Natural Characteristics

​Topography

​The land of the Yarra Valley is mainly undulating with steep slopes towards the Western region, and green forested hills toward the Eastern region. It is surrounded by the Dividing Range towards the North-East, Plenty Ranges to the West and the Dandenongs to the South. Most of the suburban areas are located towards the Western region o the Yarra Valley. The Yarra River, surrounded by farmland, also runs through the Yarra Valley from East to West, as well as the Plenty River, which runs along the Western border. Vineyards in the Yarra Valley are planted on Yarra Valley's altitude of 50-400 metres. Lakes, dams and reservoirs are also distributed across the Yarra Valley. 

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Soil

There is a wide range of soil types in the Yarra Valley due to the large variation in the area's topography. The two main types of soil are grey, sandy and an earth-based clay, and a much younger in origin, red volcanic soil. Ancient, mountain-derived and sandy clay loams scattered with broken sandstone describe the soil present in the middle area of the Yarra Valley, while brittle and much younger volcanic soil is found towards the upper and lower sections of the Yarra Valley.

 

 

Climate 

Compared to other viticultural regions throughout the rest of Australia, the climate of the Yarra Valley is much cooler and moist, with common rainfall during the winter and spring seasons. The climate is relatively humid and dry during the summer. There is a minimal maritime influence on the climate of the Yarra Valley. Vineyards which are located towards the floor of the Yarra Valley can be affected by frost every now and then, although it is rare. The annual rainfall averages between 750-950mm, although it differs throughout the different regions of the Yarra Valley.







 

 

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Human Characteristics

Produce

The Yarra Valley is famous for its fresh produce, indulgent foods and wines. There is a wide range of produce ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables, to wine, cheese, poultry and ice-cream. Orchards and wineries are distributed across the region. There are over fifty wineries situated in the region, most of which are located around Coldstream, Yarra Glen and Dixon's Creek. 



Towns and Services

The major towns of the Yarra Valley include Yarra Glen, Lilydale, Coldstream, Healesville, Seville and Dixons Creek.The majority of services, including accommodation, schools, restaurants, service stations, shopping centres and service stations are situated in these towns. 



The Yarra Glen town is a scenic town situated North of Lilydale and West of Healesville. The town consists of many services such as agriculture and dairy farming. The town also consists of many day to day services and recreational facilities such as parks, sporting ovals and picnic areas. Yarra Glen is well known for their agriculture, wine making, tourism and environmental management. Many tourists are attracted to this area due to the fantastic views and warm welcoming of the town. The Yarra Glen has a large well of local produce and is usually very well at maintaining its environment. They are sustainable with their environment as they are very careful with the way they manage their sources and their environment is barely polluted with chemicals. Their region also has a high source of fresh air as well as necessary rainfall.