28 Of The Best Markets In Melbourne to Visit

It’s an essential part of any visit to Australia’s cultural capital; from food to fashion, find a collection of handmade gems and gourmet eats at Melbourne’s markets.

There’s nothing quite like diving straight into a sea of stallholders at one of the many Melbourne markets that occur throughout the year, whether they’re farmers showcasing the latest growing season or imaginative local designers putting their best foot forward. The atmosphere, the affordable prices, the conversations and the endless source of inspiration – a good Melbourne market always brings the local community together.

Below, you will find 28 of the best markets Melbourne locals can’t seem to get enough of.

Weekend markets in Melbourne

Melbourne has many weekend markets that are integral to the city’s diverse shopping scene. From innovative local designers to stallholders offloading their pre-loved treasures, everyone is given a platform to share the love when Saturday and Sunday mornings roll around.

1. The Rose Street Market, Fitzroy

Open: Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm

Market goers at Rose Street Markets in Melbourne — Find unique gifts, spanning art, fashion, design, jewellery, homewares and furniture. ( Image: Visit Victoria/ Artwork by Aaron Mackenzie)

The Rose Street Market in Fitzroy is inspired by similar markets in world-class cities like London and New York, focusing mainly on local designers across different categories. As one of the best weekend markets in Fitzroy, this is the place you’ll want to go for rare finds and unique gifts, spanning art, fashion, design, jewellery, homewares and furniture.

This popular Melbourne market also has an eatery and rooftop bar, serving up some affordable eats and drinks for a more accessible alternative to all the surrounding restaurants and bars.

Address: 60 Rose St, Fitzroy

2. Coburg Trash & Treasure Market, Coburg

Open: Every Sunday from 8am to 1pm

Coburg’s weekend market is messy in the best way possible. The controlled chaos is akin to a massive garage sale, with Coburg Trash & Treasure nailing the phrase “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure".

Many locals come here to offload their pre-loved wares, so you’ll find rare vintage treasures like videos, CDs, vinyl, plants, toys, car parts, art, books and more. There’s no such thing as junk.

Address: 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg

3. St Kilda Esplanade Market, St Kilda

Open: Every Sunday from 10am to 5pm

Luna Park and St Kilda markets — The iconic Luna Park looms over the St Kilda markets.(Image: Visit Victoria)

The St Kilda Esplanade Market is the most recognisable weekend market in Melbourne, having been around since the 1970s. And it’s a true shopper’s paradise, set against the golden sands of St Kilda Beach with over 100 stalls from Melbourne’s best makers.

The market is easily accessible on tram 16 or 96, taking just 15 minutes from the CBD to reach a sea of trinkets, accessories, designer fashion, handcrafted artwork and more.

Although many of St Kilda’s best restaurants are nearby, it’s worth bringing your appetite to the dedicated food zone as well. You’ll find cuisines from all over the world, from souvlaki to Dutch pancakes.

Address: The Esplanade, St Kilda

4. Melbourne Book Market, CBD

Open: Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm

Melbourne Book Market is located at Queen Victoria Market every Saturday and Sunday, swelling with a curated collection of over 5,000 new and pre-loved titles from every era you can think of.

The amount of knowledge here is insurmountable and quite overwhelming. It pays to discuss with all the stall holders at this market, chatting about classics and new releases to get an idea of what will appeal to you the most.

Some of the city’s most experienced booksellers, illustrators, book creators and authors regularly pop by the market to showcase their favourite titles, new and old, in Queen Victoria Market’s D Shed.

Address: D Shed, Queen St, Melbourne

5. Red Hill Community Market, Red Hill

Open: The first Saturday of every month between September and May from 9am to 2pm

Shoppers at The Red Hill Community Markets — The Red Hill Community Markets boasts over 300 stalls to browse.

This historic Melbourne market has been around since 1975, often considered one of the most fruitful days out for those who want to go shopping in Melbourne. Over 300 stalls feature every Saturday for the Red Hill Community Market, set in the picturesque locale of Mornington Peninsula.

Yes, you’ll have to drive about an hour of town to dive into this maze of pre-loved treasures, but it’s worth it. An easy $5 parking will get you access to a massive, colourful variety of goods, from vintage fashion and boutique local designers to art and homewares. There are several produce stalls and breakfast stalls so bring your appetite.

