Marysville, VIC

Browse the local shops

Stroll through the lovely shops on Murchinson Street. In 2009 a devastating bushfire raged through the town and burned most of the buildings to the ground. The resilient locals bounced back and the ever popular lolly shop, patisserie and bakery along with the ski hire shops have since re-opened with business as usual.

Be informed

Also on Murchinson Street is the Marysville Lake Mountain Visitors Centre. Pop in here to get the latest information about accommodation, local services and great things to do in the region.

The centre also houses the Phoenix Museum which reflects on the events of the 2009 Black Saturday fire and shares many stories of heartache and courageous recovery.

Nearby is the old police station which has been fully restored and is now home to the Historical Society. The surrounding parklands feature artworks reflecting on the history of the town.

Develop your swing

The Marysville Golf and Bowls Club is hard to beat when it comes to location. As you stroll around the 18 hole golf course you could be forgiven for missing your shot as the surrounding views are delightfully distracting.

Step out

Nature lovers will be spoiled for choice over the warmer months with so many things to do. On the outskirts of Marysville are the spectacular Steavenson Falls. With a drop of 82 metres they are one of the highest falls in the state.

East of the town several short walks lead off Lady Talbot Drive including The Beeches Rainforest Walk which takes you through ancient rainforests with some trees over 300 years old. You will find numerous walks, lookouts and camping grounds in the nearby national parks and state forests. Many of the trails follow the old timber tramways paths so you are sure to spot signs of the previous labours along the way.

Although much of the landscape was torched on Black Saturday, nature has prevailed so in many areas the visible damage is now minimal. As you travel through the region, look out for new branches emerging from blackened tree trunks and lush green vegetation along the forest floors.

Get on your bike

The many cross-country skiing trails around Lake Mountain, along with the bush tracks closer to Marysville draw mountain bike riders to them as soon as the snow season is over. The sport is so popular that the region plays host to several mountain biking competitions each year including the 7 Peaks Challenge.

Motorbike riders also frequent the area as the alpine roads create interesting challenges, especially the roads on the Black Spur and Reefton Spur.

Go for a drive

The mountains, hills, valleys, rivers and lakes are all begging for you to explore them at your leisure on a lazy afternoon. Or, if you want a bit more adventure then go off road on one of the many 4WD tracks. Just be sure to check the local weather conditions and warnings first.

Relax at a day spa

Spend an afternoon or a full weekend at one of the luxurious day spa centres in the Yarra Valley. Indulge in a full body massage, have a glorious facial or break some lifestyle habits at a health and wellness retreat.

Have a winter escape.

During the winter months Marysville and surrounds become enveloped in a blanket of white. Visitors of all ages can have some good old-fashioned fun with snowball fights on the slopes of Mount Donna Buang. Closer to Marysville is the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. Here you and your family can race each other on the toboggan slopes, have a go at snowboarding or test your endurance with cross-country skiing.

Stay in Marysville and travel up the mountain for a day trip or book your accommodation at the resort itself. At the end of the day simply put your feet up and rest by a cosy log fire.

Explore Sculpture gardens and galleries

Head out of Marysville along Falls Road and you will soon find Bruno’s Sculpture Garden. Local sculptor and painter Bruno Torfs spend many years creating his extensive collection of works in his rainforest garden. On Black Saturday he and his family lost their home and the garden was completely razed. Fortunately their lives were spared and their energies have been focused in recent years on re-establishing the gardens and restoring the sculptures.

A number of the local wineries also feature artwork collections in their visitor areas and restaurants.

Taste test the local food and wine

The Yarra Valley is known internationally for the quality of its wines. Take a self-guided tour to the many wineries; just be sure to have another driver with you if you have a little too much liquid refreshment. The area also has well established beef and dairy farms along with smaller gourmet food growers.

You will find much of the local produce is sought after by the cafes and restaurants in the region. You can often meet the growers themselves at one of the many farmers markets including the Marysville Community Market. This operates on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at Marysville Central Park.