Find things to do in Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Explore local events, attractions, markets and family activities, with dates, places and prices.
Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.
Explore the region
Explore Yarra Valley towns and the Dandenong Ranges. These are distinct areas within this discovery selection, not Melbourne CBD suburbs; allow for winding roads.
Gondwana VR is an immersive and interactive virtual-reality experience that invites you to discover the world's oldest tropical rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland, Australia. But the Daintree, like the renowned natural environment of the Yarra Ranges, is under threat from climate change – the landscape, its flora and fauna are struggling, some ecosystem may disappear in this lifetime.
The Flower Festival extravaganza at the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society is where you will see a huge hall full of hundreds of blooms and foliage, the scent and sight is just divine.
The event will feature a huge stand of cut flowers, and stunning and unusual plants propagated from their own 10 acre garden for sale. Visitors can participate in guided garden walks around the beautiful 10 acre garden. There will be a sausage sizzle, home made soup, sandwiches and devonshire teas.
There will also be specialist growers of peonies, clivias, dahlias, and roses.
Art and Alchemy Gallery and Studio has three gallery spaces with Gathering: A Collection of Scrolls by Mary McCowan being exhibited in the Salon Space.
This exhibition is a deeply personal one, featuring pieces from Mary's daily, creative and spiritual practice reflecting on her experience of the world.
Mary's work is characterised by repetition, everyday materials and intuition and is an invitation to personal, creative and spiritual engagement.
The opening event is on Sunday 18 October. This is a free event with an opportunity to hear from the artist.
Inside the Mirage is a group exhibition shaped by the imaginative and philosophical worlds of artists Ian Fairweather and John Young Zerunge, held in the TarraWarra Museum of Art Collection.
Drawing these two practices into dialogue, the exhibition highlights new perspectives and connections between Australian art history and the present. It foregrounds artworks that have shared and inherited stories as their basis, revealing the intertwined histories and complex cultural narratives that shape contemporary identities and world views.
Inside the Mirage explores the entangled relationships between artists, temporal frameworks and geographic contexts, centering the realities of lived experience. Artworks from the TarraWarra Museum of Art Collection are presented alongside selected loans from contemporary Australian artists including Mikala Dwyer, Narelle Jubelin, Michael Stevenson, My Le Thi, Zhou Xiaoping and Johnny Bulunbulun, Meng Yu Yan, William Yang and others. Across diasporas, time, and place, Inside the Mirage weaves loose threads together to humanise the mythical and to generate new narratives of social belonging, inviting people to reimagine their relationships with one another and the worlds that are shared.
Yarrawood Estate's Live Music Sessions are held throughout the year on every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and feature live acoustic performances from a diverse range of highly talented local artists.
So why not relax and unwind with a scrumptious lunch, a glass of wine and a few of your closest friends, whilst listening to an amazing live performance.
There's no better way to enjoy a lazy afternoon!
Join a Silver Ring making class in Mt Dandenong where you will learn how to create your own stunning set of Australian sterling silver rings in their group workshop - maximum of four students. You can also book in for an exclusive workshop for two people.
This workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity and craft something truly unique to reflect your personal style.
Under the guidance of goldsmith, Helene Campbell, you'll learn the techniques of texturing and shaping sterling silver to create two beautiful rings - one embossed with a beautiful pattern and the other beaten, both designs make your rings truly one-of-a-kind.
Throughout the class, you'll work at a real jeweller's bench, allowing you to connect with the craft and appreciate the effort that goes into creating handmade jewellery.
You'll be provided with the necessary materials and tools, and Helene will guide you every step of the way. By the end of the class, you'll proudly walk away with your very own set of sterling silver rings, making this experience not only enjoyable but also rewarding.
So come on, join in and let your creativity shine.
Comedy in the Vines returns to the stunning Yarra Valley for four days and nights of comedy, wine, music and the unexpected this October.
Expect a comedy lineup stacked with over 20 comedians, over a dozen of the Yarra's best winemakers, a stellar live music program, as well as masterclasses, culinary surprises, roaming entertainment and some seriously unique activations to get involved in.
