Trentham is one happening little hamlet.
Nestled on the edge of the Wombat State Forest, this charming town with its gold rush era streetscape is home to boutique stores, welcoming country pubs, art galleries, top-notch food and wine experiences, plus much more. A day or two is easily spent enjoying everything that Trentham has to offer.
Start your day with a visit to the historic RedBeard Bakery, famous for their authentic sourdough and other baked delights made in their wood-fired Scotch oven, which dates back to 1891. Grab a coffee and a pastry for an energy boost before exploring some of the woodland trails and natural wonders of the local area.
Open Fri-Mon 8.30am-3.30pm.
The Domino Rail Trail is one of the most popular walks in the region. Starting at the heritage-listed Trentham Railway Station (no longer in use), the Domino Rail Trail, is an easy 12km return walk (approx. 3 hours) following the old railway line between Trentham and Lyonville, through the Wombat State Forest. It is a smooth and wide, all-weather trail suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and dog walkers (dogs must be kept on leash).
No visit to Trentham is complete without checking out Trentham Falls. Recognised as one of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, here you can witness the waters cascading some 32 metres over dramatic basalt columns. There is no access to the top or base of the falls due to unstable cliffs, however, visitors can still enjoy amazing views of the waterfall from the viewing platforms located a short walk from the car park.
Back in town, head to newest kid on the block, Still Moon House for a glass of local wine. Doubling as both a cellar door and tapas bar, enjoy a tasting of Still Moon wine, paired with a tasty dish from the seasonal menu, which rotates weekly depending on what’s in season. Or time your visit right to enjoy their monthly high tea experience. Open Fri-Sat 12-9pm and Sun 12-6pm.
After lunch, indulge in some retail therapy perusing one of Trentham’s many boutique stores.
Peruse the carefully considered wardrobe staples at Frankie & Mae, where the focus is on slow fashion and natural fibres. Treat yourself to a high-quality timeless piece to elevate your everyday wardrobe.
Open Friday-Monday 10am-5pm and Tuesday-Thursday 10am-3pm
Pick up some tasty local treats from Trentham Food and Wine Company. Every item available here is carefully curated to reflect the rich agricultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship of the surrounding region. Whether you are after a crisp apple cider, a robust red wine, or a fresh farm-to-table dish, you can taste the dedication and passion that goes into every product.
Open 7-days a week, from 10am-7pm.
For a one-of-a-kind item, pop into The House of Marcelle and Mr.John, where you’ll find a hand-selected range of bespoke luxury items such as home decor, fragrances, art and antiques. With its eclectic array of products, you are sure to find something that takes your fancy.
Open 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday.
If you are after a little ‘me’ time, The Green Store, has you covered. Choose from a range of body and beauty treatments, along with myotherapy or remedial and therapeutic massage. Before leaving, discover their range of natural, organic and ethically-sourced products, ranging from sustainable lifestyle goods to homewares.
Open daily 10am-3pm.
Take home a memento of your visit with a piece of local art from Little Gallery, which showcases both established and emerging local artists. Run by artists Helen Cottle, Rose Wilson, Llael McDonald, Ri Van Veen, Larissa Gray and Kim Haughie, the gallery exhibits their own work but also invites guest residencies from other regional artists in a variety of artistic mediums.
Open Friday to Monday 10am-4pm.
Trentham is a magnet for foodies, but if you want to hone your own cooking skills, head to Tony Tan’s Cooking School. Join Tony in his home as he shares his love of Asian cuisine with classes ranging from noodle making, to cooking extraordinary dishes like dumplings with local truffles and boned eight treasure duck
After a day full of exploring, unwind at one of Trentham’s many pubs or restaurants. You’ll be spoilt for choice with three traditional country pubs to choose from, as well as fine dining options.
The iconic Cosmopolitan Hotel (the Cosmo) is famous for its seasonal dishes, wood-fired pizza and beautiful beer garden, which is surrounded by century-old elms. It is a much-loved gathering place for both locals and visitors.
Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.
Hotel Trentham (formerly The Plough), is another welcoming country pub. Open seven-days a week for lunch and dinner, they offer a menu of hearty pub classics. For music lovers, head to their beer gardens on Sunday afternoons for live music.
Open daily 11am – 9pm (Sun – Thurs); 11am-11pm (Fri & Sat).
A five-minute drive from town is the Pig and Whistle. This classic, ivy-wrapped country pub stands in the pastures of rural Trentham East. A cherished icon of the local area, here you will find friendly service, tasty fare, an impressive beer garden and regular live music.
Open 11am – 10pm (Wed-Sun) and 5pm-8pm (Mon-Tues). The kitchen is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but there is a food van offering tasty treats.
Foodies from around Australia flock to Annie Smithers’ du Fermier. Enjoy French farmhouse-style cooking in this cosy and inviting restaurant in the heart of Trentham, where much of the produce from the seasonal menu is sourced from Annie’s own farm and kitchen garden.
du Fermier is open for lunch on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and for dinner on Saturday evening. Reservations are essential.
For those wishing to extend their stay, Trentham has plenty of gorgeous accommodation options to choose from. Stay within a micro flower farm at Acre of Roses, which is also home to an array of wellness experiences to help you relax and rejuvenate. Choose from the stylishly refurbished 1860s Miner’s Cottage or the The Potting Shed, a rustic studio-style space with a garden theme.