Tractor Fruit Tasting Tours

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December , 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

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December , 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

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December , 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

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December , 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

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December

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

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December , 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

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December

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

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

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December

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?

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December

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

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December , 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. Please note that Puffing Billy is CLOSED on Christmas Day.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

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

Murder on Puffing Billy Express

Fri 1st December , 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

Fruit Bottling Workshops at Rayner's Orchard

Fri 1st December  until Sun 31st December , 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.

Kallista Community Market

Sat 2nd December , 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

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Sat 2nd December , 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.

Puffing Billy Santa Special

Sat 2nd December  until Sun 3rd December , 10am – 4pm (Trains depart at 11am & 1.30pm)

These very special trains ensure a festive day out for all the family. Departing Gembrook Railway Station for a 1hr return ride through the forest and farmlands of Gembrook, Victoria. Meet and greet with Santa and children under the age of 10 years receive a present from Santa in the Santa Cave. Indoor and outdoor activities for all ages - designed so all the family can enjoy the day together. Yes! All activities and more fun entertainment is included in your ticket!

Puffing Billy Gembrook Station, Main Road Gembrook

Tickets available in August.

Understanding Soil Fertility

Sat 2nd December , 10.30am for approximately 1.5 hours

Since arriving in Australia five years ago, Tomas Cifuentes has been actively researching and experimenting with a multitude of techniques, materials and plants species, with the goal of creating healthier, more fertile and abundant soils in Victoria. Tomas will be talking to you about how to achieve a fertile healthy soil using tried and tested manual techniques, and available market products. This workshop is designed to arm you with the knowledge to enable you to increase your yields, and have a better understanding of your soils water and nutrient holding capabilities. Bookings essential on 03 9751 0584.

Diggers at Cloudehill, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

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

Cut flowers from your garden

Sat 2nd December , 1pm for approximately 1.5 hours

If you want to grow beautiful flowers to admire both in your garden and also indoors, while increasing your population of good garden bugs, then this is the workshop for you! Join passionate gardeners Robyn and Evette and learn how to create a magnificent flower garden. Evette has years of flower growing knowledge as the Diggers Seed Manager, having overseen hundreds of seed trials, while Robyn comes from a floristry background with a lifetime of gardening experience. Bookings essential on 03 9751 0584.

Diggers at Cloudehill, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

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

Lilydale Farmers Produce Market

Sun 3rd December , 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

Sunday High Tea at Marybrooke Manor

Sun 3rd December  until Sun 31st December , 1-4pm every Sunday - bookings essential

Experience High Tea on Sunday afternoons at historic Marybrooke Manor in Sherbrooke. Celebrate special occasions or just spoil yourself. Enjoy unlimited Manor made scones with Chantilly cream and jam, assorted sweet and savoury selections, Madame Flavour teas and brewed coffee. Available 1pm to 4pm. $40 per person. Child 12 and under half price. Bookings are essential. Please call 9755 2755.

Marybrooke, 10 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke

$40 per person including unlimited scones!

Steam and Cuisine After Dark

Thu 7th December , 7.30pm - 10.30pm

Puffing Billy introduces Steam & Cuisine After Dark where you and your guests will enjoy this exclusive dining event in our faithfully restored First Class dining carriages, with live entertainment from 6.30pm. The entree and main course are served whilst the train winds its way through the Dandenong Ranges, 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

$103 per person

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Fri 8th December , 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.

Mont De Lancey Country Market

Sat 9th December , 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 9th December , 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

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Sat 9th December , 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.

Belgrave Big Dreams Market

Sun 10th December , 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

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Thu 14th December , 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.

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Fri 15th December , 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.

Montrose Craft Market

Sat 16th December , 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 16th December , 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

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Sat 16th December , 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.

Emerald Craft and Produce Market

Sun 17th December , 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

Live Jazz at Wild Oak Restaurant

Fri 29th December , 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