Sunbury
Quick facts
- Population approximately 31,000
- 37 kilometres north of Melbourne
- Birthplace of international cricket's The Ashes.
Sunbury is a town rich in cultural history and arguably the birthplace of international cricket's coveted trophy, The Ashes. The history of the Ashes records that when Australia won against England at The Oval in London 1882, The London Times announced the death of English cricket. The English team toured Australia shortly after this and played a social match at Rupertswood. Tradition has it that after the game the bails were burnt and the ashes presented to the English captain. Upon his death his widow presented them to the Marylebone Cricket Club and today the urn remains in the MCC museum at Lord's.
Sunbury is also home to historic mansions, bluestone bridges, churches and the state's oldest homestead, Emu Bottom, which was built in 1836. The town is an ideal starting point for a tour of the renowned Sunbury Wine Region.
Activities and attractions
- Explore Rupertswood Mansion, set amidst extensive gardens, and probably the site of the first Ashes cricket match
- Meet the winemaker and taste at the cellar door of the numerous wineries in the region including two historic wineries, Goonawarra (1863) and Craiglee Vineyard (1864)
- Take a walking tour of the local heritage – maps and brochures can be picked up from the local visitor information centre.
Major events
- Rupertswood Open Day – January
- Sunbury Autumn Festival – March
- Sunbury Wine Weekend – August
- Hume Winter Music Festival – July/August
- Sunbury Agricultural Show – October
How to get there
Sunbury is approximately 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD on the Tullamarine Freeway. V/Line trains service Sunbury seven days a week.
