Visit the Macedon Ranges

We are very proud to announce the opening of Campaspe Mill Gallery in Kyneton, Macedon Ranges, and featuring Australian artist Daniel Butterworth. Our inaugural exhibition is free to attend, and opens on 4 July 2026, featuring the nationally renowned Macedon Ranges artist Daniel Butterworth, and his new series of paintings titled “Landscape by the Painter” This new series of landscape paintings by Daniel Butterworth has to be seen to be believed; they are simply incredible. The exhibition is scheduled to be on show for three months and will occupy the entire area of level three of the iconic Campaspe Mill, Kyneton, which also houses Campaspe Mill Distillery, the museum and the bistro. Daniel will also be our artist in residence during this time, and exhibited works are available for purchase. The exhibition hours coincide with Campaspe Mill Distillery's usual trading hours: Thursday through to Monday, 12pm to 5pm. Free entry.

On Thursday 17 September, 5:00–9:00 PM, come into Kyneton after dark and experience Piper Street at its best.

Expect an evening of late-night shopping, live music, seasonal cocktails, local wines and cosy treats, with participating Piper Street businesses opening their doors and offering something special for the night.

Pick up a Piper Street Passport at Love Spell, explore the shops, collect signtures, unlock rewards and be in the running to win some incredible prizes along the way.

Gather your friends, make a night of it and enjoy a little warmth & wonder in the heart of Kyneton.

Thursday 17 September 2026, 5:00–9:00 PM
Piper Street, Kyneton

Come after dark. Stay for the magic.

THE NATIONAL INSECT EXPO takes place at Woodend in the Macedon Ranges, and is recognised as Australia's largest insect exhibition showcasing the entire Science of Entomology (Insects) to the general public. The first National Insect Expo was held in July 2022 and over 6000 visitors attended the first event with many travelling from interstate in order to experience this unique event for the first time. The 2023 Expo was again held at the Woodend Buffalo Stadium in September that year and attracted more than 7000 visitors with quite a few arriving from overseas including Madrid, Hong Kong and Berlin. These international visitors were keen to network with Australian breeders and suppliers in order to fascilitate business opportunities at the event. 2025 was a fantastic event with a venue full of exhibitors on show to the public over the 3 days. This event attracted even more international visitors from Singapore and the United States. Now in its fifth year, and to be held on Friday 2 October to Sunday 4 October 2026, this spectacular exhibition will continue to provide visitors with a unique and fascinating look into the world of insects and their relatives. Featuring Entomologists, Insect Researchers, Breeders, Spider and Scorpion Keepers, Insect Educators and Specialist Insect Retailers, this amazing event also brings together a large number of static Entomological Collections, 'Live' Insect displays, Spiders, Scorpions and Related Invertebrates, Childrens Workshops, Entomological Merchandise and the ongoing research work of the National Institute of Entomology Over 100 exhibitors from all over Australia and New Zealand will once more provide spectacular displays, many of which are never seen by the public. Featured Insect Pantomime Entertainment is also provided in order to meet and greet all visitors and Quality Food Catering is also available On-Site during the entire 3 day event. Ticketing - see the Book Tickets link

370 Mount Macedon Road, Macedon VIC 10am to 4pm each day 3 & 4October 2026  

Pick your own peonies from the five-acre peony paddock in the Macedon Ranges. It really is a paddock. Bring a picnic and sit in the paddock on Little Church grounds.  Be ready for a hike along the bumpy bush track (3 km return) feed the horses and say hello to the calves. We really are a farm. Peony Paddock Open Days 2026: Tickets will go on sale once the flowers start to bloom. Approximate Dates for 2026:- Dates/times can still change until ticket sales day. 10 day duration – Between 5th November – 5th December 2026 Stay connected by following us on Facebook and Instagram, or check our website for updates. Weekdays: $50 pp (view and pick 15 stems from the paddock), or Weekends: $65 pp Weekdays: $14 pp (view flowers in paddock), $20 pp on weekends $5 pp 16 years and under (1 year and under free) All days are ticketed. Everyone must have a pre-purchased ticket.

