Cottles Bridge offers several ways to experience a cultural and wine trip: an artist residency program in the bushland, wineries and architectural features at a cellar door. The wider destination of Nillumbik Shire also offers further nature and culture experiences.
Artist residency and visitor conditions
The Dunmoochin Foundation is a not-for-profit residency program for emerging and established artists and researchers, set in the natural bushland of Cottles Bridge. Its address is 105 Barrenong Road, about an hour from central Melbourne. The residencies and communal areas are private; access is by appointment only. So don’t plan Dunmoochin as a freely accessible stop.
A historical connection from the early 1950s
In the early 1950s, encouraged by painter Clifton Pugh, a group of young artists bought a 105-acre bushland property in Cottles Bridge.
Wineries and tastings
In Cottles Bridge, visitors can visit Lovegrove Winery. At Hildebrand Ridge Organic Vineyard, visitors can sample organic Chardonnay, Cabernet and the winery’s latest Pinot. The cellar door opens at 11:30 am on Saturdays, except during the Christmas break. Check operating details before your trip.
Materials at the Wedgetail Estate cellar door
The Wedgetail Estate cellar door in Cottles Bridge has rammed-earth walls and recycled timber features. These design details add a specific focus on materials used to the area’s connections with wine and art.
In the wider destination of Nillumbik Shire
The towns of Nillumbik Shire are set between unspoilt bushland and scenic hills. Nillumbik has an extensive network of trails for hiking, horse riding and cycling. The Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System comprises seven council-managed bushland reserves spread across the areas of Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek. Together, they cover about 140 hectares and offer opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, horse riding and mountain biking.
There are also distinct points of interest for those interested in cultural history across the Shire. The Hurstbridge Heritage Trail passes 30 historically significant sites dating from early settlement to the mid-20th century. Montsalvat is an art centre and artist community founded in 1934, on a 12-acre site with more than 34 buildings. These include three galleries, 19 studios, a ceramics centre and event spaces for concerts; it offers exhibitions, studio programs and ceramics classes.
In Eltham, Edendale Community Environment Farm covers seven acres beside Diamond Creek. It provides education about sustainable living and the natural environment. Nillumbik’s public art collection adds to this regional perspective with sculptures, land art, murals and mosaics distributed across the Shire’s towns and landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Waratah Bay, Mount Burnett, Dingley Village, Marcus Hill, Main Ridge, Bethanga, North Geelong, Birregurra.
For the wider travel guide: Victoria.
