Nillumbik Shire Between Bushland and Art

The towns of Nillumbik lie among unspoilt bushland and picturesque hills. The destination combines expansive landscapes with art, history and experiences centred on the natural environment. If you’re looking for accommodation, you can shape your stay around what interests you most: trails through bushland, historic sites, art venues or encounters with local produce.

Trails and Bushland

An extensive network of trails offers opportunities for walking, horse riding and cycling. The Panton Hill Bushland Reserves provide a more specific focus on nature: this council-managed system comprises seven reserves in the Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek area, covering about 140 hectares in total. Activities there include bushwalking, birdwatching, horse riding and mountain biking. If you enjoy spending time outdoors during your stay, you’ll find several ways to experience the bushland here.

The Green Wedge Trail also passes through the rural areas of Nillumbik. It runs from Watery Gully Road in Wattle Glen to Clintons Road in Smiths Gully. The two trail experiences offer different highlights: alongside walking, the Panton Hill Reserves are known for birdwatching, horse riding and mountain biking, while the Green Wedge Trail offers a route through rural areas.

Art, History and Discovery

Montsalvat is an arts centre and artists’ community, founded in 1934. More than 34 buildings stand across its 12-acre grounds. The facilities include three galleries, 19 studios, a ceramics centre and event spaces for concerts. Visitors can experience exhibitions, studio programs and pottery classes there. Montsalvat brings architecture and art together in several different formats, rather than offering just one reason to visit.

The Hurstbridge Heritage Trail passes 30 historically significant sites. The history covered by the trail stretches from early settlement to the mid-20th century. Another historic landmark is the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower: this heritage-listed landmark is in the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park Reserve and is a popular destination for locals and visitors. Following restoration work, the park reopened to the public on 27 February 2026.

Art in Nillumbik can also be found beyond Montsalvat. The Shire’s public art collection includes sculptures, land art, murals and mosaics spread across the towns and landscapes. In Eltham, Edendale Community Environment Farm shares knowledge about sustainable living and the natural environment. The site covers seven acres beside Diamond Creek. Together, these places offer different perspectives on art, landscape and the environment.

Studios, Wine and Local Produce

The Nillumbik Artists Open Studios 2026 program invites visitors to meet more than 30 artists in their studios across the Shire. Participants include painters, ceramicists, printmakers, sculptors and musical instrument makers. Visiting artists’ studios and exploring Montsalvat’s exhibition and studio program are two different ways to engage with art in Nillumbik: one focuses on individual artists and their workspaces, the other on an arts centre with multiple facilities and offerings.

The local selection also includes fresh farm produce, family-run wineries and handcrafted goods made from regional resources. Open Cellars invites visitors to explore the Nillumbik Hills and meet local winemakers. Event dates vary from year to year; check the relevant dates if you’re planning your stay around the event.

Planning Your Stay

As a rough guide, Nillumbik is about a 45-minute drive from Melbourne. Actual travel time depends on your starting point and route. When choosing accommodation, it’s worth first deciding what you want to focus on: bushland and outdoor activities, art and history, or local produce and events. Then consider which location in Nillumbik best suits your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Research, Yarra Ranges Shire, Darebin City, Cardinia Shire, Whittlesea City, Alpine Shire, Ballarat City, Moonee Valley City.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.