Go to www.visitmacedonranges.com for a full range of itineraries.
A luxury weekend away for lovers of fine food, wine, gin, art and beautiful gardens. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or get-together with friends, it will be an autumn weekend to remember.
A luxury weekend away for lovers of fine food, wine, gin, art and beautiful gardens. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or get-together with friends, it will be an autumn weekend to remember.
Start your weekend away with a visit to beautiful Hanging Rock Winery. With stunning views to Hanging Rock, this gorgeous vineyard is the perfect place to enjoy a cool climate wine and local cheese plate.
Wander the vineyard and marvel at the extraordinary sculptures by 25 local and national artists, many of them highly acclaimed in their field.
From the winery, head towards the historic village of Kyneton and the heart of its retail, gallery and cafe precinct.
Discover wonderful galleries dotted along Piper Street and Mollison Street. Start with the Old Auction House Gallery on Mollison Street (towards the train station), then make your way to Piper Street’s delights including Lauriston Press Gallery and Art on Piper.
When you’re ready to put your feet up, beeline for Oaks Grill for a delicious lunch overlooking the autumn leaves of St Pauls Park.
The afternoon is a good time to check into your luxury accommodation for a kitty cat nap before exploring further.
In the late afternoon, enjoy ‘magic hour’ on a relaxing walk along the Campaspe River. Beginning in the Kyneton Botanic Gardens, stroll under the autumn leaves of old oaks, elms and poplars and soak up the beautiful light that reflects off the water.
If you are a lover of gin, begin the evening with a cocktail at Animus Distillery. Their award-winning artisan gins are sublime.
For an evening of fine gourmet delights, consider award-winning french bistro, Midnight Starling. Or for a night to remember, treat yourself to delectable tapas-style dishes at Miss M’s Lounge. Fook Shing is also a local’s favourite for modern Asian-fusion taste sensation and fab cocktails.
Advance bookings at Kyneton restaurants are strongly recommended.
After your meal, a nightcap at Botanik on the top floor of the historic Royal George Hotel, or in the fabulous Piper Street Wine Co. is a must.
After a lazy breakfast at one of the many wonderful cafes in town (or a relaxing massage at Maiaveda), create a delish picnic hamper from Piper Street Food Co. and head to the hills.
Bringalbit is a historic property nestled in a gentle fold of landscape in the rolling granite hills of Sidonia, a picturesque drive not far from Kyneton.
This secluded 4-hectare garden has its roots literally in the 19th century. The rich heritage of mature conifers and oaks in an English park-like setting, complete with an ornamental lake, forms a tranquil backdrop for the more recent and colourful plantings carefully carried out to scale.
A 60 metre Quince Walk puts on a beautiful display in autumn, while 19th century conifers, willow and poplar thickets, Monterey pines and Osage trees add to the historic nature of this garden. Peacocks and guinea fowl happily roam the gardens around the homestead.
Bringalbit is a unique part of Australia’s rural history and a beautiful garden for a stroll and picnic.
If heading in the direction of Melbourne, squeeze in a couple of cellar door visits to Hunter-Gatherer Vintners and Cobaw Ridge. The drive through Pipers Creek and Pastoria is beautiful, as are the wines.
You can then continue your journey through the charming pastoral village of Lancefield, stopping in at the Lancefield Community Art Gallery, which exhibits a wonderful variety of art by talented local artisans.
From Lancefield, meander your way back via Romsey, Riddells Creek and Gisborne, before arriving onto the Calder Highway.
If returning in the direction of Bendigo, pay a visit to Zig Zag Wines where you can cosy up in front of the fire and taste wine from one of the oldest vineyards in the Macedon Ranges.
