Djuwang Baring – Now Open!

Creswick is now home to a brand new mountain bike park. Officially open since 30 November, 2024, this expansive site is set to be the hottest new mountain biking destination in Victoria. Here you can traverse the ancient cultural lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people as you wind your way through 60 kilometres of mountain bike trails. Aptly named the ‘long track’ in the Dja Dja Wurrung language, the trails start at Hammon Park and pass through the varied landscape and natural beauty of Creswick. This extensive network features approximately 70 trail segments, each skill-rated to ensure a tailored adventure. Djuwang Baring caters to riders of all abilities, from beginners to advanced.

Where: Moore Street, Creswick
djuwangbaring.com
@djuwangbaring_creswick

Shedshaker, Castlemaine – move into a huge NEW space

Shedshaker Brewing have moved into an expansive new space within The Mill Castlemaine. A short walk from their original location, you will now find them within the oldest part of the precinct, adjacent to the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar. The new venue features soaring ceilings, original industrial features, dining booths and a fun and funky atmosphere. Here you can try their wide range of new and classic hand-crafted beers, local wines, cocktails and non-alcohol options. Their famous pizzas have been joined by an Italian-inspired menu featuring delicious pastas, salads, desserts and special dishes. The Taproom continues to be the home of live music in Castlemaine, with free shows on Fridays and Sundays, alongside special ticketed gigs.

When: the new Taproom opened in mid-November, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from midday till late, and open public holidays (excluding Christmas Day).
Where: The Mill Castlemaine, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine
shedshakerbrewing.com

Macedon Village Hotel – opening soon

The historic Macedon Railway Hotel is set for an exciting rebirth as the Macedon Village Hotel, helmed by celebrated Victorian publicans Sally and Kevin Gebert. Opening soon, this thoughtfully renovated establishment will blend contemporary elegance with rustic charm, featuring a cosy front bar, inviting bistro with sweeping Mount Macedon views, and a spacious outdoor terrace. The menu will showcase hearty, seasonal pub fare, while the carefully curated beverage list champions producers from the Macedon Ranges region. Located opposite Macedon Railway Station, the reimagined venue will be a vibrant community hub that appeals to both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Macedon Ranges experience.

When: opening soon (exact date TBC)
Where: 33 Smith Street, Macedon
macedonvillagehotel.com.au

Quiet Sanctuary Bathing at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

We’ve all heard of quiet quitting, quiet luxury and quiet travel…but what about quiet bathing? Well, get set to unwind and relax in a whole new way at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa in Hepburn Springs with the launch of Quiet Sanctuary Bathing. This adult-only experience has been crafted to soothe your senses and invite deep relaxation, providing a serene, technology and chat-free environment for you to soak and rejuvenate.

When: Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9pm
Where: Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, Hepburn Springs
Bookings: hepburnbathhouse.com

Hanging Rock Winery – Art in The Vines

Wander a trail of discovery, glass-in-hand, through this extraordinary exhibition of contemporary outdoor sculpture at the beautiful Hanging Rock Winery. It features more than 25 artworks from Australia’s most highly acclaimed sculptors and is all set against the Macedon Ranges’ most iconic vista of their vineyard, Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon.

When: Open daily until 30 April, 2025
Where: Hanging Rock Winery, 88 Jim Road, Newham
Further information: hangingrock.com.au/art-vines

Daylesford Highland Gathering

Gather the clan for a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture in Daylesford. Enjoy the iconic Pipeband street march along Vincent Street, the thrilling Highland Pipeband contest spanning seven grades, and the Victorian Highland Dance Championships. Witness the strength and skill on display at the Highland heavy games, including the Victorian Championship light and heavy hammer throw. Explore your heritage at the clan tents, indulge in delicious food, and browse unique retail stalls.

When: Saturday 7 December, from 9am-4pm
Where: Victoria Park, 3021 Ballan-Daylesford Road, Daylesford
Further information: daylesfordhighland.com

Cliffy’s Annual CFA Christmas Fundraiser

On Christmas morning the Cliffy’s & Daylesford Hotel crew, along with community volunteers, come togetherfor their annual Christmas Fundraiser. There’ll be coffee, BBQ breakfast + festive morning cocktails to kick start your Christmas day along with their greatest raffle ever. Proceeds to go directly to the hardworking firefighters in the CFA Brigades serving the Daylesford and wider region.

