June Events

Tractor Fruit Tasting Tours

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , Tours run from 9am to 4pm seven days a week all year round (except Christmas Day)

Sample fruit as it was meant to be eaten - straight from the tree! Sit in comfort in a covered trailer behind the farm tractor and enjoy a farm tour with fruit! U pick available during tours. Tours run daily between 9am - 4pm and last around 1 hour. Fruit picked to take away is charged depending on variety. During these tours 8 - 10 varieties of fruit samples are offered.

Rayner's Orchard, 60 Schoolhouse Rd Woori Yallock

Adults $28 Seniors & Children (5 yrs and under free): $23 Family Group (4 +) all @ kids prices p/p: $23

Winery Tours with Wild Wombat Tours

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , Public & Private Tours 7 days

Our Yarra Valley Winery Tour is so popular we run it every day, seven days a week. One of the things that sets us apart from other tours is that we like our Yarra Valley winery tour itineraries to be totally flexible. This way, we can discuss with you any particular wineries you’d like to visit, or wine varietals you’d like to try, so we can ensure you get the most out of your day. Call 1300 945 396 to book.

Wild Wombat Tours : 1300 945 396

From $110 per person

Sunday Roast Lunch at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , 11.30 until 3pm - Only available every Sunday at SkyHigh

Enjoy SkyHigh Mount Dandenong’s Sunday Roast Lunch. Located in our upstairs Function Room with stunning views… Entree of soup, choice of roast pork or beef with all the trimmings, traditional fish and chips for main course. For the children we have fish & chips or chicken nuggets & chips if they do not wish to have the roast and of course something sweet - eat as much as you like from our dessert buffet. See our website to book.

SkyHigh, 26 Observatory Rd, Mt Dandenong

Adults $39.50 - Children $20.00 (5 - 12 years) includes a glass of wine for the Adults only - Children's price does not include drinks

Wine Tasting at Olinda Cellars

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , 5pm - 8pm

Join us EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT for free wine tasting where we explore new wines, new vintages and sometimes golden oldies. With a reputation as one of Melbourne’s finest boutique wine specialists, we offer sensational wines from all over Australia, with a great collection of hard to find vintage wines, boutique local beers and Australian Spirits.

Shop 7/540 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda

Wines are selected weekly so call 9751 0999 for details of wines available for tasting.

Wild About Tours

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June

Tours available tailored to suit your interests and time frame. Boutique wineries, cider & ale trail, Gardens, The best of The Dandenong's. Groups from 2-7 person. Call Jilly on 0431 970 522 for prices and to organise the perfect tour for you.

Picking up across the Dandenong Ranges

From $99 half day (lunch extra).

The Gully Market

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , Saturday 8am-3pm Sunday 9am-3pm

The Gully Market is a long established market that runs every Saturday and Sunday in the carpark of the Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station. Drop in on the way up (or the way down) the mountain and stretch your legs as the Gully Market has lots of craft stalls, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants and home made goods.

Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station

Enquiries: 0417 599 466

Classical Tracks - A programme of classical performances

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June

In partnership with Burrinja Cultural Centre and some of Australia’s finest orchestras, musicians and local talent, Yarra Ranges Council delivers you another season of sensational classical performances. Enjoy glorious music and thrilling performances in the Yarra Ranges’ finest performance spaces - this kaleidoscopic series of concerts, workshops, performances, multimedia productions, exhibitions, ballet and children's entertainment has something for everyone.

See the website for programme and ticket pricing

BYO Cellar Nights at Coonara Springs

Thu 1st June  until Thu 29th June , Lunch 12pm-3pm, Dinner 6.30pm-10pm

Celebrate your Cellar with BYO on Thursday evenings, corkage free, with every meal eaten. Coonara Springs has a history of excellent food and wine since the 1920's, with seven acres of gardens to explore between courses and magnificent views of the Yarra Valley and Ranges. Roaring fires are guaranteed...

Coonara Springs Restaurant, 129 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

Corkage Free

Mid Week Lunch Special at Oakridge Wines

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , Available Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30am

Enjoy a mid week delight at Oakridge, with a seasonal dish and a glass of Local Vineyard Series wine and tea or coffee. Available Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30am | $45 per person. Offer valid from May until the end of August 2017 (excluding public holidays). To book your mid week escape, call us on 03 9738 9900.

