If you’re considering a stay in Smiths Gully, you can choose between a creek walk, winegrowing and the history of the Rob Roy Hillclimb. These different themes give your trip its own character—from time in the bushland to insights into winemaking and motorsport history.
Walking by the Creek and through the Bushland
The Smiths Gully to St Andrews Nature Trail is a walking trail that follows Smiths Gully Creek to St Andrews. The 3 km circuit walk starts at the Peter Franke Reserve car park and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. You can set aside a specific block of time for this walk.
The Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System comprises seven bushland reserves managed by the municipality in areas near Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek. The system covers about 140 hectares. Together with reserves managed by Parks Victoria and Crown land, it forms a corridor of relatively intact remnant bushland. It stretches from Smiths Gully in the north to Watsons Creek in the south, running mostly along Long Gully Creek. The reserve system offers opportunities for environmental education and recreation. Activities in the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves include bushwalking, birdwatching, horse riding and mountain biking.
Wine, Dining and Views
Nillumbik Estate is a family-run boutique winery with a vineyard and winery in Smiths Gully. Winemaker John Tregambe uses traditional, artisanal winemaking techniques passed down through generations. The masterclasses offer insights into his approaches to viticulture and winemaking, as well as the history of the winery and region. Each session includes a guided wine tasting, an antipasto platter and a glass of wine on the terrace. If you’re planning to attend a masterclass, check the dates in advance.
Nillumbik Estate’s food offerings go beyond wine, too. They include gourmet pizzas, antipasto platters and an extensive selection of local produce. From the elevated viewing deck, the view extends to the Kinglake Ranges. Food and offerings may change, so check the current selection if you’re planning a visit.
Smiths Gully Cafe is located at 914 Kangaroo Ground–St Andrews Road, Smiths Gully 3759. Reservations are not required; the cafe is pet-friendly and pram-friendly. The food on offer includes homemade pies and the Gully Burger. As the location, visiting policies and food offerings may change, check the address, current conditions and selection before your visit.
An Unusual Motorsport Comparison
The Rob Roy Hillclimb adds a motorsport story to the nature and wine themes. When the hillclimb course was built, it was one of only three purpose-built bitumen hillclimb tracks in the world. The other two were Shelsley Walsh and Prescott in the United Kingdom.
A Broader Look at Nillumbik Shire
The broader destination of Nillumbik Shire offers its own scenic and cultural setting. The Shire’s towns lie among pristine bushland and picturesque hills, and there is also an extensive network of trails for walking, horse riding and cycling.
The cultural offerings in Nillumbik Shire also cover a range of interests. The Hurstbridge Heritage Trail passes 30 historically significant sites dating from early settlement to the mid-20th century. Montsalvat is an arts centre and artists’ community founded in 1934. The 12-acre site includes more than 34 buildings, including three galleries, 19 studios, a ceramics centre and event spaces for concerts. Offerings include exhibitions, studio programs and ceramics classes.
Discover more destinations: Moorooduc, Warrnambool, Robinvale Irrigation District Section C, Longwood, Steels Creek, The Gurdies, Lovely Banks, Elsternwick
For the broader travel overview: Victoria.
