Two regions in one day
Explore the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley in one seamless day trip instead of choosing between forest adventure and wine country.
Forest first. Wine country later.
Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Adventure
Experience two of Melbourne's favourite escapes in one day. Hike beneath towering Mountain Ash in the Dandenong Ranges, then relax into an afternoon of local food, wine, beer and gin in the Yarra Valley — with a maximum of 10 travellers.
Maximum 10 guests6.6 km forest hikeTwo regionsWine + gin tastings
Two Melbourne escapes. One day.
Adventure in the morning. Relax into the afternoon.
The Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley make a pretty perfect pair. One is all towering forest, fern gullies and fresh mountain air. The other is rolling vineyards, local food and some of Victoria's favourite producers.
We bring them together in one wholesome day out. Start with a 6.6 km guided hike through Sherbrooke Forest, getting the legs moving and spending the morning immersed in nature.
Then swap the forest for the Yarra Valley, settle in for lunch and spend the afternoon tasting, chatting and exploring local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Active first. Relaxed later. Maximum 10 travellers throughout.
The Hike & Seek difference
Walk. Eat. Sip. Explore.
Two completely different sides of Victoria, brought together in one easygoing day. Get active among the giant trees, then slow down and enjoy the flavours of the valley.
A 6.6 km guided forest hike
Spend the morning actually exploring Sherbrooke Forest on foot, with Mountain Ash, fern gullies, wildlife and fresh forest air.
Active first. Relax later.
Get moving in the morning, then slow everything down with lunch, tastings and local flavours in the afternoon. It's a pretty great balance.
Maximum 10 travellers
Small groups keep the day social, relaxed and personal — whether you're on the trail, around the lunch table or sharing a tasting.
Food, wine, beer & gin
The afternoon isn't about one thing. Enjoy a mix of local producers, good food and different tastes across the Yarra Valley.
A relaxed local road trip
Friendly outdoor guides, good conversation and the feeling of exploring Victoria with a small group of like-minded travellers.
“Get the legs moving in the morning. Put your feet up with a glass in the afternoon.”
Your adventure
From forest trails to wine country.
Start beneath giant Mountain Ash and finish among rolling vineyards. Cover the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley in a single day without making either feel like an afterthought.
The adventure
Melbourne→Dandenong Ranges→Sherbrooke Forest→Yarra Valley→Yarrawood Estate→Healesville→Four Pillars
7:30 AM
Melbourne Pickup
Meet your local guide and a small group of fellow travellers in central Melbourne before we leave the city behind. Today we're combining two of Melbourne's favourite escapes — the forests of the Dandenong Ranges and the food, wine and rolling countryside of the Yarra Valley.
Pickup:180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Morning
Into the Dandenong Ranges
The city quickly gives way to towering Mountain Ash, tree ferns and cool forest. The Dandenong Ranges feel a world away from Melbourne despite being right on its doorstep, making them the perfect place to begin an active morning outdoors.
Morning
Sherbrooke Forest Hike
Stretch the legs on a 6.6 km guided hike through Eastern Sherbrooke Forest. Walk beneath towering Mountain Ash, descend into lush fern gullies and follow quiet forest trails while your guide shares the landscape, wildlife and stories of the ranges.
On the Trail
Lyrebirds & Forest Wildlife
Sherbrooke Forest is one of Melbourne's best places to listen for Superb Lyrebirds. Their remarkable calls echo through the gullies, and along the way there are also opportunities to spot wallabies, echidnas and plenty of native birdlife. Wildlife is wild, so every day is a little different.
Lunch
From Forest to Wine Country
After an active morning, we leave the forest behind and roll into the vineyards and open countryside of the Yarra Valley. It's a complete change of pace — exactly what makes this day so much fun.
Lunch
Yarrawood Estate
Settle in at Yarrawood Estate for a relaxed lunch overlooking the vines. Enjoy some local food, take in the views and join an included wine tasting before we continue exploring the flavours of the valley.
Afternoon
Matilda Bay Brewery
Next we change things up with a visit to Matilda Bay Brewery. Grab a locally brewed beer if you feel like one, relax with the group and enjoy the easygoing atmosphere of the Yarra Valley.
Afternoon
Payten & Jones
Continue into Healesville for a stop at Payten & Jones, a relaxed local winery with plenty of personality. It's another chance to discover something made locally, enjoy the atmosphere and spend time with the group.
Late Afternoon
Four Pillars Gin
Finish the afternoon at Four Pillars, one of Australia's best-known craft gin distilleries. Enjoy an included tasting and toast a day that has taken you from fern-filled forest trails to some of the Yarra Valley's best-known local producers.
Approx. 5:30 PM
Return to Melbourne
Settle in for the drive back to Melbourne feeling like you've packed two very different escapes into one day — an active morning in the Dandenong Ranges followed by a relaxed afternoon enjoying the Yarra Valley.
Two regions. One easy day.
Hike the Dandenongs. Taste the Yarra.
Maximum 10 travellers. 6.6 km forest hike. Local lunch, wine, beer and gin.
Is this your kind of day?
Made for people who like a little adventure with their indulgence.
Get outside, move the body and spend the morning surrounded by nature. Then celebrate with good food, local flavours and a relaxed afternoon in one of Victoria's most beautiful regions. It's a pretty wholesome way to spend a day.
