Nillumbik Sunday Drives
If you spend the week yearning for wide open spaces, fresh air and some real time with the ones you love, Find Your Self in Nillumbik this Sunday – just one hour’s drive from Melbourne (and on your way to the Yarra Valley!). Road trip!
Take it easy, enjoy the drive and lean into some country style hospitality while you return your Sundays to their real purpose – reconnecting, relaxing and...eating!
Take a whole month of Sundays and enjoy the Nillumbik way of life!
Week 1 - One for the kids
A day out with the kids, that’s budget friendly but rich in fun.
Eltham North Adventure Playground, Eltham
This is the playground you wish you went to as a kid! Right across the road from Edendale, you won’t even have to move the car! The Eltham North Adventure Playground has a large shelter spanning a multitude of play activities, so the weather doesn’t matter and heaps of variety for the little ones and the big ones. Cubbies (shops anyone?), bike trails (ditch those training wheels forever), waterplay troughs (pack a change of clothes – this could get delightfully messy) and climbing-jumping-hanging spaces galore. Wear them out for the car trip home but more importantly take some memorable photos that will outlast Instagram!
Panton Hill Bushland Reserve
Panton Hill Bushland Reserve is 140 hectares of bushland reserves (in seven sections) which are are significant for their diverse array of native plants, animals and vegetation communities, important regional habitat links, the presence of threatened species, the presence of historical and heritage sites, and opportunities for environmental education and recreation. You can even learn some words in local language!
The individual reserves are named using Wurrundjeri names for species found in the Reserves.
- Bulwidj (Yellow Box)
- Bunjil (Wedge-tailed Eagle)
- Gawa (Echidna)
- Wimbi (Swamp Wallaby)
- Wurran (Sugar Glider)
- Yanggai (Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo)
- Yirrip (Ironbark)
Week 2 – Culture vulture
Step inside a town that lives and breathes its Arts and Culture
Eltham Farmers Market (every Sunday), Eltham
Take a trip to Eltham and experience one of Victoria’s top 8 Farmers’ Markets for yourself. The Eltham Farmers' Market market features many truly local stall holders (around 15 of the 40 stall holders are from Nillumbik alone) and is the go-to place for stocking up on all your weekly needs for fruit, vegetables, bread, condiments and sweet treats. And beyond the basics you might be enticed by a little cheese, pet treats, dairy, coffee, nuts and seeds, olive oils and wine (phew). There’s a high ethos around sustainability and the market is plastic bag free, dog-friendly and easily accessible via public transport. The market itself is full of entertainment value – and there’s live music too! Redefine your food shopping!
There’s also a Community Market on selected Sundays, and the Food Swap is every 4th Sunday.
Montsalvat, Eltham
Montsalvat was founded in 1930 and is a truly special place to visit when in Eltham. The stone buildings, extensive gardens and grand halls speak to a time that has a European tone, with an Australian feel. Even if you don’t know much about art, you’re bound to have heard of at least one Australian artist that has spent time in this famous destination. Montsalvat is Australia’s oldest continuously active artists’ community; a place where art in all its forms is made and taught, and art’s transformative power is celebrated in exhibitions, festivals, concerts, workshops and artists’ residencies.
Eltham Library Community Gallery, Eltham
If you’re curious about how locals see the region and bring it to life in their art, then this is a wonderful dive into truly local culture and experience at Eltham Library Community Gallery. You might also find time to participate in artist demonstrations and workshops, interactive and collaborative activities, or catch some live music. This community gallery features exhibits from individual artists, artist groups or organisations and curators who live, work, study or have strong, ongoing links to Nillumbik.
Week 3 – Local Produce, Local History
Take a day to explore the real Hurstbridge – past, present and future
Hurstbridge Heritage Walk, Hurstbridge
Walk in the footsteps of Hurstbridge’s pioneers as you explore the 3.6km Heritage walking trail that takes you up close and personal with the historical and heritage sites of the region. This area has long been one of Melbourne’s primary food bowls and farming is still an important way of life. Start and finish anywhere you like and allow about an hour for your wanderings. Sites of significance have loads of interesting information to enjoy and there are plenty of local cafes, restaurants and shops to review too!
Nillumbik Estate Winery
Nillumbik Estate Winery has a range of rustic gourmet pizzas and platters that have been crafted to perfectly match their wine styles and are made from local organic produce, some of which is grown on site. Perrfecgt ofr a spot of lunchon your road trip, a spot of wine tasting and a spot of kangaroo spotting!
Week 4 – Foodie finds
Your day starts in Kangaroo Ground and ends with a happy belly, a wonderful wine, and a view.
Fondata 1872, Kangaroo Ground
Ask a local about ‘Wellers’ and you will soon realise just how loved this important piece of local history is. Fondata 1872 is an authentic Italian restaurant set among the rolling hills of Nillumbik, with views to enjoy and fabulous food and wine to savour. A loving restoration of the buildings (originally built in 1872) has created a destination that is overflowing with country charm, with an urban sophistication that is present in the locally inspired menu, the best-of-Nillumbik wine list, and the passionate people that make Fondata so special.
Easthill Estate, Kangaroo Ground
If you’ve ever pondered making the big shift from city life to a rural vineyard, this family winery is a great example of how to dive in and learn from the ground up. Since 2011, Easthill Estate has been producing exceptional wines thanks to the rich dark volcanic soil and careful nurturing that goes into every grape! Visit the rustic cellar door for a unique experience with solid timber natural furniture and a collection of old-world relics and artefacts to enjoy – and of course a range of excellent wines complemented by a ‘Platter by Preference’. Sink in for a truly memorable cellar door experience. Open 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.
Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower, Kangaroo Ground
With360-degree views that span Melbourne, the north-east suburbs and the Dandenong and Kinglake Ranges, the Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower is a ‘high’ priority for your day. Built in 1926 on the highest hill in Kangaroo Ground, this outlook is a top-of-the-world experience with panoramic photo opportunities so have the camera ready!
Once you’ve taken in the view from the platform, take a wander through the gardens. There are picnic and toilet facilities on site.
