Best free things to do in Victoria’s Yarra Valley

Free things to see and do in the Yarra Valley

Explore the Yarra Ranges National Park

The Yarra Ranges National Park is a vast, green wonderland of towering mountain ash trees, fern gullies and crystal-clear creeks. Stretching from Healesville to the Dandenong Ranges, it offers dozens of scenic walking trails, waterfalls and picnic spots.

One of the most popular walks is the Mount Donna Buang Summit Walk, located just outside Warburton. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Yarra Valley, the Dandenongs and, on clear days, as far as Melbourne's skyline. In winter, the summit transforms into a snowy wonderland: the closest place to Melbourne where you can play in the snow for free.

Another highlight is the Rainforest Gallery, an elevated walkway set among ancient myrtle beech trees, 15 metres above the forest floor. It's an easy stroll suitable for families and offers a unique perspective of the cool temperate rainforest ecosystem.

For those who prefer something shorter and quieter, the Cement Creek Redwoods near Warburton are truly spellbinding. This stand of towering Californian redwoods was planted in the 1930s, and today their perfectly straight trunks and filtered light create an almost cathedral-like ambience.

Pause for a picnic with a view

Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the best. The Yarra Valley is filled with idyllic picnic spots where you can sit back, relax and take in the scenery.

Fernshaw Picnic Ground, nestled along the Black Spur Drive between Healesville and Marysville, is a serene stop surrounded by towering ferns and mountain ash. It's a peaceful place to rest during a scenic drive, with walking tracks leading into the forest.

At Riverside Park in Warburton, grassy banks and gentle river rapids create a perfect backdrop for a lazy afternoon. And in Yarra Glen, the expansive lawns of McKenzie Reserve are ideal for family picnics or a quiet break between exploring nearby trails.

Stroll through Healesville's art and culture scene

Healesville is a regional arts and culture hub, much of which can be enjoyed for free.

Start at the Yarra Valley Arts Trail, a self-guided tour of local galleries, studios and public installations. The trail changes regularly as new artists contribute to the region's thriving creative scene. You could see anything from sculpture and ceramics to photography and Indigenous art.

In town, The Memo Healesville often hosts free exhibitions and community events. Just a short walk away, you'll find colourful street art adorning laneways and walls. Take time to wander through Healesville's main street, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of boutique stores and cafes without opening your wallet.

Enjoy free tastings and local markets

While the Yarra Valley's wineries and distilleries are famous for their tastings, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the region's produce without opening your wallet. Many cellar doors offer complimentary samples of their non-alcoholic ranges, such as sparkling juices, condiments and preserves, while others welcome visitors to explore their grounds and art collections for free.

At Yarra Valley Dairy, just outside Healesville, you can watch cheese-making through the viewing window and learn about local production. Although tastings may incur a small fee, browsing the farm shop and soaking up the views is completely free.

For a true taste of local life, visit one of the valley's weekend markets. The Yarra Glen Racecourse Market and Healesville Community Market feature stalls overflowing with regional produce, handmade crafts and live music. Even if you're not shopping, the lively ambience and lovely locations make regional markets a delightful morning out.

Tackle the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a 38km scenic pathway that follows the old railway line between the two towns. Along the way, interpretive signs share stories of the valley's rail history, and the old station platforms have been lovingly preserved.

You can walk, cycle or even just explore small sections of the trail, each one offering something special. For families, a short section of the trail from Millgrove to Warburton offers flat terrain, gentle gradients and plenty of shade.

The Warburton end of the trail meanders alongside the river, through towering gums and open farmland. Few places capture the tranquillity of the Yarra Valley quite like Warburton, a picturesque town on the banks of the Yarra River.

Experience local wildlife and birdwatching

Nature lovers will find plenty of free wildlife experiences in the Yarra Valley. The region's mix of forest, wetland and farmland habitats make it a haven for native species.

In the early morning or late afternoon, you might spot kangaroos grazing in the open paddocks around Yarra Glen and Chum Creek. At Badger Weir and Maroondah Reservoir Park, keep an eye out for crimson rosellas, kookaburras and even lyrebirds scratching through the undergrowth.

The Yarra River wetlands near Yarra Junction are another excellent birdwatching location. Walk the riverbank trails and you'll often see herons, egrets and even platypus if you're lucky and quiet. The wetlands are part of a broader conservation corridor, and volunteers from local Landcare groups often host free guided walks and talks.

Take a scenic drive through the valley

One of the simplest and most rewarding ways to experience the Yarra Valley is by car. The region's network of winding country roads passes through vineyards, farmlands, forest and charming towns.

The Yarra Valley Loop Drive begins in Lilydale and loops through Yarra Glen, Healesville, Marsyville, Warburton and back again. Along the way, you'll find dozens of free lookouts, picnic spots and photo opportunities.

Yarra Valley's Black Spur Drive is arguably the area's most famous route, winding through mountain ash forest from Healesville to Narbethong over about half an hour. It passes a number of walking trails and picnic areas, like Badger Weir, Maroondah Reservoir or Dom Dom Saddle.

In Warburton, the La La Falls Road leads to a short rainforest walk ending at the pretty La La Falls: an ideal place for a picnic or quiet moment amid nature.

If you're keen to see the valley from above, head towards Mount Toolebewong for panoramic views over Healesville and the valley floor. Sunrise and sunset are especially stunning, with the rolling hills bathed in soft golden light.

Chase Yarra Valley waterfalls and forest adventures

Victoria’s Yarra Valley is dotted with waterfalls and hidden creeks that make for perfect nature escapes. Among the most accessible is Steavenson Falls in Marysville, just on the edge of the Yarra Valley region. Standing 84 metres high, it’s one of Victoria's tallest waterfalls, and the short walk from the carpark to the base is both easy and scenic.

Closer to Healesville, Badger Weir Picnic Area in the Yarra Ranges National Park is a favourite for families. The gentle Badger Weir Trail meanders through lush forest filled with lyrebirds, wallabies and native ferns. The weir itself, surrounded by century-old tree ferns and tall gums, offers a glimpse into the region's early water supply system.

If you're up for something more adventurous, head to O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, a 30km track stretching between Don Valley and Warburton. Following the path of an old water channel, it offers some of the most tranquil walking and cycling experiences in the valley, with sections shaded by dense forest and others opening to sweeping mountain views.

Back in town, take a leisurely stroll along the Yarra River Walk, which loops past bridges, riverside gardens and scenic picnic areas. There are swimming holes and shallow rock pools perfect for cooling off on a summer's day.

Wander through the Yarra Valley's stunning gardens

You don't need to visit a winery to appreciate the beauty of the Yarra Valley's cultivated landscapes. The region is home to several beautifully maintained gardens that are free to explore year-round.

In Healesville, the Maroondah Reservoir Park is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Built in the 1920s, this heritage-listed park combines manicured gardens, native bushland and impressive engineering. Climb the historic steps to the top of the dam wall for sweeping views across the water, then follow the walking tracks that wind through forested gullies.

In Yarra Glen, the Alowyn Gardens offers free entry to its extensive display garden during specific open days each season. Check their schedule to plan your visit and admire the formal parterre garden, edible patch and wisteria walkway in full bloom.

Smaller community gardens can be found in towns such as Warburton, Yarra Junction and Seville. These spaces, often maintained by local volunteers, are perfect for a peaceful stroll and a reminder of the region’s strong sense of community.

Celebrate community and seasonal festivals

Throughout the year, the Yarra Valley comes alive with festivals celebrating everything from local art to the changing seasons. Many of these community events offer free entry or free entertainment, making them perfect for budget-conscious travellers.

Spring brings the Yarra Valley Open Studios event, where local artists throw open their doors to visitors for free exhibitions and demonstrations. During the warmer months, the Healesville Music Festival and Yarra Glen Carols by Candlelight draw locals and visitors together with free live music and family-friendly activities.