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
Father’s Day Long Lunch at Flowerdale Estate
Good food. Good company. No one checking the time.
This Father’s Day, gather the people who matter most and escape to the country for an afternoon designed to be enjoyed together.
Set amongst the gardens and rolling hills of Flowerdale Estate, the Father’s Day Long Lunch is a celebration of family, great food and slowing down. Enjoy a generous country-style feast featuring slow-cooked meats, seasonal favourites, hearty sides and comforting desserts, all prepared by Flowerdale Estate’s talented kitchen team using fresh, locally inspired ingredients.
After lunch, there’s no need to rush home. Wander the gardens, challenge the family to a few lawn games, or capture a special keepsake together with the family photo station. Every little detail has been thoughtfully planned to create an afternoon you’ll remember long after Father’s Day has passed.
Reserve your spot today, as spaces are limited for the Father’s Day Long Lunch. Gather your family, leave the cooking to Flowerdale Estate, and spend the day making memories together. Whether you’re treating Dad, celebrating Grandpa, or simply looking for an excuse to bring everyone together, this is a day to linger a little longer.
STAY
Tartan Motel
Tartan Motel is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Yea, offering a budget friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay.
You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer air conditioning, bringing comfort and convenience to your visit.
During your visit, be sure to check out a popular historic site like Cheviot Tunnel, which is a short distance from the motel. Yea is a scenic township known for the confluence of the Goulburn and Yea Rivers, the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre, and family-friendly cycling on the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Historically, it served as a service center for goldmining and timber, a legacy reflected in some of its 19th-century buildings. It is located 112 kilometres north-east of Melbourne in the Shire of Murrindindi.
Enjoy your stay in Yea at the Tartan Motel.