Budburst Wine Festival Spring arrives with the unmistakable excitement of Budburst, when wineries across the Macedon Ranges throw open their cellar doors for one of Victoria's most anticipated wine weekends. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026, Budburst is your invitation to discover the people, places and cool-climate wines that have earned the Macedon Ranges an international reputation. Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, Budburst is a chance to slow down, meet the winemakers, explore vineyards bursting into spring and discover why the Macedon Ranges is renowned as Australia's coolest mainland wine region. Budburst is back for another fabulous weekend in the Macedon Ranges. Taking place Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026. This is your once-a-year opportunity to go beyond the cellar door, sip rare wines you won’t find anywhere else, and meet the passionate people who craft some of Australia’s most exciting cool-climate wines. Over two festival days, more than 26 winemakers across 15 Budburst venues, will open their doors, to offer wine tastings, varied food and entertainment offerings, while sharing their stories. From established icons to hidden gems, Budburst is all about connection - between the makers, the wines, and you. Just under an hour from Melbourne, Budburst is a must for wine enthusiasts, culture seekers, and weekend wanderers Victoria-wide and beyond. Embrace the opportunity to lose yourself in the wine, the produce, and the magic of Macedon Ranges.  Festival hours run from 10am to 5pm each day, with tastings, curated food menus, and the chance to chat directly with the winemakers at every stop. TICKETS Festival Passes start from $39 and weekend passes only $55! On sale from 1st August (early bird 10% saving on tickets, until 31st August). Tickets include:

• A keepsake Macedon Ranges wine tasting glass
• A festival passport with all the details you need to make the most of your weekend
• Wine tastings across all participating wineries

Designated drivers and children under 18 are invited to join the festival for free. TRANSPORT OPTIONS Leave the driving to someone else and jump on one of the hop-on/hop-off Budburst bus routes. On Saturday Budburst buses will take ticket holders directly to cellar doors around the Macedon Ranges, allowing you to visit up to 5 Budburst venues, with 6+ wineries on each loop. Bus tickets are an additional $70 per day, on top of your Budburst ticket fee.  More information available on the Budburst website. If you prefer to plan your own adventure, a number of suggested self-drive itineraries will be available on the festival website. What makes Budburst special? Unlike many wine festivals held in a single location, Budburst takes place across the Macedon Ranges, with participating wineries opening their cellar doors for a weekend of wine, food and hospitality. Every winery creates its own unique experience. You might find yourself enjoying a guided tasting with the winemaker, settling in for lunch overlooking the vines, discovering a local artist's exhibition, listening to live music or sampling a festival-exclusive wine release. No two stops are the same, making every Budburst itinerary a little different. The festival is the perfect opportunity to explore the diversity of the region's cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gamay and sparkling wines, while meeting the passionate local producers behind every bottle. What's included with a Budburst ticket? Festival passes include wine tastings at participating wineries, a wine glass and a Budburst passport to help plan your journey across the region. Single-day and weekend passes are available, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Some wineries also offer additional food experiences, masterclasses and special events, which may require separate bookings. As Budburst is one of the Macedon Ranges' most popular annual events, purchasing tickets before the weekend is recommended. How do the Hop-on Hop-off buses work? One of the easiest ways to experience Budburst is aboard the popular Hop-on Hop-off Bus service. Operating throughout the festival weekend, the buses connect groups of participating wineries, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day without needing to drive between venues. Simply choose your route, hop on and off throughout the day, and spend as much time as you like at each stop before catching the next bus. Bus tickets are purchased separately from festival passes, and services often sell out ahead of the event, so booking early is encouraged. If you're travelling by car, designated drivers are welcome, with free entry for non-drinking drivers and visitors under 18. Is Budburst suitable for first-time visitors? Absolutely. You don't need to know the difference between Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to enjoy Budburst. The weekend is designed to be welcoming, relaxed and accessible, whether you're a seasoned wine lover or simply looking for a memorable spring day out. Many visitors are surprised by how intimate the experience feels. Rather than large crowds, you'll find friendly cellar doors where you can chat directly with the people who grow the grapes and make the wine, often in the very vineyards where it all begins. Can I make a weekend of it? Budburst is the perfect excuse to stay a little longer. Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges offers boutique accommodation, award-winning restaurants, village shopping, beautiful gardens, walking trails and spectacular spring scenery. Many visitors spend the weekend exploring nearby villages including Woodend, Kyneton, Macedon, Gisborne, Lancefield and Romsey between winery visits. With so much to see beyond the cellar doors, staying overnight allows you to experience the region at a more leisurely pace. Plan your visit Many participating wineries have limited capacity, and some offer experiences available only during Budburst weekend. Planning your route in advance will help you make the most of your visit, particularly if you're travelling with friends or booking a Hop-on Hop-off Bus. Whether you're discovering the Macedon Ranges for the first time or returning for another vintage, Budburst is one of the best weekends of the year to experience the region—meeting the makers, tasting exceptional cool-climate wines and enjoying the beauty of spring in wine country. ABOUT MACEDON RANGES WINE The Macedon Ranges wine region is less than an hour by car or train from Melbourne’s CBD. Popular wines include refined Chardonnays and award-winning Pinot Noirs as well as elegant sparkling varietals. Many wineries are boutique and family-owned, creating signature wines using traditional techniques. As a result, the region is appreciated for cool-climate wines that are limited in quantity and exceptionally high in quality.

