Coombe Estate

In the heart of the Yarra Valley, Coombe Estate is a unique combination of history, fine dining and award-winning wines. Once the private home of the famous soprano Dame Nellie Melba, this estate has become one of Australia’s most popular destinations. From the beautiful gardens and historic buildings to the gourmet experience and wine tastings, Coombe Estate has something for everyone. Whether you’re here to taste award-winning Coombe Farm wines, explore the gardens or enjoy a class of hospitality, Coombe Estate is the cultural heart of the Yarra Valley.

Melba Estate: A Spellbinding History

Coombe Estate’s story begins with Dame Nellie Melba, one of Australia’s most famous women and a legend of the opera world. In 1909 she bought Coombe Farm as a private retreat from the public eye and turned it into a place where she entertained royalty, dignitaries and celebrities. The grandeur of the estate, with its clock tower, Coombe Cottage and acres of gardens is a reflection of Melba’s love of luxury and the finer things in life.

Dame Nellie Melba’s legacy is still evident throughout the estate. You can see the Historic clock tower that used to mark time on the estate, the Peach Melba the dessert named in her honour and the Coombe Farm Winery that is a testament to her enduring influence and produces wines of great complexity and fruit.

One of the most interesting features of Coombe Estate is the motor house built by Dame Melba to house her cars – a symbol of her pioneering spirit. The estate also has a private pool where Melba would host glamorous pool parties that would attract the world’s who’s who. Coombe Farm Estate is still going strong today producing award winning wines, offering house tours and preserving the family legacy that Dame Melba started over 100 years ago.

Location and Getting Here

Located at 673-675 Maroondah Highway, Coombe Estate is just an hour from Melbourne and the perfect place to escape to the cool climate of the Yarra Valley. Guests can drive here and park on-site or use public transport (buses) if they prefer not to drive. The scenic drive along the Maroondah Highway is beautiful and sets the tone for your Coombe Yarra Valley experience.

Travel Options to Coombe Estate from Melbourne

Travel Mode	Estimated Time	Accessibility	Notes
Car	1 hour	High	Direct drive with on-site parking available
Public Bus	1 hour 30 min	Moderate	Routes from Melbourne to Yarra Valley
Rideshare	1 hour	High	It is convenient but depends on the availability
Private Tours	1 hour	High	Offered by local operators, includes extras

Whichever way you come, Coombe Estate will satisfy every visit, whether you’re here for the history, wine or food.

Cellar Door

The Coombe Yarra Valley Cellar Door is the hub of the estate, where you can taste award-winning Coombe Farm wines. You can try a range of batch wines, from the elegant Coombe Chardonnay to the robust Coombe Farm Estate Pinot, each showcasing the Coombe Farm Winery terroir. The friendly cellar staff, led by the Cellar Door Supervisor, will give you personalized service and expert guidance so you’ll leave with a better understanding of the winemaking process. The fruit flavours, apple fruits and cherry fruits, show the complexity of Coombe’s wines.

Wine tastings are personal at Coombe, many visitors pair their tastings with a Devonshire Tea or morning tea. The whole cellar team is committed to not just great wine but a great experience for all our guests.

Wine Tasting

Wine enthusiasts can indulge in a unique tasting experience at Coombe Yarra Valley Estate, where a selection of wines has been curated for you to try. Whether it’s the pale straw colour of a Chardonnay or the deep fruit concentration of a Pinot, every wine reflects the team’s commitment to quality. The tastings, often with private pool views and courtyard seating, allow you to get to know the Coombe wines. To make it an even more enjoyable and rounded experience, wine tastings can be paired with Devonshire Tea or a morning tea.

Fine Dining

The Melba Estate Restaurant, run by Chef Neil Cunningham, is a sensory experience. The menu is inspired by seasonal ingredients and local produce and includes lunch options like Grim beef rib and cooked beef and brunch specials. You can also do a carte lunch or book a 90-minute sitting for lunch in the beautiful courtyard. The house pastry chef ensures desserts like Peach Melba are part of the experience. With garden views and great service, dining at Coombe is a treat.

Gardens

The gardens at Coombe Estate are one of the estate’s main attractions. Over 7 acres of beautifully manicured gardens were once the domain of Dame Nellie Melba. The Melba Garden Walk takes you through century-old trees, a cottage garden and vegetable gardens and gives you an intimate view of the estate’s natural beauty. You can stroll the garden terrace or take a garden wine tour to learn about the estate’s horticultural history. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning design, the gardens are a must-see for all ages.

Gallery and Events

Art and culture are at the heart of the Coombe Yarra Valley experience, and the Coombe Gallery is proof of that. The gallery is an artistic experience with rotating exhibitions featuring historical and contemporary works. The estate hosts wine dinners and garden tours. The Events Team at Coombe can create memorable events, whether for a corporate or private function. With house tours and special exhibitions, the gallery adds an extra layer of magic to the already beautiful surroundings.