With the weather forecast for summer not looking typical of Australia’s scorching sunshine and glorious warmth, here’s how to spend a day exploring the region on a rainy day.
Perhaps start at the gateway to the Yarra Valley in Lilydale by exploring the Vintage and Collectables Marketplace where there’s something for every collector or antique lover.
If antiques are on the agenda, why not head to Yarra Glen to find Treasures from the Past, Yarra Valley Antique Centre and Den of Antiques.
Olinda is also a bit of a hub for vintage wares with Dr Quirky’s Vintage Emporium and The Mount Dandenong Antique Centre.
Food is never hard to find and visitors are somewhat spoiled for choice, with Lilydale lined on both sides of Main Street with fine eateries, the Yarra Valley bustling with wineries, pubs and cafes and the Dandenong Ranges boasting quaint spots for high tea, a quick coffee or a sweet treat.
Once refreshed with a delightful meal, why not head to one of the Yarra Ranges’ many unique galleries and art spaces.
The Yarra Ranges Regional Museum located in Lilydale always has a thought provoking exhibit, whether the history of the region in the Connections Gallery or Aboriginal art from local First Nations people.
A little off the beaten track in Ferntree Gully, find The Hut Gallery run by the art society which includes both an internal gallery and sculpture garden.
Further in the hills, nestled among the trees is the Sherbrooke Art Gallery, displaying local artists.
If there happens to be a break in the rain or you’re feeling brave, the rains have done wonders for the local water reservoirs so head to Maroondah Dam to see the spillway waterfall or look out over Silvan Dam in Kalorama.
The Dandenong Ranges is also a beautiful spot to explore on a rainy summers day as it is a rainforest, so a drive through the trees may be enough to fill in a day.
