Hurstbridge Wattle Festival

Located at the junction of the Diamond and Arthurs Creeks, Hurstbridge was first settled by grazier Cornelius Haley in 1841. The township was once known as Hurst's Bridge, taking its name from the Hurst family who built the first log bridge across the Diamond Creek slightly upstream from where the present bridge now stands. The current single lane bridge was designed by Sir John Monash and was officially opened in 1918.

A minor gold rush in 1908, to the north-west of the township, saw many people come to the area. The rail line to Hurstbridge was opened in 1912 to take fruit grown in the region to Melbourne markets. It resulted in the immediate establishment of a township and a post office, although the town struggled from the 1920s to the 1950s. Its revival was sparked by the town's electrification and the arrival of many city-folk seeking a rural lifestyle close to the city.

The artistic heritage of the Hurstbridge area is also significant. Many artists have found inspiration from the landscape around the Diamond Creek. Clifton Pugh bought land at Cottles Bridge just to the northeast of Hurstbridge, and established a land co-op that became known as Dunmoochin. The area attracted artists and potters many of whom later settled in the nearby area.

Hurstbridge and the Nillumbik area are part of the designated Yarra Valley wine region and have a number of vineyards and boutique wineries. The typically shallow soils of the area have produced cool climate wines which are crisp, clean and intense in flavour.

The original Wattle Day steam train excursion was first held along the newly opened Heidelberg to Hurstbridge rail extension in 1912.  The rail extension was established to service the goldfields and burgeoning orchard industry around Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge and Arthurs Creek and environs. It also provided a service to Melbournians keen to escape the city for a day of picnicking and bushwalking in the country. On weekends hundreds of day trippers with their families and picnic baskets took the train out to Hurstbridge for an enjoyable day in the clean air of Hurstbridge.

The time of year has been selected because as well as coinciding with the peak wattle flowering season, it is also Fathers Day and the Festival attractions and activities will provide an ideal family experience.