From pub rock to cabaret and cocktails, the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region hits all the right notes. Here are some of the best spots to catch a tune while you’re in the region.

Major Tom’s

The tiny, velvet-curtained stage of this popular burger joint regularly hosts a line-up of established and emerging folk, blues, roots, rock and Americana artists including the likes of Ali Barter and Jordie Lane. Burgers, hot dogs, nachos, shakes and craft beer are all on the menu, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options (hot tip: the Macedon Rambler burger is a winner).

57 Piper Street, Kyneton majortoms.com.au

Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel

You’ll enjoy much more than local wine, beer and spirits at this cosy wine bar with a distinct 1920s vibe. There are also sophisticated bar bites and meals from chef Benjamin Sage, and live music spanning a variety of genres, from old time blues to piano jam sessions.

80 Albert Street, Creswick facebook.com/Odessa-at-Leavers-Hotel

Palais Hepburn

After a hiatus, this grand old dame is back in business with an opulent new look that highlights the building’s original Art Deco features. Whether you catch a free DJ set in the salon or enjoy a cabaret show with dinner, the Palais is the place for wine, cheese, Moroccan-style tapas and of course, music.

111 Main Road, Hepburn Springs palais-hepburn.com

Red Hill Hotel

A top reason to make a pit stop in Chewton, the Red Hill Hotel has a long heritage of serving up beer, pub meals and tunes. At 165 years old, this classic country pub hosts all types of musical acts – from casual gatherings of Celtic fiddlers to guitar sets on the Mulberry Tree Stage in the beer garden during summer.

163 Main Street, Chewton redhillhotel.com.au

Farmers Arms

In Creswick, the Farmers Arms is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. Apart from seeing musical talent from the region in action, you’ll also find 12 beers on tap and cracking good pub meals like porterhouse steak served with hand-cut chips.

31 Albert Street, Creswick farmersarmscreswick.com

Theatre Royal

Home to a cinema, café, wine bar and band room, this historic theatre that dates back to the 1850s is quite the multitasker. Drawing in big name international and Australian acts spanning a wide range of genres including rock, pop, and alt-country, be sure to book tickets ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss out.

30 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au

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About the author

Jo Stewart 2
Jo Stewart
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Jo Stewart is a freelance writer and book author who lives in a 100-year-old workers’ cottage in Kyneton. Her work has been published in Monocle, International Traveller, The Age and The Saturday Paper. She is also the author of That’s So 90s, an illustrated book dedicated to the pop cultural wonders of the 1990s. When not writing feature articles about food, music, travel, culture and sustainability, Jo likes listening to live music, spending time in nature, drinking good wine and beer, and hunting for vintage treasures in op shops.