Just one hour from the centre of Melbourne are the lush hillsides of the Yarra Valley. The Yarra Valley's wineries have a reputation for producing world-class wine. The soil and climate of the valley has seen the area grow to include over 90 vineyards and 35 wineries. They are scattered throughout the rolling plains of the Yarra Valley and you can stop and sample their wines.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, The Dandenong Ranges are lushly forested and there are a number of small townships tucked away in the hills. Heavy rainfall and rich volcanic soil have created a lush vegetation with spectacular hills and gullies crowded with creepers, ferns and mountain ash. Mount Dandenong is the highest point of the ranges and at its summit (633 metres) there are excellent views. The entire Dandenong area is famous for its beautiful gardens which are especially enticing during spring and autumn.

Ferntree Gully National Park, part of the Dandenong Ranges, comprises layers of vegetation - a canopy overhead creating a cool, moist environment in which mosses, delicate ferns and flowers thrive. There are more than 20 species of native animals, including echidna, platypuses, ring-tailed possums, sugar gliders, kookaburras, roseallas and cockatoos.

Fact Summary

Weather