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 lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday, the restaurant seating up to 50 guests is regularly booked out on Friday and Saturday nights – bookings are highly recommended. With a focus on showcasing great local produce and a variety of delicious wine, the menu reflects traditional pub meals with a touch of class.
To ensure there is a variety to the menu, seasonal Chef Specials are available for those who dine regularly or prefer a more seasonal choice.
The Yea Peppercorn Hotel was delighted to win a Silver in the 2017 Victorian Tourism awards under the category of Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services and through this appeared on the National Television show Postcards.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Flowerdale Market
Country market stalls with arts, crafts, veggies, plants, bric-a-brac and lots more at the Flowerdale Market. There will also be hot food, Devonshire teas and cold drinks available.
The Flowerdale Market is held at Flowerdale Community Hall from August – March (not in January) on the third Sunday of each month.
STAY
The Spreading Oak Bed and Breakfast
The Spreading Oak can accommodate a maximum of three (aged eight and over). It is situated in the small, rural township of Yea, approx 100 kilometers north of Melbourne CBD, and is close to the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
The accommodation opens onto a screened deck with a garden beyond, home to the oak and resident chickens. The deck is a great venue for breakfast, reading, or just relaxing.
Although attached to the host’s home the accommodation is private, having its own entrance, and comprises one queen-sized bedroom with deck, single bedroom, and bathroom. It is equipped with tea/coffee making facility, fridge, microwave and toaster. Breakfast provisions are located in the fridge and service trolley, along with additional crockery and cutlery.
The main room has an eating area, easy chairs, TV, reverse cycle air-conditioner as well as a small collection of books and board games. The single room has a ceiling fan and has an electric heater in winter.
Wi-Fi is free. Off-street parking is available. The Spreading Oak is within walking distance of hotels, restaurants and cafes. Yea has wetlands to explore and an Information Centre to help plan day trips to places like Marysville and Mansfield, walks, and generally find out what’s going on in Murrindindi, such as markets and special events.
