Discover Upwey: Nature, Markets and Culture

Upwey brings together nature, local history and a range of cultural offerings, making it a destination with more than one possible focus. At Glenfern Valley Bushlands, trails and wildlife take centre stage; the Upwey Community Market offers a varied selection of goods, while the Burrinja Cultural Centre adds art and live performances. The town also has a history in which the name Upwey developed over several historical stages. If you are planning a stay, you can weigh up these themes and decide which side of the town interests you most.

Trails and wildlife at Glenfern Valley Bushlands

At Glenfern Valley Bushlands, you can explore 100 acres on foot. There is a large loop walk or a figure-eight route, and several trails are connected. Some are steep, so it is recommended that you check current conditions before your visit. The two route formats offer different trail layouts, while the connected paths help shape the character of the area.

Wildlife found there includes koalas, numerous bird species and butterflies. If wildlife watching is one of your travel interests, this variety offers a specific reason to explore the bushlands. The wildlife is not limited to a single group: mammals, birds and butterflies are among the examples mentioned.

Market selection and handmade goods

The Upwey Community Market features fresh produce, baked goods and food, as well as dog treats, plants and trinkets. There is also a wide selection of handmade items. The market’s offerings range from everyday essentials to goods where craftsmanship takes centre stage. The selection may vary depending on the market day.

You can plan your market visit as a focus in its own right, alongside nature and culture. If you enjoy browsing a range of goods, you’ll find plenty of variety here; however, specific products are not guaranteed on every market day. The mix of produce, plants and handmade items makes the market a distinct facet of Upwey.

A place name with several historical stages

Upwey was originally known as “Mast Gully”. The name dates back to several ship masts being felled there in the 1850s. In 1897, the Tullidge sisters bought a homestead and named it after the English village of “Upwey on the River Wey”. There are two different stories behind the names: the early work on ship masts, and later, the naming after a place in England.

Another stage followed in 1900: when the narrow-gauge railway from Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook opened, a station named Upwey was established along the line, and the name was adopted locally. The sequence from Mast Gully to the homestead and then the railway station makes the development of the place name clear, without equating the three historical references.

Art and live performances at Burrinja Cultural Centre

Burrinja Cultural Centre offers visual art, original theatre, live comedy and live music. Its cultural program therefore ranges from visual art to various forms of live performance. Specific exhibitions and performances vary; if you’re interested in a particular program, check what’s currently on offer before your visit. This keeps the cultural part of your plans aligned with the events actually coming up.

Upwey as a destination for finding accommodation

When looking for a hotel, you can first consider what you want your trip to focus on: trails and wildlife, the changing market selection, or art and live performances. This comparison can help you match your interests with Upwey’s character without having to plan every day in the same way. If you’d like to combine nature and culture, the themes described here offer different ways to do so; which ones take priority depends on your own travel plans.

Choosing a route can also be a practical part of your planning: a large loop walk and a figure-eight route differ in shape, while several trails are connected and some are steep. Check current conditions before planning your visit.

Discover more destinations

Anakie, Halls Gap, Numurkah, Barwon Heads, Tallangatta, Quambatook, Pyalong, Riddells Creek

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.