1. The Whispering Oak Cellar – De Bortoli’s Secret Tasting Room
Located behind a 150‑year‑old oak tree on the De Bortoli estate, this intimate cellar is reserved for members‑only tastings. The space holds only twelve seats, offering a curated flight of limited‑release Shiraz and Pinot Noir paired with house‑made cheese.
2. Yarra Valley Sculpture Trail – The Hidden Murals of Healesville
Beyond the popular galleries lies a 3‑km walking trail peppered with site‑specific installations by emerging Australian artists. Highlights include a kinetic metal wave that moves with the valley breeze and a sandstone relief depicting the Wurundjeri Dreamtime story.
3. Maroondah Reservoir Lookout – Sunrise Over the Vineyards
Accessible via a private walking path, this viewpoint offers an unobstructed sunrise panorama of the valley’s patchwork of vineyards. Bring a thermos of locally roasted coffee for a truly serene start to the day.
4. The Vintage Railway Café – A Forgotten Stop
Housed in the restored 1920s station of the former Yarra Valley Railway, the café serves artisanal pastries baked with honey from the on‑site apiary. It’s a perfect pit‑stop before heading to the lesser‑known Yering Station Market.