Australia’s most loved and prestigious portraiture prize arrives at Bunjil Place in under 2 weeks!
If you haven’t got your tickets for the Archibald Prize 2022 exhibition yet book here.
Once you have your tickets start planning your day or weekend. There is so much to see and experience in Melbourne's south east metro region, including The Orchard at Montague, Robert Gordon Pottery, Puffing Billy, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and Moonlit Sanctuary. Keep scrolling to read more about these fantastic venues.
Bunjil Place is also on the edge of the beautiful Yarra Ranges. Visit the Yarra Valley Website for more information or download our Archibald Prize 2022 Visitor Guide for more food and entertainment ideas in the area.
The Orchard at Montague
10 minutes drive from Bunjil Place
Unlike any of the apple orchards in Victoria, the Orchard at Montague provides a memorable and fun experience with family and friends just 35 kilometres from Melbourne. The Orchard incorporates a stunning café, Stella’s Kitchen offering dine in with orchard and garden views or take away to enjoy on the lawns, a pick your own orchard, a fresh produce & gift store Bill’s Orchard Gate, where you can taste and shop seasonal fresh produce in addition to locally sourced artisan products.
Situated right next door to the 220-hectare Lysterfield Park which features a range of recreational activities from the lake walking circuit, mountain bike trails, sailing, canoeing, bushwalking plus the chance to see some of Australia’s native wildlife including Kangaroos and birds.
Robert Gordon Pottery - Outlet & Workshop
20 minutes drive from Bunjil Place
With an extensive range of Australian Made imported collections, the Robert Gordon Outlet sells samples and seconds at discounted prices. The perfect place to pick up a gift or two, have a shop and grab some lunch at the cafe.
Fun for all ages, the Robert Gordon Workshop caters for birthday parties, mother's groups, children, adults, aged care, disability groups and families. They also host pottery classes and workshops for those who are interested in learning the art of wheel throwing. In a relaxed, private studio, you will learn how to centre the clay and make basic wheel thrown shapes. Their 2-hour classes are the perfect introduction to the world of pottery and are designed to segway into our 6-week beginners' course.
Royal Botanical Gardens Cranbourne
20 minutes drive from Bunjil Place
Take a closer look at the diversity and wonder of Australian landscapes at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. The 15-hectare native Australian Garden with its striking red sand and picturesque wildflowers is perfect for curious kids and inquisitive adults. The garden also features a rockpool, walking track, waterholes, and lifestyle gardens.
Discover the iconic Australian landscape and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air electric minibus. Enjoy a coffee or a delicious lunch at the Boon Wurrung Café overlooking the Garden.
Puffing Billy
25 minutes drive from Bunjil Place
Step back in time at Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, situated only 25-minutes from Bunjil Place. With lush fern gullies brushing past the open side carriages and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air.
Discover wonderful wildlife and spectacular landscapes made for adventure while sitting on the carriage sill of Puffing Billy’s open-side carriages; a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Located adjacent to Lakeside station sits Puffing Billy’s new state-of-the-art Lakeside Visitor Centre, featuring a modern café with the best produce on offer in the region.
Use promo code ARCHIBALD to receive 20% off adult, concession, child and family fares for all excursion train return journeys.*
*TERMS & CONDITIONS: 20% off adult, concession, child and family fares. Valid for all Belgrave to Lakeside excursion train return journeys - journeys available reflecting timetable at the time of booking). Excludes carriage hire, charter trains and special events. Available for online bookings between 19/7/2022 to 30/06/2023. Available for onboard travel between 20/7/2022 to 30/06/2023. Excludes all Victorian Public Holidays. Not available with any other offer or packages. Not available when purchasing Gift Vouchers.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
30 minutes drive from Bunjil Place
Melbourne's award-winning wildlife park invites you to come and visit and get an up-close look at Australia’s amazing animals.
During the day, you can explore their bushland feeding kangaroos and wallabies, petting friendly koalas and enjoying encounters with colourful birds, reptiles, wombats, dingoes and many other animals including endangered species. With free shows and keeper talks throughout the day, there’s plenty to do and see. Or go on a magical lantern-lit evening wildlife walk and see the animals in their natural nocturnal environment.
With over 70 Australian species, Moonlit Sanctuary is the ideal place to learn more about the fascinating animals that call Australia home.
...and for locals looking for a day trip of their own why not visit one of Victoria's best vineyards.
Marnong Estate
1 hour 10 minutes drive from Bunjil Place
Marnong Estate is a rural paradise, right on metro Melbourne’s doorstep. The estate produces award winning wines in the cool climate Sunbury wine region and has a stunning view west to the Macedon Ranges to compliment the vineyards that surround.
Stunning, architecturally designed dining and event spaces are a plenty, with a balance of historically restored buildings and modern spaces setting the scene for family celebrations, elegant dining experiences, weddings, and business events alike.
The Cabins provide accommodation across 20 rooms, making Marnong the perfect one-stop weekend away for experience all that is on offer. All of this just 35 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and 15 minutes from the airport.