The Red Hill Community Markets — It’s worth the drive outside of Melbourne to visit these community markets.

Address: 266 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill

6. Camberwell Sunday Market, Camberwell

Open: Every Sunday from 7am to 12:30pm

With a distinct love of retro fashion, unique antiques and collectables, the Camberwell Sunday Market is a great choice for anyone looking for interesting gifts and home decorations across more than 350 stalls.

Set in a Suburban car park, the long-running markets are frequented by a young crowd shopping for vintage clothes and pre-loved vinyl records as well. The broad scope of what’s on sale at the Camberwell Sunday Market makes it one of the most diverse in Melbourne. There have even been stories of people finding rare items and going on to sell them to international art dealers for much more than the sale price.

Address: Corner of Station Street, Camberwell

7. Kensington Markets, Kensington

Open: Every third Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm

Kensington Market is smaller and more focused than some of the other Melbourne markets that have been at it for quite a while. You’ll find around 70 specialty stores at Kensington Town Hall on the third Sunday of every month, highlighting mostly inner-city makers and local craftsmanship.

The range of goods on offer is highly curated and fiercely local, ranging from designer fashion through to homewares, ceramics, kids wear and visual art. There are also homemade treats and coffee to keep you going.

Address: 30-34 Bellair St, Kensington

8. Fitzroy Market, Fitzroy

Open: Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm and every Sunday from 10am to 3pm

The entry to Fitzroy Markets in Melbourne — The Fitzroy markets feature 75 stalls bustling with second-hand goods

Fitzroy Markets is one of the best markets in Melbourne and perfectly reflects its trendy setting. In almost a decade, the market has grown from a small boutique collection of locals selling their wares to around 75 stalls bustling with second-hand goods.

Given the popularity of the market, it’s likely you’ll find the lion’s share of Saturday’s best market finds in the entire city. There are plenty of handmade items from innovative designers and a nice spread of food stalls as well.

Address: Napier St & Greeves St, Fitzroy

Farmers markets in Melbourne

From Melbourne’s best restaurants and bars to the city’s famously diverse cafe scene, eating and drinking exceptionally well is threaded into the Melburnian lifestyle. The state’s best produce dictates those famously high standards; which you can experience first-hand at any number of Melbourne’s farmers markets as fresh seasonal produce passes directly from the growers and farmers to you.

9. Regional Farmers Market, Abbotsford

Open: Second Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm

The popular Regional Farmers Market at the historic Abbotsford Convent happens on the second Saturday of every month, focusing on food security and sustainability from some of the state’s best farmers. Also serving as a strong platform for female representation in the food industry, the farmers market seeks to evolve discussions about produce and the journey of Victoria’s storied food scene.

Note that there is a $2 entry fee, and all proceeds go towards the Abbotsford Convent.

Address: 1/3 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

10. Gasworks Farmers Market, Albert Park

Open: The third Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm

Homemade condiments at Gasworks Farmers Markets in Melbourne. (Image: Eduard Ingles)

On the third Saturday of every month, the historic Gasworks Arts Park welcomes the popular Gasworks Farmers Market. It’s a great way to work through a leisurely Saturday morning, with many Melburnians turning out to browse top-shelf Victorian produce direct from the state’s best farmers and specialty makers.

Find everything from just-laid free-range eggs and fresh fruit to freshly cut flowers that give the vibrant award-winning market pops of colour. The park’s resident artist studios are also open during the day so make sure to check out some of the latest works before or after your grocery shopping.

fresh flowers at Gasworks Farmers Markets in Melbourne — Treat yourself to fresh flowers. (Image: Eduard Ingles)

Address: 21 Graham St, Albert Park

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11. South Melbourne Market, South Melbourne

Open: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4pm

Agathe Patisserie at South Melbourne Market — Freshly baked goods from Agathe Patisserie always go down a treat.

Dating back to 1867, the South Melbourne Market is another one of the city’s best farmers markets with an absolute smorgasbord of fine Victorian produce, premium meats, craft spirits and street food. You’ll also find plenty of fresh flowers at this market, as well as a few cafes.

Numerous renowned stalls make a regular appearance, including South Melbourne Dim Sums and Agathe Patisserie.

