Holiday houses in Craigieburn

Located at the base of Mount Ridley, on the northern edge of Melbourne, the peaceful suburb of Craigieburn is a tangle of walking tracks that pass through native grasslands and woodland ecosystems. A lot of people come here on weekends to make the steep climb to Mount Ridley Lookout with its sweeping views of the Melbourne Central Business District. If you’re looking to reward your efforts, Craigieburn offers a nice mix of upscale restaurants and inspiring museums, and the suburb boasts a serious coffee culture: it’s fun to pick a neighbourhood and try a few favourite local roasters and cafes.

The arts and culture scene in Craigieburn is full of international and local exhibitions, from the National Gallery of Victoria to world-renowned street art. Just outside the city are calm bay beaches, including popular swimming spots at St. Kilda, as well as the postcard-worthy bathing huts of Brighton. Sitting at the eastern entry point to the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find hidden gastronomic gems throughout the rolling hills and pastoral farmlands in the nearby Barwon South West Region.

The weather in Craigieburn can be unpredictable any time of year and can even feature all four seasons in one day. Summer is your best bet for warm temperatures and sunny skies with an abundance of festivals and the famous Australian tennis tournament welcoming legions of fans. The changing colours, gold-topped trees, and award-winning food and drink at the food and wine festival make for a sensory treat in March. While winters can be cold and rainy, it’s a lovely time to explore the busy cultural schedule which includes an international jazz festival every June. Every spring, the weather warms up, the flowers begin to bloom, and the Melbourne Fringe Festival unfurls with over 3,000 artists presenting more than 450 works in over 170 venues.

Craigieburn Bypass Trail

It’s fun to bike over storybook footbridges and through protected grasslands along the Craigieburn Bypass Trail, and the Craigieburn Railway Station is a great starting point. The paved pathway that winds through town is primarily flat before connecting with the Western Ring North Trail to view the Melbourne skyline. The endangered and vulnerable fauna and flora along the unsealed portion through the Galada Tamboore grasslands are magnificent to observe.

Melbourne Street Art

Melbourne is known for its legendary street art. Artists here have crafted a unique culture, filling lanes with murals, stencils, paste-ups, and mixed media. You'll find most of the work in two distinct areas easily accessible for everyone: Melbourne's Central Business District — along Hosier Lane, Croft Lane, Duckboard Place, and AC/DC Lane — and the Fitzroy area on Johnston and Smith Streets.

The Great Ocean Road

One of the world's most scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road is a fabulous day trip from Craigieburn. While many tour operators depart from Melbourne, driving yourself is the best way to explore the craggy cliffs, hidden beaches, and picturesque coastal towns along the road. Snaking along the seaside cliffs and the wild Southern Ocean, it’s delightful to stop and marvel at the 12 Apostles jutting from the crashing waves. You can also explore Otway National Park, home to native wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies, unforgettable hiking, and majestic rainforest.