Holiday houses in Warrandyte

A suburb of Melbourne, Warrandyte is located on the Yarra River and is completely enveloped by the natural bushland of Warrandyte State Park. The town started as an artists’ colony in the late 19th century, and that spirit endures today, with many craftspeople and artists calling Warrandyte home.

Warrandyte State Park was the site of the first gold discovery in Victoria in 1851 and has preserved its former gold mines and tunnels, giving visitors a chance to peek into the town’s storied past.

Today, the park boasts more than a dozen hiking trails that meander through creeks, hills, gullies, and the Yarra River. If you’d prefer to do your meandering on city streets, Warrandyte — along with nearby former mining towns Bendigo and Ballarat — retains its 19th-century charm with a handful of well-preserved period buildings, as well as an art walk that takes you past some of the region’s most famous works.

Near the end of the year, this area can get uncomfortably hot, with extremely high temperatures in both December and January. If you’re comfortable with more moderate temperatures, the best times to visit are the shoulder seasons from September to November and March to May. Spring in Warrandyte is very pleasant, with moderate humidity levels and comfortable temperatures. New Year’s Eve is a fabulous time to be here with festivities and fireworks galore, and Foam Fest is a fun run that takes place in the Yarra Valley in February. The Warrandyte Riverside Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts on the first Saturday of each month on the scenic banks of the Yarra River.

Heidelberg School Artists Trail

Learn about the Australian art movement of the late 19th century via this route that takes you to the sites depicted in the paintings. Each site has a reproduction of the original painting on display and provides insight into the artist’s interpretation of the landscape and how it has changed. The 40-kilometre trail follows the Yarra River through several towns which were influential in the creation of Heidelberg School art.

Wine tasting

Yarra Valley is one of Australia's oldest and most popular wine regions — the earliest vineyards were planted in 1838. There are more than 80 wineries in the Yarra Valley, each with its own diverse style and offerings. Nestled in the rolling hills, many are family-run establishments that date back decades. Known for award-winning Chardonnay, Yarra Valley now includes Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Yarra Valley Shiraz. Some of the wineries also offer cider, apple brandy, and craft beers.

Pound Bend Reserve

Pound Bend was constructed in the late 19th century when gold hunters dredged the Yarra River to search for gold. Pound Bend Reserve is an especially popular spot with areas for picnics, hiking, canoeing, swimming, birdwatching, horseback riding, and a nature walk. The Pound Bend Tunnel dates back to 1870 and is a popular swimming spot that features a rock pool at the tunnel outlet that acts as a natural spa.