When: Tickets on sale soon. Event will take place on Wednesday 25 December, from 8am–11am
Where: Cliffy’s Emporium, 30 Raglan Street, Daylesford
cliffysemporium.com.au/christmas

Daylesford New Year’s Eve Parade and Gala

Celebrate the end of 2024 in the heart of Daylesford with the return of the Daylesford New Year’s Eve Parade and Gala. This is a fun, inclusive, event for the whole family which includes live music, delicious food, kids activities and a lively street parade. Vincent Street will be transformed into a lively, fun-filled area for everyone to enjoy.

When: Tuesday 31 December, 2024, from 6pm-9pm
Where: Vincent Street, Daylesford
daylesfordnye.com.au

Central Highlands Forage and Feast

With its wide range of unique experiences and exclusive events, Forage & Feast offers you a peek behind the curtain, to see, learn, & taste all that the Central Highlands has to offer. Spend your summer with our passionate growers, artisan producers, and culinary talents. From beekeeping classes to curated degustations to farm tours, the calendar offers a plethora of opportunities to explore & experience, rejuvenate & indulge.

When: January 13 – February 16, 2025
Where: various locations throughout Central Victoria
centralhighlandsgrowers.com.au/forageandfeast

Summertime Fling Festival, Macedon Ranges

Join the month-long celebration of wine, summer and good times in the scenic Macedon Ranges wine region, as the Summertime Fling Festival takes place. Each weekend of the festival delivers a selection of events at different wineries across the region. Expect live music, outstanding local produce and good vibes. Most importantly, sip on cool-climate wines, which are lovingly made in small batches with real wine-stained human hands.

When: 3-27 January, 2025
Where: Various wineries around the Macedon Ranges wine region
Further information: macedonrangeswine.com.au/news-events/events

Picnic and Hanging Rock Car Show

An event originally run once to allow club members and some friends from other clubs an opportunity to meet for a picnic in the park with their families – it has now become one of – if not the – biggest one day Classic Motoring exhibition days in Victoria with over 1,600 vehicles on display last year at the picturesque Hanging Rock Reserve just outside of Woodend in the Macedon Ranges.

When: Sunday 9 February, 2025 from 8am-3pm
Where: Hanging Rock Reserve, Rock Road, Woodend
visitmacedonranges.com/events/annual-picnic-at-hanging-rock-classic-car-show/

Introducing Hepburn Springs Brewing Spirits

The proudly independent Hepburn Springs Brewing Co. has introduced a range of gins and flavoured vodkas. This is in addition to their award-winning selection of craft brews. Made on site at their Hepburn Springs based brewery and taproom, the new range has a focus on unique and unusual flavours, with popular options including their feijoa gin and mandarin vodka. Local ingredients are used as much as possible, with feijoas and elderflowers sourced from their own property. These tasty new spirits are best enjoyed at their taphouse, which includes an outdoor deck with gorgeous forest views.

Where: 12 Forest Avenue, Hepburn Springs
hepburnspringsbrewingco.com.au

Gindu – refurbished outdoor deck

Gindu’s distillery door outdoor area has just had an upgrade and is the perfect spot to taste your way around Australia. Kick back on the outdoor lounges undercover and enjoy long lazy afternoons enjoying G&T’s or tasting your away across the range. This summer enjoy live music, visiting food trucks and fantastic Woodend hospitality in the heart of the Macedon Ranges.

gindu.com.au

Sunday Sessions at Big Tree Distillery

On the first Sunday of every month, Big Tree Distillery will be hosting Sunday Sessions, all summer long. Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 1st as the kick off date, as Big Tree Distillery brings you an afternoon of live music, delicious food, and farm-crafted gin. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Jack’s Springs Farm, this Sunday Session promises a cosy, laid-back atmosphere with incredible local talent.

