If you’re looking for a getaway only a short distance from Melbourne, Marysville may be just the spot for you.
The small town, situated in the foothills of Lake Mountain alpine resort, is about a 90 minute drive from Melbourne.
Once you get out of the city and past the eastern suburbs, the drive becomes very picturesque beyond Healesville.
This section of road, known as the Black Spur Drive, is famous for its lush forest with tall trees and leafy ferns. Roll down the windows and take in the cool mountain air and fresh fragrance of the Australian bush.
Marysville is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway and well suited to lovers of nature and the outdoors.
While the town was devastated in the Black Saturday bushfires in February 2009, it has done a tremendous job of rebuilding, with few signs of the damage left behind.
Once again a thriving countryside town with plenty on offer for visitors, Marysville is sure to delight those seeking a holiday that combines a relaxing stay with countryside charm.
Where to stay in Marysville
The highlight of our trip to Marysville was, without a doubt, the accommodation. We chose to stay at Kerami Manor, a grand guest house with stunning views overlooking Marysville.
The manor is located on a quiet street, just 400m from the centre of Marysville, and is ideal for a peaceful and relaxing stay.
The house is a rebuild of the original art deco Kerami Guest House which was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday fires.
The entire manor is exquisite. The rooms are spacious and include ensuites with opulent amenities, the formal lounge areas feature beautiful furnishings, and finishing touches like dimmed lighting at night add to the cosy atmosphere.
Our stay included breakfast – a substantial offering of freshly baked pastries, toast and spreads, as well as a home cooked full English complete with tea and coffee. A real treat!
Kerami Manor: 7-9 Kerami Cres, Marysville.
Things to do in Marysville
Explore the town
For your first day in Marysville, take a walk through the town and become familiar with the local area.
A stroll down the main road, Murchison Street, will give you a good feel for the area and allow you to scope out cafes, restaurants, shops and other places of interest.
Pop into the visitor information centre if you’re looking for tips on things to do during your stay in Marysville.
Bruno’s Sculpture Garden
Experience a beautiful garden decorated with unique clay artworks by sculptor Bruno Torfs. The garden is located in a dense rainforest setting, making for a rather magical experience.
Bruno’s Sculpture Garden: 51 Halls Rd, Marysville.
Steavenson Falls
Get the legs moving and the heart pumping with a hike to the top of Steavenson Falls, which plummets 84 metres and is one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls.
Drive to the Stevenson Falls car park and opt for the easy 700m climb to the top or take the 3.5km walk in from Marysville along the Tree Fern Gully trail.
There are also options to take longer, more scenic trails to the top of the falls once you’re on site so choose a climb to suit.
Steavenson Falls: Falls Rd, Marysville.
Marysville Farmers Market
If you happen to be visiting Marysville during the fourth Sunday of the month, be sure to check out the town’s farmers market. It takes place in the town’s main street from 9am to 1pm.
The market offers the best in locally produced food including jams, preserves, baked goods, honey, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Marysville Farmers Market: 11 Murchison St, Marysville.
Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm
Into fishing? Then be sure to check out Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm. Located a short drive from Marysville, people of all levels of experience are welcome to drop a line at the farm.
As Australia’s first trout farm where trout have been bred for more than 50 years, it is also self-sufficient – they do all of their own breeding, hatching, growing and processing on site.
Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm: 2118 Maroondah Highway, Buxton.
Places to eat and drink in Marysville
Radius Bar & Grill
This modern and lively restaurant is part of Marysville’s Vibe Hotel and offers modern Australian cuisine. The name Radius is a tribute to the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing 85 per cent local produce within a 100km radius.
On the menu you’ll find entrees like spicy pork belly with coleslaw, while 12-hour roasted lamb is an option for a main dish, and if you have room for dessert, I highly recommend the sticky date pudding (all dishes pictured above).
Radius Bar & Grill is the perfect place to enjoy a hearty dinner during a visit to Marysville.
Radius Bar & Grill: 32 – 34 Murchison St, Marysville.
The Duck Inn
For a laidback pub meal, head to The Duck Inn. With classics like beer battered fish and chips, Porterhouse steak and vegetables, and chicken parmigiana, you can’t go wrong.
There is a full bar if you’re after some drinks – try the mulled wine if you’re there in the winter – and a pool table if you fancy a game of snooker.
The Duck Inn: 6 Murchison St, Marysville.
Fraga’s Cafe
For a humble cafe with a friendly countryside atmosphere, head to Fraga’s. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a full English breakfast, a light lunch or an afternoon coffee and cake.
There’s plenty to choose from the menu, such as the popular baguettes with fries, as well as a range of sweet treats including home baked cakes and their famous banoffee pie.
Fraga’s Cafe: 19 Murchison St, Marysville.
Other places to eat
Marysville Lolly Shop: 8 Murchison St, Marysville
Marysville Country Bakery: 17 Murchison St, Marysville.
Getting to Marysville
If you’re Melbourne-based, Marysville is about a 90 minute drive from the city.
Those coming from abroad or interstate can fly to Melbourne Tullamarine airport, hire a car and drive to Marysville from the airport.
Alternatively, if you’d like to visit Marysville as part of a bigger Melbourne or Victorian trip, see if you can find a tour that does day trips to Marysville or stops in the town as part of the journey.
For full visitor information, visit the Marysville Tourism website.
Disclaimer: The writer travelled at their own expense.
