Explore Woodend

Start your day at Bourkies Bakehouse, a Woodend institution that has been serving up sweet and savoury bakery favourites for over 30 years. Be sure to try their award-winning vanilla slice. On cooler days, the indoor eating space is a great option, while the covered outdoor area offers a cool place to sit and watch the passing parade on warmer days.

A short 5-minute drive from Woodend is the iconic Hanging Rock Reserve. The views from the top of ‘The Rock’ are well worth the short, yet steep, hike. Be sure to visit the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre, which provides a fascinating background on the history, mystery and geology of the Rock. Reward yourself with a treat from the Hanging Rock Café at the end of your explorations.

Open daily: from mid-April until the end of August from 9am-4.30pm (last entry 3pm). Then from September to mid-April, 9am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm).

After your exertions, head to nearby Hanging Rock Winery for an award-winning cool climate wine. Enjoy a wine tasting as you take in the spectacular views of both Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon. If visiting over the warmer months, be sure to check out their annual Art in the Vines exhibition – which features contemporary outdoor sculptures from local and international artists.

Head back to Woodend take a leisurely wander down the historic main street, stopping off for a spot of shopping along the way. We recommend starting at Woodend General. This beautifully curated lifestyle store joyfully combines a collection of quality homewares, gardening tools, textiles, linen, jewellery, knitwear and more, showcasing the best locally made, Australian and international brands. Treat yourself or be sure to find a gift for a loved one. Across the road, you will find their sister store Little General, stocking baby and children’s clothing and accessories. Perfect for a baby shower or birthday gift.  

A few doors down from Woodend General, you’ll find Think Alike, which is home to a hand-picked selection of unique pieces for the modern woman. Discover apparel, homeware, accessories and jewellery that is creative, carefully thought out and artfully produced. Open Thursday-Monday, 10.30am-4pm. Located next door is men’s streetwear store Nope. Here you will find an array of mostly independently-owned and operated menswear labels.

Only a few steps away is Nellie’s Shed, a garden and retail store and café. Nellie’s Shed is a great spot to catch up with friends over a coffee or tea surrounded by plants and greenery, before browsing their selection of retail gifts. Nellie’s has a kids corner to keep the little ones entertained and is also a pet-friendly space.

After you’ve finished hitting the shops, pull up a pew at the Holgate Brewhouse. Start with one of their famous tasting paddles to determine which of their award-winning brews you like best, before tucking into some hearty pub fare. A tasting paddle can be enjoyed at either the original Brewhouse, or next door at their modern Taproom – where you can view the beers being made in the adjoining brewery. Or book onto a brewery tour for the ultimate brewing experience. The historic hotel also offers comfortable accommodation right in the centre of town.

If you are travelling with young ones, a visit to Woodend isn’t complete without stopping off at the impressive Children’s Park. This huge playground caters for kids of all ages with multiple playing zones, including an enclosed play area for little ones, musical instruments, a giant spider web and a flying fox. Treat the kids (& yourself) afterwards with an ice cream from Woodend Ice Cream Co.

After a day spent exploring, Woodend doesn’t disappoint when it comes to finding a spot to relax in the evening with the tipple of your choice. Start at Gindu, one of Woodend’s newest additions. This distillery showcases Australian botanicals from throughout the continent, Gindu’s Australian gin, Rainforest gin and Coastal gin are infused with native botanical ingredients. Try one of their gin tasting paddles or a delicious cocktail, paired with a plate of bushtucker tapas.

You will find the Woodend Cellar & Bar next door to the Holgate Taphouse. Offering a wide selection of regional wines as well as those from inter-state and overseas, owners Adam and Jacqui, will expertly guide you in your selections. Relax and enjoy a glass or two in the bar or courtyard with some bar bites to accompany your wine.

Next door to Woodend Cellar & Bar is Kuzu Izakaya. Awarded a hat in the The Age 2023 Good Food Awards, this much-loved venue is high on the culinary checklist for both locals and visitors. Kuzu’s style of food is classic Japanese Izakaya infused with Chef Eriko’s creative genius. With favourites such as okonomiyaki sushi and Wagyu Yakiniku beef bao, as well as an extensive wine and saké menu, you’ll be planning your return visit soon.

End your day with a night cap at the Rock and Wombat Bar at Woodend’s Victoria Hotel. Here you can sip on a local drop as you read about the fascinating history of the hotel on the walls that surround you – including everything from bushrangers to ghosts. The Victoria Hotel also serves up an array of tasty pub classics in their popular bistro.

Stay at The Barn, boutique accommodation within easy walking distance (10-15 mins) to the heart of Woodend. This stylish property, located on a family farm, offers the perfect country getaway, with a spacious, light-filled bedroom, an expansive living/kitchen area with soaring cathedral ceilings and French doors leading to a sunny garden space. Enjoy country hospitality with free-range eggs from the farm hens and homemade granola.