Follow The Pie Trail

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 as home to Australia’s best pie the past three years running by the Baking Association of Australia.

In 2021 their caramelised pork and pepper pie took the top gong, in 2022 it was their classic meat pie, while in 2023 it was their fish amok pie – a Cambodian-style barramundi curry pie – that caught the judges attention. 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.

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 Daylesford Hotel is famous for its weekly pie night. Picture a ceramic bowl, a moat of gravy, steamed peas bobbing around with said pie atop a mountain of buttery mash. 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.

Hero Image: Piper Street Food Co. Photography by Chloe Smith.