The Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs offer forest walks, mountain vistas, famous wineries and grand gardens. The region offers breathtaking beauty of the area between Healesville and the Black Spur. It is located at the foothills of the Victorian Alps and Lake Mountains near Marysville. The Yarra Ranges National Park also offers adventure throughout this rugged terrain.

Just one hour from the centre of Melbourne is 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.

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 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.

For over 100 years the Yarra Valley and Dandenong’s have been one of Melbourne’s favourite retreats and with the scenery and wines as well as fresh produce on offer so close to the city it is easy to see why.

Victoria's average temperatures in summer and winter are only a few degrees lower than Sydney's but is generally far less humid. The states annual rainfall is also less than Sydney and Brisbane. The only problem with the climate in Victoria is that it is so unpredictable, especially in the spring. In the capital of Melbourne you can sometimes experience the four seasons in one day, so always expect the unexpected when in this state.

Even thought the climate is generally cooler in Melbourne there is rarely times when a big heavy jacket is needed. However, when you venture inland to places such as Ballarat or the mountain regions it can get quite cold. The nights can be very frosty and cold even if the days are clear and warm. In the summer months the whole of Victoria warms to very pleasant temperatures. There can be heat waves in the months of December and January and these can make temperatures reach almost 40C.