Trees, mudbrick homes, and more trees. A very earthy place.
Eltham, Melbourne (north east)
Eltham is one safe, green, hilly haven. This place probably has more architecturally designed mud brick homes per square km than any other part of Australia. The local library is a mud brick construction, designed by the guru Alistair Knox. Eltham is also the sort of place people who like wearing Birkenstocks and socks would not feel uncomfortable. (More info below and to your left <<<)
Eltham is definitely family territory, but is just as likely to appeal to the middle aged, middle classes who are in tune with nature and for whom space, fresh air and tranquility are important.
It’s about a 40min drive north east from the city to Eltham and yet the place feels semi-rural. It has a strong sense of community, and plenty of open space.
Montsalvat has a series of medieval inspired buildings built in the 1930s. It is where a handful of select artists from sculptors to painters to dress makers live in a beautiful, semi rural setting in small cottages, doing their thing. It's well worth a visit. There's an art gallery, great architecture, and a very good cafe.
Parking in Eltham is not a problem. The vibe – herbal tea, organic coffee and cockatoos. Shoe equivalent: Birkenstocks and gumboots. Would suit: families, professionals, empty nesters. Location: outer suburb. Distance from city centre: 22km. Direction: north-east.