Silent Stories – Part II is a captivating solo exhibition by Rishu Kapoor that brings hidden narratives to life through an extraordinary blend of coffee, gold leaf, acrylics, and oils.
Inspired by diverse cultures, memories, and unspoken emotions, each artwork reveals stories that often remain unheard. The warmth of coffee tones and the richness of gold create a powerful visual language that feels both intimate and timeless. This exhibition invites you to pause, reflect, and connect with the quiet stories we all carry.
Step into a space where art speaks softly, yet leaves a lasting impression.
Step inside the studios of the Yarra Valley's most creative minds, open for a free, self-guided journey through the arts.
Wander through the private spaces where art comes to life and experience it like never before. Meet your favourite artists, or discover new ones. See where they work, what inspires them, and how they create. Smell the paints, feel the tools, ask questions, and watch techniques unfold before your eyes.
Explore an incredible variety of art forms, including painting, ceramics, photography, mixed media, printmaking, and fibre art.
Free entry. Don't miss this chance to step behind the scenes and celebrate creativity across the Valley.
The program includes two Open Studios weekends and a month-long exhibition.
Studio locations include Badger Creek, Chum Creek, Dixons Creek, Don Valley, Healesville, Launching Place, Millgrove, Mount Evelyn, Silvan, Warburton, Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction.
Visit the website for detailed information on the program dates, timings and locations.
The notion of High Tea evokes a sense of old-world luxury, and Melba's High Tea certainly delivers just that.
Enjoyed in the elegant ambience of the restaurant every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, the Sparkling High Tea features a delightful array of ribbon sandwiches, exquisite sweets, and freshly baked buttermilk scones meticulously crafted by their in-house pastry chef. Savour your treats alongside a choice of tea or coffee, accompanied by free-flowing Coombe NV sparkling wine (because Dame Nellie wouldn't have settled for anything less for her esteemed guests).
For more details and reservations, please visit the website.
yalingbuth yalingbu yirrimboi yesterday today tomorrow is an exhibition by Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation (WEAC) that commemorates the 100th anniversary of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station's closure in 1924. But Coranderrk's story and history does not end here.
Guided by the Station's founding legacy to be self-sufficient and self-governed WEAC has worked to reawaken Coranderrk by employing Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, to care for Country and Culture. By sharing stories from yalingbuth and where they occurred, WEAC are reclaiming events from an unjust past, to shift the narrative and transform yalingbu into a positive yirramboi.
yalingbuth yalingbu yirrimboi yesterday today tomorrow is a Wandoon Aboriginal Estate Corporation exhibition, supported by Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.
Australia's favourite Venezuelan is coming to Sooki Lounge with his hilarious, award-winning show about dancing through tough times, finding joy in chaos and shaking off your worries to a Latino beat.
In these uncertain times, when your phone updates faster than your emotions, one thing is for sure – if you are not laughing, you are dancing, so why not do both with the happiest hombre in showbiz.
Vamos, Ivan Aristeguieta is ready to mambo. Are you?
Explore a bushland haven for Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary.
An Australian wildlife experience just one hour from Melbourne in the stunning Yarra Valley. Wander tranquil tracks and see iconic Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, emus and more. Discover majestic birds of prey and magnificent parrots in the spectacular Spirits of The Sky bird presentation.
Every Sunday, Murrundindi (Wurundjeri Elder), is here to share the cultural stories of his land. Learn a little language as he welcomes you onto Country with a friendly Womenjika; listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo; stop to have a yarn; hear local stories, and be amazed at his mastery making that Boomerang really fly.
Take a visit to the Australian Wildlife Health Centre to meet the vets and nurses as they care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in need of care.
Healesville Sanctuary offers many close-up experiences where guest have the opportunity to meet iconic Australian animals including koala, kangaroo, dingo and echidnas.
Children under 16 years of age receive free entry every weekend, during Victorian Government school holidays and on Victorian public holidays.
