Are There Good Options for Kids or Non-Drinkers in the Yarra Valley? Yes, there are, & you don’t have to put on a fake smile at a tasting bar to convince anyone. I’ve spent years putting together family outings, mixed group itineraries and trips through the Yarra Valley – usually in conjunction with operators like Yarra Valley Wine Tours – and the thing is, this region works a treat when you plan ahead of time and do more than just wine tasting.
Hi, my name is Paul. This guide is written specifically for parents, non-drinkers, designated drivers, and anyone who wants to get the most out of the Yarra Valley without feeling left out while others enjoy wine tasting.
Why This Area Suits Mixed Interests
The Yarra Valley isn’t just one long strip of wineries – it’s a collection of cellar doors spread out across the Yarra Ranges. It’s all stitched together by short drives, through forests, past rivers and through places like Yarra Glen and Healesville. And that makes it a real advantage.
- Balance wine tasting with wildlife spotting, eating out and getting some fresh air
- Avoid long stretches where the kids get bored
- Swap a formal wine tasting experience for something a bit more hands-on
For these reasons, many families book private or customised days with Yarra Valley Wine Tours rather than a standard tour.
Wildlife Kids Actually Love
If there’s one place that really delivers for families, it’s Healesville Sanctuary.
Healesville Sanctuary
- Where to find it: Glen Eadie Avenue in Healesville, VIC
- What’s the scenery like: It’s right on the edge of Healesville township, in some beautiful bushland
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (shorter hours on the hottest days)
- What to expect to pay: Mid-range (you’ll need to pay to get in)
- Why locals love it: Big open spaces, native wildlife, shaded walking paths and loads of other good stuff
- Tips: Get there before 10:30 am for the animals that are most active; it’s suitable for prams, and there’s a cafe on site
Chocolate and Dairy Kids Love
Kids aren’t interested in hearing about tannins, they just want some chocolate or ice cream – and the Yarra Valley delivers big time.
Yarra Valley Dairy
- You can find it at 70 McMeikans Road, Yering, VIC
- Out in the countryside, just near a bunch of wineries – perfect
- Hours: Monday to Friday are 9 am to 4:30 pm; if you’re visiting in winter, it might close a little earlier midweek
- Budget-wise: it’s a mid-range budget
- Why stop: There are cheese tastings, milkshakes and outdoor seats with a view
- Tips: Try to keep it quick, especially on the weekends and get some takeaway to take with you
Places like this dairy give non-wine drinkers a reason to join in the fun without having to stick with the adults at the tasting bar.
Gardens Where You Can Let The Kids Run Wild
Big estates with gardens are a lifesaver when it comes to dealing with kids in wine country.
- More and more wineries in the area have some decent lawns and casual seating areas – but gardens are still the winners when the kids have too much energy
- Best to check them out mid-morning or after lunch when the crowds have died down a bit
- Flat paths, some shade, and loads of space – what more could they want?
- And don’t worry about them having a bad time, no need to sit still
These places are perfect for getting the kids to calm down before the next stop.
Puffing Billy – The Best Day Trip Ever For The Kids
You can technically say Puffing Billy is just outside the wine region, but it’s a perfect fit for a day out in the Valley.
Puffing Billy Railway
- Location: Belgrave, VIC, near the Dandenong Ranges
- Area context: Its actually right in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges forest corridor
- Hours: You need to book ahead for a specific time slot
- Budget: Mid-range
- Why it works: The kids love the old train, the scenery through the forest is amazing, and it’s a total kid magnet
- Tips: if you can book it weeks in advance, then do – especially if your kids are off school
The Puffing Billy and Yarra Valley tour is best done as a full-day or overnight trip; trying to cram it in will leave everyone feeling stressed.
Easy Riverside and Forest Walks
The Yarra River is the heart of our Valley – it’s where you’ll find flat walking tracks to picnic spots and places to stop off right in town.
For waterfalls that are good with kids, these are your best options:
Steavenson Falls
Located at Falls Road, Marysville, VIC (that’s a pretty easy one to find). It’s just at the edge of the forest in town, so it’s never too far to go. They’re open during daylight hours. The good news is: totally free. Just a tip: the path is nice and smooth, even if you’re pushing a pram.
