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
Sedona Estate
From Sedona Estate’s humble beginnings in 1998, Paul and Sonja’s vision has been to produce fine cool-climate wines from their vineyard north of the Great Divide in the Yea Valley. Their passion and dedication is reflected in the Sedona Estate range. Varietal purity makes each bottle of wine a true experience.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Murrindindi, Sedona Estate offers a true country experience with stunning views and plenty of Australian wildlife around. The stylish cellar door and hillside terrace is a great place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with fine wines and delicious artisan platters to share.
Winemaker Paul Evans employs a very hands-on approach to capture the essence of this emerging wine region. It is cool climate viticulture, but plenty of sunshine at the right times provides the perfect conditions for producing complex Shiraz and delightful Sangiovese. Their outstanding quality is reflected in many national and international awards at esteemed wine shows.
Paul and Sonja pride themselves in offering friendly country hospitality and authentic wine tasting experiences. Looking behind the scenes and experiencing the real winemaking world is one of many offerings at Sedona Estate.
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
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve Camping
Whether you’re into camping, bushwalking, waterfalls, birdwatching, picnicking, fishing, or paddling in the gentle waters of the Murrindindi River, the reserve caters to all kinds of outdoor adventures. Just 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne, it’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend retreat.
There are six riverside camping areas along the river in the reserve, some of which are suitable for small caravans.
Flushing toilets are located at Ferns Camp and Bull Creek Camp and pit toilets are located at all other campgrounds. Flushing toilets can also be found at the Suspension Bridge day area at the start of the reserve near Wilhelmina Falls Road.
Most camping areas have fireplaces and picnic tables and some have wood-fired barbecues, however you will need to bring your own wood and check fire bans before use.
Camping fees apply but you cannot book or reserve your site. Sites are available on a first come first served basis. In peak periods, camping sites may be unavailable, so have contingency plans in place for these busy times.
The river is great for fishing and paddling but is generally not deep enough for swimming or canoeing.
Dogs are not permitted in the reserve.
The reserve is part of the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.