A weekend is never long enough in the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region, so stay for a little longer, get off the beaten path and discover charming, lesser-known towns.

DAY 1 – KYNETON

Start your journey in Kyneton, an easy hour’s drive north of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway. On arrival, explore Black Hill Reserve by hiking around The Monolith, one of Australia’s largest granite rocks. Then stroll along the Campaspe River Walk, a picturesque trail snaking past Kyneton’s Botanical Gardens, a sculpture park and platypus habitat.

Back in town, the heritage-listed Piper Street houses galleries, boutiques and some of Victoria’s best food and drink offerings. Peruse designer wares at Kabinett, before popping upstairs to Botanik for finely crafted cocktail. Dine on delicious Italian fare at Marchesa or grab a picnic to go at Piper Street Food Co. Before leaving, make sure you pop into Cavaletti Gallery and The Old Auction House for handcrafted goods.

DAY 2 – MALMSBURY, LANCEFIELD & ROMSEY

Start day two in the enchanting hamlet of Malmsbury, with breakfast at the Malmsbury Bakery. Explore the verdant botanic gardens (keeping an eye out for the local geese) and the spectacular 1860s bluestone Malmsbury Viaduct – Victoria’s largest masonry bridge. Be sure to pop into Madame Vintage and Rathdowne Antiques to peruse the vintage wares.

Then discover some of the area’s cool climate wineries. At Parkside Estate and Farm (between Lancefield and Romsey), soak up breathtaking views while sampling award-winning sparkling and chardonnay. North of Lancefield is Curly Flat Vineyard, known for its naturally fermented wines.

Drop in for lunch (weekends only) at Cleveland Winery where the wood-fired pizzas are perfect with a glass of sparkling pinot noir or full-bodied shiraz. Finish off at The Lost Watering Hole, where you can sip on locally crafted brews as you tuck into a hearty main.

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Malmsbury Viaduct. Photo by Chloe Smith

DAY 3 – MOUNT MACEDON & WOODEND

With its bright red door reflecting the flame-coloured leaves atop Mount Macedon during autumn, the Trading Post is the ultimate stop for house-made cakes, pies and local produce. Down the mountain is Mount Towrong vineyard, a sustainable family-owned winery serving rustic Italian fare to match their crisp wines.

Rising from the surrounding countryside is Hanging Rock, known as Ngannelong by the Traditional Owners of the land. Hike to the summit or thread your way through the reserve on numerous paths before grabbing a bite to eat at Hanging Rock Café. Time for a tipple? Nearby, you can sample award-winning small batch gins at Big Tree Distillery. Or stop by Woodend’s Holgate Brewhouse and Taproom, where an extensive range of craft beers are brewed on site. Afterwards, head for a nightcap at either Gindu or Woodend Cellar & Bar.

DAY 4: HARCOURT, CASTLEMAINE & MALDON

Pack your bags for a short, northern detour through charming goldfields towns.

Have breakfast at the Harcourt Produce and General Store (try a Danish tart). A great playground is opposite, while keen mountain bikers should hit the trails at La Larr Bagauwa Park. In Castlemaine, the artisan smallgoods, boutique wines, fresh sourdough, cheese and chocolate are popular at The Mill Castlemaine. For lunch try locals favourites, Wild or Das Kaffeehaus.

Then board the Victorian Goldfields Steam Railway, journeying through Box-Ironbark forest and the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung. Arriving in Maldon, Australia’s first notable town, noted for its 19th century appearance maintained since the gold rush era. The beautiful heritage streetscape is a treasure trove of antique shops, collectables and local galleries offering carefully curated lifestyle products for your home.

Piper Street. Photo by Journey By Light

DAY 5: DAYLESFORD

Renowned for its creative communities, it’s time to discover Daylesford’s local artists. Start at the majestic Convent Gallery where exhibitions change regularly. Then explore Black Gallery, or Clayfire Gallery. For beautiful ceramics, visit Minna Graham’s studio, where nature has a dramatic influence on her creations. For lunch, try Wombat Hill House – a darling, renovated cottage or locals’ favourite, Cliffy’s Emporium.

There’s no better place to indulge than in Australia’s spa capital where Swiss and Italian migrants have long championed the area’s mineral springs. Bring an empty bottle for the pure waters at the Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve.

For complete relaxation, book into Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, soaking tension away in the mineral waters before a massage. Follow up with a delicious multi course dinner menu (choose from two, three or four courses) at The Boathouse Daylesford, a delightful French influenced restaurant sitting atop Lake Daylesford.

DAY 6: CRESWICK, CLUNES & TALBOT

An easy 20-minute drive west of Daylesford, is Creswick, with its historic redbrick buildings, iconic Woollen Mill and  Djuwang Baring mountain bike park. A little further north you’ll find historic Clunes (a town for true booklovers, and the site of Clunes Booktown each March). From there, it’s a short drive to Talbot, home to a charming goldrush era streetscape. Time it right and you’ll catch the Talbot Farmers’ Market (third Sunday of every month) – recognised as one of the region’s best.

Talbot. Photo by MDP Photography & Video

DAY 7: MUSK, BULLARTO AND LYONVILLE

Stock up on European-style meats from Istra Smallgoods’ farmgate in Musk. While in the area, visit Stonewalls at Musk – artist Andrew O’Brien’s stunning vision to combine art, hospitality and design. Then stop at the estate vineyard of Passing Clouds, renowned for its complex pinot noir and crisp chardonnay. And art lovers – don’t miss Bullarto Gallery, which exhibits the visceral art of painter Phillip Edwards.

Have lunch or dinner at the quirky, yet charming Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville, where the European leaning menu features fresh, seasonal dishes.

Musk Station AshElm Studios Musk and surronds Passing Clouds 4 uai

DAY 8: TRENTHAM & BLACKWOOD

Trentham a mini-but-mighty town with excellent dining options, such the iconic Cosmopolitan Hotel. or the welcoming Hotel Trentham. A short drive away you’ll also find the newly reopened Pig and Whistle Hotel, which offers an elevated pub experience on a quiet, back country road. Minutes from Trentham’s town centre is Trentham Falls, Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall. If there’s time on the clock for a spectacular garden, drop into The Garden of St Erth in the picturesque village of Blackwood, tucked in between the Wombat and Lerderderg State Park. 

A short drive from Blackwood gets you to the Western Highway, 45 minutes from Melbourne.

Return home sated, relaxed and with the knowledge that whatever you didn’t manage this time, there’s always next time in the Daylesford Macedon Ranges Region.