Explore Musk, Bullarto & Lyonville

The ideal base for exploring this beautiful part of the world is Musk Manor Cottage. This gorgeous two-bedroom cottage is ideal for couples or a small family and is surrounded by magnificent gardens. Part of a larger estate with its own private entrance and gardens, this idyllic country retreat features a wood fire, a deep soak bath and a wraparound verandah. Located in Musk, it’s an easy 5-minute drive to Daylesford.

Walk to Passing Clouds Winery for lunch. Here, second generation winemaker Cameron Leith and his team produce cool climate wines, including pinot noir and chardonnay. Taste their range at the welcoming cellar door, before moving on to the dining room for a delicious three-course shared La Famiglia lunch. The kitchen is predominately powered by charcoal and wood, with the main focus being the use of their charcoal fire pit.

On the way back to your accommodation, stop for a photo beside the historic Musk Railway Station. The timber edged earth platform with a ramp at each end has remained much the same since the station was constructed in 1882. Although hundreds of similar platforms were constructed by the Victorian Railways, the platform at Musk is the only example in use today. You can travel along this heritage railway with Daylesford Spa Country Railway (departing from and returning to Daylesford).

Jump in the car and make your way to Lyonville to tackle the Domino Rail Trail. Running along the old railway and linking Lyonville with Trentham, it is an easy and picturesque 12km return walk or bike ride through Wombat State Forest. It is a smooth, wide, all-weather trail suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and it is pet friendly on a lead. The trail starts from directly beside Radio Springs Hotel.

Post walk, enjoy dinner at Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville. Affectionately referred to as “the centre of the universe”, this popular country pub has developed a cult following, both near and far. The menu features fresh, seasonal meals, which can be enjoyed in the front or parlour bar, main dining room or private dining room. They also have accommodation on site, along with two-acres of rambling gardens.

Day 2

Plan ahead and order a ‘Local Brekki Box’ from Daylesford Gourmet for breakfast. Packed full of locally made goodies, these tasty hampers can be pre-ordered and delivered to your accommodation ahead of your stay.

Your first stop on day two is the Lost Children’s Monument. Located down a quiet country lane and within a peaceful park setting, this poignant and historically significant memorial is dedicated to three young boys who tragically lost their lives in 1867 after going missing while walking from Daylesford to Musk Vale. The Lost Children’s Monument is not only a historical site but also a place of reflection. Each year, locals and visitors alike are reminded of the fragility of life and the power of community as they visit the site, which has become a key part of Daylesford’s local heritage.

Pair your lunch with a cider tasting at Daylesford Cider, which is home to both a cellar door and restaurant. Grab a paddle of their award-winning ciders, order a wood-fired pizza or select from their daily menu of shared cheese and charcuterie boards. Enjoy a picnic on the grass, have a game of bocce, and, if you’re partial to a bubbly drink, try the Watermelon Fizz. It’s as fun as it sounds.

After lunch, get an art fix by booking an appointment to meet with artist Andrew O’Brien at Stonewalls, a gallery and studio complex, in Musk. Set in 25 acres of botanical gardens and mature forest, Stonewalls is the largest private gallery in the region and a must for visitors interested in art. Five years in the making, Andrews’ vision includes a gallery, studio, art bookshop, the Kitchen Barn for functions as well as boutique accommodation.

Open by appointment only.

For more amazing local art, the nearby township of Bullarto is home to the studio and gallery of realist landscape artist Phillip Edwards. Drawing on the surrounding landscape of the Wombat State Forest, Edwards evokes a deep-rooted sense of his natural environment through his paintings. Edwards also creates sculptures from salvaged objects, timber and steel which are exhibited onsite.

One last stop before you head home is Istra Smallgoods, where you can pick up some delicious cured goods. Surrounded by lush countryside in Musk, you’ll be pleasantly surprised as you enter this farmgate, which is packed full of quality products that have been cured using traditional methods, passed from generation to generation of the Jurcan Family.