Oakridge Wines, 864 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream

$45 per person

High Tea at Coonara Springs

Thu 1st June , 11am - 6pm - First Thursday of each month

Coonara Springs is celebrating its history as an iconic destination for High Tea's since the 1920's. Enjoy vintage teapots, cake stands, scones, home baked cakes, savouries, finger sandwiches & locally blended tea's. Sip champagne overlooking views of the Yarra Valley, and enjoy a stroll to our kitchen garden afterwards.

Coonara Springs 129 Olinda Monbulk Rd, Olinda

$65 for non alcoholic, $75 including bubbles

Flowing with Colour at Miloko

Thu 1st June  until Tue 6th June , Daily 10.30 to 4pm

Miloko of Sassafras takes pleasure in featuring the work of Bev Pergl, Flowing with Colour. Bev's work is filled with colour that comes from an artistic process imbued with peace and harmony linked to meditation and a soulful approach. Line, colour and form work together to create uplifting art works.

Miloko Cnr Woodlands Ave Sassafras

Free

Culture Tracks: Art Exhibitions, Music and Movies across the Ranges

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June

The Culture Tracks program of arts and cultural events covers performance, music, exhibitions, workshops and movies at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, The Memo in Healesville, Montrose Town Centre, Mooroolbark Community Centre, the Arts Centre in Warburton and Burrinja Cultural Centre. Drop in to your nearest venue and pick up a copy of the full Culture Tracks program, call our team on 1300 368 333, or visit our website to book tickets or find further information on all our events.

Brought to you by Yarra Ranges Arts, Culture & Heritage Department

Afternoon Tea Anyone?

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June

People often travel to The Villages just for a real Devonshire Tea and with the increasing popularity of a High Tea, will often spend all afternoon drinking tea and grazing on the sweet and savoury delights. What a way to spend a day! Whether you want a full English High Tea Experience or just a piece of delicious cake or tart with a pot of tea or a coffee - you're in the right place! Find out more about the differences and where you can find the best Afternoon Tea experiences in the Dandenong Ranges.

Locations throughout the Dandenong Ranges

Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , Departs daily at 12.30pm- Return 3.30pm

Experience first class travel in our 100 year old fully enclosed and heated heritage dining carriages. Share the grandeur and charm of a three hour steam train journey whilst savouring our first class menu. Select from a three course standard menu or graze over our two course Natter Platter- a great meal to share. Bookings essential. Contact: 03 9757 0700.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

3 Course Menu $88.50-$98.50 Natter Platter $67.50 - $75

Italian Cantina Mondays at Wild Oak

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , Monday Nights Only (not on public holidays)

Monday Nights are bellissimo at Wild Oak with our very special Italian Cantina Mondays. A changing taste of Italy every week, using the best fresh local produce the region has to offer - not to be missed! Only $15 per person and you can add a glass of wine for just $5. Book online through our website or call 9751 2033.

Cnr Ridge Rd & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mt Dandenong

$15 per person + $5 for a glass of wine

Valley Ranges Getaways Winter Warmer Offer

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June

Enjoy a complimentary Winter Warmer Dinner at your accommodation. Stay in any of our properties for 3 consecutive nights until the end of Winter and a Pot of hearty soup, a loaf of crusty bread and winter warm puddings will be waiting for you on your arrival night. Simply Add the code WINTER when booking 3 nights or call 1300 48 84 48 to book.

24 properties throughout the Villages

Fruit Bottling Workshops at Rayner's Orchard

Thu 1st June  until Fri 30th June , 2 sessions run daily: 9.30am and 1pm

Book in for a Fruit Bottling Workshop and learn to bottle your own fruit with our friendly staff. You can bottle up your own unique fruit combination or fill some bottles up with traditional fruit flavours. We use Fowlers Vacola equipment and also stock preserving kits, food dehydrators and other bottling equipment in our shop! Why not do the Bottling Workshop then purchase a Fowlers Vacola Preserving Kit to take home and bottle some more! Bookings online or call 03 5964 7654.

Rayner's Orchard, 60 Schoolhouse Rd, Woori Yallock

Adults $89 includes 5 bottles of fruit. Additional bottles of fruit are $5.50 per bottle. Kids are free if accompanied by 2 or more adults. They only pay for fruit bottled at $5.50 per bottle.

