Vacations are great.
But with border closures and travel restrictions now in place, many Hume families are looking locally to fun, cheap and hassle-free staycation ideas.
We've compiled a list of some things to do in Hume to get you out of the house making the most of your time off and break up the day-to-day(including some ideas for the kids too!). Tap each heading to learn more.
Wine time
True or false: Hume has the closest vineyards to Melbourne?
… It's true!
You don't have to travel far for picturesque vineyards, delicious wine and magnificent food. Hume's wine region has been producing wines for more than 150 years, and there's now some wonderful cellar doors to explore.
Free kids activities
Places are filling quickly for our free school holidays programs at Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre – but there's still some available
Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre and Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre are currently fully-booked for school holiday activities, but you can always head there for a swim!)
Check out What's On
This one you'll want to bookmark and check back on year-round: Hume City Council Events Calendar.
We frequently update it the great things happening in Hume. See what's happening in your neighbourhood, like:
Three wonderful walks to take
There's heaps of great places to take a stroll in and around Hume. We've listed three you should check out this summer:
- Woodlands Historic Park
Located in Greenvale, Woodlands Historic Park offers a variety of walking tracks. Amble alongside majestic River Red Gums, or head for the hills to admire some of Melbourne's nicest hilltop views of the surrounding bushland, Melbourne's airport and countless kangaroos.
- Organ Pipes National Park Bordering Hume is the Organ Pipes National Park, where Jackson Creek flows through.
Enter off the Calder Highway, park the car atop the old volcano and walk into the valley to experience the stone columns. And yes, you guessed it, they look like organ pipes!
- Broadmeadows Valley Park
Surround yourself in this green corridor that stretches from Shankland Wetlands down towards Jacana. There's lot of space for riding bikes or walking the dog as you enjoy grassy reserves and plenty of trees.
Remember: be mindful of wildlife (including snakes) and always wear sun protection.
Get on the bike
Pump up the tires, dust off the saddle and pop on your helmet – we're going for a ride!
There's plenty of bike paths in and around Hume to explore, like:
Galada-Tamboore Pathway
Enjoy scenic views of this 17km point-to-point bike trail. Perfect for all skill levels, the trail mostly runs parallel to the Hume Freeway and is easy to follow. Start at the corner of Amaroo Road and Hume Highway, Craigieburn (opposite Bunnings Warehouse) and follow the big path towards Thomastown.
M80 Trail
Running through many of Melbourne's northern suburbs is the M80 Trail (also known as the Western Ring Road Trail). As the name suggests, the bike path runs parallel to the Ring Road. If you are in Hume, it's best to enter from Jack Roper Reserve in Broadmeadows, or near Jacana Train Station. You can head in either direction along the bike path, which branches out in all kinds of paths to explore.
Moonee Ponds Creek Trail
Connecting the M80 trail is Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, a 19km point-to-point path that features a few more hills for those wanting something a bit more challenging. Start the trail in Westmeadows (near the Fawkner Street Bridge) and pedal your way south towards the inner Melbourne suburbs.
Remember: when riding past people on the footpath, leave space and warm before approaching with your bike's bell.
Retail therapy
If Santa didn't deliver what you wanted (or you simply want to treat yourself), Hume has the answers to your shopping needs.
In fact, Hume is home to many direct-to-public outlets (also know as factory-outlets). This is great for purchasing straight from the manufacturer to help support local business and save a bit of money.
Learn something, read something
If you've made a New Years resolution to enjoy less screen time, the library has you sorted.
Enjoy a range of programs to keep kids entertained, take in the seemingly endless array of new and sought-after reads, or learn something new.
Can't make it to one of our branches? Or didn't make a resolution to cut down on screen time? Try the free digital-only membership, which allows you to access eBooks, audiobooks and more on the go.
Sign up for a free digital membership or locate your closest branch.
Explore local art
Hume is home to three gallery spaces – and they're just waiting for you to explore them.
Feast in the streets
With everyone's renewed love of eating out again, there's plenty to like about eateries in Hume with our new outdoor dining arrangements.
Pull up a seat street side and dig in to all the great things our city has to offer – all conveniently (and beautifully) laid out on Discover Hume.
Playgrounds and Nature Play
With hundreds of playgrounds designed for kids of all ages, interests and abilities in Hume, there is plenty of options to keep kids busy.
If the kids are looking for something different to the playground, HumeXplorer is your answer – a self-guide passport helping curious young minds to discover and connect with nature.
Make a day of it
Make it a day out and visit some of Hume's local attractions.
Catch some local waves at URBNSURF in Tullamarine with open bays to play and barrelling waves to surf. Or check out Living Legends in Greenvale and visit champion horses and the historic Woodlands Homestead.
What are you waiting for? Make a day out in Hume at our range of unique and historically significant attractions.
