Winter Family Fun in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Tobogganing in the snow, sampling the local seasonal produce, or meeting some of the wildlife, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are a winter hotspot for the whole family.

You’ll find a range of activities to help you warm up or wind down, from bushwalks and bike tracks to art and culture and cosy fireside dining. Venture out for the day to embrace the crisp fresh air and bucolic scenery, and don’t forget to rug up.

Snow Wonder

Pull on your snow boots and beanie and make your way to the top of Mt Donna Buang for a magical day of play in the snow. The snow season spans from about mid-June to September each year and is a popular spot for families hoping to revel in an enchanting white wonderland. Toboggans are available for hire from a van on location, and a range of toboggan runs keep you active. Remember to check the conditions via Parks Victoria before your visit.

To Dine For

After your snow venture, you can warm up with a fireside meal in the charming village of Warburton, at the base of Mt Donna Buang mountain. Sample the seasonal menu and rustic elegance at the Alpine Hotel Warburton. There are many sumptuous family-friendly dining experiences on offer throughout the region. An artisan hot chocolate with the kids is a must at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. You can also stop at one of the many farm gates and roadside stalls to stock your pantry with fresh, local produce, including fruit and vegetables, poultry, cheeses and preserves.

Wild Thing

Meet and greet some of the local wildlife by wandering through Healesville Sanctuary. Open 7 days a week, including all public holidays, there's so much to see and do at Healesville Sanctuary that you're guaranteed to come back time and again.

Wander tranquil tracks and see iconic Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats, emus and more.

Every Sunday, Murrundindi (Wurundjeri Elder), is there 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.

Don't miss their spectacular Spirits of The Sky bird presentation and visit the Australian Wildlife Health Centre which is free with your entry ticket.

Wonderworld

Winter is a magical time at the historic artists’ colony of Montsalvat in Eltham. Throughout the winter, you’ll find an array of exhibitions, live music and workshops on offer, with something for everyone. Or you could explore the gardens and historic stone buildings, followed by coffee and cake, or a nourishing lunch.

Get Active

Warm up the old-fashioned way with a brisk walk or cycle along with one of Nillumbik’s many bush tracks and trails. The popular Diamond Creek Trail, which follows the Diamond Creek, now extends from Eltham to Hurstbridge. This is a leisurely meandering trail, wide enough for shared use, and popular with walkers and cyclists. Highlights along the trail include the diverse flora and fauna, the Diamond Valley Railway, Edendale Farm Community Environment Centre, the Diamond Creek Regional Playspace and the Hurstbridge Community Hub.

Take it Outside

It’s definitely worth rugging up for a lungful of crisp mountain air in winter. Walking trails, gardens and other outdoor adventures are the perfect way to experience all the Dandenong Ranges has to offer.

Set off on a hike along one of the many stunning trails. Wander deep into the fern gully of Pirianda Gardens, rich with exotic trees and meandering pathways. Shrouded in mist, The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and George Tindale Memorial Gardens all have a fairytale atmosphere that’s sure to fire the imagination.