Couple browsing South Melbourne Markets — Spend the morning tasting your way through the markets. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 322 – 326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

12. Oakleigh Market, Oakleigh

Open: Every Wednesday from 7am to 4pm; every Thursday and Friday from 7am to 6pm; every Saturday from 7am to 1:30pm

Given the area’s strong Hellenic influence, the Oakleigh Market is set apart from other Melbourne farmers markets with its strong Mediterranean accents.

For more than 50 years, this bustling hub of fresh produce has been serving the community, right alongside an additional Sunday market at the nearby Rotary Club with 140 stalls selling all kinds of treasures.

Address: 12-18 Chester Street, Oakleigh

13. SloFlo WeFo Farmers Market, West Footscray

Open: The second Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm

Fresh eggs and orange juice on sale at SloFO Markets — The focus here is on forging a slower, richer and more meaningful relationship with local growers.

Set in Barrett Reserve in West Footscray, the SloFo WeFo Farmers Market is one of the most modern produce markets in Melbourne, presented by Slow Food Melbourne.

Designed to promote a slower, richer and more meaningful relationship with local growers, the market showcases the best Victorian produce with a particular preference for local artisan makers. The idea is to reduce food miles, with a hyperlocal approach that guarantees unrivalled freshness.

Address: Essex Street, West Footscray

14. Coburg Farmers Market, Coburg

Open: Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm

You’ll find the Coburg Farmers Market every Saturday set inside the grounds of Coburg Primary School. Focused and deeply rooted in community, you’ll find just 30 stalls slinging fresh fruit and vegetables alongside coffee, deli meats, take-home meals and flowers.

Visitors often head here just to grab some delights from Milawa Cheese Company, who are regulars at the weekly farmers market.

Address: 92 Bell St, Coburg

15. Veg Out Farmers Market, St Kilda

Open: The first Saturday of every month from 8:30am to 1pm

Head out to St Kilda bright and early on a Saturday to find the Veg Out Farmers Market. Just a short walk up from the beach, right next to the area’s community garden, this collection of local produce showcases some of the state’s finest growers alongside small food businesses that sell simple fare like pies, pastries and coffee

Address: 12 Chaucer St, St Kilda

16. Carlton Farmers Market, Carlton

Open: Every Saturday 8am to 1pm

Grab some freshly baked goods from Ned’s Bake pastries and some liquid gold from Bad Bees Honey at Carlton Farmers Market. This simple collection of stalls may be one of the smallest in Melbourne, but the quality of stalls speaks for itself.

You’ll also find fresh flowers, dog treats, and the occasional visit from ethically bred farm animals to keep the family-friendly atmosphere going.

Note that there’s an optional $2 entry fee that can only be paid by card. All proceeds go towards supporting the Carlton North Primary School, which is where this farmers market takes place each Saturday.

Address: 6054/60 Lee St, Carlton North

17. North Essendon Farmers Market, Essendon

Open: The third Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm

The North Essendon Farmers Market only pops on up the third Sunday of every month and is a popular spot for mid-afternoon picnics in Lincoln Park. Set yourself up in the leafy areas while picking at rotating stalls offering all types of fresh produce, alongside baked goods, gourmet pies, fresh juices, and some of that famous brownie banana bread from Brownie Kitchen.

Each iteration is slightly different, with a range of family-friendly activities as well including yoga and face-painting.

Address: Lincoln Rd, Essendon

Night markets in Melbourne

While some of Melbourne’s best night markets have since shut up shop, you can still find a handful of delicious food stalls after you clock off during the week. These night markets tend to be packed full of life, smoke and some of the best casual food slingers in the state.

18. Summer Night Market, CBD

Open: Every Wednesday night from 5pm to 10pm (summer only)

Every December through to mid-March, the Summer Night Market takes over Queen Victoria Market each Wednesday, with a huge range of food trucks, festive bars and fashion stalls. There’s also great live music to help pick up the vibe.

Given most of Melbourne’s longer-running night markets have since shut, this seasonal night market usually draws a huge crowd for a Wednesday night so it’s wise to show up early and grab some seats before darting around the many food stalls.

Address: Queen Street, Melbourne

19. Chinatown Market Day, CBD

Open: The third Friday of every month from 4pm to 11pm

If you’re looking for a good market in Melbourne then head on down to Chinatown on the third Friday of every month. The bustling Chinatown Market Day feels like a celebration each month, turning Hefferman Lane into a sizzling, smoky scene of dumplings, rice, noodles, cakes and satay.