Steam and Cuisine After Dark

Fri 2nd June , 7.30pm - 10.30pm

Steam & Cuisine After Dark offers live entertainment from 6.30pm onwards.The entree and main course are served whilst the train winds its way through the Dandenong Ranges, with the world's tallest flowering tree - the Mountain Ash towering overhead and lush fern gullies, arriving at Lakeside.The return journey completes the evening, with dessert, tea, coffee and a complimentary glass of port. See our website for bookings.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

3 Course Menu $99

Kallista Community Market

Sat 3rd June , 9am - 1pm

Kallista is a vibrant outdoor country market with handmade and home crafted goods including jewellery, plants, wood crafts, soap, clothing, delicious food and so much more.

Village Green, Church St, Kallista

Sowing Seeds in the Cool of Winter - A How to

Sat 3rd June , 10.30am for approximately 1.5 hours

Ken Colley is an enthusiastic gardener who has worked at Burnham Beeches Gardens and Cloudehill. He will be going through some simple steps and basic rules on how to start your seeds in the cooler months using some tried and tested methods. So come along and learn about some basic steps you can take to grow your own seeds. This is always the cheaper and healthier option when growing food for your family. Bookings on 03 9751 0584.

Diggers at Cloudehill, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

Diggers members: $29, non-members: $39

Creating Pots for your Garden - A Beginners Guide

Sat 3rd June , 1pm for approximately 1.5 hours

Come have some fun with a piece of clay! Learn how to make simple pots! Pete Thomas, who has a degree in ceramics, will show you how to make a slab built pot for your garden. He will show you joining techniques, how to add handles, coiling and decoration. Pete will also provide handouts and useful information on where to get materials and companies that offer firing services. Bookings essential on 03 9751 0584.

Diggers at Cloudehill, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

Diggers members: $29, non-members: $39

Murder on Puffing Billy Express

Sat 3rd June , Departs at 7.30pm Returns 11pm

Join us for an intriguing night of murder, mystery and suspense aboard Puffing Billy's evening train special. Dress to the 1920s and 1930s era to go in the draw to win a prize! Includes train journey, three course meal at the Nobelius Packing Shed and live entertainment. Departs at 7.30pm Fridays and 7.00pm Saturdays. Bookings essential. Contact: 03 9757 0700.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$112 per person

Commissioners' Train

Sat 3rd June , Day starts at 8am and concludes at 4.30pm

Step behind the scenes of Puffing Billy. Tour the railway's locomotive workshop before departing on The Commissioners’ Train for Menzies Creek hauled by Climax Locomotive 1694. Disembark to view the progress on the new Puffing Billy Museum or watch the shunting operations when a NA locomotive will be included behind the Climax. Continue to Emerald station, doubled headed with the Climax and NA locomotive and return to Belgrave.

Puffing Billy Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

PBPS Members $89 Children (under 14 yrs): $59 Non-Members $99 Children (under 14 yrs): $69

Lilydale Farmers Produce Market

Sun 4th June , 8am - 1pm

A farm fresh produce market next to Lillydale Lake with over 50 stalls with a variety of fresh foods, easy access and car parking. You'll find a range of vegetables, seasonal fruits and berries, butchers with beef, pork and small good products, processed foods – jams, chutneys, sauces, soups and pasta lines, bakery products – breads, croissants, cakes, tarts & muffins and more... and baby farm animals and a jumping castle for young children to enjoy.

Bellbird Park, Swansea Rd, Lilydale

Enquiries: 9727 0037

Yarra Ranges Estate Sunday Lunch in the Vines

Sun 4th June , 12 noon to 5pm

Lunches at Yarra Ranges Winery, offering a seasonal menu, featuring Chicken croquette, corn aioli, Crème cameral, honey almond while enjoying a Spritzig Sauvignon Blanc or Blanc de Noir Sparkling. Rustic charm with Cellar door wine tastings while enjoying local artist guitarist Aidan, for a relaxing afternoon. Ring now 9752 0683.

39 Coulson Road, Monbulk

Bistro Night at Coonara Springs

Wed 7th June  until Wed 28th June , Lunch 12pm-3pm, Dinner 6.30pm-10pm

Chefs Special every Wednesday! $50 for three courses... Our menu designed around what is available in our own kitchen garden, what is available locally and seasonally... its a great value evening with lots of atmosphere, delicious food in a beautiful setting. EVERY WEDNESDAY!

Coonara Springs Restaurant, 129 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

$50 for three courses

Creswick Sassafras Liz Davenport Fashion Parade

Thu 8th June , 11am

Join us for at the Creswick Sassafras store for a fun fashion show featuring garments from the Liz Davenport range! Includes morning tea of tea, coffee, or a glass of wine plus nibbles. Please call to book: 03 9755 3030.

