Melbourne Road Trip Part 1 - Yarra Valley

There is popular Healesville Sanctuary, where the little ones (and even the not so little ones!) will no doubt get excited about meeting Kangaroos, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Koalas, Platypuses and other Australian wildlife.

If your budget permits, take a hot air balloon ride early in the morning and enjoy the amazing experience of drifting over the Yarra Valley. Prices start from AUD300 with an included champagne breakfast. Adrenaline junkies will find satisfaction in many mountain biking trails such as the Warburton trail. There are also plenty of hiking and walking trails in Yarra Valley to enjoy the stunning scenery of the beautiful hill country and its pretty villages.

Singaporean foodies will be spoiled for choice in Yarra Valley. The regional food trail lists more than 60 epicurean delights ranging from locally-produced fruit, vegetables, breads and cheeses as well as specialty food products such as handmade chocolate, lavender honey, wine jams and chutneys. Shop at and satiate your appetite at various cellar doors, family-run produce stores and farmers markets, including the one held monthly at Yering Station. The Yarra Valley Dairy is a converted dairy shed where you can sample locally-produced cheese and wine as you look into the dairy's daily operations.

Yarra Valley is a good first stop for a driving holiday due to its proximity to Melbourne city and the airport. The fantastic scenery along with the great food and new sights will add a unique flavour to any holiday.

Drive on!

Credits: Evan