As you leave the suburban limits of busy Melbourne, the undulating hills of the Yarra Valley seem the perfect antidote. The first stop is to the award-winning Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary in the heart of the valley. Set in stunning bush surrounds and specialising in Australia’s unique and diverse native fauna, the sanctuary will delight young and old. It wouldn’t be a trip to the Yarra Valley without indulging in a wine tasting or three, purely for quality control reasons of course. Arriving at TarraWarra Estate feels like a trip to see the Hobbits, with the stone cellar door carved out of the hillside. Consider a visit to their impressive art museum and snap the perfect pic at what must surely be one of the most scenic vineyards in the country. The valley is also renowned for its fine winery-based restaurants. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch in picturesque settings at either the celebrated Oakridge or Meletos vineyard restaurants. From there it’s all down to your impeccable taste. Let us know what takes your fancy – artisanal cheese at Yarra Valley Dairy, bubbles at Domaine Chandon, or perhaps cheat on the grapes and stop in at Four Pillars Gin distillery.