Words by Jay Dillon Images supplied
An abundance of food options, some of Victoria’s oldest wineries, rolling greens hills and an abundance of quality accommodation, Hume City is the perfect weekend getaway without the gruelling long drive. As part of the upcoming Hume Winter Lights Festival, we head out to explore this vibrant and diverse outer region.
The Hume City region sits on the outer north of Greater Melbourne, starting from the Metropolitan Ring road on its southern end and stretching north right up past Sunbury and east to the developing suburbs of Campbellfield and Craigieburn. The Gunung-Willam-Balluk clan have an unbroken connection to the land that dates back 40,000 years.
Today, Hume City is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, however, the agricultural history is still evident throughout. Woodlands Historic Park is a state park where you’ll find a rare example of a large pre-constructed timber kit house imported from Britain and constructed in 1863. The property is also home to the The Living Legends tours, where visitors can get up close to champion race horses who are now in retirement. The homestead is surrounded by magnificent heritage gardens and to make your visit complete, visitors can find respite in the homestead cafe between 10am-3.30pm each day for their famous Devonshire Tea.
For those seeking something a little more adventurous, Hume City is also home to Australia’s first surf park. URBNSURF was opened to much fanfare in January 2021 and features a wave machine that can generate up to 1000 waves per hour. The shape and speed of the wave can be controlled, resulting in scheduled sessions throughout the day that are designed for surfers at varying levels. Urbnsurf is a truly full day experience with other activities such as yoga, skating and a hot tub with views across the surfing lagoon. The onsite restaurant from Three Blue Ducks serves up quality grilled meats, burgers and salads for breakfast lunch and dinner.
Hume City is blessed with a huge variety of options for even the most fussy of foodies. O’Shanassy Street in Sunbury has quickly become a popular destination for eating out with its tree-lined streetscape and alfresco dining. The east side of Hume City is a treasure trove of international cuisines. Falafel Moudy is a demonstration of falafel expertise. In Craigieburn, Shisha Basha is a homage to the very best of Middle Eastern cuisine and Baladi Lebanese Bakery in Roxburgh park will have you lined up for their outrageously good cheese and spinach fatayers.
Travellers to Hume City are often surprised to find that a region so close to the city is host to quality cool-climate wineries and cellar doors. Arundel Farm Estate is set on 300 acres of prime farmland on the Keilor valley. 20 acres are under vine, predominately with shiraz and viognier. Guests to the cellar door can enjoy a free wine tasting every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In 2018 a 200 seat restaurant was added to the property with a focus on traditional and modern Italian food. Guests can select from the a la carte menu with entree options including grilled Western Australian octopus and mains of fresh market fish cooked Neapolitan style or a rolled porchetta served with a fennel and saffron puree and roasted apple. The pasta and wood-fired pizzas are also very popular and a favourite for families.
North-west of here, on the edge of Sunbury sits Craiglee Vineyard. This historic bluestone winery was originally built in 1863 by prominent businessman and parliamentarian James Stewart Johnston, making it one of Australia’s oldest working vineyards. These days visitors come for the award-winning cool-climate shiraz and chardonnay crafted by winemaker Patrick Carmody, who opens the cellar door to guests on the first Sunday of the month.
Marnong Estate sits on the border of the Sunbury Wine Region – one of Victoria’s oldest wine regions. Planted out in 2016, the low average temperatures are perfect for shiraz, pinot grigio, chardonnay and pinot grigio. The property includes luxurious accommodation and three dining options. La Vètta is an invitation to experience the best of high-end Italian dining. Cucina 3064 is a relaxed and casual Italian trattoria for the whole family. Lastly, guests can pick up a fresh panini and a bottle of Marnong Chardonnay from Caffè Vista for the perfect lawn picnic.
Being so close to Melbourne Airport means the region has an abundance of other accommodation options such as ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport, Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, and the cute bucolic cabins at Airport Tourist Village.
Positioned right on the edge of where the city meets the country means that Hume City has an abundance of places for visitors to get close to nature. The Nook is a quiet little parkland close to the centre of Sunbury, with a delightful duck pond at its centre. Jack Roper Reserve in Broadmeadows features an adventure playground and walking trails around a picturesque lake that is sometimes stocked with trout ready for the keen angler. To really get a lay of the land, head to Mount Ridley Lookout. This well maintained green space has spectacular views across Craigieburn and right through to the city of Melbourne. On a sunny day, families gather here to enjoy a picnic and to let the kids burn off some energy on the playground and rolling down the hill.
The annual Hume Winter Lights Festival (Saturday 17 June), is an award-winning winter event withe live music, light projections, roving performances, workshops and more. However, as you can see the Hume City has far more than can be possibly expressed in a one day festival, rather it is a fascinating place of contrasts that reveals itself fully only to the regular explorer.
THE DETAILS
What: Stay and Play in Hume City for the Hume Winter Lights Festival (June 17)
Where: 30-minute drive North of Melbourne CBD, a 45-minute train ride from Flinders Street Station, or a 5-20 minute drive from Melbourne Airport.
More inspiration: @discoverhume
We wish to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
