Yarra Valley is all about rolling hills, wineries and views so it’s a perfect destination for wine lovers and nature lovers. Among the attractions the lavender farms are a seasonal highlight, with lavender in flower from late spring to summer. These farms like Warratina Lavender Farm offer a magical experience for a relaxing getaway in the valley.
When to visit lavender farms
The best time to visit Yarra Valley’s lavender farms is from December to January when the lavender is in full bloom. The rows of lavender are stunning, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when the golden light makes the fields look even more beautiful. This is a limited time experience where you can see, smell and even taste lavender in all its glory.
Summer is the peak time for lavender but Yarra Valley is a destination all year round with plenty to offer throughout the seasons. Late spring is another great time to visit if you want to see the first blooms of lavender along with the region’s cherry blossoms and other spring flowers.
The late spring weather is mild and pleasant so it’s a great time to get outdoors and explore the valley’s activities whether it’s a Yarra Valley Wine Tour or visit one of the many farmers markets and natural attractions like Healesville Sanctuary or Alowyn Gardens.
Lavender Farms and Attractions in Yarra Valley
- Warratina Lavender Farm: Famous for its vast rows of lavender, lavender flavoured food like lavender scones and range of products made from lavender.
- Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm: Lavender gardens and historical tours and lavender ice cream, a family friendly destination.
- Narrawong Lavender: Another must see with its beautiful fields and boutique range of lavender products.
Wine and Lavender
A visit to Yarra Valley wouldn’t be complete without visiting its wineries and lavender farms are the perfect accompaniment to a day of wine tasting. Many tourists combine a visit to the lavender farms with a wine tour which showcases the region’s world class wines and stunning natural beauty.
- TarraWarra Estate: With sweeping views and stunning landscapes TarraWarra Estate is a must visit winery in Yarra Valley. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings while taking in the views of the valley and during lavender season the estate is close to the lavender farms so it’s a perfect stop on a combined tour.
- Coombe Yarra Valley: Once the home of Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, Coombe Estate is an elegant setting where you can enjoy wine tastings in Coombe Cottage surrounded by formal gardens. The estate’s historic charm and beautiful grounds is the perfect backdrop for a day of lavender and wine.
- Domaine Chandon: Sparkling wine heaven and views to die for. If you are looking to indulge in wine and views, this is a must visit. Near several lavender farms so a luxurious addition to your lavender itinerary.
Other wineries like Rochford Winery, Jayden Ong Winery and Punt Road Winery are also good to visit, food and winery visits. Wine and a lavender farm visit is the ultimate Yarra Valley experience.
Lavender Products and Food
Lavender is not just for the eyes, it’s also a key ingredient in many food and products that visitors can eat and take home. Warratina Lavender Farm and other lavender farms in the area offer unique experiences where lavender is used in lavender flavoured food like lavender scones, lavender honey and even lavender ice cream.
Beyond food, visitors can buy lavender plants, essential oils, candles and other wellness products that use the calming benefits of lavender. These farms are a must visit, so you can take a piece of Yarra Valley’s lavender magic home with you.
Alowyn Gardens is another popular stop in Yarra Valley and has a wide range of lavender products as well as gardens so a must visit for garden and lavender lovers.
Photography and Instagram moments in the lavender fields
For photographers and social media lovers, the lavender fields in Yarra Valley are a dream. The views of lavender in flower, rows and rows of it as far as the eye can see, are picture perfect. Warratina Lavender Farm is one of the most Instagrammable spots, especially when the lavender is in full bloom. Capture the gardens against the valley’s hills or get up close and personal with the blooms dusted with morning dew.
Many visitors also visit the Dandenong Ranges for more photography opportunities as the region is full of beautiful landscapes and panoramic views of Yarra Valley’s vineyards and lavender fields. If you are planning a Mystery Picnic or just want to explore the valley’s natural beauty, the combination of lavender and vineyard views is a must see.
Outdoor activities and family fun in Yarra Valley
Lavender farms are not just for relaxation, they also offer a range of outdoor activities for all ages. Families visiting Yarra Valley will find plenty of family friendly activities, lavender picking and petting zoos to seasonal events and festivals hosted by the farms. Many lavender farms, like Warratina Lavender Farm offer interactive tours where you can learn about the growing, harvesting and distillation of lavender.
If you want a more action packed day out try combining a visit to the lavender farms with Healesville Sanctuary or a walk through Alowyn Gardens. These places offer the best of both relaxation and adventure with wildlife, nature and local flora.
Badger Weir Picnic Area and Ashcombe Maze & Gardens are also great for families with a mix of natural beauty and fun activities. Whether you’re spending the day outside or at a festival seasonally there’s plenty to do in Yarra Valley.
Accommodation in Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley has a variety of accommodation options for those wanting to stay overnight and see more of the region. Luxurious at Seville Estate or cozy at Tarra Lane Cottages or something more budget friendly at Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park or if you want to be close to nature Badger Weir Picnic Area is a great spot to enjoy the valley.
Summary
Visiting Yarra Valley’s lavender farms is a seasonal treat that’s more than just pretty flowers. The Yarra Valley has it all, from lavender gardens to world-class wines that can be sampled by Wine Tours Yarra Valley, to culinary experiences. Whether you’re here for the views, outdoor activities or wine tastings at the wineries Yarra Valley is open all year.
FAQs
When should I visit Yarra Valley’s lavender farms?
December to January is the best time.
Can I do a wine tour and visit a lavender farm?
Yes, Yarra Valley has lavender farms and wineries like TarraWarra Estate and Domaine Chandon so you can combine wine tastings with your lavender farm visit.
Are the lavender farms family friendly?
Yes, many of the lavender farms like Warratina Lavender Farm have family friendly activities, lavender picking, outdoor spaces for kids and lavender flavoured treats like ice cream and scones.
What accommodation is near Yarra Valley’s lavender farms?
You can choose from luxury at Seville Estate, cozy at Tarra Lane Cottages or budget friendly at Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park.
What else can I do in Yarra Valley besides the lavender farms?
Besides the lavender farms you can visit Healesville Sanctuary, walk through the formal gardens at Alowyn Gardens, visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie for sweets and wine tastings at wineries like Rochford Winery and Jayden Ong Winery.