A 3-day itinerary for a cosy escape in Kyneton

Roxanne AndrewsBy Roxanne Andrews
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Kyneton tops the list of underrated regional Victorian destinations; follow our three-day itinerary to unearth her hidden gems for yourself.

Tucked away in a historic area known for its former gold rush glory days, Kyneton is a tiny town that is big on architecture, outdoor pursuits, cosy accommodation, natural attractions, retro pubs, and delicious eateries. Here’s a three-day itinerary for the small but mighty town.

Day one in Kyneton: a cafe, winery stop and retro motel

Whether you arrive in the morning or at lunch, a meal at Little Swallow Cafe is a must. Country cafes don’t come any cuter than this! Located on heritage-listed Piper Street, it features an innovative menu based around the region’s seasonal produce. With blooming floral arrangements adorning the sidewalk tables, kitsch knitted blanket throws on rustic wooden chairs and a lovely courtyard setting, dining here is an all-around pleasurable affair.

Three glasses of red wine
Make sure a wine tasting at Kyneton Ridge Estate is at the top of your itinerary.

Leave room for a wine tasting; no trip to Kyneton is complete without a stop at the beautiful Kyneton Ridge Estate. Settle in to sample the array of outstanding wines, admire emerging artists exhibiting in the dedicated art space and unwind in the sunshine to the sweet sounds of native birdsong.

the property exterior of Kyneton Springs Motel
Check into the old-fashioned but chic Kyneton Springs Motel.

In true Australian road trip fashion, spend the night at a retro motel. The cosy rooms at Kyneton Springs Motel  are designed to embody the charms of yesteryear blended seamlessly with the modern comforts we’ve come to expect. Bonus points for the great food on-site at Cathie’s Kiosk.

Inside the Kyneton Springs Hotel
The vibrant rooms at Kyneton Springs Hotel are lush and welcoming.

Day two in Kyneton: Trentham Falls and a multi-award-winning guesthouse

Awake refreshed and either order a deluxe breakfast tray direct to your door at the Kyneton Springs Motel or pick up some takeaway treats from any of the fab cafes along Piper Street. Now you’re ready to explore the natural beauty of nearby Trentham Falls. It’s only a 20-minute drive from downtown Kyneton and it is one of Victoria’s longest single-drop waterfalls! Towering 32 metres high, the water heaves over impressive basalt rock structures.

Trentham Falls flowing over a cliff
Trentham Falls is Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall.

Upon arrival (it’s just a short, easy walk from the car park to the viewing platform) you can straight-up expect a breathtaking experience. Watching the rapid force of natural hydropower in action is phenomenal. It is one of many waterfalls around Daylesford that are worth a visit.

If you’re feeling tired from your outdoor adventure, slow it down and check into Isabella at Kyneton , a multi-award-winning guesthouse with stacks of positive guest reviews – all attesting to how much they loved their stay.

Isabella at Kyneton,bedroom
Stay at the multi-award-winning guesthouse Isabella at Kyneton for a charming retreat.

Built in the gold rush era, this popular 1860s home has effectively retained its original charm while embracing all the comforts of modern living. The three-bedroom property sleeps up to six guests, the nightly tariff includes a deluxe breakfast, and if you book direct, you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of wine and a gourmet platter on arrival. It’s also within easy walking distance to all of Kyneton’s best restaurants and cafes.

Isabella at Kyneton room decor
You’ll find the charm of this quaint escape is in the details.

Day three in Kyneton: markets, golf and a historic Aussie pub

Greet the day with a strong cup of coffee and a nourishing breakfast at one of the quaint cafes on Piper Street. Tip: Duck Duck Goose and Larder  are popular with locals and visitors alike. Or, depending on what days you are here, a morning trip to the Kyneton Farmers Market should be on your to-do list. Stock up on local produce before heading home. The same goes for hunting antique treasures down the main street, where you’re bound to find a special Kyneton keepsake to pop on your mantlepiece.

the bustling Kyneton Farmers Market during the day
Spend your mornings browsing through the stalls at Kyneton Farmers Market.

After fuelling up why not hit the local greens? Golf is a great game, no matter your age or whether you’re an expert or a beginner and here at Kyneton, all abilities are welcome to play. Fact: this 18-hole regional golf course was designed by renowned course architect Vern Morcom.

Do not leave town without swinging by the historic Kyneton Hotel for an excellent pub lunch feed and/or a cold beer in the front bar setting. This quintessential Aussie pub has a strong sense of community without pretence – much like the whole town really.

The facade of Kyneton Hotel Victoria
Head to Kyneton Hotel for the quintessential Aussie pub experience.

If you want to stay longer in Kyneton and have a group of friends or family who adore staying in grand buildings, look no further than the Kyneton Old Rectory.  This is by far one of the best luxury accommodation options in Kyneton within walking distance of everything. The Old Rectory building with its mix of late Georgian and Victorian colonial architectural features is listed by the National Trust of Victoria and its beautifully manicured gardens are an attraction unto themself. Guests must book the whole place and it sleeps a maximum of six adult guests in three bedrooms.

Explore more of Daylesford and Macedon Ranges in our travel guide.
Roxanne Andrews
Roxanne Andrews is a freelance travel writer and editor based in Yamba, Australia. Topics of expertise include; sports tourism, luxury travel, arts & culture, cuisine & dining, wellness, the adventure sector and all things marine. A professional scribe who occasionally goes gonzo to capture the moment.
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How a $1 deal saved Bendigo’s historic tramways

    Megan ArkinstallBy Megan Arkinstall
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    The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

    It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

    inside the historic Bendigo Tram
    Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

    The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

    a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957
    A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

    A new chapter for the city’s fleet

    the old Tramways Depot and Workshop
    The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

    a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram
    The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

    Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

    During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

    the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo
    Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

    Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.