Birthplace of the Ashes. Home to the 1970s Sunbury Rock Festival. A place rich in Indigenous heritage. Historic buildings and iconic landmarks. A thriving township as old as the City of Melbourne. All with dramatic mountains, a babbling freshwater creek, and lush parklands as the backdrop.
For many years Sunbury has been Melbourne’s best-kept secret. Well-connected, Sunbury is located only 18 mins from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, and 40 mins from Melbourne CBD.
Sunbury is also on the doorstep of the vibrant yet tranquil, Macedon Ranges. A region of historic and creative villages, quality produce, award-winning wine, heritage gardens and scenic forests.
Living in Sunbury is the best of both worlds, all the outdoor space you could ever want and need, without feeling isolated.
In 1882, it was the English Cricket team who gathered here in Sunbury, playing a game on the grounds of Sir William Clarke’s Rupertswood Mansion. After the game, an urn of cricket ball ashes was gifted to the English Captain, and The Ashes, as they became known, was born.
In the four years from 1972-1975, Sunbury would attract thousands of rock fans for the Sunbury Rock Festival, held on a farm that is now the land on which Kimberley’s sister community, Redstone, sits. Acts included bands such as Deep Purple and none other than Queen! The event would eventually make it’s way into Victoria’s Music Hall of Fame.
In Sunbury, you don’t need to wait for convenience to arrive. With a thriving, established township bursting with great places to eat and shop. Here people are passionate about their food, with coffee and fresh food to rival Melbourne’s inner city. Living here you’ll soon also have a long list of favourite shops, the go-to ones, and the specialty stores that catch your eye when you pass by.
Sunbury residents are mad about sport. Whether it’s playing footy for Rupo, cricket for Sunbury Cricket Club, basketball for the Sunbury Jets or a round of golf at Goonawarra Golf Club – whatever you play, there’s a club you can join. Or if you don’t want to be on the field, you can cheer from the sidelines.
When people connect through helping others, it benefits the whole community. It’s why we’re proud to support dozens of local groups each year. And even prouder of the Villawood residents involved in local groups, all doing their bit for the wider community.
It’s especially true of Sunbury, where residents have strong, active ties to many sporting clubs and community groups. Villawood and Tony Johnson, have been a major sponsor of the Rupertswood Football & Netball Club in Sunbury for over 20 years and supports many other groups in the local area.
This relationship – and others like it – have grown steadily over time. It’s part of creating vibrant, sustainable communities and it gives us a unique opportunity to get to know our residents and what’s important to them.
Villawood will be part of Sunbury’s growth over the next 15 years. As the town continues to thrive into the future, we’ll be there with support, every step of the way.
