Start your day with a quality coffee and breakfast at Harrow & Harvest in Lilydale. Set in a converted church, it’s a favourite among locals for its friendly service and fresh, seasonal menu. The Lilydale General is another great café option nearby, offering modern dishes, generous portions and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Stocked up on coffee/breakfast, and ready to head deeper into the Yarra Valley, you’re spoiled for choice. It’s one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Oakridge Winesin nearby Coldstream stands out for a long lunch and a view overlooking the vines. Settle in for several courses of seasonal fine dining or stop in for a short wine tasting. Nearby, our favourite place is Coldstream Brewery. It’s a more laid-back feel with woodfired pizzas, locally brewed beer on tap and live music on weekends.

For an iconic experience, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong is worth the 20 minute drive from the Park. Perched atop the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Melbourne. We recommend it as a perfect pick during summer to watch the sunset on a special occasion. 

20 minutes in the other direction and you’ll hit the Healesville Hotel. It’s got a great beer garden, with daily specials and it’s super kid-friendly.

The best thing about this Park is its proximity to so many great attractions based on where it is positioned. You’ve got the Dandenong Ranges to the east, Healesville and the Yarra Valley to the north, Lilydale and suburban Melbourne within touching distance to the south (metro trains run to Lilydale Centre).

Explore Lilydale

Walk or cycle the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail – an easy, scenic 40 km route through farmland, forests and past small towns.

Visit Lilydale Lake – just minutes from the park, it’s a lovely spot with playgrounds, picnic areas, and off-leash dog zones

Dandenong Ranges

Located just 20 minutes from Lilydale, the Olinda Falls walking track is an easy but rewarding trail through fern-lined forest, leading to a series of cascading waterfalls. There’s also a picnic area with public restrooms.

Ride the iconic Puffing Billy Railway from nearby Belgrave. It’s a fun all-ages journey that ventures through the forest.

Yarra Valley 

It’s you’re up for a unique adventure, take a hot-air balloon ride at dawn over the vineyards. 

Browse the local Healesville Community Market and discover the best in local produce and crafts that the region has to offer. The event is held on the first Sunday of every month, boasting over 100 stalls.

Lilydale is a popular weekend base for exploring the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs, book ahead if you’re visiting in autumn or during major wine events such as Shedfest (October) or Fireside Festival (late June/early July).