Get some tips on a great side-trip during your holiday in Melbourne.

1. MELBOURNE MUST-DO DAY TOUR:
THE YARRA VALLEY
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2. If you are a nature lover or a fan of wines and you are
visiting Melbourne for your next holiday or business
trip, it would be a shame if you won’t schedule a whole
day tour to the Yarra Valley. This flat, sprawling region
is found just an hour’s drive from the city centre. Here
you can find numerous wineries, great markets,
microbreweries, and country towns. All you have to do
is jump on a car and head down the Eastern Freeway
and through Maroondah Highway and you’ll be at the
valley in no time.
There are other numerous interesting activities to enjoy
especially for those who are not into booze. Here is a
sample day tour itinerary that we recommend:

3. Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight
Begin your day by taking a glimpse of the beauty of Yarra Valley
riding a hot air balloon. This will give you a chance to have a
360degree view of the region and literally float over farms,
vineyards and forests.
TIP: If you want to maximise your time for this activity or to catch
a great view of sunrise in the valley, it is advisable to start your
tour early at dawn.

4. Vineyard and Winery Hopping
There are more than 50 wineries and vineyards in Yarra Valley and 40 of which
offer wine tasting tours and wine sales. Most wineries are easily accessible
from the highway and can clearly be noticed through signposts. We would
suggest visiting Helen’s Hill Winery, De Bortoli, Yering Station, Oakridge
Wines, Tokar Estate and Whispering hills among others.
BONUS: If you happen to be served by the winemaker at one of the wineries
that you’ll visit, you might have the chance to get a free wine appreciation
lesson.

5. Shop for Local Produce
Markets and shops are also abundant in the region, most of them offer local
gourmet delights. You can follow your way through the Yarra Valley Food
Trail to find gastronomic hotspots where you can stop and sample the
freshness of the local produce such as cheese, pasta, chilli, persimmons, and
smoked salmon.
TIP: Schedule your visit at the first Sunday of the month to experience what
Yarra Valley farmers’ Market and Hurstbridge Farmers’ Market has to offer.

6. Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary
Meet and get up close to local wildlife by paying Healesville Sanctuary a visit.
This protected area is home to more than 200 species of endemic animals
such as koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, platypus, lyrebirds and the Tasmanian
devil. The sanctuary is settled in a 30-hectare area that offers a distinct
Australian wildlife setting.
TIP: Entry for a person costs AUD 30.80. However, kids under 16 years of age
are free to enter the sanctuary every weekend and during Victorian school
and public holidays.

7. A day tour to the Yarra Valley is an ideal side-trip during
your Melbourne holiday. You can contact Stay
Innercity if you are in need of a place to stay for your
holiday. We offer self contained accommodation in
great locations in Albert Park, Middle Park, South
Melbourne and Port Melbourne. For more
information, visit our website at
http://www.stayinnercity.com.au/.