquet as a memento of their evening.
As part of A Summer in Bloom, guests may also enjoy Brunch Among the Blooms, a premium long-table dining experience, or stay overnight at Villa Minto, luxury accommodation overlooking the flower farm, to complete their country escape.
Numbers are limited to maintain an intimate feel. Early bookings are essential.
STAY
Flowerdale Estate
Flowerdale Estate offers a unique escape nestled between the Yarra Valley and Macedon Ranges, just over an hour from Melbourne.
Surrounded by rolling hills and landscaped gardens, this picturesque retreat is perfect for weddings, corporate conferences, romantic weekend getaways, and wellness retreats.
Guests can enjoy a range of accommodation, including 26 Estate King rooms, two luxury homestead suites, four romantic glamping tents, and a spacious four-bedroom guesthouse.
The historic 1842 homestead is home to Gracie’s Restaurant, led by executive chef Dominic Grundy, who has worked in Michelin-starred and rosette-awarded restaurants across the UK. The menu showcases fine dining using fresh, regional produce, making it one of the best restaurants in the Yarra Valley.
Flowerdale Estate offers a variety of experiences, from relaxing by the indoor pool with scenic views to enjoying a game on the undercover tennis court or unwinding in the billiards room. Nature walks along King Parrot Creek provide a peaceful escape, while friendly farm animals add to the country charm. Nearby, visitors can explore the Dindi Arts Trail, Masons Falls in Kinglake National Park, and Strath Creek Falls. Guests can also indulge in Sunday High Tea events, making it a sought-after destination for High Tea in Victoria.