Ever wondered which Indigenous plant has leaves that can be used as soap? Or maybe you want to know what makes a Boomerang come back? Perhaps you would like to hear a local Dreaming Story about how the Lyrebird came to speak in the language of many other animals?
Every Sunday, Murrundindi (Wurundjeri Elder), is here to share the cultural stories of his land. Learn a little language as he welcomes you onto Country with a friendly Womenjika; listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo; stop to have a yarn; hear local stories, and be amazed at his mastery making that Boomerang really fly.
You can meet Murrundindi every Sunday 10:30am to 3:00pm, or every day except Saturday in the school holidays and on public holidays. Free with general admission.
The Memo has been a part of the fabric of Healesville since 1924 and has been a source of many significant memories for the community.
Following a major redevelopment, The Memo reopened in September 2012 to thrive again with community and cultural events, creating memories for a new generation.
Featuring a large presentation space that seats over 300 people, this first class facility caters to great theatre, music and other live performances and is available to hire. The flat floor space is a great space for conferences and other private functions.
From silent films in the 20s, to the talkies in the 30s, to the latest 3D digital technology today; Cinema has long been a tradition in Healesville and returns to The Memo bigger and better than ever with regular screenings each week.
Several ancillary rooms are suitable for meetings and private bookings.
The gallery space features regular exhibitions of local and touring artworks.
The team look forward to welcoming you to visit and experience all The Memo has to offer.
Maroondah Reservoir Park in Healesville is a must-do activity.
Going for a walk and picnicking here is a wonderful day out for the whole family with lots of rotundas, barbecues and picnic tables to use. But, the main feature here is the amazing dam wall.
An impressive 41 metre high dam wall offers amazing scenic views over gardens, mountain ranges and a reservoir lake. Construction of this dam wall took place from 1920 - 1927 and this catchment is an important source of Melbourne’s water.
There are a number of walks around the park including on top of the dam wall, the Falls Lookout and gardens. Walking to the bottom of the dam wall really shows the grandeur and size.
Photograph the historic Rose Stairway which is at its best in Autumn. Enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom in spring. During the wetter months experience the awesome force of the water tumbling over the spillway.
Before you go: conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort offers an 18-hole golf course and a four-hole short course.
Surrounded by beautiful native trees and vegetation, the Michael Clayton designed 18-hole course offers members and guests a unique playing experience. The four-hole short course is a hidden gem and gives beginner golfers a non pressured environment to learn the game. It also provides a wonderful practice facility for all members to enjoy.
An additional feature to the 18-hole course is the extensive paved cart path network, which allows for all weather access.
Treat yourself to a sensory escape in the heart of the Yarra Valley
Nestled in the beautiful Yarra Valley, One Spa at RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort offers a rejuvenating retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They invite you to indulge in the revitalising treatments the day spa has to offer, and in the caring hands of the spa professionals, release all tension in a blissful exercise of self-care.
TarraWarra Museum of Art is an intimate museum with big ideas. Two remarkable buildings set the stage for exploration.
Explore modern and contemporary artworks in an award-winning gallery designed by Allan Powell. Established in 2003, the museum has built a reputation for presenting a unique program of exhibitions curated to inspire curiosity and support emerging and established artists to make new work.
The latest addition to the Museum, the Eva and Marc Besen Centre, offers something novel and unexpected, visible art storage of over 300 works, a learning centre and a performance space designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects. Take in the panoramic display of 64 storage racks housing one of Australia's most significant collections of modern and contemporary art, spanning from the 1930s to today. Book yourself an art tour to appreciate the iconic artworks up close.
TarraWarra Museum of Art offers a panoramic experience of the Yarra Valley on Wurundjeri Country, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and distant Toolangi rainforest across planted vines, native bushland and farmland. With its lush lawns and avenue planting, visitors can experience the landscape setting, seasonal displays of the natural surrounds, and the Museum's outdoor sculptures by taking a meandering pathway that winds through the Museum grounds.
TarraWarra is a place to immerse yourself in art, nature, architecture and ideas.