Creswick, Shop 3/383 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras

Free entry

Mont De Lancey Country Market

Sat 10th June , 9am - 1pm

The Mont De Lancey Country and Homemade Crafts Market will provide a unique personal encounter with the makers and growers of quality regional products in a heritage setting which provides a true country market environment. You'll find fresh produce, craft, herbs, meat, native flowers and more. Come and see the working Blacksmith's & Wood Turners. Great family fun.

71 Wellington Road, Wandin

Gold Coin entry, children free

Hills Art Market

Sat 10th June , 9am - 3pm

Come and see what is hidden in the hills at this unique open-air Artists Market, a visual and musical feast. Artists will showcase and sell their art directly to you and visitors can wander through a world of artistic imagination, discovering the variety of skills and techniques and musicians of the local region, while enjoying the beauty of the tall trees, good food, great coffee, and all that the Emerald village has to offer.

Beside Puffing Billy at Emerald Station

Free Entry

Winter Art Show

Sat 10th June  until Mon 12th June , 10:00am to 4:00pm

The Art Show is conducted over the Queen's Birthday long weekend each June and is the Brigade's major fundraising activity. The show attracts around 350 entries each year and all are available for sale. Entries are received from artists both local and not quite so local. We often have some entries from interstate and the work exhibited is generally of a very high quality. Devonshire teas available for a gold coin donation.

Belgrave Fire Station, 4 Bayview Road, Belgrave

Free Entry

Belgrave Big Dreams Market

Sun 11th June , 9 am - 2 pm

A place to find all things grown and made with love : A dream come true : A dream to foster community, abundance, joy and creativity. You'll discover a collection of Melbourne's finest Artists and Makers. Discover original and bespoke design pieces alongside some of the yummiest and freshest produce the area has to offer with live music courtesy of our very talented onsite buskers, bouncy castle and facepainting for the kids, this is a market for the whole family to enjoy!

Hayes Car Park/Blacksmiths Way, Belgrave

Free Entry

Yarra Ranges Estate Sunday Lunch in the Vines

Sun 11th June , 12 noon to 5pm

Lunches at Yarra Ranges Winery, offering a seasonal menu, featuring Chicken croquette, corn aioli, Crème cameral, honey almond while enjoying a Spritzig Sauvignon Blanc or Blanc de Noir Sparkling. Rustic charm with Cellar door wine tastings while enjoying local artist guitarist Aidan, for a relaxing afternoon. Ring now 9752 0683.

39 Coulson Road, Monbulk

Montrose Craft Market

Sat 17th June , 9am - 1.30pm

Situated at the base of the mountain on the way to Lilydale the Montrose Market has a variety of craft and fresh produce stalls. Drop in on the way out to the Yarra Valley.

Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Montrose

Enquiries: 9728 1703

Little Yarra Market

Sat 17th June , 9am - 2pm

Looking for a great outdoor market? Little Yarra has it all, quality stalls, crafts & recycled goods, organic skincare, eco-cleaning products, local & organic produce, sourdough bread, coffee, chai, great food, massage, wood fired pizza, biodynamic sausages, local buskers, entertainment and more. Enquiries can be made to [email protected] or phone 0411 243 673.

Little Yarra Steiner School or Upper Yarra Museum

Free Entry

Grassroots Market Upwey "Winter Soul Warmer"

Sat 17th June , 10am - 3pm

Join in the warmth of the Upwey Community as you browse the amazing and eclectic range of stalls, enjoying delicious food from scones to smokehouse. Pick up something special for your home, your loved ones, or just a special soul warming treat for you. Kids activities, music, and a the new "Pooch Park" and treats for the fur babies.

Main Street, Upwey behind the shops

Free outdoor market with kids activities and music

St. Michael’s Book Fair and Car Boot Sale

Sat 17th June  until Sun 18th June , Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 12 noon - 4pm

Come and enjoy the crisp winter air in the Dandenongs at a traditional church book fair and car boot sale. Find some great books to curl up with this winter. People come from far and wide to join us on this fun day.Thousands of books to browse. The book fair continues on Sunday so come and take a look in our lovely historic 111 year old church. We welcome donations of quality secondhand books. Enquiries: 03 9728 6353 / [email protected]

St Michael's Church Hall, Cnr Falls Rd & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Kalorama

