Adventure in Coldstream, Victoria!

Rochford Wines

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating adventure to Rochford Wines, a gem nestled in the heart of Victoria"s celebrated Yarra Valley, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Renowned for its premium wines and picturesque settings, this destination offers more than just a taste of Australia’s finest vintages.

Morning: Hot Air Balloon Ride

Start your day with a breathtaking hot air balloon flight at sunrise. As you ascend into the cool morning air, watch the Yarra Valley come alive beneath you. This panoramic experience provides a unique perspective of the sprawling vineyards and rolling landscapes. Flights typically launch from nearby fields, easily accessible from the Rochford Wines estate, and can be booked with local operators like Global Ballooning Australia.

Midday: Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour

After your aerial adventure, touch down and head to Rochford Wines. Begin with a guided tour of the vineyard, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process, from grape to glass, and the sustainable practices that make Rochford a leader in the industry. Following the tour, indulge in a curated wine tasting session. Sample a selection of Rochford’s award-winning wines, including their acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Afternoon: Cycling Through the Scenic Trails

Post wine tasting, gear up for a cycling tour around the Yarra Valley’s scenic routes. Rochford Wines offers bike rentals, and the friendly staff can suggest routes that showcase the valley’s stunning vistas and other vineyards. The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a popular choice, known for its gentle terrain and beautiful countryside views.

Evening: Culinary Delights

Conclude your adventure at Rochford’s renowned restaurant. Savor a meal crafted from local ingredients, each dish paired flawlessly with Rochford wines. As the sun sets over the vineyards, reflect on a day well-spent in the tranquil beauty of the Yarra Valley.

Interesting Fact: Rochford Wines regularly hosts concerts and events, transforming the estate into a vibrant festival venue with music and entertainment. Check their calendar for any events coinciding with your visit!

Each activity is designed to complement the adventurous spirit, ensuring a memorable visit to one of Australia’s most enchanting wine regions.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Why Visit?

Discover the Sweet Side of Adventure in Yarra Valley: A Day Trip to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Morning Departure

Kick off your day bright and early in Melbourne. Grab a coffee and hit the road by 8:00 AM to make the most of the day. You can rent a car or hop on a local tour bus; the drive to Yarra Valley is a scenic journey through lush wine country, just about an hour"s drive from the city.

Arrival and Exploration

By 9:00 AM, you"ll arrive at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, located amidst sprawling green landscapes at 35 Old Healesville Rd, near Yarra Glen. As you step into this sweet paradise, the heady aroma of chocolate fills the air, beckoning you to explore further.

Chocolate Making and Tasting

Join the ‘Chocolate Discovery Class’ which starts at 10:00 AM. This interactive session allows you to learn from master chocolatiers who share secrets behind their delectable creations. You"ll not only watch chocolate being made but also get to handcraft your own confections. Following the class, indulge in a tasting session where you can sample a variety of chocolates and ice creams, including some exotic flavors unique to the region.

Lunch and Leisure

For lunch, enjoy a meal at the Chocolaterie’s café, which offers a range of dishes emphasizing local produce, complemented by stunning valley views. Post-lunch, stroll around the gardens or relax on the deck, letting the serene surroundings soak in.

Afternoon Delight

Before heading back to Melbourne, don’t miss the gift shop to pick up some edible souvenirs. The Chocolaterie offers an extensive range of handcrafted chocolates, biscuits, and ice creams that you can bring back for friends and family.

Return Journey

Depart by 3:00 PM to avoid the late afternoon traffic, reflecting on a day well spent indulging in the sweetest adventure in the heart of Yarra Valley.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Dominique Portet Winery

Why Visit?

Adventure Lover’s Day Out at Dominique Portet Winery, Yarra Valley

Embark on a thrilling day exploring the breathtaking landscapes and the rich winemaking heritage of Dominique Portet Winery, nestled in the picturesque Yarra Valley. Just an hour’s journey from Melbourne, this winery is a fantastic escape for those seeking both adventure and the allure of vineyard vistas.

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to make the most of the light. Drive from Melbourne via the Eastern Freeway and transition onto Maroondah Highway, soaking in the scenic views as you approach the valley. As you arrive, the sight of endless vineyards set against rolling hills will captivate your senses.