Tickets: $40 per person, includes 2 x G&Ts, plus a delicious pizza
Bookings: bigtreedistillery.com.au/blogs/big-tree-events/big-tree-distillery-sunday-sessions

New Years Eve at Kadota

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with one of two intimate events at Japanese fine diner Kadota. This two-chef hat Daylesford-base restaurant will host both a lunch and dinner event. The Garden Event (12:30 PM – 5 PM) featuring oysters, sashimi, and Sher Wagyu, or an Evening Event (7:30 PM – Midnight) with live jazz, saké on arrival, and sparkling at midnight.

When: Tuesday 31 December, Garden Event from 12:30pm to 5pm | Evening Event from 7:30pm to midnight
Where: Kadota, 1 Camp Street, Daylesford
Bookings: are essential, open now at kadotarestaurant.com.au

The Ruby Gala at Lake House – New Years Eve

Join in the festivities as the Lake House holds the final party to celebrate their 40th birthday, whilst simultaneously celebrating 2024 and the arrival of the new year. Gather your friends for an evening of feasting, drinking and dancing. There will be a
five-piece band, dancing, multi course beautiful dinner from their award-winning kitchen team and selected wine and beverages all night long from the cellar.

When: Tuesday 31 December, from 7:30pm
Where: Lake House, King Street, Daylesford
Price: $595 per person
Bookings: are essential at lakehouse.com.au/product/the-ruby-gala-new-years-eve

Sound of Vino – Lyons Will Estate

The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Vino. This non-musical experience is an opportunity to check out some of the latest wonderful tipples from some of the most exciting producers based in and around central Victoria. Hosted @Lyons Will featuring four different producers all under one roof, taste, buy a glass or share a bottle and enjoy the afternoon in the sun. Tickets include Macedon Ranges keepsake glass and tastings. Food and Wine available to be purchased on the day to enjoy on the deck and picnic area.

When: Saturday 18 January, from 12pm-5pm
Where: Lyons Will Estate, 60 Whalans Track, Lancefield
Price: $25 per person, which incudes a Macedon Ranges keepsake glass and tastings.
Bookings: lyonswillestate.com.au/events

Piper Street Food Co – The Picnic Class

Learn how to make the ultimate picnic pack with this hands-on class from Piper Street Food Co. In this fun and interactive class, participants learn will learn how to make pastry and create a delicious picnic pie. The team will also share their famous ‘picnic biscuit’ recipe for a sweet treat. All of this will then be packed up like a proper picnic for participants to take with, which can then be enjoyed in one of the many beautiful outdoor settings within the Macedon Ranges.

When: Monday 27 January, from 10am-1pm
Where: Piper Street Food Co, Shop 2, 89A Piper Street, Kyneton
Price: $195 per person
piperstfoodco.com/collections/cooking-classes/products/the-picnic-class

Shizuka Ryokan – NEW Seasonal Yoga Retreat

Traditional Japanese guesthouse, Shizuka Ryokan is introducing a new yoga retreat. The 3-day offering combines the ancient wisdom of seasonal living, yoga practice, delicious and healthy Japanese food, and shiatsu massage. Suitable for both beginners and experienced, the yoga retreat is a restorative experience, aimed to help you embody the upcoming autumn season.

When: Sunday 2 to Wednesday 5 February, 2025
Price: 3 nights retreat price – twin share $1,835 per person, or Private room $2,428 per person
Inclusions: all meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners & refreshments), nine yoga sessions, one message of your choice + private outdoor Hinoki bathing ritual.
Bookings: shizuka.com.au/home/retreats-workshops-shizuka-ryokan/seasonal-yoga-retreats

Kyneton Springs Motel unveils bold new rooms – with cheeky retro glam

Get ready to step back in time with a twist of bold style! The beloved Kyneton Springs Motel has once again raised the bar with the unveiling of six all-new, eye-popping rooms. Known for its daring blend of Americana and classic Aussie road-trip vibes, this latest refurbishment takes guests on a wild ride through retro luxury with a cheeky edge. Back in early 2023, Kyneton Springs made waves with its vibrant retro aesthetic, channelling the cool glamour of California’s Palm Springs. Now, they’re turning up the heat with rooms that are not just stylish but a little bit naughty too.

Where: 101 Piper Street, Kyneton
kynetonspringsmotel.com

Hero Image: Blue Waters Creswick