Lake Mountain
Winter or summer, white season or green, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort offers ‘mountains’ of fun and adventure for the young and the young at heart.
During winter you can join in (or just watch) all the snow activities including cross country skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding and tube runs. The resort also has a thrilling flying fox, laser skirmishes and lots of opportunities for uninhibited snow play. At the end of the day enjoy delicious hot food and great wine as you take in the sunset views over the snowfields.
The green season opens up a completely different range of fun and exciting activities. The ski trails become tracks for bushwalking or mountain bike riding. Nature lovers can look out for the blooming wildflowers and local wildlife. Groups can also book a walking tour with the resort’s environmental officer.
Healesville
Healesville sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is one of the three zoos operated by Zoos Victoria. Is it committed to fighting wildlife extinction and offers visitors the chance to come up close to unique Australian animals in a magnificent native bush environment.
Zoo staff regularly run demonstration sessions featuring specific animals. Be amazed at the sheer size, power and intelligence of the birds of prey, walk through the aviary of the ‘Land of the Parrots’ or hear a talk about the zoo’s breeding programs.
Everyone will enjoy a fun and informative day at the sanctuary. Come along to see and support the amazing work being done there.
Badger Creek Rd, Healesville
Hedgend Maze
This family-run venture offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, interactive brain-teasing games and beautiful views. Set over 20 acres you will discover not only the fabulous maze but also the Fossil Dig, Tangled Web, Giant Chess, mini-golf course and much more.
Many of the games invite you to work as a team, use your mind to solve clues or look at things in a new way. Their motto is to ‘Think differently at Hedgend Maze’. Come along and have fun creating memories with your friends and family.
163 Albert Road, Healesville
Cathedral Ranges State Park
Follow the road from Marysville to Buxton and then head north along the Maroondah Highway to reach this popular park. The 7km ridge of upturned sedimentary rock has been shaped into a dramatic series of peaks, cliffs and gullies. The eastern boundary joins onto the Lake Mountain region while the western slopes overlook the beautiful Acheron Valley.
92% of the park (3,577 ha) was severely damaged by the 2009 fires on Black Saturday. Within a handful of years it has already re-generated significantly and is once again a mecca for bushwalkers, rock-climbers and campers.
There are fifteen walking tracks of varying grades in the park which can be combined to form larger circuits. Come for a day trip and bring a picnic. You can also watch out for the native wildlife including the satin bower bird and native orchids and other wildflowers.
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley Railway
Take a trip back in time by climbing aboard a steam train or diesel locomotive on the Yarra Valley Railway. The railway runs along a portion of the former Victorian Railways line to Healesville. It was this line that holiday makers used to flock to Marysville back in the 1920’s.
A not-for-profit society now operates the tourist railway from Yarra Glen to Healesville. Operations are based at Healesville Railway Station, which is on the Historic Buildings Register. Some of the infrastructure at Healesville is still operational as are many of the original locomotives.
Today you can enjoy a trip through the beautiful Yarra Valley and even pass through the historic tunnel at TarraWarra Winery.
A bird's eye view of the Yarra Valley
There are many opportunities to view the Yarra Valley from the air.
Arrive at one of the wineries just before dawn to take a ride in a hot air balloon in time to watch a glorious sunrise across the hills and vineyards.
If you prefer some motor power you can book a scenic flight in a small plane and meander though the air above the countless rows of vines. Or if you want even more of an adrenaline rush, take a helicopter ride between the wineries.
Yarra Valley wines
The Yarra Valley region of Victoria is synonymous with world-class wine. With over 70 wineries both large and small, you’ll be spoiled for choice deciding which ones to visit.
From Marysville, Healesville and Coldstream down to Hurstbridge and Yarra Glen you’ll be amazed at the quality and variety of wines on offer. Watch out for familiar names such as Yering Station, TarraWarra and Domain Chandon but also try the products from the smaller vineyards as their flavours are often more unique and innovative.
Many of the wineries also offer superb restaurants and accommodation. Watch out for package deals that may also include scenic flights or hot air balloon rides.
Gulf Station
Gulf Station is a historic property owned by the National Trust. Established in the 1850’s it was farmed for nearly 100 years by the Bell family, originally from Scotland. For much of this time they farmed the land to supply produce to the gold mining communities in the region.
Today you have a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy the homestead and outbuildings. The station is one of the oldest examples of a pioneering farm in Australia. Adults and children alike will be fascinated to learn how people of yesteryear went about their daily lives.
Gulf Station is only open to group bookings by appointment.
1029 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen
Further afield
The Great Victorian Rail Trail
The town of Alexandra was once connected by a link line to the railway that traversed across much of central Victoria and the Goulburn Valley. From Marysville you can travel to Alexandra then don your backpack and set off along the restored bush track by bike, foot or horseback.
The Great Victorian Rail Trail is the longest rail trail in Victoria. It spans 134km from Tallarook through Yea to Mansfield passing through many towns and communities including Kerrisdale, Yea and Bonnie Doon.
You can pick a section of the trail for a day trip or get set for some serious adventure by travelling the entire length. Whatever you decide, you are guaranteed scenes that include majestic valleys and mountains, pristine lakes and meandering rivers.