Explore Eltham through its art history, local history and landscape. The Heidelberg Artist Trail focuses on Walter Withers, while the Little Eltham Heritage Walk takes you to several places of historical and cultural significance. Diamond Creek and the Barak Bushlands offer a distinct perspective on the landscape. These different themes can help you shape your stay around the things that interest you most.
Art and history in Eltham
The Heidelberg Artist Trail follows the Diamond Creek Trail between Wingrove Park and the Activity Centre on Main Road. Signs feature reproductions of six paintings by Walter Withers and provide information about each work. Withers moved to Eltham in 1903 and painted works inspired by the surrounding area until his death in 1914. The trail connects his time in Eltham with the landscape motifs in his work. In 2024, the signs were replaced with new materials and a more accessible design.
The Little Eltham Heritage Walk offers a way to explore local history and takes you to several places of historical and cultural significance. You can start and finish the walk at Eltham Library. The library complex is home to the Eltham Library Community Gallery, which opened in 1994. The complex is on Wurundjeri-Woi-wurrung Country.
Another local connection to art is the work “Spirit of Nillumbik” at Eltham Town Square. It celebrates the artistic spirit of Eltham and the surrounding communities. Montsalvat, at the foot of the Yarra Valley, adds to the region’s art scene.
Riverside landscapes and bushland
Edendale Community Environment Farm spans seven hectares in Eltham beside Diamond Creek. In the broader destination of Nillumbik Shire, the farm shares knowledge about sustainable living and the natural environment. The Barak Bushlands are in Eltham, north of Main Road, and include open spaces and a bushland reserve. Together, they offer different landscape settings: the area by the creek and the bushland north of Main Road.
Eltham Lower Park also has a clearly designated area for dogs: the back oval, also known as Oval Number Two or South Oval, is fenced and allows dogs to run off leash. The rule applies to this area, distinguishing it from the other natural and cultural features that shape Eltham.
Nillumbik Shire in the regional context
In the broader destination of Nillumbik Shire, towns lie between pristine bushland and scenic hills. Nillumbik has an extensive network of trails for walking, horse riding and cycling. The Shire’s public art collection includes sculptures, land art, murals and mosaics spread across its towns and landscapes. These regional themes offer another perspective on art and nature without conflating them with individual places in Eltham.
The cultural offerings of the broader destination of Nillumbik Shire also include Montsalvat, an art centre and artist community established in 1934. The grounds cover 12 acres and include more than 34 buildings. These include three galleries, 19 studios, a ceramics centre and event spaces for concerts. Montsalvat offers exhibitions, studio programs and ceramics classes.
Discover more destinations: Frankston, Belgrave, Narre Warren, Highett, Caroline Springs, Williamstown, Yering, Ferntree Gully.
For the broader travel overview: Melbourne.
