Home to some of Australia's finest vineyards and rural idylls, the Yarra Valley serves up indulgent food, local tastings, stunning scenery, endless outdoor activities and a vibrant cityscape of Melbourne. From hiking through Kinglake National Park to taking in the views of the picturesque Yarra Valley region at sunrise on a hot air balloon, we’ve curated the best experiences for you within the Yarra Valley Region.
Situated a 1 hour drive from the stunning Yarra Valley region, Crowne Plaza Melbourne provides 432 modern, spacious and comfortable guest rooms. To help you spend more time exploring and less time planning, let our team help plan the ideal Yarra Valley day trip during your stay at Crowne Plaza Melbourne this Winter.
Healesville Sanctuary
Located just one hour from Crowne Plaza Melbourne through the stunning Yarra Valley wine region, Healesville Sanctuary is home to a bushland haven for Australian wildlife.
Healesville Sanctuary has walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities, along with on-site picnic grounds featuring plenty of public BBQs and picnic tables. Spend an afternoon spotting iconic Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and emus, before discovering majestic birds of prey at the spectacular Spirits of the Sky bird show.
Open from 9am to 5:00pm every day of the year. Children aged 16 and under receive free entry on weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian School Holidays, however all tickets must be pre-booked before visiting.
Yarra Valley Hot Air Balloon
A Yarra Valley hot air balloon experience is one of the most iconic things to do whilst visiting the Yarra Valley. Take to the sky for an early morning sunrise, or indulge in a sunset flight above the Yarra Valley with your special someone for a magical birds eye view of the region.
If you choose to embark on a morning ride, enjoy a full hour soaring above farms, vineyards and rural villages before enjoying a delicious champagne breakfast. Soak up uninterrupted views of the rolling countryside without any noise other than the gentle breeze and the birds below.
For a more tailored 12-hour activity, why not try the flight and winery tour excursion. Be collected from Crowne Plaza Melbourne before enjoying a champagne breakfast at Balgownie Estate before being transported to a further 3-4 wineries in the Yarra Valley. Then take to the sky for a 1-hour balloon flight before being transported back to your hotel.
Visit Yarra Valley Wineries
The Yarra Valley is home to some of the best vineyards, wineries and estates in the region, providing ample opportunity to enjoy sampling the local wine. Visit TarraWarra Estate, boasting home-grown wines at their cellar door on 400-hectares of XX property. Their wines are ready to be sampled by the glass or bottle and best enjoyed on the deck under the peppercorn trees!
Just a 10-minute drive from TarraWarra Estate is Yering Farm, another amazing cellar door to experience in the valley. Enter the rustic hay shed to sample some of the finest Chardonnay, Pinot, Cabernet and farm ciders produced in the region. Enjoy picnicking on the lawn with a glass or two of wine before stopping off at the bottle shop to stock up on a few treats to take home.
Plan Your Yarra Valley Day Trip
With years of experience and impressive local knowledge, the team at Crowne Plaza Melbourne can help you plan an unforgettable day trip to the Yarra Valley, which is one of the many reasons to choose Crowne Plaza Melbourne for your Melbourne escape.
You can expect the ultimate in comfort and convenience during your stay. Offering accommodation options perfect for every type of guest, a wide variety of modern facilities and amenities, and direct access to the best things to see and do in the Yarra Valley - make every moment in Melbourne count.