Montsalvat is Australia's oldest artists' colony and remains to this day a working arts centre. Set in 12 acres of established gardens with historic buildings, it hosts a variety of concerts, exhibitions and functions. You can spend time exploring the vast gardens (there's lots of statues half hidden by vines to find) historic buildings, the vegetable gardens, chook house and see the roaming peacocks and geese.
There are community arts workshops and a indoor/outdoor cafe (The Meeting Place) that is an integral part of the establishment. You can take along your own picnic lunch or enjoy the great food and fresh produce from the cafe. The Meeting Place is closed on Mondays. For bookings, phone 9431 2681.
Montsalvat is situated at 7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham (Melway Reference 22 A8) and is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Entry is $14 per adult, $10 concession, $8 for children aged five to 12 years (free for children aged under five) and $35 for families (2 adults and 3 children). For information, contact Montsalvat on 9439 7712.
