Discovering Hume City Attractions
Looking for a day trip or staycation just out of Melbourne? Exciting things are happening in Hume City, a region that is close to Melbourne. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along on a media staycation (famil) to experience some of the best of Hume City first hand.
We enjoyed curated experiences showcasing the very best of Hume City and surrounds in Victoria (located 15km north of Melbourne’s CBD, near Tullamarine Airport) and its new amazing lifestyle of restaurants, wineries and attractions – that are perfect for a day trip from Melbourne for families, couples and tourists – including one of Australia’s First Urban Surf Parks, URBNSURF Melbourne.
In close proximity to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, Hume City boasts the most remarkable gems and attractions to be discovered.
Led by Hume City Council, we were part of a select group of media for a two day/one night famil taking in the major tourist attractions, wineries and restaurants in Hume City such as: URBNSURF (JUST opened in Melbourne), Living Legends, Marnong Estate, Arundel Farm Estate, while staying overnight at Mantra Tullamarine.
Did you know there is a major surf park near the airport? URBNSURF is a major exciting development for Melbourne, stoked to be building Australia’s first surf park, URBNSURF Melbourne on Airport Drive, Tullamarine to help Victorian residents and visitors #surfmore in 2019.
Surfing is a sport enjoyed by millions of Australians for its fun, health benefits and lifestyle and you can enjoy it without having to drive miles to a surf beach. Up until now, surfing has been held back by geographic limitations, only available at certain coastal locations, and by weather conditions, needing enough swell, the right wind, tide and daylight.
Located just 23 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, URBNSURF Melbourne unlocks these limitations and allows surfers to enjoy their sport safely, more easily and more often.
URBNSURF Melbourne will be the first man-made surf park facility in Australia, and the world’s first full-sized Wavegarden Cove.
Using world-leading wave generating technology, URBNSURF Melbourne will deliver high-quality, authentic surfing waves to suit all abilities, both day and night thanks to LED lagoon lighting. With a north-south lagoon orientation, URBNSURF Melbourne has been designed to suit prevailing winds, with one side of the lagoon always delivering offshore waves.
Marnong Estate is another major drawcard to the region, a stunning winery and accomodation destination and a must-visit.
The Marnong Estate experience is breathtaking and so close to Melbourne compared to many wineries. It also has some of the most attractive facilities of any winery in Victoria.
A glass of wine from local vineyards.
Marnong Estate offers historic homestead accommodation, 250 guest capacity Event Space, a 250-seat restaurant, a vineyard, farmers market and operational farm producing first class Angus Cattle. The four-star estate in Melbourne’s Northern region, just outside of Mickleham is a world-class tourism facility like no other in regional Australia.
Views are "off the charts". The Estate sits high on the hills with expansive views overlooking the valley between Deep Creek through to Emu Creek and the surrounding Macedon Ranges and is located on an operational farm producing first class Angus Cattle, as well as a winery.
The scale of the property and its broad offerings stimulates economic growth in one of the leading developing corridors in Melbourne’s north - and offers a unique experience of world class standards.
Yes, world class facilities in Melbourne's northern suburbs. “The northern suburbs is a devoid of world class community facilities and it was my wish to create a place where people can meet, take their families and get away, even for a short time, from their day to day routines” says CEO, Gerald Ackroyd. “Creating a community space will not only fill a gap in this northern growth corridor of Melbourne but more importantly, it will raise the profile of the region and give its community a local and vibrant destination of which they can be proud,” says Gerald.
Located on 1,100 acres and only 15 minutes from Tullamarine Airport, Marnong Estate offers size and scope that is not found in any other hospitality and leisure destinations in regional Victoria making it Melbourne’s one-stop destination for local, interstate and international visitors.
Luxury accommodation is offered in the historic homestead on the property, that was originally the family home of William Angliss built in the 1860’s. The homestead has been restored and developed into a 4.5-star hotel accommodation. Stage Two and Three of the development will also see a new vineyard, micro-brewery, cellar door, coffee roasting house, a spa health and wellness centre, complete with a children’s playground and petting zoo.
After a relaxing afternoon at Mantra Tullamarine we headed to Sunbury (about 20 min away) to Vietnamese sensation District 3429 for entree as part of a progressive dinner. District 3429 is a Vietnamese Restaurant that prides themselves on the freshness of its dishes, the essence of organics herbs grown directly in a home garden and the warm family friendly atmosphere. It is a place to gather, a place to wine and dine but most of all a place you can truly enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal!
