Explore
Make a trip of it
Many of you are travelling a long way, so here are some ideas for the days around the wedding. The Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are right by the venue, and Melbourne is about an hour away. Please check opening hours and book ahead, especially on weekends.
Yarra Valley
Wine, food and wildlife, on the doorstep of the venue.
Levantine Hill Estate
Our personal favourite winery in the Yarra Valley, and the one we would send you to first. Book a tasting ahead of time.
Wineries & cellar doors
The Yarra Valley is known for cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling. Domaine Chandon, Yering Station, De Bortoli, Oakridge and TarraWarra Estate are well-known places to start.
Hot air ballooning
A sunrise balloon flight over the misty valley is a classic Yarra Valley experience. Book well ahead.
Healesville Sanctuary
See kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypus and other native animals up close. Healesville is a short drive from Monbulk.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
A relaxed, family-friendly stop with chocolate, ice cream and gardens.
Lunch with a view
Many cellar doors have restaurants. Book ahead on weekends, and ask about shuttle or tour options if you're tasting.
Dandenong Ranges
Forest, gardens and villages right next to Monbulk. Late April is when the autumn colour begins.
Puffing Billy Railway
A heritage steam train through the forest, departing from nearby Belgrave. A favourite with visitors of every age.
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Gardens and a lookout with sweeping views back towards Melbourne.
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Sculptures set in a quiet fern forest on Mount Dandenong.
Olinda & Sassafras
Charming villages with cafes, bakeries, antique shops and tea rooms. Good for a slow afternoon.
Rhododendron Gardens
Wander peaceful garden paths in Olinda. Bring a jacket, since it's cooler in the hills.
Forest walks
Short walks through tall mountain ash forest, such as around Sherbrooke Forest, are an easy way to see the Ranges.
Melbourne city
Food, coffee, art and laneways.
NGV Australia
The National Gallery of Victoria's home for Australian art, at Federation Square. A great introduction to Australian and First Nations art. Check what's on and opening hours.
Royal Botanic Gardens
A beautiful place to wander, and a special spot for us. Allow an hour or two.
Laneways & coffee
Melbourne's coffee culture is famous. Wander the CBD laneways, including Hosier Lane for street art, and stop often.
Queen Victoria Market
A huge market with produce, deli food, street food and souvenirs.
NGV International
The gallery's international collection and major exhibitions on St Kilda Road. Check what's on.
Federation Square & the Yarra River
A central meeting place by the river, with galleries and cafes nearby.
Neighbourhoods
Try Fitzroy and Collingwood for cafes and shops, Richmond for pubs and dining, and St Kilda for the beach and sunsets.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Take a tour of the famous MCG, or catch a match if there's one on.
Day trips
If you have a few extra days.
Great Ocean Road
One of the world's great coastal drives, with dramatic cliffs and the Twelve Apostles. It is a big day from Melbourne, so consider staying overnight.
Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
Spa country in the hills northwest of Melbourne, with mineral springs, lakes, cafes, markets and a very relaxed pace. Easy as a day trip or a night away.
Mornington Peninsula
Beaches, wineries and hot springs about an hour or so south of Melbourne.
Phillip Island
Famous for its nightly Penguin Parade and for coastal scenery. It's a long day trip, so allow plenty of time.
Healesville & the Yarra Valley by tour
Several operators run guided wine and food tours from Melbourne if you'd rather not drive.
Further afield in Australia
Coming from far away? Australia is a big country and a short flight can take you somewhere very different. These are our top recommendations if you're adding extra days. Check seasonal conditions and book flights ahead.
Tasmania & Hobart
Wild landscapes, great food and a famously quirky art scene. Hobart is the base for exploring, with Salamanca Market, Mount Wellington and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
Port Douglas & Cairns
Tropical North Queensland, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests on Earth.
Whitsunday Islands
Island-hopping, sailing and the white sands of Whitehaven Beach, set among the Great Barrier Reef's turquoise waters.
Noosa Heads
Beautiful beaches, a national park, boutique shops and a relaxed coastal feel on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
Blue Mountains
Dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forest and bushwalks, including views of the Three Sisters. An easy trip from Sydney.
Good to know
Weather. Late April is early autumn: usually mild, in the low to mid 20s (°C), but it can turn cool and wet, especially in the hills. Pack layers and a light rain jacket.
Anzac Day. Sunday 25 April 2027, the day after the wedding, is Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance. Many dawn services take place, including at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. Some shops open later, and venues can be busy, so book in advance.
Getting around. Melbourne's trams, trains and buses use the Myki card; see Public Transport Victoria. In Australia we drive on the left, and the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs are easiest to explore by car or on a tour.
Sun. The Australian sun is strong even on mild days. Sunscreen and a hat are a good idea.
More ideas. Visit Yarra Valley · Visit Melbourne