Holiday houses in Lake Tyers Beach

Located an hour north of Melbourne, Whittlesea is the largest suburb of Victoria’s capital, stretching out into the countryside and beyond to the mountains. The wider area of Whittlesea is primarily rural, earning it a reputation for straddling the divide between city living and the great outdoors. It’s also what makes the area so attractive to weekend visitors from Melbourne.

Home to wild reserves like the Toorourrong Reservoir Park, Whittlesea occupies a large part of the Plenty Valley, where the landscape is dotted with charming local markets, craft producers, and interesting historical buildings. Beyond the valley, the terrain rises up through fields and forest, culminating at Mount Disappointment. Anything but disappointing, Mount Disappointment State Forest is a haven for wildlife where you can enjoy everything from bushwalking and trail biking to horse riding and four-wheel driving.

Whittlesea’s climate stays fairly temperate all year round, avoiding the hot and cold extremes that other areas of the country can experience. Regardless of the season, the area is known for being a little more prone to changeable weather, so it’s worth packing with that in mind. The annual Whittlesea Show in November is an agricultural event that serves up family fun in the form of dancing, music, arts and crafts, and vintage displays. Seek out the city’s annual carol concert if you visit during the Christmas period. For entertainment in winter, it’s a good idea to book your Whittlesea accommodation over one of the city’s Winter Weekends, when the streets are filled with performers and live music, and there are craft sessions for children.

Whittlesea Monday Market

Start the week mingling with local artists and producers at the Whittlesea Monday Market. With over 120 stalls, you’ll find everything from bric-a-brac, toys, and vintage collectables to fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan honey, and homemade bread. It’s a great place to connect with the area’s community, pick up a bargain, and even get some gardening advice.

Tramway Heritage Centre

Learn about the history of the tram by experiencing the Tramway Heritage Centre’s impressive collection up close and personal. With over 30 trams, including replicas, restorations, and vintage models from Melbourne, Geelong, and as far away as Adelaide and Sydney, the museum gives a complete overview of Australia’s love affair with this romantic locomotive.

Yan Yean Reservoir

Wander along the dam wall of the Yan Yean Reservoir, the oldest in the area, to experience first-hand where Melbourne’s city water comes from. Aside from its watery views, there are an array of tranquil picnic spots and scenic walking trails to be enjoyed. The surrounding wetlands are an excellent place to experience the birdlife here, with over 50 species of resident birds including honeyeaters, cockatoos, herons, kookaburras, and swans.