Meet the Locals

From beer to sports, to food, to service, this unapologetic little local has you covered. First and foremost, the Olive Grove is made for regulars. It has a community atmosphere that’s hard to find these days, as most pubs have become either sad old bars or too bright and trendy. Not so here, where the crowd is diverse in age and employment, kids are welcome, and the big shady beer garden is proudly pooch positive.

Not a well-kept secret but if it is the comfort of an inner-city style brunch and coffee you are after then this is the place to go. Get to know the locals, enjoy the best coffee in town or even a cheeky Pina Colada. Cover all your bases with their house-roasted coffee beans (The Little Goat Coffee) or their to-die-for Gelati’s from Augustus Gelatory.

When owners Tony and Mark Pendreich discovered vines had been growing in the Sunbury region since the 1860s, they knew it was the perfect place to set up The Cellar Door and to support regional winemakers. Sip on a bottle of local wine or savour a cider or beer. This is the perfect place for a wine tasting, that after work bevvy or a quick takeaway.

Did you know Sunbury is the closest wine region to Melbourne? This 40-year-old vineyard has been making some of the regions best (and award-winning) Shiraz’s and Chardonnay’s in Australia and shouldn’t be missed. Make the most of your weekends and drop in and say hello to Pat and Dianne for a wine tasting.

​​Kathy is an award-winning local artist and one of the many talented members of the Sunbury Arts society. Her realist artwork is drawn from her surroundings; be it nature, wildlife or landscapes her work truly captures her local Sunbury. We were lucky enough to visit her and view her work in her studio - well worth the trip. Her work can be seen in person at the Art On Piper Gallery, Piper St, Kyneton, Vic. Or by arrangement with Kathy.

SunFest is on the third weekend of March every year. This three-day festival is a must for locals of all ages. Each year brings something for everyone - amusement rides and carnival games, the SunFest Talent Shows, Battle of the School Choirs, Grand Street Parade, Fireworks, live bands, roving entertainers, local entertainment, SunFest Under The Stars, Sunfest Colour Run and it’s all free.

Image source: Killara Primary School

Take in Sunbury’s rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia, and develop an understanding and appreciation for their customs and heritage as you discover their connection to nature. Make a day of it and head to the rare Indigenous Ceremonial Rings near Jacksons Creek and then to the naturally formed (and aptly named) Organ Pipes. These cultural sites are a must for anyone wanting to learn more about Sunbury’s rich heritage.

Walk, run, play, picnic at your own pace here among the greenery that lines another historic site of Sunbury. Jacksons creek was named after one of Sunbury’s early settlers William Jackson. Visit the Bluestone Road Bridge over Jacksons Creek and learn of its architectural and historical significance for its association with the goldrush era in Victoria’s history. Head West of the creek where you will discover five prehistoric Aboriginal earth rings – or bora rings. The site is believed to have been a ceremonial place of initiation for Aborigines and are five of the seven in Victoria.