Situated some 26 km from Melbourne, Wantirna is on the Burwood and Mountain Highways with direct access to the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
 | Wantirna - Dandenong Ranges National Park |
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The Dandenong NP covers some 3215ha and its dense rainforest and fern canopy is sanctuary to some 30 species of orchids and native animals; platypus, echidnas, ringtail possums, sugar gliders and koalas. Greater than 130 species of birds live in the Dandenong NP, including rosellas, cockatoos and kookaburras and the talented mimic, the lyrebird. The NP is a living ark, preserving remnants of original vegetation of the Melbourne area, which quickly receded in the face of 200 years of white settlement.
| Wantirna - Swinburne University Campus |
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Wantirna is the location of the Swinburne University campus, specializing in Arts, Automotive Technology and Horticulture.
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The area around Wantirna was a grape growing region in the mid 1800's, by the end of the 1930's the change in peoples taste to fortified wines and the depression together caused the vineyards to be turned to pasture.1963 planting of Wantirna Estate Vineyard was the first of the new generation vineyards when Reg and Bertina Egan put some10 acres under the vine. The Egans were fascinated by the history of Victoria's vineyards and resolved to replant the Yarra Valley. The Wantirna Estate Vineyard enjoyed its first vintage in 1968, a year before the famous Margaret River vineyards of Western Australia were planted. Today the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines are some 40 odd years old. The vines are hand tended for optimum production; the grapes harvested at the right time and the wines are made in the traditional manner where possible - always on site at Wantirna Estate Vineyard.
