Things To Do | Outdoor Activities
The Nillumbik Shire bicycle trails network provides a great opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy the sites the Shire has to offer. With an extensive network of scenic and commuter bicycle paths spanning some 30 kms and covering many parts of the Shire this pathway provides an ideal way for people to appreciate Nillumbik's environmental, cultural and artistic heritage.
To download a listing of local attractions in Nillumbik click here.
Bicycle and Walking Paths
In and around Nillumbik there is an extensive network of scenic and commuter bicycle paths spanning some 30kms of the area.
It is possible to ride all the way to the CBD from Diamond Creek - walk or cycle the footbridge in Eltham which connects Diamond Creek Trail to Main Yarra Trail in Templestowe.
Stepping back in time as you travel through the leafy paths of one of Victoria's hidden secrets! The Artists trail takes you along secluded paths, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, over breathtaking bridges and quaint homes and delivers you to your destination.
Ring 1300 66 00 72 for a copy of the Shire of Nillumbik's Bicycle Routes and Places to Visit.
Pauline Toner Butterfly Reserve - Home of the Eltham Copper Butterfly
Access to walking track: Corner Diosma and Eucalyptus Roads, Eltham
This small (2.5) hectare reserve contains is noted for its wildflowers and is also a habitat for the rare Eltham Copper Butterfly. The reserve is named after the former member for Greensborough who worked tirelessly to protect the Eltham Copper from encroaching development in the area.
The butterfly was discovered at Eltham in 1938 but then disappeared. It was thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 1986, though its numbers have significantly decreased due to the destruction of its habitat. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Parks Victoria, Museum Victoria, Friends of the Eltham Copper Butterfly, the City of Banyule and the Shire of Nillumbik are actively managing the butterfly's protection.
The butterfly is about the size of a 10c piece and resembles a dark brown window frame with four bright orange/yellow patches. Click here to read more about the Eltham Copper Butterfly.
Eltham Copper Butterfly
Photographer: Alan Yen / Source: Museum Victoria
Canoeing
Sugarloaf Reservoir Park
Simpson Road via Eltham - Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills (Melway ref: 273 A2).
Open 8.30am until 8.00 pm during daylight savings and 5.00 pm all other times.
Fishing
Sugarloaf Reservoir Park
Simpson Road via Eltham - Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills (Melway ref: 273 A2).
Open 8.30am until 8.00 pm during daylight savings and 5.00 pm all other times.
Try shoreline fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, redfin, roach or European carp at Sugarloaf Reservoir. Fish cleaning areas and facilities are also provided. Shore fishing is only allowed in specially designated areas during park hours. Victorian Amateur Fishing Licence required. The park is open every day of the year.
Pony rides
Christmas Hills Ponylands Equestrian Centre
Osbornes Road, Christmas Hills
t: 03 9730 1334
Trail rides, lessons, holiday camps and birthday parties. See Australian wildlife and bushland at its best. BBQ and picnic facilities available. Open 7 days.
Sailing
Sugarloaf Reservoir Park
Simpson Road via Eltham - Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills (Melway ref: 273 A2).
Open 8.30am until 8.00 pm during daylight savings and 5.00 pm all other times.
Sailing at Sugarloaf is an enjoyable and exhilarating recreational pursuit. Visitors are permitted to launch appropriate water craft from the Sugarloaf Sailing and Boating Club only. Launching facilities are available to visitors on Sundays and public holidays by calling the club on (03) 9730 1885. A launching fee may be charged.
Fruit Picking
The cheapest way to get the freshest fruit.
Kinglake Raspberries is a 25 hectare Raspberry Farm nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just northeast of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia
Come and pick your own raspberries. Picking is easy from the 36 kilometres of raspberries, or try our freshly harvested fruit available at the shed. After picking, sit down with a cool drink or natural raspberry ice-cream, relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds of Pheasant Creek.
Seasons and Opening Times: Summer - December/January Open every day 8am to 6pm, Autumn, April/May.
Open every day 9am to 5pm.
Between seasons the farm is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for sales of frozen berries and berryfruit products.
On weekends please phone first. Special event: Annual Raspberry Fair January 10th 2010 from 11am to 5pm.
Visit our website for more information.
www.kinglake-raspberries.com.au
t: 03 5786 5360,
f: 03 5786 5641
e: rasp@kinglake-raspberries.com.au
Darrabi
Aboriginal Bush Food and Reconciliation Garden
Melway Ref: 263-A7
Behind the School in Ferguson's Paddock
Main Road - Hurstbridge - Victoria
The Darrabi Garden is a unique community asset, conveniently located in Ferguson's Paddock beside Hursrbridge Primary School.
Adjacent to the Diamond Creek and surrounded by bushwalking trails, playgrounds and public open space, Darrabi provides an ideal learning environment for schools, community groups and anyone with an interest in Reconciliation, health, art and culture, the environment or tourism.
For further information or to join in planting days or events, contact Friends of Darrabi, P.O. Box 394, Panton Hill, Vic.
Convenor: Susie Walker on 03 9719 7170