DIG TO DISCOVER
Autumn Adventures in Nillumbik
On the northern edge of the Yarra Valley, (just 35 minutes from Melbourne), Nillumbik beckons with lots of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. The area around Eltham, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground and St Andrews is dotted with wineries, nurseries, olive groves, craft shops and studios ... easily worth a day trip, but dig deeper and find a smorgasbord of activities that will easily fill a weekend.
The Diamond Valley Miniature Railway in Eltham will be operating from 11am to 11pm on Sunday, March 7. Come experience this once-a-year ‘spooky’ ride and see the signals glow in the dark. Come and enjoy an array of local festivals in March or visit one of our colourful community markets - each is unique and offers something special - all dates and details can be found on this website.
Follow the country roads that wind through the hills and valleys and enjoy a warm welcome from local wineries, cafes and craft shops. Visit diverse artists in their bush land studios, and whet your appetite for Artists Open Studios held on May 1 and 2.
Keep up to date with what's happening in Autumn and bookmark this page ... come on out and discover our secrets.
The Tree Project
Over the past twelve months the Tree Project has been a remarkable collaborative venture which has brought blacksmiths together from around the world. The result is an Australian gumtree made of stainless steel and copper which has been created for those who lost their lives in the Victorian bushfires, to honour those who fought the fires and to stand as a symbol of regeneration for the fire affected communities.
To read about this project and view photos visit http://www.treeproject.abavic.org.au/index.html
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Come and discover the towns of Nillumbik
Hurstbridge
Hurstbridge enjoys a rural village atmosphere and is alive with antiques and collectables, cafes, health stores, organic produce and alternative fashions. Within the relaxed and friendly shopping strip you will find shops selling everything from Lego toys and other gifts at Jethka to quality clothing at Mud Mirror and Thread. There are shaded picnic facilities at Fergusons Paddock, a heritage trail and the Farmers Market held on the first Sunday of each month (except January). Don't forget to drop in for a cuppa and cake at one of the many cafes in the town. Only ten minutes from Hurstbridge is the colourful St Andrews Market, held every Saturday from 8 till 2pm.
Visit www.hurstbridgevillage.com.au for more information.
Diamond Creek
Diamond Creek enjoys the best of both worlds, offering a huge array of services, smaller specialist shops and two large supermarkets. It is a diverse shopping area with many restaurants, quality retail outlets and a wide representation of professional services. Whether you're after fresh fruit and vegetables, (available at the very popular Diamond Creek Fruit Market) or an evening outift (at Gigliotta near Coles) you will find it in Diamond Creek ... where town meets country.
For more information visit www.diamondcreekshopping.com.au.
Eltham
Eltham town offers a true cafe culture. Experience inner city fashion, indulgence at great cafes and restaurants and wonderful art and music. Home to a number of yearly festivals, ,including the Jazz and Blues festival held in January, the town square is a great meeting place and showcases exceptional visual and performance art. Take the time to wander around the specialty shops and take advantage of great off street parking to "shop till you drop." In Eltham the popular Community Craft and Produce Market is on the third Sunday of each month
For more information on Eltham town visit www.elthamtown.com.au
Research
Just beyond Eltham, the shopping strip at Research Central has a local village feel in a beautiful green and leafy suburb. The strip of shops comprises of a number of family operated takeaway businesses, including the Turkish themed Cafe Z, offering a variety of delights from breakfast through to afternoon tea, Dynamic Vegies, where you can pick up quality fresh produce, and a wonderful wood fired pizza haven to enjoy.
Visit What to do for details of activities and events coming up in Nillumbik.
For more information on how you can shop, eat and play local in the towns of Nillumbik visit www.connectingnillumbik.com.au.
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