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
The General Strath Creek
Set within a restored barn, The General Strath Creek is a country corner shop with a condensed curation of everyday items. From hot coffee, to home made sausage rolls, each item conveys a sense of support and community. Built to supply locals and welcome visitors, The General Strath Creek is a place for everything and everyone. Open everyday for breakfast and lunch with evening meals served Friday nights.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Gather and Bloom Twilight Pick at Bloom Into You Flower Farm
Gather and Bloom is the pick-your-own flower season at Bloom Into You Flower Farm in Flowerdale, Victoria, 80 minutes north of Melbourne. Each summer the farm opens its rows on Saturdays for two sessions: a Morning Pick, and a Twilight Pick as the light turns gold over the valley.
Guests collect a harvest bucket and snips, then wander grassy pathways lined with dahlias, zinnias, cosmos and seasonal blooms, picking an armful to take home. Twilight Pick guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival.
Bring a rug and a picnic, or pre-order The Bloom Graze for Two. A private Bloom Table for up to eight can be booked for one group each evening.
In spring the farm opens for a short ranunculus season, with morning and afternoon sessions.
Children under 16 attend free with a ticket-holding adult. Numbers are kept small each session.
Pair the visit with a stay at Villa Minto, the architecturally designed villa overlooking the flower fields.
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.