Love is in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Looking to spoil your loved one with the ultimate Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges romantic getaway**? Think delicious food and wine, stunning nature, beautiful gardens and amazing places to reconnect and relax.

Need ideas? We've got you covered!

**Make sure to book your experiences in advance to avoid disappointment!

Whether it's celebrating Valentine's Day with someone you adore or 'just because,' why not enjoy:

1. DELIGHTFUL HIGH TEAS

Whether it's an anniversary, special weekend, mid-week retreat, or romantic weekend, you can't go wrong with an amazing high tea experience that oozes class and sophistication. Spoil your loved one with an array of delicious food and a high tea experience at Coombe Yarra Valley, Chateau Yering, Olinda Tea House, Mary Eats Cake and Balgownie Estate.

Find out more about these amazing high tea places.

2. DISCOVER THE DANDENONG RANGES

For the ultimate, unique romantic experience in the Dandenong Ranges, jump on board Puffing Billy Railway and enjoy a ride on Australia's oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway. Sitting on the carriage sill of Puffing Billy’s open-side carriages is a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

You'll be spoilt for choice when dining in the Dandenong Ranges with amazing cafes and restaurants including Paradise Valley Hotel, Cognoscenti Food & Wine, Maria Cafe, Olinda Tea House, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, and Bam Bam Italian.

Find more places to eat and drink in our region.

On everyone's must-do list, our cool climate gardens are spectacular in every season. Why not pick a few to do from our gardens itinerary? There are even free dog-friendly gardens if your pooch is part of your date!

3. INDULGENT SPA EXPERIENCES

Who doesn't love a relaxing spa day? Book in for a couple's massage or treatment at one of our amazing day spas and pamper yourselves.

We love visiting THERAPY in Eltham, Il Massagio at Meletos, One Spa at RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort, Heritage Retreat and Day Spa, Balgownie Estate, Natural Wellness Centre and Elle Naturale Olinda.

4. FALL IN LOVE WITH THE YARRA VALLEY

Spend the day enjoying the stunning wineries, distilleries and breweries of the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges. Visit them mid-week for tasting specials and quieter venues! Planning to have lunch? Make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Not sure where to start? Follow our self-drive itineraries including Yarra Valley Wine Weekend or Yarra Valley Food & Wine Adventure. Our region is also home to amazing tour operators who will ensure you have a wonderful and safe day out. Check them out here.

Spend the day at the iconic Healesville Sanctuary and see our beautiful Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, emus and more. Get the camera out and marvel at the spectacular daily Spirits of the Sky bird presentation and enjoy tasty treats at their onsite cafe.

Hot air ballooning experts such as Liberty Balloon Flights, Go Wild Ballooning and Global Ballooning will ensure that you have the most romantic and memorable start to your morning. Their sunrise flights over the Yarra Valley are spectacular and if you're planning on proposing, they even have special packages available for doing just that!

Check out this beautiful full-circle moment from Global Ballooning:

20 years ago, Simon proposed to Kerrie on a magical Global Ballooning flight. Fast forward to December 2024, and they chose to return to the skies where it all began, celebrating two decades of marriage and two incredible daughters!

5. BOOK A STAYCATION

Book a romantic staycation in the Yarra Valley or Dandenong Ranges and take your time exploring the region. There's a huge range of accommodation options from luxury stays to quiet B&Bs, pet-friendly stays and more.