Explore Malmsbury

Begin your explorations at Victoria’s oldest botanic gardens, a 6-hectare site bordered by the Coliban River. Highlights include a lake formed from a former billabong, edged with bluestone from a historic mill. Stroll past towering Californian and Giant Redwoods, a striking Lombardy Poplar avenue, and a grove of arbutus trees. The gardens blend natural beauty with heritage features and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the resident geese and their goslings enjoying the grounds.

The dominant feature of the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens is the Malmsbury Viaduct. A feat of incredible stone engineering, the Viaduct was built in 1859 using thousands of labourers to carry the Bendigo railway line over the Coliban River. It is one of Victoria’s largest nineteenth century engineering bluestone structures, consisting of five-arched spans reaching 152 metres from end-to end. It is a marvel to look at and is an incredibly popular spot with photographers. The best access point is found along the walking track from the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.

A local favourite located within a heritage building, the Malmsbury Bakery is known for its handmade bread, pies, pastries, and cakes – especially the meat pies, custard tarts, and fruitcake. Using traditional English and early Australian recipes, everything is baked fresh on-site. The bakery offers a shady outdoor dining area, perfect for enjoying a coffee and pastry after exploring the Botanic Gardens and Viaduct.

Spend some time exploring Malmsbury’s vintage and collectibles scene. Start at Madame Vintage – a destination for lovers of unique, European-inspired finds. With a strong French aesthetic, the store features an eclectic mix of vintage copper cookware, molds, and decorative objects. You’ll also find a delightful collection of childrenswear and toys.

Continue your collectibles hunting at Rathdowne Antiques. Located a few doors up from Madame Vintate, this welcoming space offers a charming mix of old and new, with something for every taste. Browse a curated selection of 100% cotton nighties, scarves, soaps, tea towels, and jewellery alongside an eclectic range of antiques.

Heart of the House in nearby Drummond, offers equine therapy experiences ranging from a one-day retreat to multi-day experiences. Here, owner Rachael tailors each experience, and the offering is unique in Australia. The nature and temperament of the horses bestows on visitors a deep sense of calm. It sounds unusual…but it is proven to be highly therapeutic and deeply beneficial. Bookings are essential.

Spend the night at Malmsbury Barn House BnB. This self-contained house offers two stylish queen rooms with private ensuites, outdoor seating areas, and a cozy lounge with a wood heater. A generous continental breakfast is also included. Located in a peacful spot on the edge of the Malmsbury, it’s just a 15-minute walk into the heart of town.