Girls’ Getaway in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Looking for some ideas for a girl's weekend in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges?

It’s the perfect spot for a celebration, a hens’ weekend, Mother’s Day treat or just some quality time to connect with the gals.

A Girl's Getaway in the Dandenong Ranges

Grab your besties, your sister, mum, or any of your favourite people and jump in the car for this indulgent trip to the Dandenong Ranges. Got a diverse group? No problem. The region has something to offer the most pampered princess, the foodie, the retail queen as well as the adventurer.

Start with a great brunch. Maria Melbourne (pictured below) is the Mexican-inspired brekky fiesta you need to start your Girl's Day Out in the heart of the Upwey township.

Pretty in pink and picture-perfect, Maria has a dining option for any weather. Sunny morning? Their courtyard is perfect for devouring Chilaquiles (breakfast nachos) amongst the cacti.

Weather a little cooler? Their indoor dining area is warm and spacious, ready for any size group.

With a delicious menu (featuring its own vegan section), quality Industry Beans coffee and a cocktail list to boot, a Maria Melbourne brekky will kickstart your day in the right way!

From here, venture into nearby Sassafras and Olinda, each with their own boutique shopping village. Shop small as you support local makers, designers and artists and discover unique and handmade items you won’t get in the city, from locally-made artworks to homewares, fashion, gourmet goods, antiques and more.

Click here for some retail therapy inspiration.

Make a weekend of it:

If you’ve got an extra day to spend, book an overnight at any one of the region’s boutique accommodation options. The region has a variety of options from luxury to quaint bed and bed and breakfasts to suit any budget or style of travel.

One the morning of your second day, skip breakfast and head straight to a morning high tea experience at Mary Eats Cake. It’s also a popular choice for special events such as engagement celebrations, baby and bridal showers and birthdays. Morning and afternoon teas here are all about the fluffy scones, French-inspired pastries and desserts as well as gourmet teas and a maybe glass of sparkling too.

Drive to Warratina Lavender Farm where you can stretch your legs by wandering around this beautifully fragrant and spectacular 10-acre farm. Make sure to take a peek into the lavender drying shed. Here lavender grows year-round, but from November to January it’s in full bloom and harvested. Make a stop in the retail shop and treat yourself to some body products or even gourmet goods such as lavender mustard, lavender honey and herbal teas.

From here, it’s time to hit the farmgates to stock up on all the amazing local produce and artisanal goods made in the region. Depending on what’s in season, you can choose from blueberries, cherries and fresh strawberries or apples and chestnuts.

Girls Getaway in the Yarra Valley

What better to way keep the relaxation going than treating yourself to some of the best local wines? With so many wineries in the nearby Yarra Valley, one of the best places to try a little of everything is at Barrique Wine Store. This boutique bottleshop offers one of the best selections of local wines as well as tasty vintages from around the world. They regularly host tastings where you can sample some of the region's finest drops and stock up on all your favourites so you can continue enjoying the time you spent in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges when you return home.

Take a stroll through Healesville and discover some of the truly unique shopping experiences packed with handmade items from local artisans, gourmet goods and so much more.

Ladies who brunch know that Chandon is one of the most spectacular places to do so with fabulous views over the rolling vineyards.

Make a weekend of it:

The Yarra Valley is packed with cute and cosy places to stay such as farm stays luxury options, pet-friendly places like Wiggly Bottom Farm and even unique stays such as a restored Melbourne Tramcar.

Go a little lux and book your stay at Balgownie Estate where you can also enjoy a treatment at their onsite day spa or a swim in their heated indoor pool. Follow it up with a cocktail and dinner in their restaurant 1309 and it's absolute bliss.

Get some inspiration and find your perfect overnight option here.

Feeling artsy? There's always something new to discover at TarraWarra Museum of Art (pictured below). Here, a rotating program of exhibitions, workshops and so much more. Their onsite gallery shop is also packed with gorgeous things to treasure.

Alternatively, our ready-made itineraries also offer a great range of ideas on how to maximise your time in the region. Round up your favourite gals and get planning.