A hugely popular local restaurant with a touch of style and savvy. Drinking French Rosé and eating Vietnamese food with big flavours was just the best start to an evening.
A sample of the delectable entree at District 3429.
O'Shanassy Street Sunbury the main strip, lights up at night and boasts excellent dining and a wide promenade.
Vic's Food and Wine, also located in Sunbury’s tree-lined cafe hub, is a bit of an institution, and a rite of passage for anyone new to the area.
Vic's Food and Wine keeps the hits coming including perfectly cooked Calamari. The comfort food and excellent wines are flowing, and the hospitality is top notch.
Packed and popular on a Thursday night. A convivial destination bringing hospitality "sunshine" to Sunbury.
It's many fans are fiercely loyal and they say the handmade pasta, including some great gnocchi, is the top pick. The pizzas are also usually in high demand, and the panna cotta is a treat afterwards.
Gnocchi was all about "soft pillows", as we like it.
Gorgonzola pasta hit the high notes and you find yourself spooning up the sauce.
Vic’s Restaurant in Sunbury is owned by Carmel and Tony Scerri with their Son and head chef Vic (a great character) presiding in the kitchen. This is an eatery with uncompromising quality and affordability that’s firmly rooted in the Italian tradition of family, fine produce and wines and generosity of plate and spirit.
Meats are cooked to perfection, juicy and flavoursome, with generous portions.
Desserts also shine at Vic's Food and Wine.
Taxis then took the media group back to Mantra Tullamarine Hotel for an overnight stay. Whether you're flying in or flying out, Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is the perfect stopover for corporate and leisure travellers looking for a modern hotel just 4 minutes from Melbourne International Airport. With seamless on demand shuttle bus service to the airport and long-term parking next door, Mantra Tullamarine Hotel is a convenient choice whether you're beginning your trip, getting in late after your journey or stopping over when visiting Melbourne.
Most of the floor-to-ceiling granite bathrooms include a spa bath. There's also Woodlands Restaurant and Bar, a fully equipped gym, sauna and heated lap pool. This venue can also cater for a large to mid-scale events as the state-of-the-art conference and events centre is ideal for weddings, meetings, corporate and social functions and training seminars.
Rooms are comfortable and boast excellent views, some with stunning views of the city.
We were treated to a curated breakfast including a delightful table arrangement and breakfast buffet. Frankie the Sales Manager of the Hotel deserves special mention for his "going the extra mile" hospitality and engagement.
Fresh breakfast options as well as a hot breakfast buffet impressed.
A compelling accomodation near the airport but also for your activities in the region.
Excited for Living Legends we arrived on a bus and embarked on a short 30-minute tour of the property. Living Legends celebrates champion horses and offers a fabulous high tea and museum experience in the heritage homestead.
Living Legends has been established to bring retired champion racehorses back to the public. It is based at Woodlands Homestead in Woodlands Historic Park, only 6 minutes north of Melbourne Airport and about 20 km north-west of the Melbourne city centre. Living Legends offers daily guided tours and is complete with a historic Homestead, café that offers high tea experiences, horse riding, enchanting gardens and wildlife.
Might and Power was a racehorse I followed "back in the day" and it was a thrill to connect with this racing legend.
Walk to the Homestead through beautiful gardens.
Apache Cat has a striking distinctive appearance, often participating in wedding photos. We also enjoyed connecting with legends such as Rogan Josh and Brew.
High Tea extraordinaire! We enjoyed a delightful traditional Devonshire Tea, highly acclaimed scones, jam and cream, as well as cakes and sandwiches. We enjoyed this in a dining room that once hosted Burke and Wills.
The museum is also a compelling visit with displays of horse racing history.
Living Legends is an ideal venue for functions and events including private functions, corporate functions, meetings and weddings.
Arundel Farm Estate is another revelation of Hume City; a boutique winery located within the Sunbury wine region just 16KM from the City of Melbourne. Is this the closest winery to the Melbourne CBD? Not only close to the city but the quality of the wine, restaurant and overall facility is superb.
A joyous family run business with passion for horses, food and wine.
Mark Matthews the winemaker took us through a barrel tasting in the winery. French influences are evident in the winemaking process. Being a dry region the advantage is roots of the vines having to work harder, and resultant intensity of flavour.
The farm estate is complete with a late nineteenth century bluestone homestead, stables, shearing shed and other outbuildings. The large two-story homestead has 16 main rooms with 12-foot ceilings. The vineyard was originally planted to two acres of Shiraz and Cabernet in mid-1980.
