A day out in Brimbank
There are so many different ways to spend a day out in Brimbank, here’s an example to get you started.
Stop 1. Brimbank Park and surrounds
Before heading out for a morning in the great outdoors, stop by one of Brimbank’s many great cafes and fill up your energy tanks with a delicious breakfast. We suggest checking out Sweet Lulu’s (676 Old Calder Highway, Keilor) for a smashing smashed avocado and amazing coffee.
Our first official stop, Brimbank Park (Keilor Park Drive, Keilor East), is just around the corner.
Part of the Maribyrnong Valley Parklands, Brimbank Park is a natural beauty offering walking and riding trails and heaps of great picnic spots.
The Maribyrnong River runs along the park’s edge and provides some picture-perfect places to sit and relax in a truly tranquil space. Watch out though, as the area is known for its wildlife – wallabies are often spotted jumping in the distance and native birds are always flying overhead. Take a closer look and you might even see a Blue Tongued Lizard baking in the sun!
We definitely recommend taking a long stroll around the park to take in its enormity and incredible views.
Those looking for a longer, more challenging walk will find the Maribyrnong River Recreational Trail running through the park. This trail is truly breathtaking – the tree-lined river path meanders along the Maribyrnong River all the way to Footscray (25km away) – don’t go too far though, we need you back for the next stop!
Tip: Stop off at the Visitor Information Centre at Brimbank Park to pick up a map outlining some of the Park’s highlights
Stop 2. Cultural Hotspots
Stop 2 actually begins at Stop 1, Brimbank Park.
After enjoying the natural beauty of this area, now it’s time to immerse yourself in its’ rich cultural history. Archaeological surveys of Keilor have found that Aboriginal occupation of the area extends back 40,000 years, making it among the oldest known human inhabited sites in Australia.
The area was home to the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and a small number of their traditional tools including blades and scrapers have been found here. Find out more by dropping in to the Park’s Visitor Information Centre to check out the Aboriginal cultural displays on offer.
Next, head out of Brimbank Park and down the road to the truly stunning Overnewton Castle (51 Overnewton Road, Keilor).
Step onto the front lawn of Overnewton and travel back through 180 years in history. This elegant castle was built in 1849 by Scotsman William Taylor.
Initially a small six bedroom home, it wasn’t until Taylor returned from a trip to Scotland in 1859 that he decided to transform the homestead into a miniature Scottish Baronial Castle. Take the time to stroll around the castle and its gardens, and watch out for any weddings as it’s a popular place to say “I Do”. The castle also hosts a magnificent high-tea!
Stop 3. St Albans Community Centre
Head to 33 Princess Street, St Albans to this exciting, contemporary community centre and performing arts space that includes the 200-seat Bowery Theatre named after the late, eccentric Leigh Bowery.
Bowery was born and raised in the Brimbank suburb of Sunshine and became an internationally renowned provocative performance artist whose work influenced musicians and designers from Boy George to Lady Gaga.
Bowery’s daring spirit is honoured in the theatre’s motto: Be Bold.
The STACC and Bowery Theatre aims to promote diversity and bring people together with a bold attitude and willingness to jump into the unknown – much like the attributes Bowery was famous for.
Already having played host to names such as X-Factor winner Isaiah Firebrace, the Australian Ballet, and internationally renowned guitarists the Grigoryan Brothers, STACC is a place where locals can come together and share arts, culture and ideas without judgement. It is a place for creation and freedom.
Check out their upcoming program of events and impress your friends and family with a visit to this state-of-the-art cultural space.