Address: Heffermen Lane, Chinatown

Flower markets in Melbourne

Freshly cut flowers straight from the best farms and growers in Victoria. While there are very few dedicated flower markets in Melbourne that are open to the public (most of them are wholesale), you can still find plenty of florists scattered amongst other stalls, selling beautiful fresh flowers and flower arrangements.

20. Prahran Market, Prahran

Open: Every Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday from 7am to 5pm; every Sunday from 8am to 3pm

Fresh produce inside Prahan Market — Prahran Market is a great place to pick up fresh produce and flowers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The famous Prahran Market has more than just flowers, but the number of options here positions it as the best place to go when you want top-quality blooms. Scattered amongst the spread of artisan cheese and baked goods, Clara’s Flowers is the stall you want with a great variety of fresh flowers and flower arrangements.

Although there are multiple florists on hand to help you find exactly what you need, including a nursery that you can browse for inspiration.

Address: 163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra

21. Santospirito Flowers, Yarraville

Open: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6am to 12pm; every Tuesday and Thursday from 4am to 12pm; Saturday from 4am to 10:30am

Santospirito flower markets in Melbourne — Buy fresh flowers direct at Santospirito.

While not exactly a market with multiple stores, Santospirito Flowers is pitched as the only wholesale flower market within five kilometres of Melbourne CBD. And it’s an absolute haven for those who love everything about freshly cut, perfectly preserved flowers, plants, foliage and sundries.

The growers showcase blooms picked straight from their farms out in Torquay, displayed in a huge warehouse that has plenty of undercover parking and can get quite busy on weekends.

Address: 1 Minnie St, Yarraville

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Food markets in Melbourne

As with Melbourne’s best farmers markets, these food markets are dedicated to the sharp, seasonal flavours of the state. Pull up a chair (or grab a picnic blanket) and wrap yourself in these very energetic Melbourne markets.

22. Queen Victoria Market, CBD

Open: Every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am-3pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm

The most famous market in Melbourne can fall under most categories in this guide. However, Queen Victoria Market is best known for its incredible range of food, scattered across 600 stalls that specialise in all types of treats, as well as specialty produce, unique gifts and fashion.

Given this market is very much part of the furniture for Melburnians, you’ll spark a heavy debate if you’re asking for suggestions on the best food stalls at Queen Victoria Markets. We recommend smoked sausages at Polish Deli; Basque cheesecake at M&G Caiafa; Japanese katsu sandwiches from Meet Sando; coffee from Little League; and dessert from American Doughnut Kitchen.

Mork Chocolate at Queen Victoria market in Melbourne — Mork Chocolate is a go-to stall for visitors to the Queen Victoria Market. (Image: Kristoffer Paulsen)

Address: Queen St, Melbourne

23. Welcome To Thornbury, Thornbury

Open: Wednesday and Thursday 4pm to 10pm; Friday and Saturday 12pm to 12am; Sunday 12pm to 10pm.

Market goers at Welcome to Thornbury food truck park in Melbourne — Welcome to Thornbury offers a diverse spread of food trucks and regular events, (Image: Visit Victoria)

While not technically a market, we can’t get enough of Welcome to Thornbury’s diverse spread of food trucks and regular events. It’s always a party here, from the huge beer garden to the rotating list of trucks that come from around Melbourne and Geelong.

The best time to head along to this bustling food truck park is in the evening, when the neon comes alive, and the crowds turn out to make every night (except Mondays and Tuesdays) feel like one massive celebration of Melbourne’s food scene.

Address: 520 High St, Northcote

24. Dandenong Market, Dandenong

Open: Every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 7am to 4pm; every Sunday from 9am to 4pm

Welcoming well over five million visitors per year, Dandenong Market is one of the most established in regional Melbourne. Over 150 years of history sits behind this beloved food market, which is so big that it includes an entire fresh fruit and vegetable hall, and one just for meat, fish and deli produce.

On select days, the market welcomes various street food stalls which you can sample on a guided group tour. And while fresh produce lures most of the crowd, the real reason to head along to Dandenong is that it’s one of the most culturally diverse markets in Australia. Load up on produce from all corners of the globe, from India to Ethiopia, demonstrating exactly why Melbourne’s best restaurants are so innovative and pull from so many different cuisines.

