North

Start the Day

Fuel the day ahead with a strong coffee and delicious brekky from The Spotted Owl in Sunbury. Serving up classic brunch with an Australian twist, the cafe has a menu of favourites like smashed avocado and breakfast burgers. +thespottedowl.com.au

Walk in Nature

Take in the picturesque scenery with a walk at Emu Bottoms Wetland Reserve and keep an eye out for platypuses, echidnas and native water birds.

Taste Local Wines

Indulge in top local drops at one of the region’s finest wineries, Marnong Estate. You’ll experience delicious wines, including chardonnay and shiraz, matched with hearty food and stunning views of the Macedon Ranges. +marnongestate.com.au

Get Surfing

Try your hand at surfing and ride the waves in a controlled environment at Tullamarine’s URBNSURF. The latest technology sends up to a thousand perfect waves an hour into the huge cove.While you're there, grab a bite to eat at on-site restaurant, Three Blue Ducks. +urbnsurf.com

Venture North Big Day Out

Here’s how to make the most of a day in Melbourne’s greater north.

The Spotted Owl URBNSURF

Marnong Estate

Heide Museum of Modern Art

Discover North See + Do

Set in beautiful gardens, Heide Museum of Modern Art combines inspiring Australian art, architecture from a number of eras and a sculpture garden. +heide.com.au Take a step back in time at Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-in. New releases, including fun family favourites, are on the big screen, but get there early to stock up on snacks at the diner. +villagecinemas.com.au/

cinemas/coburg-drive-in

Each weekend, artists and craftspeople sell their wares – everything from fashion to funkily potted cacti – at Rose St Artists’ Market in Fitzroy.

Marion Rub shoulders with equine royalty and explore the historic Woodlands Homestead at Living Legends, where you can visit the retired champion racehorses in their paddocks on daily guided tours. +livinglegends.org.au

Eat + Drink

Craft beer aficionados should head to Moon Dog World. It’s a huge beer hall, complete with indoor lagoon, where you can taste brews like Timothy Tamothy Slamothy, a chocolate biscuit milk stout. +moondogbrewing.com.au Marion is a sophisticated but unpretentious spot for a snack, full meal or, if the time of day is right, glass of wine. The food is simple, and the wines cover the gamut from common styles to little-known varietals.

+rosestmarket.com.au

The Trawool Estate +marionwine.com.au

Ready to feast? Tiba’s Restaurant serves up delicious Lebanese platters piled high with grilled meats, fresh salad, crisp pickles and silky-smooth hummus and labneh. +tibas.com.au

Taste award-winning cocktails in an intimate setting at Above Board. Seating only 16 at a time, this exclusive Collingwood bar is well worth seeking out. +aboveboardbar.com

Travel Further

Go a little further north – to bushland overlooking the Trawool Valley, where you’ll find a true oasis in The Trawool Estate.Here you can stay a while or simply wine and dine at the onsite restaurant, Wild Water. +trawoolestate.com.au