Winery Tour & Tasting

Begin with a guided tour at Dominique Portet, a winery steeped in ten generations of winemaking legacy, starting in France. The family’s passion for wine is palpable, and as you explore, discover state-of-the-art techniques blending seamlessly with traditional methods. The tour culminates in a tasting room where you can sample their signature Fontaine rosé, recognized for its crisp and refreshing notes, perfect for a mid-morning indulgence.

Cycling Through the Vineyards

Post-tasting, switch gears and jump onto a bicycle. The winery offers guided bike tours that weave through the vine rows and nearby trails. It’s a perfect way to immerse in the natural beauty of the area and works up an appetite for lunch.

Gourmet Lunch & Afternoon Relaxation

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the winery’s bistro, where dishes are crafted to complement the wines, emphasizing local produce. Post-lunch, take a stroll around the property or relax in the serene outdoor areas, absorbing the peaceful vineyard ambiance.

Departure

As the day winds down, make your way back to Melbourne, with your spirit rejuvenated and a few bottles of your favorite wine in tow, promising to remind you of your Yarra Valley adventure long after the journey ends.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Fergusson Winery

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey to the heart of Victoria"s renowned Yarra Valley, where the idyllic Fergusson Winery awaits, not just with its delectable wines but a host of adventurous activities too. Here’s how you can make the most of your adventure-laden tour.

Getting There

Fergusson Winery is located approximately 52 kilometers northeast of Melbourne. The drive takes about an hour via the Eastern Freeway and Maroondah Highway. For those preferring public transport, take the train from Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station to Lilydale, the last stop on the line. From Lilydale, local bus services or a pre-booked taxi can take you directly to the winery.

Morning Delight

Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, offering you a bird’s eye view of the rolling vineyards and the stunning Yarra Valley landscape. Land directly at Fergusson Winery just in time for a hearty breakfast at their charming restaurant.

Vineyard Adventure

Post breakfast, dive into the heart of the action. Join the winery’s guided ATV vineyard tour. This off-road adventure through rows of grapevines not only pumps up the adrenaline but also educates you about the intricate wine-making process at Fergusson, known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Wine and Dine

After working up an appetite, enjoy a gourmet lunch at the winery’s restaurant, which serves dishes prepared from local produce paired beautifully with their estate wines.

Afternoon Leisure

Spend the afternoon fishing at the winery"s private lake or opt for a more leisurely vineyard walk. Conclude your visit with a structured wine tasting session, where you can savor the robust flavors of Fergusson’s finest blends.

Interesting Fact

Fergusson Winery is not just a haven for wine lovers but also a historic site, having been established in 1968, and is famed for its traditional winemaking techniques.

This adventure-filled day promises not only a taste of the exquisite but an immersion into the thrilling and the serene, all wrapped up in the lush landscapes of the Yarra Valley.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Blue Lotus Water Garden

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating day at the Blue Lotus Water Garden, a spectacular aquatic paradise nestled in Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley. This vast garden spans over 14 acres, brimming with thousands of lotus flowers and water lilies, and provides the perfect backdrop for both adventure and tranquility.

Getting There: Start your journey from Melbourne, an easy 90-minute drive. Take the M3 and merge onto Maroondah Hwy/State Route 34 in Lilydale, following signs to Yarra Junction. Public transport options include taking a train to Lilydale Station, then transferring to bus 683 towards Warburton, alighting at Yarra Junction with a short walk to the garden.

Adventure Begins: Arrive early to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and serene atmosphere. Start with the Dragonfly Pond, which is not only a visual delight but also home to a variety of bird species — perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Trail Time: Follow the Lotus Wetlands Adventure Trail, a pathway that meanders through lush landscapes and across quirky footbridges. Along the way, stop at the viewing platforms to observe the exotic plant species and wildlife. Don’t miss the "Giant Amazon Waterlily" - its enormous leaves are a sight to behold!

Cultural Insight: Learn about the significance of the lotus and water lilies in various cultures at the Lotus Flower Cultural Display. Dive into stories that stretch back thousands of years, exploring their symbolism in ancient societies.

Relax and Refuel: After trekking around, relax at the Lotus Cafe. Savor a snack or a meal while enjoying views of the water gardens. Their specialty? Seasonal dishes that incorporate locally sourced ingredients.

Remember: The garden operates seasonally, typically from late December to mid-April. Check the weather forecast and wear comfortable walking shoes as the trails can be uneven. Also, don’t forget your camera — the picturesque landscapes and vibrant flora offer countless photographic opportunities.

This adventure to Blue Lotus Water Garden promises not just a visual feast but also a deep connection with nature and culture.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.