By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THRILL-SEEKERS rejoice! The Yarra Valley is bursting with activities that will get your heart racing and camera clicking. Take a look at some of the best outdoor activities in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
If views of the Yarra Valley take your breath away, don’t miss the chance to experience the valley from a hot air balloon. Offering unrivalled views of stunning vineyards, mountain ranges and rolling green fields, balloon rides take place every day of the year, weather permitting.
Riders are in for an early morning, required to meet before sunrise and then watch the sun come up over one of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
If you’re not an earlybird, cycling is another great way to see the best of the valley. The Warburton Rail Trail runs from Lilydale Station through to the main street of Warburton and offers riders scenic views of the valley.
Stop along the way at one of the many cafes in the area and experience the history of the region by following a former significant rail line. Visit railtrails.org.au for more information on the route.
Budding golfers or seasoned experts can sharpen their skills on one of the many golf courses in the region with well-established courses at Marysville and Warburton to resort courses at Yering and Wonga Park.
Take your clubs if you’re heading up into the Dandenongs and stop at some of the small public courses to practice your swing.
For the adrenaline junkies among us, skydiving the Yarra Valley will make for a trip to the valley you’ll never forget. Freefall for 60 seconds from 14,000 feet during a tandem skydive. If you can keep your eyes open, you’ll experience unique views of the Yarra Valley right through to Melbourne and the bay.
Horse riding and Segway, gliding, caving, and rock-climbing, scaling the heights to walk through the treetops are calling to the adventurous, and even the trepidatious, to head into the great outdoors and live life on the edge a little.
Finally, all ages and fitness levels will enjoy a walk through the Dandenong Ranges. The national park offers hikers many walking tracks and picnic grounds dotted throughout.
The Living Bush nature walk will introduce you to spectacular native bushland, including fern gullies and eucalypt trees.
A three-kilometre, medium grade track, hikers should allow about 1.5 hours to comfortably complete the walk. For more information on walks in the region, visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au.Outdoor activities are the perfect way to experience the beauty of the valley and there are many options to explore. Don’t forget to plan a day outdoors for the perfect way to experience the Yarra Valley.