Come and explore the many delights of the Upper Yarra Museum. Located at Yarra Junction in the old Railway Station, the museum first opened in 1972 with a small collection of locally donated pieces of machinery and household goods of all descriptions.
It has since grown its collection to include historical displays about the Gold Rush era, Farming, Sawmilling and Forestry, Railway and Timber Tramway, and family life in general of the old “Shire of Upper Yarra”. Additionally, the museum has a collection of historical buildings including a 1890s Railway Cottage, Workers Huts from the Upper Yarra Dam construction period, the Powelltown Police Station Office, and the old Yarra Junction Jail/Lockup.
Visit the blacksmith’s workshop and see him in action forging hot steel over the anvil, using hammer and fire to create just about anything that can be made from metal. There is an opportunity to join in the fun by booking a class.
The museum is the location for the iconic ‘Crank Up’ and Woodchop, which is an annual event held every March since about 1978, and showcases vintage machinery and old trades in action. Group Bookings and School Tours can be arranged.
A beautiful seven acre award winning display garden in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Featuring nine distinct garden areas, with seasonal displays. There is an extensive plant nursery with interesting and unusual plants and a cafe with great coffee, teas and cakes.
The purpose of the gardens at Alowyn is to provide an informative and educational experience for anyone interested not only in gardening, but also the enjoyment of a beautiful garden. It has been designed with shade and comfort in mind. Plant names are on view to educate and inform visitors about the gardens.
Mt Donna Buang summit is 1245 metres above ground, offering stunning panoramic views from a 21-metre lookout tower. You'll see views over Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and Cathedral Ranges, Mount Baw Baw and the Alps. It is also a popular picnic area and starting point for walks on the mountain.
The picnic area has gas barbecues, fireplaces, picnic tables, toilets and a lookout.
Mt Donna Buang facilitates many outdoor activities such as tobogganing, hikes, abseiling and more and is a great place to experience snow in winter.
If you're driving through the lovely town of Warburton, stop by for a coffee or a meal at one of the many local cafes and restaurants.
The Blue Lotus Water Garden is one of Australia's most spectacular seasonal gardens open to the public from 26 December to mid April each year.
The tropically themed water garden covers 14 acres featuring millions of beautiful lotus, waterlily and other flowers, stunning lakes, amazing vistas and wonderful facilities. Each year the garden holds two spectacular floral events starting with the famous Lotus Flower Season (26 December to 20 March) followed by their Autumn Flower Season (21 March to 19 April).
Featured attractions include: Giant Amazon Waterlilies, Tropical World, Claude Monet Waterlily display, Cochrane's Lake Bridge Walk, Lotus Lake, Lotus Wetlands, Golden Lotus display, Flower Fairy Garden and much more.
It is recommended that visitors allow a minimum of two hours to see all the wonderful vistas and attractions.
Facilities inside the gardens include picnic shelters and barbeques, café and kiosk, accessible amenities, play spaces for kids, group pavilions and more. Located just outside the gardens is our plant and flower nursery and gift shops. They also have plenty of on-site parking and accessible parking.
Visit Gulf Station and learn what life was like for a family living on the land in nineteenth century Australia.
Gulf Station is an extraordinary survival of Victoria's farming heritage, showcasing self-sufficiency and resilience.
The farm buildings are all hand constructed using traditional techniques making use of the materials available. They show the development of the farm and its domestic uses.
Scottish immigrants Agnes and William Bell colonised the land in the 1850s to run a farm. The practical and hardworking Bell family were generous, resourceful and kind. They ran the Station for 100 years. Mary Anne Bell was the matriarch and after her husband died, she continued to run the property.
On Open Days, families can join a guided tour at 11.30 am or explore at their own pace, wandering through the homestead, gardens, old schoolhouse and historic outbuildings. Meet the resident Clydesdales, and explore the barns and farm buildings where generations once worked the land.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn and experience the domestic world of a colonial farming family, where resilience, resourcefulness and hard work shaped daily life.
