The Yarra Valley Daytrip by Public Transport

Catch the Train / bus to Melbourne's Popular Wine Region Destination

Sep 30, 2009

Melbourne has many surrounding regions perfect for daytrips, such as the Yarra Valley wine region, and the best bit is that it's accessible by the city's public transport

Melbourne has countless sights and attractions to offer visitors. From designer shopping to constant festivals, the Victorian capital is the most exciting of Antipodean cities. However, as native Melburnians know, the attractions aren't just in Melbourne city. The regions that surround Melbourne make for many fantastic daytrip destinations. While the best way to get around Melbourne's sprawling surrounds is by car, it is surprisingly doable by public transport. Below we explore the Yarra Valley and how to get around it without the need for your own wheels.

Popular Wineries in the Yarra Valley, one of Melbourne's Most Popular Daytrip Destinations

Just one hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is an extremely popular spot for a daytrip or overnighter. Home to Victoria's best vino –especially Cabernet Sauvignon – it's packed with 30-odd boutique wineries / vineyards, many of which have cellar doors offering free or cheap tastings of their fine wine to customers and often have restaurants on site, ideal for lunch and dinner.

These wineries are spread out along the three main highways in the area. The Maroondah Highway runs east from Melbourne to Lilydale (aka the gateway to the valley), continuing further north to Healesville in the Lower Yarra Valley. A Popular winery on this highway is Domaine Chandon. Located at Green Point, Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream, its visitors centre is open 10.30am - 4.30pm.

Branching off from Lilydale, the Warburton Highway snakes eastward through Yarra Junction and Warburton ('Warby'), aka the Upper Yarra Valley. A popular winery along this highway is Five Oaks Wines. Overlooking fruit orchards and Mount Dandenong, this excellently located winery is a small family vineyard producing hand-crafted premium wines. Located at 60 Aikten Road, Seville, it is just off the Warburton Hwy.

The Melba Highway goes from Lilydale to Coldstream before branching off the Maroondah Hwy, leading north to Yarra Glen and the Kinglake Ranges. Just off the Melba Hwy is the hugely popular De Bortoli estate. Winemakers since 1928, De Bortoli was the recipient of the Best Tourism Winery award at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2009. Located at Pinnacle Lane, Dixons Creek, this Italian-family run winery is warm and welcoming to all visitors and offers tastings aplenty.

Public Transport Serves the Yarra Valley Well With Trains & Buses Available for Visitors

While it's generally assumed a car is necessary to visit the ever-vast Yarra Valley, public transport services the area surprisingly well, making it a popular daytrip destination for tourists and locals. To get to the Yarra Valley, take the Lilydale train line from Flinders Street station in the city, alighting at Lilydale station. This station is located in Zone 2 so passengers boarding at Flinders (Zone 1) must have a valid Zone 1 & 2 ticket. Doing the daytrip at the weekend is advised for those on a budget as Zone 1 Weekly tickets are also valid in Zone 2 every Saturday & Sunday. For more info on public transport ticketing in Melbourne, see Guide to Public Transport in Melbourne.

While Lilydale is its gateway, the Yarra Valley is a very large area with wineries very spread out so further public transport is most likely needed. From Lilydale station, McKenzies bus lines service the Lower Yarra Valley, running to / from Healesville and Yarra Glen. To visit the Upper Yarra Valley, Martyrs buses run to Yarra Junction and Warburton.

Other Sights & Attractions in the Yarra Valley, from Healesville Animal Sanctuary to Kinglake National Park

Wineries are not the Yarra Valley's only draw. It's also home to the Healesville Animal Sanctuary, a popular family spot to see native Aussie flora, fauna and animals. Located at Badger Creek Rd, it's frequently serviced by Martyrs buses from Lilydale station or Southern Cross station in the city. Tickets cost $24.50.

Perfect for a picnic and a stroll, Kinglake National Park is the largest national park near Melbourne. Located in the Lower Yarra Valley, it boasts dozens of walking tracks, top picnic spots and many panoramic lookout points.

In the Upper Yarra Valley, get fit by following the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail. Alight at Lilydale station and rent bikes from Lilydale Cycles beside the station. Not for the fainthearted, the cycle trail takes three hours each way.

The copyright of the article The Yarra Valley Daytrip by Public Transport in Australia Travel is owned by Eva Hogan. Permission to republish The Yarra Valley Daytrip by Public Transport in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.