La La Falls
Located in Warburton, VIC (just near the town centre, so you can’t miss it). It’s a real treat, nestled in the forest reserve just near town. They’re open during daylight hours. Yep, you guessed it – free to visit. Just one thing to keep in mind: the walk is pretty short, so it’s good for after lunch.
Toorongo Falls
Located on Toorongo Valley Road, Noojee, VIC (the alpine forest is pretty magical). They’re only open during the day, so plan your visit in daylight. Good news: this one’s free to visit too. Just a tip: it can get a bit cooler in the forest, even in summer.
Phantom Falls is a real trek – best to leave it for seasoned walkers – might be a bit tough for little ones.
Restaurants that Real Families Actually Go To
Alright, so here are the places real families actually eat at (not just go for a pose).
Eleonores Restaurant
15 Bell Street, Yarra Glen, VIC (right in the town centre). You can get breakfast or lunch here, but weekends are going to be a bit busier. Mid-range budget. So why do the locals love it? Good, reliable food, plenty of space for the little ones, and they’ve got the service down pat. Just book ahead for weekends.
Isabellas Restaurant
Maroondah Highway, Coldstream VIC (just a quick stop off on the highway). They’ve got lunch and dinner, but it’s a bit quieter in winter. This one’s mid-range budget too. Just a tip: parking is a breeze, and it’s a good spot for a big group.
Platinum Restaurant
Yarra Valley, VIC (this one’s got a bit more of a premium vibe). Budget’s a bit higher. Just a tip: a bit better suited for the older kids, might want to book well ahead of time.
As for places like Hubert Estate, they work well because they offer ample space and relaxed dining options.
Wineries That Suit Non-Drinkers
- Stones of the Yarra Valley – totally food-led, loads of room to stretch out
- Yarra Yering – really quiet, they’re all about the single vineyard wines
- Swallowfield Vineyard – super relaxed – no one’s going to hassle you about buying a bottle
- Gateway Estate and Wild Cattle Creek Estate – pretty casual – just pop in and see what you think
Avoid places where the tasting bar is basically the only thing going on.
Accommodation to Suit Families and Non-Drinkers
Chateau Yering Hotel
Situated on Melba Highway, Yering, VIC. This place is set in a historic estate, which is lovely. Budget-wise, it’s a premium option. Tip: If you’ve got older kids, it’s a great place to bring the family – tranquil and luxurious.
Glamping Yarra Valley
Available across various sites in the Valley. Depending on what you want, it’s either in the mid-range to premium bracket. One of the benefits is that it’s a lot less formal than staying in a hotel.
A Half-Day Family Plan that Actually Works
- Start the day off by heading to the Healesville Sanctuary
- Grab some lunch at a café in Yarra Glen or one of the estate’s restaurants
- After lunch, take a stroll along the river or look around the gardens
- If you’ve got some energy left, you could try to squeeze in a visit to a dairy farm or a chocolate shop
This is basically the way that the winery tour operators like Yarra Valley Wine Tours put together family-friendly plans – just scaled back to a half day.
The Final Verdict
You don’t have to turn your day in the Yarra Valley into a marathon wine tasting session. Trust us, the wildlife, great food, beautiful rivers and forests, and relaxed estates are a far better fit for a fun family outing or a break from the wine for non-drinkers than another tasting paddle is.
Simplify your day and ditch the formal wine tasting itinerary. With a bit of planning, you can even pre-book with companies like Yarra Valley Wine Tours – and for good reason.
FAQ
Is the Yarra Valley a wine-free zone?
Not at all. You can easily fill a whole day seeing wildlife, eating great food, and taking in the natural beauty of the place.
Where should I take the kids?
You can’t go wrong with Healesville Sanctuary, Puffing Billy, some of the river walks, or, if they’re old enough, a visit to a dairy farm.
How kid-friendly are the winery restaurants?
Some of them are okay – pick the ones that focus on serving up great meals and have plenty of outdoor space to run around in.
Can I pack Puffing Billy into a single day?
Yeah – but only if you’re either leaving before sun-up or planning on staying overnight.
Can non-drinkers join in on a Yarra Valley wine tour?
Only if you specifically request a customised tour; the standard tours are very heavy on wine tasting.