Free Event

Rhythm & Blues on Puffing Billy Railway

Sat 17th June , Train Departs 7pm Returns at 11.30pm

Join us for a night of fine wine, food and live musical entertainment aboard 'Rhythm & Blues on Puffing Billy'. A journey through the Dandenong Ranges to the historic Nobelius Packing Shed. Our carvery is followed by various dessert options. Wrap up the evening, with tea, coffee, dinner chocolates and a complimentary glass of port served. Contact: 03 9757 0700 for further information see our website.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$99.00 per person

Emerald Craft and Produce Market

Sun 18th June , 9am - 3pm

The Emerald Market is vibrant and colourful featuring locally made products and home grown produce right in the centre of town. Visitors can expect a variety of goods including preserves, cakes, hot food stalls, local specialties, vegetables and plants, jewellery, clothing, food, lifestyle products and massage. Our market is plastic bag free, so don’t forget to bring along your own bags.

Cnr Kilvington Drive & Main St, Emerald

Enquiries: 0419 345 750

Yarra Ranges Estate Sunday Lunch in the Vines

Sun 18th June , 12 noon to 5pm

Lunches at Yarra Ranges Winery, offering a seasonal menu, featuring Chicken croquette, corn aioli, Crème cameral, honey almond while enjoying a Spritzig Sauvignon Blanc or Blanc de Noir Sparkling. Rustic charm with Cellar door wine tastings while enjoying local artist guitarist Aidan, for a relaxing afternoon. Ring now 9752 0683.

39 Coulson Road, Monbulk

Belgrave Lantern Parade

Sat 24th June , Activities start at 4pm onwards

The annual Belgrave Lantern Parade is a highlight in the local event calendar, with thousands of hills residents marching their lanterns, small and big, up and down the main street. It marks the midst of winter in our cycle of season, but most importantly it heralds the turning point and the new beginnings as we turn toward Spring and the blossoms of the Hills that are just around the corner. We welcome everyone, far and wide to join us for a fun evening of street performers, food stalls and community fun.

Parade Starts at 5.30pm from Hayes Car Park, Belgrave

FREE

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Sat 24th June , Departs 7.00pm Returns 11.30pm

Are you ready to Dine & Dance the night away at Puffing Billy? We’re waiting to welcome you and your guests to your unique heritage experience. Winding through the Dandenong Ranges, Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy is the perfect setting for your work function, birthday celebration or a great night out with friends.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$93 per person. No concessions apply.

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

Sat 24th June  until Sun 25th June , 6pm Saturday to 10am Sunday

Highly improvised comedy theatre. Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up some madcap mayhem and a three-course meal – with the audience playing the part of their restaurant diners. Enjoy the show, dinner, with drinks at bar prices, a comfortable night in en-suite accommodation and breakfast for two. $350 per couple. Se the website for more details and bookings.

Country Place, Olinda Creek Road, Kalorama

$365 per couple for show, dinner, overnight accommodation and breakfast

Gembrook Market

Sun 25th June , 9am - 2pm

Promoting sustainable living, many of the 90+ stall holders are artisans and craftspeople who have created unique items from recycled materials. Purchase home grown produce including some wonderful gourmet foods. We have a 'garage sale site' and if occupied on the day you visit, who knows what bargain you may find! A jumping castle, farm animals or similar activities for young children are on site at most markets.

Gembrook Community Centre, Gembrook-Pakenham Rd, Gembrook

Yarra Ranges Estate Sunday Lunch in the Vines

Sun 25th June , 12 noon to 5pm

Lunches at Yarra Ranges Winery, offering a seasonal menu, featuring Chicken croquette, corn aioli, Crème cameral, honey almond while enjoying a Spritzig Sauvignon Blanc or Blanc de Noir Sparkling. Rustic charm with Cellar door wine tastings while enjoying local artist guitarist Aidan, for a relaxing afternoon. Ring now 9752 0683.

39 Coulson Road, Monbulk

Live Jazz at Wild Oak Restaurant

Fri 30th June , 7pm onwards

Enjoy dinner with the smooth sounds of live jazz from our Resident jazz trio featuring Craig Smith. Bookings 9751 2033.

Cnr Ridge Rd & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mt Dandenong

Murder on Puffing Billy Express

Fri 30th June , Departs at 7.30pm Returns 11pm

Join us for an intriguing night of murder, mystery and suspense aboard Puffing Billy's evening train special. Dress to the 1920s and 1930s era to go in the draw to win a prize! Includes train journey, three course meal at the Nobelius Packing Shed and live entertainment. Departs at 7.30pm Fridays and 7.00pm Saturdays. Bookings essential. Contact: 03 9757 0700.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$112 per person