Discover Merricks: Sculpture Park and Trails

Merricks offers two distinct starting points for a stay: art at the Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park and activity on the Merricks Trail. Nearby, the Red Hill Rail Trail adds another option, with its former use linked to transporting fresh apples. If you’re looking for a hotel in Merricks, you can weigh up whether your trip will focus on sculptures, a particular way of getting around, or the history of a railway line.

Sculpture Park and Creative Experiences

The Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park features more than 70 monumental original works by international and Australian artists. The works are set across 16.5 acres of manicured gardens, with vineyards and sea views as a backdrop. Sculpture, garden spaces and the surrounding landscape all contribute to the park’s appeal. The collection may continue to evolve. When planning your visit, both the monumental works themselves and their setting within the gardens may be worth considering.

Guided tours take visitors through the sculpture park, while creative experiences include Sip and Sketch. These offer two different formats to choose from: a tour of the park or a creative experience. If either is important to your trip, confirm current availability directly with the venue.

The Merricks Trail: Walking, Cycling or Horse Riding

The Merricks Trail can be used on foot, on your own bicycle or on horseback. One access point is at the Merricks Red Hill Station Ground Equestrian Reserve. If you’re planning to bring your own bicycle or a horse, these uses are explicitly mentioned for the Merricks Trail; walking is also possible. The specified access point gives you a concrete landmark for planning. Check local updates for current trail conditions if you plan to use the trail.

Red Hill Rail Trail: A Former Railway Line Nearby

Near Merricks, the Red Hill Rail Trail follows the former railway line between Merricks and Red Hill. Fresh apples were transported on this railway to Hastings and from there onward to Melbourne’s markets. This sequence brings the former freight route to life: Hastings was an intermediate destination, with Melbourne the onward destination. Today, the Red Hill Rail Trail can be used on foot and is a shared trail for pedestrians, mountain bikers and horse riders. Before travelling, also check current trail conditions and business information.

To choose based on how you plan to get around, it’s worth comparing the two: the Merricks Trail lists walking, bringing your own bicycle and horse riding as options. The Red Hill Rail Trail is a shared trail used by pedestrians, mountain bikers and horse riders. So walking and horse riding are mentioned for both; bringing your own bicycle is specifically mentioned for the Merricks Trail, while mountain biking is mentioned for the Red Hill Rail Trail. If you’ve already decided on an activity, you can base your choice on these specific differences.

Discover more destinations: Navarre, Meredith, Seaford, Moondarra, Badger Creek, Aireys Inlet, Maidstone, Tuerong

Go to the main travel overview: Victoria.