Kyneton Agricultural Show 2026 20–21 November 2026 | Kyneton Showgrounds Saddle up for one of country Victoria's great traditions when the Kyneton Agricultural Show returns to the Macedon Ranges for its 164th year. From prize-winning animals and country skills to carnival rides, family activities, live entertainment and Friday-night fireworks, the Kyneton Show is a celebration of agriculture, community and country life – with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Held at the Kyneton Showgrounds, this much-loved annual event has been bringing people together since 1858. More than 160 years later, the traditions remain, alongside a growing program of hands-on activities, entertainment and experiences for a new generation of showgoers. A country show with something for everyone Get up close to the animals, watch skilled competitors in action and discover the craftsmanship and creativity showcased throughout the Show's pavilions. The 2026 program includes horses, sheep and wool, alpacas, poultry, dogs, woodchopping, the Farm Shed and impressive Pavilion displays, offering a glimpse into the skills, produce and traditions that have shaped life in regional Victoria. For those keen to learn more about rural living, the Life on the Land precinct continues to grow, while younger visitors can get hands-on with activities including the popular Country Parkour and Woodworking Tent. And, of course, no country show would be complete without rides, food, stalls and plenty of old-fashioned fun. Friday night fireworks Start the weekend with Carnival Night on Friday, when the Showgrounds come alive after dark. The 2026 Friday-night program features music, thrill rides, a spectacular stunt motorbike show, and the much-loved fireworks display. It's a great option for families looking for something different to do on a spring evening in the Macedon Ranges. Saturday is Family Day Come along from 9am Saturday for a full day of country show favourites. Explore the animal displays, watch competitions and demonstrations, browse the pavilions, discover local skills and crafts, and let the kids loose on the family activities and rides. With plenty happening throughout the Showgrounds, allow yourself time to wander – you never know what you'll discover around the next corner. A Kyneton tradition since 1858 The first Kyneton Agricultural Show was held in November 1858, making it one of the oldest surviving country shows in Victoria. The Show has been held at its current Mollison Street location since 1920, and generations of volunteers have continued to bring the event to life each year. Today, the Kyneton Agricultural Show remains a much-loved celebration of agriculture and rural life, while welcoming visitors from across the Macedon Ranges and beyond. In 2025, the Show was named Community Event of the Year at the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Community Awards – recognition of the volunteers, exhibitors, community groups and supporters who make this annual event possible. Make a weekend of it in Kyneton The Kyneton Show is a great excuse to spend a little longer in town. After exploring the Showgrounds, wander Kyneton's historic streets, discover the shops and galleries along Piper Street, enjoy a meal at one of the town's restaurants or pubs, or explore the surrounding Macedon Ranges. With spring in full swing, it's also a beautiful time to get out and explore the region's gardens, wineries, farm gates and country landscapes. When is the Kyneton Agricultural Show? The 2026 Kyneton Agricultural Show will be held on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November 2026 at the Kyneton Showgrounds. Friday night runs from 5.30pm to 10pm, while Saturday's Family Day runs from 9am to 4pm. Where is the Kyneton Show held? The Kyneton Agricultural Show is held at the Kyneton Showgrounds, 184–194 Mollison Street, Kyneton. How much does the Kyneton Agricultural Show cost? SIngle day tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for pensioners and concession holders, and $10 for children aged 2–17 years, with children under two admitted free. A single day family pass for two adults and up to four children is $55, or $90 for a two-day family pass. Booking fees apply to online tickets and are added on to the ticket prices shown. What can you see at the Kyneton Show? The 2026 Show features a mix of traditional agricultural competitions, animals, country skills, entertainment and family activities, including horses, sheep and wool, alpacas, poultry, dogs, woodchopping, the Farm Shed and Pavilion displays. There is also a growing Life on the Land precinct, Country Parkour, the Woodworking Tent, rides, food and entertainment. What happens on Friday night? Friday is Carnival Night, with music, thrill rides, a stunt motorbike show and fireworks. The Friday program runs from 5.30pm to 10pm. Is the Kyneton Show suitable for families? Absolutely. Saturday is the Show's main Family Day, with animals, rides, hands-on activities, country skills, demonstrations and plenty of entertainment for children and adults. How do I get to the Kyneton Agricultural Show? Kyneton is approximately 85km northwest of Melbourne and is accessible by car and V/Line train. The Kyneton Showgrounds are on Mollison Street, a short distance from the town centre. Where can I stay? Turn your visit to the Kyneton Show into a Macedon Ranges weekend, with accommodation ranging from boutique hotels and historic properties in Kyneton to country cottages, farm stays and retreats throughout the region. Kyneton Agricultural Show 2026 Friday 20 – Saturday 21 November 2026 Kyneton Showgrounds, Kyneton Program details and ticket information are subject to change. Check the Kyneton Agricultural Society website for the latest information before attending.