Known as “the green wedge shire” – and for good reason – Nillumbik is an expansive district covering well over 400 square kilometres.
In BankWest’s 2008 Quality of Life Index, which rated municipalities throughout Australia, Nillumbik was ranked an extraordinary third out of 590 – the best in Victoria. The survey took into account criteria like school enrolments, broadband internet access, employment, home ownership and the health of the area’s population.
A Brief History
The Wurundjeri-willam clan of the Woiwurrung-speaking people lived in the Nillumbik area for hundreds of years before European settlement in the mid 1830s.
A budding timber industry occupied many of the white settlers in the district until the gold rush diverted their attention and brought an influx of prospectors. It was during this period that towns like Panton Hill, Research, Queenstown (now St Andrews) and Diamond Creek were established.
The gold rush also brought a diversification of industry and within a few decades the area had established a rich tradition as a haven for painters, composers, writers and intellectuals. Nullimbik’s reputation as an artist’s community continues to this day.
Some of the Suburbs
· Arthurs Creek
· Bend Of Islands
· Christmas Hills
· Cottles Bridge
· Diamond Creek
· Eltham
· Eltham North
· Hurstbridge
· Kangaroo Ground
· North Warrandyte
· Nutfield
· Panton Hill
· Plenty
· Research
· Smiths Gully
· St Andrews
· Steels Creek
· Strathewen
· Watsons Creek
· Wattle Glen
· Yarrambat
Vineyards
Viticultural pursuits began in Nillumbik as early as 1836, and the first of the area’s now famous vineyards was established in 1850.
Today, the shire is home to 42 vineyards, some of the best in the highly-regarded Yarra Valley.
· Find out more about wine in the Yarra Valley click here
Tourism
Nillumbik is a wonderful place to live, and an exciting district to explore. Because it’s so big, but accommodates such a relatively small population, there are hidden gems – vineyards, cafes, historic attractions and more – everywhere.
But it’s not hard to find them if you know where to look. The Nillumbik Tourism Association website is a good place to start:
· Visit the Discover Nillumbik website click here
Transport
The population boom that came with the gold rush brought the need for good public transport and at the beginning of the 20th century, the Eltham line (and later its extension to Hurstbridge) was created to service the areas.
There are also several bus routes throughout the area.
· View Metlink’s guide to public transport in Nillumbik click here
Useful Links
· Visit the Shire of Nillumbik website click here