Here’s a look at the ideal two-day stay in Kyneton & Malmsbury.
Once a resting place for miners during the gold rush, Kyneton is nowadays an arts and culinary hotspot. Lined with bluestone buildings, historic Piper Street is home to lauded restaurants, an award-winning gin distillery and a number of cool cocktail bars, along with antique stores, art galleries and boutiques and artisan’s workshops.
Nearby, Malmsbury is a charming hamlet, featuring stunning botanic gardens and the largest masonry bridge in Victoria. Further travel around this area will bring you to wineries, farm gates, or the opportunity to appreciate the strong connection to the land of the original inhabitants, the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung people.
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’.[/caption]
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.
After getting your arts fix, make you 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 you 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.
Enjoy lunch at this classic corner pub in the heart of Kyneton. Tastefully refurbished by new owners, 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.
No visit to Kyneton is complete without a visit to the historic and charming Piper Street. Enjoy a spot of shopping at Camilla on Piper and The Woolshed Australia, or pick up some local art at the Stockroom. Combine your shopping at Kabinett with a cocktail or a cheeky negroni at Botanik (both located within the same space), before wandering across the road to the cosy and welcoming Miss M’s Lounge. Here, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into owners, Mike & Heather Allen’s, own home as you enjoy the delicious Spanish style tapas menu, paired with a finely crafted cocktail.
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Be transported from Spain to Asia as you stroll further down Piper Street to 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.
Finish your day with a night cap at Animus Distillery Door & Cocktail Lounge. Relax on the comfy Chesterfields as you choose from the ever-evolving list of seasonal cocktails. You’ll also find plenty of local wine and craft brews to choose from, including their own award-winning gins. To end the night on a sweet high, try the Animus Gin Chocolate paired with a fine liqueur.
Kyneton has plenty of accommodation to choose from, ranging from cosy bed and breakfasts and historic homes, to stylish country retreats. Set in the heart of the action on Piper Street, The Old Rectory is a National Trust listed bluestone house. Another historic beauty, built in 1890 is the three-bedroom Isabella at Kyneton. The Flop House manages a number of noteworthy properties in town, including Honeysuckle Barn, which is a luxurious barn set within a stunning garden. Mollisons is a cosy 9-room boutique hotel within walking distance of the main attractions, while the Central Highlands Motor Inn is a fantastic affordable option.
Start the day by stepping into the foodie haven that is Pierre Monsieur. After salivating at the delicious variety of French-inspired food offer, settle in for a breakfast that heroes 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.
Hit the road and head north to Malmsbury. This quiet, historic town features quaint shopfronts and heritage bluestone buildings. Take some time to peruse the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, one of Victoria’s oldest botanical gardens, the popular picnic spot is especially evocative during autumn when its trees turn shades of gold, amber and red. Nearby, the highly photogenic Malmsbury Viaduct is an impressive feat of nineteenth-century engineering. With five arched spans reaching 152 metres, this incredible man-made creation has been featured in many local and international film and television productions, and is a popular backdrop for wedding photos.
After a morning spent exploring, pop into The Stables in Malmsbury for some Mediterranean inspired fare. Choose from a tasty selection of share plates or tuck into some delicious wood-fired pizza as you enjoy the views back towards the Botanic Gardens.
Madeleine is the PR manager at Daylesford Macedon Tourism and the editor of Daylesford Macedon Life magazine. A Woodend local, she loves getting out and about meeting with tourism operators and helping to spread the word about the many amazing things to do in the region. On the weekends, Madeleine can be found exploring the region with her three young kids in tow.
