Yarra Valley Vic The Yarra Valley is located about 60 km east of Melbourne and known for it excellent wines, great food and beautiful scenery. Victorian winegrowing began here and today there are more than 50 wineries amidst the rolling hills and pretty rivers. Boutique-style accommodation is also a specialty with something for every budget. Main towns in the area include Healesville, Yarra Glen, Warburton which are found in close proximity to the scenic Yarra Ranges NP. Tragically much of this area was devastated by bushfires in Feb 2009.
Visitor Information Centre: Old Courthouse, Harker St, Healesville. Tel (03) 5962 2600.
Dandenongs Vic The Dandenongs have been a favourite retreat for Melburnians for over a century located just 50 km east. The charming little villages such as Belgrave, Emerald, Gembrook, magnificent forests and beautiful gardens all add to the allure. The Dandenong Ranges NP offer over 300 km of walking trails to interesting places such as the Thousand Steps and Sherbrooke Forest. Australia's oldest steam railway, the Puffing Billy, is also here. 
Visitor Information Centre: 1211 Burwood Hwy, Upper Ferntree Gully. Tel (03) 9758 7522.
Yarra/Dandenongs - Other Towns: Monbulk, Sassafras, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Coldstream.

Large parts of this region were devastated by bushfires in Feb 2009 but they continue to recover and rebuild.