The former gold rush town of Warburton is one of the most picturesque places in the Yarra Valley. Warburton is tucked into the foothills and is enveloped in lush bushland and majestic stands of Mountain Ash with the Yarra River running behind Warburton's shopping village. Along the river banks there are many places to sit and relax, have a picnic or barbeque, swim or throw in  a line to fish, or maybe feed the ducks. The Warburton River Walk is a very pleasant, easy wander along the upper reaches of the Yarra River. The walk is easily accessed from the Swing Bridge, just off Main Street. The Yarra River is at it's most beautiful in these high reaches of the Upper Yarra Valley. It changes from swirling rapid pools to meandering waterholes along the length of the walk which is probably about 5 kilometres. Top off a brisk walk or pleasant stroll along the river with a cappuccino and tea cake at one of the cosy little shops just around the corner.

The drive up Mt Donna Buang Road from Warburton affords some great views from a number of lookout points. A popular stop along the way is at the 10 Mile Picnic Area where you can partake of the fresh water from the flowing mountain spring. During the warmer months you also can reach Mount Donna Buang via Don Road to Healesville/Mt Donna Buang Road where you can stop off at Mt Ben Cairn rocks. Further along you can stand in awe at the view from the hang gliding ramp with views across to Phillip Island on a clear day. While on the summit you can experience the rainforest and even walk through the tree tops at the spectacular Rainforest Gallery overlooking Cement Creek. The summit features a lookout tower which is 21 metres high and gives panoramic views of Melbourne, suburbs and the high country. In winter the summit area turns to snow play and three toboggan runs open when falls are heavier.

The Warburton trail is a very popular and picturesque attraction. The trail runs all the way from Lilydale to Warburton through some of the most scenic areas in Australia. Bike riders and hikers share the track. Access is readily gained from numerous points throughout the trail - closest to Amarant is from the 'Home Hotel' where ample car parking facilities are available. A leisurely bike ride from this point would take approximately an hour to Warburton township where you could venture further to East Warburton or stop and enjoy a coffee in the village. Along the way there's lot's of eating places, a few pubs to quench the thirst and heaps of points of interest.

Via Healesville, the Yarra Valley is irresistible, with visitors returning time and again to taste its famous wines and foods. Lush green paddocks and rows of strong vines paint a story book picture of rustic life. A 'must do' on the list would be to sip a glass of sparkling in the Green Point Room overlooking the vines at Domaine Chandon. A visit to Tarrawarra Estate for that classic wine tasting, dining and/or visit magnificent Art Gallery - certainly a 'must do' also. The Yarra Valley views are breathtaking everywhere you look. Food lovers must stop at Yering Station to meet the food producers at Yarra Valley Regional Farmers market in the Yering Station Barn (third Saturday of each month) or enjoy a cheese platter or tasting of award winning Australian cheeses at the nearby Yarra Valley Dairy. Explore the wine list and enjoy local foods at the Healesville Hotel, an older style country pub reborn as one of the Valley's finest eateries. Order a Yarra Valley Platter at restaurants and cafes throughout the Valley, or lunch and/or sample fine wines at one of the beautiful vineyard restaurants : Eyton at Rochford, Yering Station or at 'Cru' at Outlook Hill (and more). There are many smaller excellent boutique wineries scattered throughout the Yarra Valley & Upper Yarra Valley that beckon to be explored.

Tucked into the tree clad foothills of the Yarra Ranges near Healesville (10 minutes from Amarant) the renowned Healesville Sanctuary offers 30 hectares of bushland to experience Australia's wildlife and is a great introduction to the sights, scents and sounds of the Australian bush. A path weaves through the sanctuary, leading to spacious areas where birds and animals live within their native habitats. Experience a fly-by of colourful King Parrots, stand beside inquisitive kangaroos, observe sleepy koalas and encounter dingoes and their keepers walking along pathways. The Birds of Prey presentation is a must see: a thrill packed 20 minutes that demonstrates the flying skills of various Australian birds of prey. The Healesville Sanctuary features walks through habitat exhibits, flight aviaries and special nocturnal exhibits all finely tuned to showcase the wonderful natural behaviour of our unique Australian wildlife. Healesville Sanctuary is a sensational way to spend a day i the Yarra Valley. As Australia's premier wildlife park, the Sanctuary gives you a personal encounter with Australian wildlife creating experiences you'll take away forever.

If you would rather set a more leisurely pace, stroll through Myrtle Beech rainforest to the ancient Ada Tree. Over 300 years old, the Ada Tree is considered to be one of the largest known flowering trees in the world. It stands at about 76 m tall with a circumference of 15 m measured at 1.5 m above ground level. The Myrtle Rainforest walk is enchanting and educational with many points of interest displayed along an easy walk of 3.2 km taking approximately 1.5 hours to return. If you have time, allow an extra 45 minutes to visit the New Federal Mill - continue 1.4km along the  walking track at the Ada Tree.