Sunbury - Places to See

Rupertswood
'Rupertswood' is a two-storey 50-room mansion featuring mixed elements such as an unusual 30-metre tower replete with Gothic detailing, outstanding stained-glass windows, a courtyard and a ballroom.

The mansion was built in 1874 for landowner, stud-breeder and philanthropist Sir William Clarke whose father, reputed to be the richest man in the country, introduced the Leicester breed of sheep into Australia. The whole is set amidst extensive gardens on the run chosen for William Clarke Sr by the Jackson brothers who accompanied George Evans on his search for sheep pasturage in 1836. The estate once had its own railway siding and Sir William maintained the Rupertswood Battery of Horse Artillery on the estate for many years. The lodge and gates are exceptionally elaborate. These buildings are located in Macedon St and they are now a function centre. Guided group tours are available but only if pre-booked, tel: (03) 9744 2467. There are also open days once a year, although the date varies, tel: (03) 9740 5020.

Adjacent the mansion is the oval upon which, it could be argued, the first Ashes cricket match occurred. The history of the Ashes records that when Australia won against England at the Oval in 1882 The London Times announced the death of English cricket and declared that 'The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia'. When an English team was touring Australia shortly after this announcement one of the tour matches was held on the Rupertswood Oval. When Australia won Lady Janet Clarke had one of her servants burn a bail - or some bails - and presented the ashes to the English captain, Ivo Bligh, in a velvet bag. In the 1920s, Bligh's widow presented them to the MCC who placed them in an urn where they are still kept at Lords as The Ashes.

WINERIES
Craiglee
Craiglee Vineyard is situated in a large bluestone building which was erected in 1868 as part of the original winery which was established in 1863 on the banks of Jacksons Creek (it was re-established in 1976). The cellar door offers shiraz, chardonnay and sparkling burgundy and it is open Sundays from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. or by appointment, tel: (03) 9744 4489 or (0412) 941 927. Craiglee is located in Sunbury Rd.

Goona Warra
Opposite Craiglee, on Sunbury Rd, is Goona Warra, an historic vineyard founded in 1863 by the early Victorian premier, James Goodall Francis The vineyard was replanted in 1983 and now produces chardonnay, semillon, pinot noir and cabernet franc. The magnificent bluestone winery with Cellar and Great Hall, has been restored to house Cellar Door, Sunday Lunch (with seasonal a la carte menu) and weddings and private functions by appointment. It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Saturdays from 12 noon tel: (03) 9740 7766.

Wildwood
11 km south-east, en route from Sunbury to Melbourne, is Bulla. When you get to the large roundabout turn right. Wildwood Winery, established in 1983, is in St Johns Lane (off Wildwood Road). It produces cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, viognier, shiraz, pinot noir, merlot and cabernet franc and is open from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. daily, tel: (03) 9307 1118. There is a picnic area with barbecue facilities.

Olde Winilba Vineyard
At 150 Vineyard Rd in Sunbury is Olde Winilba which was the first vineyard established in the Sunbury region in the early 1860s. It is based around an historic bluestone winery where you can purchase riesling, chardonnay, semillon, semillon sauvignon blanc, cabernet, shiraz, cabernet shiraz, pinot noir and pinot shiraz. There is also a restaurant. The complex is open weekends and public holidays from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. or by appointment, tel: (03) 9740 9703 or (03) 9740 1537.

Diggers Rest Vineyard
Nearby, in Vineyard Rd, is Diggers Rest Vineyard, established in 1987. It produces shiraz, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir and is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. weekends and public holidays, tel: (03) 9740 1660.

Ray-Monde
If you head north of Sunbury along the Sunbury-Riddells Creek Road for about 5 km and turn left into Dalrymple Rd you will find, at no.250, Ray-Monde which was established in 1988. It specialises in a pinot noir and is open Sundays by appointment, tel: (03) 5427 2777.

Longview Creek
8 km north of Sunbury along the Riddells Creek Rd turn right into Palmer Rd. 2 km along Palmer Rd, at no.150, is Longview Creek which produces chenin blanc, charango, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz. The cellar door is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Sunday only, tel: (03) 9744 1050. Picnic and barbecue facilities are available and a ploughman's platter by arrangement.