The Yarra Valley, located less than an hour's drive from Melbourne, offers local food and wine, beautiful scenery, romantic accommodations, and exciting activities.

Explore the finest offerings of the region with Wine Tours Yarra Valley.

Locations for picnicking in the Yarra Valley

Picnics are about enjoying the fresh air with friends and family. You can choose from a kids' playground, forest setting, or waterside spot. The Yarra Valley offers various picnic spots with great views. You can picnic in a vineyard, town park, or secluded bush. Get outside and enjoy nature!

Explore gardens in the Dandenongs

During spring, gardens are full of blossoms, daffodils, tulips, and vibrant colours, making them ideal for taking photos or enjoying with friends. 

• RJ Hamer Arboretum
• SkyHigh, Mt Dandenong
• Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

 

Picnic with a scenic view

These destinations offer panoramic views of the surroundings, providing freedom and open space, which can be a refreshing break from feeling confined.

 

• Visit the observation tower at Mt. Donna Buang in Warburton.
• Trig Point, Lysterfield
• The War Memorial Tower is located on Kangaroo Ground.

 

Among the vines

Many wineries offer beautiful gardens, manicured lawns, and stunning views of the vineyards, making them ideal for picnics. You can also visit famous wineries like Dominque Portet and Domaine Chandon or discover new options along the Alternative Taste Trail on the Melba Highway.

Art is everywhere

Montsalvat in Eltham offers a wide range of attractions and activities. Another option is Banksia Park, where visitors can enjoy a picnic surrounded by sculptures at the Heide Museum of Modern Art on the Yarra River.

Near water

Waterside destinations offer a variety of activities, such as walking trails, boating, fishing, and open spaces for picnicking and leisurely outdoor activities.

 

• Maroondah Reservoir Park
• Silvan Reservoir
• Sugarloaf Reservoir Park
• Lillydale Lake
• Emerald Lake Park
• Yarra River at Warburton
• Yarra River at Warrandyte

 

Forests 

If you enjoy flora and fauna and like having lunch surrounded by giant tree ferns and mountain ash trees, the Walks and Trails Eguide provides plenty of options to choose from. You can explore forest walks and picnic facilities such as the Ada Tree Walk into History, The Gawa Wurundjeri Resource Trail, and the Dee Road picnic ground on the O'Shannassey Aqueduct Trail. Stiggants Reserve and Warrandyte River Reserve have all the amenities needed for large BBQs and picnic gatherings. Yarra River access and nearby cafes make it convenient to get picnic supplies. Finns Reserve, located near the Yarra River, has the Wombat Bend playspace and an off-lead area for dogs.

 

Kid-friendly

Playgrounds and picnics make the perfect combination for children.

 

• Diamond Creek Regional Playspace
• Eltham Lower Park, Eltham
• Alistair Knox Park, Eltham
• Diamond Street Reserve is located in Diamond Creek.
• Fergusons Paddock, Hurstbridge
• Ruffey Lake Park is located in Doncaster East.
• Strathewen Reserve, Strathewen