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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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)