Nillumbik Shire: Bushland, Hills and Art

The towns of Nillumbik lie among unspoiled bushland and picturesque hills. Trails, reserves, art venues and historic sites offer different ways to plan your trip: time outdoors, insights into art and history, or regional events and produce. You can tailor your explorations to the themes that interest you most.

Trails and Bushland Reserves

Nillumbik has an extensive network of trails for walking, horse riding and cycling. One specific route is the Green Wedge Trail, which offers the opportunity to explore rural areas of Nillumbik. It runs from Watery Gully Road in Wattle Glen to Clintons Road in Smiths Gully. These endpoints provide clear reference points if you would like to include the trail in your trip plans.

The Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System consists of seven bushland reserves managed by the local council in the Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek area. Together, the reserves cover about 140 hectares. Activities available there include bushwalking, birdwatching, horse riding and mountain biking. This gives nature enthusiasts a different range of options from the trails that generally cater to walking, horse riding and cycling.

Heritage and Art Venues

The Hurstbridge Heritage Trail passes 30 historically significant sites. They span the period from early settlement through to the mid-20th century. The trail therefore connects different eras along one route, while the individual sites bring Nillumbik's historical character to life.

Montsalvat is an arts centre and artists' community founded in 1934, set on a 12-acre site with more than 34 buildings. The site includes three galleries, 19 studios, a ceramics centre and event spaces for concerts. Its offerings include exhibitions, studio programs and ceramics classes. Those interested in visual art and craft can explore several different themes in one place.

Nillumbik's public art collection also showcases a range of art forms: it includes sculptures, land art, murals and mosaics spread throughout the Shire's towns and landscapes. The Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower is a heritage-listed landmark in the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park Reserve and a popular destination for locals and visitors. Following restoration works, Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park reopened to the public on 27 February 2026.

Environmental Education and Regional Events

Edendale Community Environment Farm covers seven acres of land beside Diamond Creek in Eltham. It offers education about sustainable living and the natural environment. This is a distinct focus alongside the recreational opportunities in the bushland: the emphasis here is on the environment and sustainable ways of life.

Nillumbik Artists Open Studios is an annual event. The 2026 edition invites visitors to meet more than 30 artists in their studios across the Shire. Participating artists include painters, ceramicists, printmakers, sculptors and musical instrument makers. The variety of crafts makes the event appealing to visitors who would like to learn about different working methods and materials.

Open Cellars invites visitors to explore the Nillumbik Hills and meet local winemakers. Event dates vary from year to year, so check the dates for the relevant edition before making plans. The local character also includes fresh farm produce, family-run wineries and handmade goods made from regional resources. Nillumbik thus offers a range of experiences, from trails and heritage to art, environmental education and regional production.

Discover more destinations: Research, Mansfield Shire, Moira Shire, Latrobe City, Macedon Ranges Shire, Manningham City, Mount Alexander Shire, Campaspe Shire.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.