St Andrews: Gold Rush Trail, Glass Art and Local Flavours

In St Andrews, a trail through historic goldfields, artisan glass art and local cuisine come together. You can plan your stay around whether you want to spend time outdoors, discover crafts or explore local offerings.

Nature Trail and Gold Rush History

The Smiths Gully to St Andrews Nature Trail follows Smiths Gully Creek through the alluvial goldfields of Old Caledonia Gully, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. The 3 km loop starts at the Peter Franke Reserve car park and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. This lets you combine a walk with a specific insight into gold rush history. The stated duration helps you fit the outing into your day's plans without setting aside the whole day.

Glass Art and Craft in St Andrews

At bizu studio, Jacqueline and Catherine make lampworked glass beads that are used to create jewellery. They also blow small bud vases and perfume bottles from borosilicate glass. The different pieces offer an impression of the many ways glass can be used as a material. bizu studio offers workshops where participants can learn about lampworked glass art and jewellery making. If you would like to include a workshop in your travel plans, check the latest dates and availability.

Handmade gifts on offer include scarves made using the Japanese shibori technique, soy wax candles, cast glass art, vintage glass and Japanese incense. The selection may vary. This brings glass art together with other craft and design work—a different focus from the nature trail and its history.

Local Cuisine

A Local Baker offers wood-fired breads and pastries in St Andrews, including chocolate-filled croissants. A Boy Named Sue serves wood-fired pizza. These two options give you different reasons to include local food stops in your travel plans. As current operations may change, check before you arrive to see whether these offerings are available.

In the wider destination of Nillumbik Shire

The wider destination of Nillumbik Shire also offers more ideas for your travel plans. The townships of Nillumbik lie between bushland and hills; the Shire has an extensive network of trails for walking, horse riding and cycling. The Green Wedge Trail lets you explore rural parts of Nillumbik. Its described route runs from Watery Gully Road in Wattle Glen to Clintons Road in Smiths Gully.

The Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System consists of seven council-managed bushland reserves in the Panton Hill, Smiths Gully and Watsons Creek area. Together, they cover about 140 hectares. They offer opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, horse riding and mountain biking. The townships, landscapes and activities of the Shire offer different ways to experience nature and outdoor activities.

Culture and Discoveries in the Shire

For culture enthusiasts, Nillumbik Shire offers other distinct destinations. The Hurstbridge Heritage Trail passes 30 historically significant sites, whose history spans from early settlement to the mid-20th century. Founded in 1934, Montsalvat is an arts centre and artist community on a 12-acre site with more than 34 buildings. These include three galleries, 19 studios, a ceramics centre and event spaces for concerts; exhibitions, studio programs and ceramics classes are also offered.

Edendale Community Environment Farm spans seven acres beside Diamond Creek in Eltham and shares knowledge about sustainable living and the natural environment. Public art is another part of the Shire: its public art collection includes sculptures, land art, murals and mosaics spread across its townships and landscapes.

Events can also shape the character of a trip. Nillumbik Artists Open Studios invites visitors to meet more than 30 artists in their studios across the Shire. The 2026 program includes painters, ceramicists, printmakers, sculptors and musical instrument makers, among others. Open Cellars invites visitors to explore the Nillumbik Hills and meet local winemakers; event dates vary by program year. So check the specific dates before planning your trip around them. Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower is a heritage-listed landmark and a popular destination for locals and visitors. Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park reopened to the public on 27 February 2026 after restoration work.

Whether you would rather spend your days on the Smiths Gully to St Andrews Nature Trail, exploring the crafts and cuisine of St Andrews, or enjoying other experiences in the wider Nillumbik Shire, these interests can help guide your choice of holiday rental and the planning of your base for the trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Berrys Creek, Lovely Banks, Vermont South, Bittern, Barnawartha, Doncaster, Buchan, Broadford

To the wider travel overview: Victoria.