Explore Kyneton

Start the day at the socially responsible Social Foundry. This not-for-profit social enterprise seeks to empower communities to mentor, nurture, and impart life-skills to people whose opportunities have been limited. Choose from the all-day breakfast menu, which features simple wholesome food as you sip on a specialty coffee. The little ones are well catered for too, with a menu for ‘the little peeps’.

Open Mon to Fri, 8am – 3pm; Sat, 9am-3pm.

A short stroll away, you’ll find the Old Auction House. Peruse the two gallery spaces at this multi-use arts precinct, before picking up a gorgeous Australian handmade gift from the retail shop. Time permitting, join one of the various workshops on offer, choose from artist led courses in glass arts, fine arts, paper crafts, polymer clay, print making or jewellery making.

Open daily, 10am-4pm.

After getting your arts fix, make your way to the impressive Kyneton Botanic Gardens, which date back to 1858. Be wowed by the magnificent trees (17 of which are listed by the National Trust) before making your way along the Campaspe River Walk, which links up with Piper Street.

On a sunny day, plan ahead and take a picnic with you. You can curate your own picnic hamper at Piper Street Food Co., filling it with tasty morsels such as their famed pork pie, Cornish pasty and Belgian chocolate brownie.

Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm; Saturday, 9am- 2pm.

Enjoy lunch at this classic corner pub in the heart of Kyneton. Tastefully refurbished, you’ll find a rotating selection of beers, an extensive wine list and tasty pub fare with an added touch of flair. On a sunny day, the rear beer garden is the go-to spot, dogs are welcome too.

Open daily, 12pm-Late.

After lunch, indulge yourself in some retail therapy along Kyneton’s historic Piper Street. Cavaletti Gallery is a destination retail experience showcasing a range of unique women’s garments designed and made in store by Leanne Coates, alongside a selection of other like-minded ‘slow fashion’ women’s clothing brands & accessories. Treat yourself to a timeless piece for your wardrobe.

Open Tuesday – Sunday.

The Stockroom gallery, also on Piper Street, boasts the largest privately-owned contemporary art space in regional Victoria. This stylish industrial space, once a butter factory, is the perfect backdrop to highlight local, national and international contemporary artists across all mediums. With exhibition openings every six weeks, Stockroom aims to provide art enthusiasts with a variety of affordable artworks and nurtures emerging artistic talent.

Open Mon, Thurs, Fri & Sat, 10.30am-5pm; Sun, 11am-4pm; Closed Tue & Wed.

For a unique shopping experience, browse the wonders of Kabinett. Housing a curated blend of old, new, found and designed furniture and objects, across eras. With an eclectic mix of furniture, homewares, rugs, fragrance, jewellery and accessories to choose from you could be here for a while. Open 7 days 10am-4pm. Once your shopping is done, pop upstairs to Botanik for a cocktail or cheeky negroni. Open Fri-Sat, 10am-9pm; Wed, Thurs & Sun, 10am – 7pm.

For an intimate Italian dining experience showcasing the best produce the region has to offer, look no further than Marchesa. Chef, Daniel Whelan uses organically grown, fresh seasonal produce sourced from local growers to create an Italian menu featuring handmade pasta, fresh seafood and simple, sophisticated dishes based on regional Italian recipes. Whilst, Daniel Saligari has carefully curated an extensive wine list that incorporates local, European and premium vintage wines that pair perfectly with the menu.

Open Thurs-Sun – from 5.15pm; Sunday from midday.

Bringing a touch of retro charm to town is the Kyneton Springs Motel. Located steps from the boutiques, bars and restaurants of Piper Street, every room is individually curated with a vibrant statement wall and an eclectic mix of mid-century and retro finishes. With twin or king rooms to choose from, Kyneton Springs Motel offers you luxury in their own colourful, unique way. Treat yourself to an in-room breakfast from on-site Cathie’s Kiosk or indulge in a pre-dinner cocktail on The Patio. So iconic, they even have their own line of merchandise. The Patio is open Fri-Sat: 12pm-10pm.

Start your second day by stepping into the foodie heaven that is Pierre Monsieur. After salivating over the delicious variety of French-inspired food on offer, settle in for a breakfast that champions fresh, local produce. If breakfast simply isn’t enough, pick up one of their home style, ready cooked meals to enjoy when you get back home.

Open Mon-Fri: 6am-5pm; Sat: 7am-4pm; Sun: 7am – 3pm.

A trip to Kyneton just wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of the natural beauty of the region. Situated just 10 minutes out of town, Black Hill Reserve is made up of natural and revegetated bushland, filled with stunning wildflowers, local wildlife and impressive granite rock formations, including ‘The Monolith’, one of Victoria’s biggest granite features. It is the perfect spot for rock climbing, picnicking and bushwalking, with several tracks available for a range of fitness levels. Furry friends are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

After a morning spent exploring, reward yourself with a glass of wine just moments away at Kyneton Ridge Estate. Bounded by Black Hill Reserve, the vineyard and winery is set amongst the rolling hills of the Macedon Ranges and is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and watch the native wildlife. Offering wine tastings at the cellar door, and meals at the Ridge Café, you can also appreciate artwork created by established and emerging artists, exhibited in the Kyneton Ridge Artspace.

Open on weekends & public holidays.

Head back into Kyneton for a more relaxing afternoon at Ellenis Day Spa. Offering soothing spa rituals, such as terrace bathing in French oak barrels of magnesium-rich heated waters, to a luxurious three-hour Moroccan spa experience, as well as skincare treatments, massages, personal grooming and spray tans, Ellenis Day Spa has it covered when it comes to your relaxation and wellbeing.

Open Tue: 10am-4pm; Wed: 9am-5.30pm; Thurs: 9am – 7pm; Fri: 9am – 5:30pm; Sat 9am – 3pm & Sundays & holidays by appointment.

Round off your trip to Kyneton with an indulgent meal at Fook Shing. Named after a Chinese detective posted to the goldfields during the gold rush and believed to have stayed onsite, each dish at this vibrant Southeast Asian inspired restaurant and bar is designed to be shared. Executive Chef Danielle Rensonnet brings a menu full of flavour inspired by traditional dishes from across Southeast Asia using local and regional Victorian produce.

Open for Dinner: Thurs-Sat, 6pm-10pm; Lunch: Fri-Sun, 12pm-4pm.