You'll love this tour if you:
- ✓Want to experience both the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley in one day.
- ✓Like getting active before relaxing over lunch and drinks.
- ✓Want to hike beneath towering Mountain Ash trees.
- ✓Prefer a maximum of 10 travellers over a big group.
- ✓Enjoy good food, wine, beer, gin and discovering local producers.
- ✓Love wildlife, forests and time outdoors.
- ✓Enjoy meeting active, like-minded travellers.
- ✓Want a relaxed road-trip atmosphere with a local guide.
It may not be the best fit if you:
- —Want a full day dedicated entirely to wine tastings.
- —Prefer sightseeing with very little walking.
- —Are uncomfortable walking approximately 6.6 km on forest trails.
- —Need a fully accessible, step-free itinerary.
Your local crew
Local guides who love both sides of the day.
Hike & Seek is a small independent Melbourne tour company created for travellers who want to get outside and experience Victoria with like-minded people.
Your guide hikes Sherbrooke Forest with you, helps you listen and look for wildlife, and then joins you as the pace slows for lunch and an afternoon discovering the Yarra Valley.
Expect local knowledge, good conversation and the kind of day that feels more like a road trip with friends than a tour bus.
First Aid qualifiedOutdoor guidesIndependent & localMaximum 10
The essentials
What's included
- ✓Friendly local outdoor guide
- ✓Small-group transport
- ✓Guided 6.6 km Sherbrooke Forest hike
- ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities
- ✓Yarrawood Estate wine tasting
- ✓Four Pillars gin tasting
- ✓Matilda Bay Brewery visit
- ✓Payten & Jones visit
- ✓Delicious snacks
- ✓Maximum 10 travellers
Not included:Lunch and additional drinks or tastings. We stop at Yarrawood Estate for a relaxed lunch after the morning hike.
Before you book
Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges FAQs
What makes this Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges tour different?
The big difference is the balance. We combine two distinct Melbourne regions in one day, starting with a 6.6 km guided hike through Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges before spending the afternoon enjoying the food, wine, beer and gin of the Yarra Valley. With a maximum of 10 travellers, it feels more like a relaxed day out with friends than a conventional sightseeing tour.
Do we really visit both the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley in one day?
Yes. The morning is dedicated to the Dandenong Ranges and Sherbrooke Forest, before we continue into the Yarra Valley for lunch and an afternoon visiting local producers. The two regions are close enough to combine comfortably while still giving each part of the day its own experience.
How much walking is involved?
The main walk is an approximately 6.6 km guided hike through Eastern Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges.
How difficult is the hike?
The Sherbrooke Forest hike is Grade 3. It's suitable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. Expect forest tracks, uneven surfaces, hills and some steps.
What makes the Dandenong Ranges special?
The Dandenong Ranges are filled with towering Mountain Ash forests, lush fern gullies and abundant birdlife, despite being less than an hour from central Melbourne. The forest makes a beautiful contrast to the open vineyards of the Yarra Valley later in the day.
What wildlife might we see?
Sherbrooke Forest is especially well known for Superb Lyrebirds. There are also opportunities to see wallabies, echidnas and other native birds and wildlife, although wild animal sightings can never be guaranteed.
Where do we have lunch?
We stop at Yarrawood Estate in the Yarra Valley for lunch, where you can relax overlooking the vineyards and enjoy an included wine tasting.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is purchased separately. We recommend allowing around $25 to $35 depending on what you choose.
Are tastings included?
Yes. A wine tasting at Yarrawood Estate and a gin tasting at Four Pillars are included in the tour price. Additional drinks and tastings are purchased separately.
Do I need to drink alcohol to enjoy the tour?
Not at all. The experience is just as much about the forest hike, scenery, lunch, local producers and spending the day with a small group. You're always welcome to skip alcoholic tastings.
Which venues do we usually visit?
Our usual itinerary includes Yarrawood Estate, Matilda Bay Brewery, Payten & Jones and Four Pillars. Venues may occasionally change because of opening hours, private events or availability.
Who is this tour best for?
It's ideal for travellers who like a mix of being active and slowing down. If a morning hike followed by a relaxed lunch and afternoon discovering local food and drinks sounds like your kind of wholesome day out, you'll probably love it.
Where does the tour depart?
The tour departs from 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne at 7:30 AM. Please arrive around 10 minutes early so our small group can leave Melbourne on time.
What time do we return to Melbourne?
We generally return to Melbourne at approximately 5:30 PM. Traffic and conditions can affect the exact return time.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable trainers or hiking shoes, at least 1 litre of water, warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended. Bring a card or cash for lunch and any additional drinks.
Does the tour run in bad weather?
Tours generally operate in changing weather. Your guide may adjust the walking route or itinerary where necessary for safety, track conditions or venue availability.
Can I bring luggage?
Storage is limited in our small-group vehicle. Please contact us before booking if you need to bring anything larger than a small day bag.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations made within 24 hours are generally non-refundable.
Walk. Eat. Sip. Explore.
Two of Melbourne's best escapes. One very good day.
Start beneath giant trees in the Dandenong Ranges, then relax into lunch, vineyards and local flavours in the Yarra Valley — all with a maximum of 10 travellers.
Check Availability