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Malmsbury

A small village with a vast history

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Visit Malmsbury

Malmsbury is one of the few bluestone historic villages in the Macedon Ranges. It’s a small, ‘sleepy’ town with a big heart, charismatic country cottages and beautiful vistas.

What to do in Malmsbury

Along the main street of town are vintage, antique and curiosity shops and an absolutely cracking family-owned Malmsbury Bakery.

Drop into the bakery for a vanilla slice and grab a map for the Malmsbury Historical Society’s self-guided walking tour. It takes you along old bluestone gutters unique to the region, past the town’s churches and to the show-stopping historic bluestone viaduct.

Many visitors time their trip around the fantastic monthly farmers markets held along the main street of town. This authentic market has a wonderfully laid-back vibe and its delicious produce offerings provide the perfect excuse for a picnic in the botanic gardens.

See What’s On for farmers market dates.

Malmsbury Botanic Gardens

The viaduct provides a stunning backdrop for picnics and peaceful walks in the beautiful Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, which reflects the beauty of the changing seasons. You’ll also be welcomed by resident geese that live in the gardens. They are quite tame and love to waddle around the lake and sleep under the willow trees.

Ducks at malmsbury park in autumn

Malmsbury Common

Opposite the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens is ‘The Common’; a nature reserve with an emphasis on native flora and fauna. Platypus are known to live in the river and it’s the perfect spot for bird watching.

Malmsbury Reservoir walk

This ‘locals’ walk to Malmsbury Reservoir Reserve Park takes around 20 to 30 minutes and starts from an unsealed track just off the main road. Head out of town past the Botanic Gardens and cross the bridge over the Coliban River. You’ll see a path leading off the left hand side, before the Birthday Villa vineyard.

The track follows the river, goes under the viaduct and then up to the reservoir. The park has picnic tables, plenty of space for games and barbecues. You can also cross the reservoir opening and walk along the top of the reservoir wall (there’s a proper track) for spectacular views.

Family Picnic at Malmsbury Botanic Gardens

Malmsbury cellar doors

The quiet roads surrounding Malmsbury are perfect for Sunday drives, serving up rolling farmscapes and old drystone fences that speak to the rich history of the area. There’s also fantastic local (family friendly) cellar doors worth a visit, including Zig Zag Winery and Birthday Villa.

Woman tasting wine at Zig Zag Winery near Malmsbury

Where to eat and drink in Malmsbury

Feast on pastry treats from the famous Malmsbury bakery or savour wood-fired pizza, Mediterranean food and wine at The Stables, overlooking the Botanic Gardens. The local Malmsbury Pub is a favourite among the locals when you’re after typical pub fare. And the Provincial Table next door to the bakery has a cosy wood-fire to enjoy brunch in winter and a leafy, historic courtyard perfect for summer.

Local events in Malmsbury

In November the Malmsbury community comes alive with the Malmsbury Village Fayre – a day of fun, food and live music held around the lake in the lush botanic gardens. The Fayre is a truly unique event with something for all; food trucks, local produce and wine, live music and craft stalls, as well as free kids entertainment including jumping castle, face painting and medieval re-entactments.

You can also participate in a highly popular annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Botanic Gardens or pick up a bargain at a true country-style flea market held throughout the year at the Malmsbury Town Hall.

Keep an eye on our What’s On page for upcoming events in Malmsbury.

Places to stay in Malmsbury

There are a number of places to stay in Malmsbury including Pemberley of Malmsbury, Malmsbury Barn House Bed & Breakfast, The Barn Owl, and Malmsbury Botanical Guestrooms. Many of these offer local picnic experiences for pre-order in secret local locations.

How to get to Malmsbury

The village of Malmsbury is approximately 70 minutes’ drive from Melbourne and less than ten minutes northwest from Kyneton. It’s also accessible by V-Line train and takes around seven minutes to walk from the historic bluestone station into town.