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
The General Strath Creek
Set within a restored barn, The General Strath Creek is a country corner shop with a condensed curation of everyday items. From hot coffee, to home made sausage rolls, each item conveys a sense of support and community. Built to supply locals and welcome visitors, The General Strath Creek is a place for everything and everyone. Open everyday (except Tuesday) with evening meals served Friday and Saturday night.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Brunch Among the Blooms
Brunch Among the Blooms is an exclusive seasonal experience at Bloom Into You Flower Farm in Flowerdale, Victoria. Just over one hour from Melbourne, this immersive gathering invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the beauty of nature surrounded by vibrant seasonal blooms.
This curated event blends creativity, dining, and connection. Guests begin with a hands-on floral session led by guest designers, crafting a wild garden bouquet, a delicate flower crown, or a rustic table arrangement to take home. No experience is needed — just a love of blooms and a desire to create.
A thoughtfully curated menu is then served at a beautifully styled long table set among the flowers. Fresh flavours, seasonal produce, and elegant presentation create a feast for the senses. A glass of the season — sparkling, botanical, or still — adds the perfect finishing touch.
Guests can also wander the flower fields with snips in hand, gathering fresh blooms to incorporate into their creations and to take home as a memory of the day.
As part of A Summer in Bloom, visitors may also enjoy Gather and Bloom: Twilight Pick or extend their stay at Villa Minto luxury accommodation overlooking the farm.
Early bookings are recommended.
STAY
Flowerdale Estate
Flowerdale Estate offers a unique escape nestled between the Yarra Valley and Macedon Ranges, just over an hour from Melbourne.
Surrounded by rolling hills and landscaped gardens, this picturesque retreat is perfect for weddings, corporate conferences, romantic weekend getaways, and wellness retreats.
Guests can enjoy a range of accommodation, including 26 Estate King rooms, two luxury homestead suites, four romantic glamping tents, and a spacious four-bedroom guesthouse.
The historic 1842 homestead is home to Gracie’s Restaurant, led by executive chef Dominic Grundy, who has worked in Michelin-starred and rosette-awarded restaurants across the UK. The menu showcases fine dining using fresh, regional produce, making it one of the best restaurants in the Yarra Valley.
Flowerdale Estate offers a variety of experiences, from relaxing by the indoor pool with scenic views to enjoying a game on the undercover tennis court or unwinding in the billiards room. Nature walks along King Parrot Creek provide a peaceful escape, while friendly farm animals add to the country charm. Nearby, visitors can explore the Dindi Arts Trail, Masons Falls in Kinglake National Park, and Strath Creek Falls. Guests can also indulge in Sunday High Tea events, making it a sought-after destination for High Tea in Victoria.