Out and about in Nillumbik now we can

Published 9 June 2020

Take a drive this weekend and spend time with your loved ones in the green spaces that are the lungs of Melbourne. In a short time, you’ll have changed up the city scape for the green comfort of trees and pasture – Eltham, Diamond Creek or Hurstbridge are just a couple of destinations to set on your GPS.  Even a short drive will have you feeling energised, but if you want to make a real day of it and spend time out of the car, there’s loads to do too:

Heritage and Nature Walks

Follow the signs and enjoy a circuit walk that is a learn-as-you-go delight. Or discover the many walks in the region that take you into nature and away from the clutter of city life. Find out more about the Mount Everard Walk in our Walks eGuide (more than 200 walks in the region – click here to purchase), or try these easy to navigate walks: 

• Hurstbridge Heritage Trail 
• Gawa Wurundjeri Resource Trail 

Outdoor Adventures to Wander

It might just be one of Melbourne’s great secrets but for those in the know, the  Sugarloaf Reservoir Park is a destination that ticks many leisure boxes. Popular with boating enthusiasts, watch, paint, and enjoy the sights of sailing boats, or take a circuit walk (around the reservoir) keeping your eyes open for kangaroos and other native wildlife including Bunjil, the Wedgetail Eagle.   You might even take the time to drop a fishing line.

Arts for All

The Nillumbik area has a long been favoured by artists and has a rich creative history. Find Your Self arty: 

• Montsalvat Art Gallery – Visit the latest exhibition and enjoy the gardens and heritage buildings  
• Forging Ahead –Take a class in funky iron design 

Village Visits 

Wandering the shops in Eltham Village Shopping Centre is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon and discover the local delights of the region. From cafes to books, bakeries to burgers, and perhaps something a little shiny at Michael Wilson Diamond Jewellers. 

Green Space 

Even if you’ve never played golf before, Yarrambat Park Golf Course is a great place to learn a new skill or practice an old one (can you ever get in enough golf practice?).  Follow through with lunch in the Bunker or if more practice is the order of that day enjoy walloping a bucket of balls at the driving range.

Share a table - socially distanced of course

And of course you will need to eat and drink, and there are plenty of yummy delights to discover along the way. The region is highly regarded for boutique wineries and many offer cellar door dining experiences, such as Nillumbik Estate Winery,  Panton Hill Winery and Buttermans Track Winery. You can find out where here; but please check websites or socials for updates to opening hours. Most are family businesses and easing back into service after restrictions so book ahead, be patient and know you will be welcomed.

For more ideas to explore Nillumbik check out ‘A month of Sundays’