So, you’re heading to the Lost Trades Fair to meet the makers and be inspired by lost arts and amazing rare trades?

Why not make a weekend of it?  There are many fabulous places that will blow your hair back, food to devour and experiences which will create lifelong memories – all between Bendigo and Melbourne.

Here’s an itinerary where you will discover the quirky, the interesting and the unique experiences only found in our part of the world.

1 – LOST TRADES FAIR, BENDIGO

Bendigo Racecourse Strathdale-White Hills Rd, Ascot, VIC 3551, Bendigo March Saturday 7^th and Sunday 8^th 10am – 5pm

2 – CASTLEMAINE

This regional gold-rush-era town is now a hub of produce makers, artists, markets, fine food and drink. Not only is it home to Victoria’s oldest botanical gardens, you can view major Australian and international works at the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historic Museum. This is a mind-blowing town with a vibrant bohemian undertone – So cool!

The Mill
1-9 Walker Street, Castlemaine
Open 8am – 5pm most days
millcastlemaine.com.au

Drop in and experience the unique vibrancy of Castlemaine at The Mill. This a place for foodies, art admirers and seekers of the collectable and curious. From metal sculptors, furniture makers, wine makers, a coffee roaster, a micro-brewery, hospitality outlets and other amazing small businesses, you will leave the re-invigorated woollen mill with a full belly and an air of coolness – a cheeky discovery in regional Victoria!

Coffee Basics – Das Kaffeehaus
1 – 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine
OPEN 8am – 4pm 7 days
coffeebasics.com

Das Kaffeehaus is in The Mill and presents the flavours, odours and ambiance of a grand Viennese coffeehouse in Castlemaine. From the moment you waltz through the doors you are taken to an alternate reality. There is so much to see, taste and enjoy. Old fashioned friendly and professional service – this is a destination that you cannot miss if you are travelling through central Victoria.

3 – HEPBURN SPRINGS – DAYLESFORD

Australia’s Spa Country – discover wellness, authenticity and Instagrammable locations at every turn. Art galleries, unique foodie destinations, designer clothes, natural fibres, homewares and an ambiance of eccentricity. A destination you will return to again and again.

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs
Open 9am – 6.30pm Monday – Thursday 9am – 9pm Friday 8am – 9pm Saturday 8am – 6.30pm Sunday
hepburnbathhouse.com

Nestled in the valley of the Mineral Springs Reserve is the iconic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa.  Take your tastebuds on a tour of discovery throughout the reserve where natural sparking mineral water gurgles from the ground.

Experience true peace with a relaxing soak in the natural mineral water, drawn straight from the source at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. For a truly memorable experience we recommend the Sanctuary Retreat where you’ll have exclusive access to the luxurious healing and wellness facilities.

Recline, relax & submerge.

The Convent Gallery
Corner of Hill and Daly Streets, Daylesford Open 10am – 4pm 7 days
conventgallery.com.au

Described as ‘the most beautiful gallery in Australia’, the Convent Gallery presents local, national and international artists working in a variety of media and styles.  Built on a hill with spectacular views overlooking Daylesford and beyond this award-winning art gallery boasts decadent retail areas, restaurant, bar and lounge, restored chapel, nuns museum, all surrounded by six acres of stunning gardens. Hidden treasures around every corner for your discovery.

4 – GLENLYON

The hamlet of Glenlyon is well known for its main street of old European trees lending an “Englishness” to the village and authentic beauty.

Glenlyon General Store
63 Barkly St, Glenlyon
Open Wednesday 11am – 3pm Thursday 8am – 3pm Friday 8am – 8pm Saturday 8am – 3pm Sunday 8am – 3pm
glenlyongeneralstore.com.au

Drop into the Glenlyon Store for a local wine tasting, breakfast and lunch. This go-to destination was built in the 1860’s and has worn many different hats over its long history from a hotel to butcher shop, brothel to general store. Today the store is a café, bar and providore with very delectable chocolate brownies!

5 – KYNETON

Whether history, shopping or eating thrills you, we dare you to explore and experience the regional town of Kyneton. This large town is an epicentre for foodies and shopaholics alike and Piper Street Kyneton is the destination where the Lost Trades Fair originated. Wander Piper Street and drop into art galleries, historic museums, clothes and homeware stores to satiate your retail therapy.

Piper St Food Co.
2/89A Piper St, Kyneton
OPEN Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm Friday 9am – 8pm.
Saturday 9am – 2pm Sunday –  closed
piperstfoodco.com

Visit Bryanna and Damien’s little shop and create your own picnic or supper from their range of quality handmade pates and terrines, local cheeses and traditional English Pork Pies.  Or learn some old school cooking techniques and classic recipes at their cooking school.

LOST TRADES – The Artisans Store
29 Piper Street, Kyneton
Open Thursday – 11am – 3pm. Friday to Sunday 11am – 4pm; or by appointment 

Set in one of Piper Streets original goldrush buildings, Lost Trades: The Artisans Store is a reflection of a traditional trading store, an atelier of bespoke wares and finely made traditional goods, the majority handcrafted by the artisans from the Lost Trades Fair, the store is a gallery showcasing their work and traditional wares.

Animus Distillery
1/89A Piper St, Kyneton
OPEN Wednesday/Thursday: 12pm – 9pm. Friday/Saturday: 12pm – 11pm. Sunday: 12pm – 8pm
animusdistillery.com

Animus Distillery Cellar Door and Cocktail Lounge is located next door to Piper St Food Co. where you can watch the team prepare the botanicals, charge the boiler and collect the precious distillate as it pours fresh from the still. Every step is on display as you sink into a chesterfield lounge, kicking back with an espresso G & T or perhaps a slow gin sour.