In Eltham, known as Nillumbik for thousands of years, meaning shallow roots / shallow earth. On the lands of the Wurundjeri-willam Custodians of the Kulin Nation.
Where to start? Eltham is a feast for the senses. From the first moment, driving over the bridge on Main Road that overlooks the Diamond Creek, you feel transported. Suburban edges melt into the landscape. Bush emerges. Hundred-year old gums, screeching corellas flying over your car, the quick glimpses of heritage buildings, mudbrick.
Wingrove Park, a quiet sign on your left as you pass the turn-off for Montsalvat. A place to stop and wander awhile, following the loop over the footbridges for a slower view of the creek. Dawn or dusk for a lucky peek of the platypus, but life is always teeming. Darter birds dry their wet wings in the afternoon light on a rock beside the creek. Bicycles slowly whirr past.
Eltham has always been a magnet for creative spirits. Montsalvat, Australia’s oldest artists’ community, sits in the hills. The legacy of architect Alistair Knox and landscape designer Gordon Ford can be felt amongst the houses and gardens. This might be suburbia, but not as you know it. It's where creative meets slightly wild and the blend creates an air of peace and belonging, even as you get to the Main Strip.
Details of Montsalvat
It's not perfect. Land in the centre of town and you might feel confronted by the built environment, the regular culprits of Coles and Woolworths and other multinationals, seeming a little out of place for the village atmosphere. But there's still magic to be found. Wander down the hill a little bit for the view of Eltham Trestle Bridge, Metro trains quietly sliding over 200 years of transport. Pop in to Eltham Library where there's always a local artist show running in the front gallery. Wander the bookshelves with a view of the bush.
Even the Leisure Centre is a treat. Tucked in beside Wingrove Park, you can sit in the sauna and stare out the window for a view of the tree canopies.
Like all things, Eltham is best experienced slow. Follow pathways along Diamond Creek Trail or sit in Shillinglaw Cafe under the old, creaking Oak.
To read more about Eltham and its stories, Eltham Edition is in print in our shop
Springtime view along the Diamond Creek Trail at Wingrove Park
