Off the Sofa! Winter Date Day Ideas in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Let’s be honest: when winter rolls around, the temptation to stay bundled on the couch in your jammies is real. But if you grab your woolly jumper and head to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, there are way better ways to spend a date day.

Romantic, fun and just a little bit steamy, here are just a few ideas for turning a chilly day into a wonderful adventure with your favourite person.

🚂 Steam-Powered Snuggles on Puffing Billy Railway

There’s just something about rolling through the misty Dandenong Ranges on a historic steam train that feels utterly romantic. Lean out of the open-sided carriages (blankets encouraged) and take in the rainforest views. Bonus points if you grab a hot chocolate and browse in their Lakeside Visitors Centre.

🍻 Lunch by the Fire

After your scenic ride, warm up with a hearty pub lunch. The Micawber Tavern in Belgrave oozes character and charm, complete with cosy fires, winter brews, and a menu made for sharing. Or detour to Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis for countryside vibes, crackling fireplaces, and generous plates of comfort food. Either way, this is where your “we should move to the hills” conversations begin.

Want more inspo? Here's a supersized list of places you can enjoy fireside dining in the region.

🎨 Add a Touch of Culture at TarraWarra Museum of Art

Visit TarraWarra Museum of Art, where rolling vineyards meet contemporary creativity. The exhibitions rotate regularly, and the architecture alone is worth the visit.

A slow stroll through the gallery gives you a chance to warm up and maybe even hold hands and talk about something other than the everyday stuff.

🍷 Sip, Dine & Gaze at a Cellar Door

The sun may set early in winter, but that just means it's wine-o'clock sooner. Head to Tokar Estate for a romantic wine tasting with vineyard views and Mediterranean-inspired meals. The open fireplace in their cellar door restaurant and views that feel like a Tuscan postcard could be a love story in itself.

But don’t stop there—this is Yarra Valley, after all. Take a scenic drive and create your own 'Winter Wine Trail for Two':

• Chandon: For bubbles and beautiful views. Sip a sparkling rosé and toast to your excellent taste in both wine and company.

• Coombe Yarra Valley: For lovers of wine, great food, history and stunning gardens. There's so much to see and do at Coombe Yarra Valley, you really could spend a whole day enjoying each other's company.

• De Bortoli: For cheese platters that might steal the spotlight from your date. Their Italian varietals and cellar-aged reds are perfect for cold days.

• Helen & Joey Estate: For a romantic getaway with a twist. After a delicious meal and wine tasting, spend the night at their beautiful accommodation, Re'em Yarra Valley, and make the experience extra special.

• Rochford Wines: For lovers of live music and bold Shiraz. Keep an eye out—there’s often something fun on, even in winter.

• Coldstream Hills Cellar Door: For intimate, relaxed and oozing cool-climate charm. A Pinot Noir here is practically a warm hug.

• Oakridge Wines: For award-winning wine, million-dollar views and dining you'll never forget. Select from a range of premium tasting experiences, then treat your someone special to a meal from their delicious restaurant.

• Four Pillars Gin: For a spicy detour from the wine trail. Pop into their distillery for a G&T or hot gin toddy with a twist—and maybe a cheeky bottle to take home.

The best part? You don’t have to do it all in one day. Turn it into a weekend escape and claim “wine touring” as your new winter sport.

🧺 Pop Into a Local Market

If you're adventuring on a Friday, swing by the Yarra Valley ECOSS Market in Wesburn. It's quirky, local, and full of handmade goodies, baked treats, and live tunes.

Visiting on a weekend? Our markets calendar is packed with events year round for enjoy locally made and grown produce and artisan goods.

❤️ Get Playfully Competitive at Yarra Valley X

From horseback riding to hot air ballooning or e-biking, wrap up your day with something unexpected with Yarra Valley X. Whether it’s an action-packed experience or a chill cooking class, there's a great selection of activities to choose from, making it the perfect way to break out of your winter routine and laugh together.

🛏️ Make It an Overnight Romance (Because One Day Just Isn’t Enough)

Let’s face it—between the wine, misty views, and all that hand-holding, one day simply won’t cut it. Make your winter date stretch into a dreamy overnight stay and wake up somewhere beautiful (and preferably near a good breakfast).

• Alpine Hotel Warburton
  For a classic country town feel with mountain views, head to Warburton and check into the recently revived Alpine Hotel Warburton. With art deco touches, comfy rooms, and that crisp alpine air, it’s the kind of place where you fall asleep to the sound of the river and wake to a backdrop of tree-covered hills. Bonus: it’s walking distance to great bakeries and riverside strolls.

• The Farmhouse at Meletos
  If you’re after a stay that feels like the cover of a boutique travel magazine, The Farmhouse at Meletos delivers. Set amongst vineyards and rolling hills, it’s equal parts rustic and refined and an onsite restaurant that’ll make you want to linger over every bite.
  

• Valley Ranges Getaways
  Prefer something more private? Valley Ranges Getaways offers a collection of beautiful cottages, homes, and retreats tucked away across the hills and valleys. Think outdoor spas, potbelly stoves, mountain views and no one else around — except maybe a curious kookaburra or two.

• RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort
  Spoil your loved one with a staycation at RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort and discover so many memorable experiences beyond your room. With two restaurants, Banyalla and Riddell's Green, an onsite spa, golf and don't forget the amazing views. You won't want to leave!

Feeling Loved Up?

Whether you’re planning a cheeky midweek escape or a full-blown winter weekend retreat, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges serve up everything you need to turn chilly weather into serious couple goals.

Put down the TV remote, pack some cuddly clothes, your significant other and make some cold-weather magic.