Healesville, Victoria, Australia

Maroondah Reservoir, Healesville

Maroondah Reservoir, Healesville

Since my favourite little Victorian town, Marysville, was devastated by bushfires I have been taking more and more day trips to Healesville, not only because it is so close, but because it is always a day guaranteed to be filled with good food, drinks and scenery. It is also on the way to Marysville, so every now and then you can take a drive up the Black Spur, a dark and windy stretch of road surrounded by ferns and moss, to check on how the town is rebuilding. It is quite a shock driving through what used to be a green alpine town surrounded by tall trees, gushing water and thick growth, now bare and flat - entire buildings.. blocks.. bushland completely gone.

Back to Healesville, in all the times I have been there I always find more things to do, and I have only scratched the surface. Below are a number of my favourite things the area has to offer:

Wineries

Healesville is located in the Yarra Valley Wine Region. A great tool to explore all the wineries is the linked map:

Yarra Valley Winery Map

Domaine Chandon and Rochford are among the most popular to visit, however I really enjoyed Train Trak Winery which has a small cellar door, an Italian restaurant - Zonzo and it is located in a stunning spot. It seems to be quite a popular place for intimate functions and weddings so it would probably be wise to book before going.

Zonzo Winery Restaurant

Markets

Yering Station Winery holds monthly Farmers Markets on the third sunday of every month. The Winery itself would be the most attractive in the region, it has historical buildings, manicured gardens, a fine dining restaurant, great facilities and lovely views. I found the wine not that impressive, and some locals agreed that they were resting on their laurels and not producing anything special. But if you make it there on that third sunday of the month it doesn't really matter as it hosts a fantastic Farmers Market. Held in and around the barn, locals sell their produce and what great produce it is! Sausages, olive oil, terrines, cheese, freshly squeezed juices, cakes, jams, baked goods, coffee, fruit, veggies, biscuits.. it goes on and on. I have had some delicious french canelés there, macarons, lemon meringue tarts, paella and even a lasagne pie. How amazing does that sound! A pie filled with lasagne.. I never even knew such a wonderful thing existed!
We usually have to prepare ourselves before we head there by skipping breakfast as most of the fun is snacking on anything and everything from the stalls.

Yering Farmers Markets

Beer

If you aren't that into wine, it's all ok - the region also has a few breweries dotted around. I am definitely a beer girl, and beer tasting paddles are pretty excellent. Hargreaves Hill is a short drive from Healesville and offers craft beers and some pretty hefty lunch meals. White Rabbit Brewery has good beer and a great space to sit back in the sun while downing a few ales and there is also Coldstream Brewery which you will pass on the road heading to Healesville.

Hargreaves Hill Brewery
White Rabbit Brewery
Coldstream Brewery

Food

There are numerous places to get your food fix in the area. Most of the wineries have cafes or restaurants in their Cellar Door, the breweries offer food and there is always those Farmers Markets! Giant Steps is located right in the middle of town and offers wine, beer, coffee, baked goods, cheese, wood fired pizza plus many other dishes and is incredibly popular so it would be best to book or face hours of waiting. I LOVED the Bistro at the Healesville Hotel. It is what a pub should be, and the lunch we had was excellent. Big, hearty, delicious servings. If only it was closer to my house!

Healesville Hotel/Harvest Bistro
Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander

Attractions

In between drinking and eating you might want to take a break. Healesville Sanctuary is a lovely and well maintained little zoo featuring native Australian Wildlife in a bush setting. Maroondah Reservoir is also worth a visit. Although it is just a dam, it has park and bbq facilities, small waterfalls and access to the top of the dam walls for some impressive views.

Healesville Sanctuary
Maroondah Reservoir Park

Train Trak Winery

Train Trak Winery

Hargreaves Hill Brewery, Yarra Glen

Maroondah Reservoir, Healesville

Maroondah Reservoir, Healesville

Maroondah Reservoir, Healesville

Domaine Chandon Winery, Yarra Valley

Domaine Chandon Winery, Yarra Valley

Domaine Chandon Winery, Yarra Valley

Hargreaves Hill Brewery, Yarra Glen

Maroondah Reservoir, Healesville

Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary