Local Vic

Category: Yarra Ranges Shire Council

  • Phantom Falls & Keppel Falls on Lady Talbot Drive – Yarra Ranges National Park

    Many visit Victoria’s most beautiful Black Spur Drive and explore towns like Marysville and Lake Mountain. But seldom make time to explore the less travelled Phantom Falls and Keppel Falls located on the Lady Talbot Drive. The road was named ‘Lady Talbot Drive’ after the wife of Sir Reginald Talbot, who was Governor of Victoria…

  • Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

    The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda represents more than just a botanical display – it’s a testament to Australian ingenuity, native plant conservation, and the journey from international acclaim to permanent local treasure. Opening Hours: 10am-4:30pm (gates locked 5pm) daily, except Christmas and days of Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger. The scale is breathtaking. Located within…

  • Sherbrooke Falls

    Dominated by the towering mountain ash, I love visiting the Dandenong Ranges and regardless of the weather’s capricious moods, my heart finds solace in visiting these hills. A recent escapade led me to Sherbrooke Falls—a hidden treasure nestled within this natural haven. The Sherbrooke Falls are tiny, but the easy grade walk covering around 2.8…

  • Coombe – The Melba Estate

    Welcome to Coombe – The Melba Estate, a place steeped in history and elegance. This enchanting property, once graced by the presence of Dame Nellie Melba, carries an air of timeless beauty and cultural significance. Dame Nellie Melba, the operatic soprano whose portrait graces our $100 note, was born as Helen Porter Mitchell in Richmond…

  • Explore Healesville

    Many travelers stop at Healesville on their way to Marysville through the scenic Black Spur (one of Victoria’s best drives), but this charming town deserves more than a quick visit. With its stunning nature trails, boutique wineries, artisan markets, and historic taverns, Healesville is best enjoyed at a slow, immersive pace. So next time you…

  • Warburton

    Warburton holds a special place in my heart, earning its spot among my favorite destinations. Nestled along the meandering course of the upper Yarra River, Warburton unveils its unique charm, offering a haven where nature’s beauty flourishes. This picturesque town presents an idyllic setting to truly embrace the wonders of the natural world. A visit…

  • Unveil nature’s rare treasures at Pirianda Garden, Olinda

    Spanning 11 hectares of lush woodland, Pirianda Garden is a true haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This botanical gem is renowned for its collection of rarely seen specimen plants, each one a unique and captivating addition to the garden’s tapestry. Over the decades, Pirianda Gardens has undergone various transformations, each caretaker leaving…

  • Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

    Picture an ornamental lake reflecting the surrounding Mountain Ash forest, its surface broken only by a charming boathouse that’s become one of the Dandenongs’ most iconic images; that for everyone is the heart of Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. A Pharmaceutical Empire’s Garden Paradise The story of Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens begins with aspirin. In 1915,…

  • Riding through time with Puffing Billy Railway

    There’s something magical about the sound of an old steam engine puffing through the hills. I am sure most will agree that just hearing the the slow chug, the rhythmic whistle, and the scent of coal smoke can instantly take you back in time. Puffing Billy Railway at Belgrave is a journey through history, nature,…