Opening day of the new cellar door. Top notch wines for tasting. You can also be one of the first to experience the new cellar door. Highly recommended.
Today the Arundel Estate vineyard has been expanded to 20 acres and consists of 40-year-old vines along with new plantings in 1996 and 2000. The vineyards are planted solely to Shiraz and Viognier – varieties best suited to the Sunbury wine region. 12.30pm Wine tasting at Cellar Door Enjoy a wine tasting with winemaker Mark Matthews, where you will taste Arundel Farm Estate fine wine varietals of Shiraz and Viognier.
Highlights included Charcuterie board and Cured Bonito; the food here is exceptional. Washed down with a glass of Arundel Estate Rosé and the Arundel Estate Shiraz.
Chicken liver terrine was on point.
Popular was the Snapper and farmer vegetables. A vibrant well-presented dish.
Another standout was the Pork belly with roasted pumpkin puree.
Dark chocolate mousse with orange compote and vanilla ice cream also impressed.
This was a fun and eye opening visit to Hume City. Wineries just 30-minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and Australia’s first surf park are just some of the attractions visitors can expect to find when visiting in Hume City.
Mayor of Hume City, Councillor Carly Moore said from Broadmeadows to Sunbury and everywhere in between, there were fantastic attractions, cafes, wineries, historic places, parks and reserves waiting to be discovered. “Over the last few years, we have seen a number of new and exciting tourism businesses set up in Hume City,” Cr Moore said.
“Visitors will soon be able to find the perfect wave when URBNSURF opens in Tullamarine. “Visitors can try a nice drop of red or white at a range of wineries just a short distance from Melbourne’s CBD. “For those looking for a short daytrip, visit Sunbury, where you can get the country-town feel and be spoilt for choice with food options.
“Sunbury’s town centre has an impressive line-up of good eats that are popular amongst locals. “From brunch through to artisan gelato and modern Asian, there’s something for all tastes and still within metropolitan Melbourne.”
Hume City is conveniently located 15km from Melbourne’s CBD and is also home to Melbourne Airport. Hume City is one of Victoria’s undiscovered destinations, making a great overnight location with a diverse accommodation offer, including self-contained apartments, hotels and even an historic homestead.
Cr Moore encouraged those eager to see what Hume has on offer to follow the Discover Hume Instagram page. “Following the Discover Hume Instagram page is a great way to learn about new places or hidden gems. It’s a great way to plan your next trip in Hume,” Cr Moore said.
“We are so proud to have such an array of fantastic attractions, cafes, restaurants, wineries, and galleries and can’t wait to welcome you to Hume City!”
For more information, follow @Discoverhume on Instagram and share your experiences by hash tagging #discoverhume. You can also visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/tourism.
Hume City is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia. Home to 203,600 residents in 2017, the population is expected to grow to 345,400 by 2041.
Hume City is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia. Home to 203,600 residents in 2017, the population is expected to grow to 345,400 by 2 041. Spanning a total area of 504 square kilometres, the City is located in Melbourne’s northern fringe, and is conveniently 15 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. The Visitor Economy is Hume’s fourth largest economic driver and one of Hume city’s fastest growing sectors with an estimated output of over $2 billion. Over 6,500 jobs can be attributed to the Visitor Economy in Hume. Hume City Council is actively involved in supporting the Visitor Economy in Hume and works strategically with key tourism industry stakeholders charged with promoting Greater Melbourne, such as Destination Melbourne and Visit Victoria, local operators and potential investors to further support the development of this growing economy.
Unique visitor offerings in Hume City:
• Authentic cultural food experiences, value for money, diversity, character and contrast.
• Closest wine region to the Melbourne CBD. • Sunbury is the ‘Birthplace of the Ashes’.
• State Park – Woodlands Historic Park, including Living Legends - 5 minutes from Melbourne Airport.
• Historic homesteads including Emu Bottom (Victoria’s oldest homestead) and Woodlands Historic Park.
• Conference and event spaces
• Hub of food manufacturers and direct to public outlets.
• Significant accommodation offer near Melbourne Airport.
• A fully accredited Visitor Information Centre in Sunbury.
• Natural and heritage assets.
• Cycling and walking paths.
• Access to Daylesford Macedon Ranges region.
Hume City has an array of visitor experiences waiting to be discovered - get on it.
Thanks to Em from City of Hume, as well as Jess and Leanne from Tyrrell PR, as well as all the operators.