In Kyneton, wear your elastic waisted pants because the pies here are recognised as the best in the country. Country Cob Bakery are famous for their award-winning pies and numerous accolades, including being named Australia’s best pie maker on four separate occasions by the Baking Association of Australia. Whichever pie you choose, it’s hard to go wrong at this small but mighty bakery.

They aren’t the only ones making notable pies in Kyneton. As you arrive at Piper Street Food Co., the front window reads “We make splendid pies” and they really do. Their traditional pork pie is dense and rich, everything a pork pie should be, and you can also pick up an array of goodies for a picnic.

Further down Piper Street, visit Grist Artisan Bakers, their chicken, cauliflower and parmesan pies have visible layers of puff pastry and come in family size or party pies.

At Malmsbury Bakery, everything is made from scratch daily, using locally sourced ingredients. Their steak and mushroom pie, served with a tasty homemade chutney, is a standout—best enjoyed in the bakery’s charming, leafy courtyard. 

In Woodend, the Holgate beef pie at Holgate Brewhouse is packed with ultra-tender beef chunks, lardons, and mushrooms. Enjoy it alongside a tasting paddle of their award-winning brews. Another pub favourite is the Guinness Pie at the Pig & Whistle Hotel in Trentham East, served with minted peas and Trentham spuds.

Or pair your pie with a local brew at Darraweit Valley Cider House, your tastebuds will be sent into a spin with their pork and caramalised apple pie. Every bit as decadent as it sounds.

The recently revitalised Daylesford Hotel features an incredibly moreish duck pie with sour-cream puff pastry. Or for families seeking a no fuss options. The Daylesford Bakery pies are no nonsense and delicious. The pepper beef is loaded with pepper and big chunks of meat. For a sweet treat order the apricot pie.

Daylesford Meat Co. make all their pies onsite using seasonal ingredients, they even have a ‘Keep Calm and Eat Pies’ pack, a selection of five family size pies to keep you fed all weekend. A little further up Vincent Street, Himalaya Bakery have a range of handmade vegan and vegetarian pies. The spinach and potato or smoked tofu are popular options.

In Castlemaine, Johnny Baker is wowing punters with their sheer variety of flavours. Think beef rendang and potato, cauliflower cheese or venison and port. Choosing which flavour to go with is the hardest part.

Nearby in Harcourt, tuck into a chunky pepper steak pie at Harcourt Produce & General Store. Made onsite, these tasty morsels are best paired with one of their famous homemade Danishes.

Photography by Chloe Smith.