This regional town sure knows how to pack a punch. Just north of the Great Dividing Range and only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Yea offers a relaxed country experience but with a progressive twist.
Boasting modern street art, award winning wineries, restaurants, historic buildings, a thriving main street and a strong arts culture, Yea Victoria is a key town on the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
HIGHLIGHTS
RAIL TRAIL
The Great Victorian Rail Trail winds through Yea, making it a great stop to wet the whistle, indulge the palate and inspire your inner creative, as cyclists can explore the fabulous range of welcoming country pubs, great eateries, local art galleries and quirky stores.
YEA WETLANDS DISCOVERY CENTRE
A trip to Yea, Victoria, isn’t complete without a wander through the Yea wetlands and the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre
Situated on a 32-hectare floodplain the wetlands are home to platypus, koalas and many native and migratory waterbirds that watch over the billabongs. While the YWDC is an environmental learning and accredited visitor information centre, where you can also learn about the traditional owners, the Taungurung people.
The Yea Wetlands may be small on a world scale, but they provide inspiration in spades, opening your eyes to an abundance of bird life and fauna throughout the seasons.
MURRINDINDI SCENIC RESERVE
Pack a picnic, throw a line in, or even pitch a tent at the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve. Situated at the northern end of Toolangi State Forest, this large green oasis is less than 2 hours from Melbourne.
It includes tumbling waterfalls, Mountain Ash, fern-filled gullies and is the perfect place for bushwalking, bird watching, fishing and paddling in the shallows of the Murrindindi River.
EAT & DRINK
Country Club Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Yea, the Country Club Hotel is a local favourite with a long-standing reputation for hearty meals, cold beers, and good old-fashioned hospitality. Whether you are a local popping in for a weeknight parma or a traveller exploring Victoria’s High Country, you will feel right at home.
With a spacious beer garden, classic pub fare, regular live music, and a welcoming team behind the bar, the Country Club is a gathering place for friends, families, and visitors alike.
Great food. Great people. Country charm, served daily.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Strath Creek Country Market
The Strath Creek Country Market is situated at the gorgeous Pioneer Reserve. It’s a great day out with a fabulous mix of local makers, bakers and growers, hot food and coffee, live music and some great spots to relax and enjoy the country atmosphere. Visitors will be able to stock up their pantry and support some of the best producers in the region. There’s even a playground for the kids.
STAY
Yea Riverside Caravan Park
Whether it is one of the brand new and comfortable cabins or well-groomed sites for campers, caravans or motor homes, Yea Riverside Caravan Park offers a range of accommodation types to be enjoyed along the banks of the picturesque Yea River.
Just under 100 kilometres from Melbourne at the junction of the Goulburn Valley Highway and the Melba Highway, Yea Riverside Caravan Park is ideally situated for ski trips to Mt Buller, fishing and water sports activities, visiting the region’s historic sites or simply relaxing and enjoying the environment.
Pet friendly options are available.