Address: Clow Street and Cleeland Street, Dandenong

25. Preston Market, Preston

Open: Every Wednesday and Thursday from 8am to 3pm; every Friday from 8am to 6pm; every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 3pm

Fresh produce on sale at Preston Markets — Buy direct from the farmers at Preston Markets.

Melbourne’s massive Preston Market opens every Wednesday through Sunday, showcasing some of the city’s best food vendors. It’s always worthwhile for food lovers to head on into this busy food market, presenting a diverse, selection of stalls from popular spots like South Melbourne Dim Sum and 888 Street Food.

Fresh bread on sale at Preston Markets — All your weekly staples are on sale at Preston Markets.

Popular casual restaurants from all over Melbourne show up for this five-day-a-week foodie celebration, threading some of the city’s best suburbs into one big plate of multiculturalism.

Patrons line up to purchase cheese at Preston Markets — Gourmet deli meats and cheese are in abundance at Preston Markets.

Address: 30A The Centreway, Preston

Special occasion markets in Melbourne

Melbourne loves a seasonal market. From big celebrations of local designers to Christmas blowouts, these are the one-off markets that help capture Melbourne’s irrepressible energy.ther ins

26. The Big Design Market, Carlton

Open: Friday 29 November to 1 December 11am – 5pm

Crowds gather at the Big Design Market in Melbourne — It’s worth timing your visit to Melbourne around this market. (Image: Blake Walshe)

Taking over the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, The Big Design Market is one of the most anticipated seasonal shopping hubs in the state. Every so often, this massive celebration and showcase of the best designers from Australia and New Zealand pops up with 250 stallholders selling all types of treasures.

Stallholders at Big Design Market in Melbourne — The annual Big Design Market is an excellent place to find a gift for a loved one or yourself. (Image: Blake Walshe)

Usually set for May and December, the market pops up for around three days and offers a great range of ceramics, homewares, jewellery, clothing, lifestyle products, art prints and more. Plus, the food and drink offering is just as well-curated, with some of Melbourne’s best showing out from Wonderbao and St ALi to Pizzini Wines and La Tortilleria.

The entrance to the Big Design Market in Melbourne — The Big Design Market takes over the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton every year. (Image: Blake Walshe)

Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton

27. Boho Luxe Market, Various Locations

Open: Various dates throughout the year

A stallholder at the Boho Luxe Markets — Find a curated selection of some of Australia’s best makers and designers. (Image: Marie Luise)

The nomadic Boho Luxe Market pops into Melbourne now and then with a curated selection of some of Australia’s best makers and designers. Catch boutique jewellers, fashion designers, illustrators and just about every creative expression under the sun, worked into a colourful array of stalls.

Affordable prices and interesting wares aren’t the only reason to head along to Boho Luxe Market whenever it pops up (usually February and December – for a Christmas edition). There are often themes whenever the market is on, taking curation even further so you can focus more on what you want, and less on what you don’t.

Address: Various locations throughout the year

28. Finders Keepers Market, Carlton

Open: Dates vary throughout the year

Crowds gather inside Finders Keepers Market in Melbourne — Finders Keepers is an extravaganza of retro fashion and design. (Image: Samee Lapham)

Finders Keepers is an open-air extravaganza of retro fashion and design. (Image: Samee Lapham) — Pick up gourmet condiments and treats at the markets. (Image: Samee Lapham)

The Finders Keepers Market is where Melbourne’s love of hand-crafted fashion and accessories reaches its peak. Guests enter an open-air extravaganza of retro fashion and design at this pop-up three-day shopping event, where more than 250 stalls sell everything from slow fashion to stationery.

Artist at her stall at the Finders Keepers Market in Melbounr — Local and interstate makers come to sell their artworks at the Finders Keepers Market. (Image: Samee Lapham)

The biannual design market takes over the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton and usually happens in both mid-July and mid-October with an easy $6 entry price.

Cookies on sale at Finders Keepers Market — Find sweet treats on sale alongside homemade wares. (Image: Samee Lapham)

Servers at a margarita stand in the Finders Keepers Markets in Melbourne — Get a pick-me-up from the margarita stand while you shop. (Image: Samee Lapham)

Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton

For more travel tips and insider recommendations, read our Melbourne travel guide.

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate, I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art. Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)