Hit the road and discover the quintessential country town of Kyneton. This historic beauty was built on the wealth of the 1850’s Victorian gold rush and has continued to prosper ever since. Just over an hour from Melbourne, Kyneton is perfectly situated for a weekend getaway or a mid-week escape. The region is known for its quality produce, outstanding wine makers and small food growers. This quality produce is featured on local menus and in local food stores. Kyneton is a fantastic foodie escape with accompanied by interesting things to see and do. Take some time out and escape to the country.
PLACES TO VISIT
Kyneton Museum
Gain an understanding of the town’s history at the local museum housed in the historic bluestone bank building. The museum is open Friday to Sunday 11am–4pm.
Kyneton Museum, 67 Piper Street, Kyneton
Historic Piper Street
Treat yourself to some retail therapy in Piper Street. Shop yourself silly in the clothing boutiques, makers collectives, second-hand bookshops, antique and produce stores.
Piper Street, Kyneton
Kyneton Farmers Market
On the second Saturday of each month from 8am to 1pm Kyneton Farmers Market takes place. Set among the tall shady trees of St Pauls Park stalls are laden with homegrown vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit and more. Stock up on produce for your pantry or picnic basket.
Kyneton Farmers Market, St Pauls Park, Piper Street, Kyneton
Kyneton Botanic Gardens
Established in 1858 the gardens are a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic or a stroll in the park. The expansive gardens are home to numerous historic trees some of which are registered by the National Trust.
Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Mollison Street , Kyneton (next to the Train Station)
PLACES TO EAT
There are so many options in Kyneton and the offering is ever changing.
The Parkland
Situated on St Pauls Park, The Parkland is open nightly for dinner and lunch Friday – Sunday. The spacious deck is perfect for afternoon drinks – maybe a local glass of wine, accompanied by the delicious range of tasting boards. Inside attentive service and a succinct menu make for a relaxed dining experience. Reservations are recommended.
The Parkland, 37c Piper Street, Kyneton
Animus Distillery
At the bottom end of Piper Street this light filled lounge bar is a great place to sample some of the boutique gins made on the premises. There are 3 ways to sample the gins – a guided tasting, a flight accompanied by small tasting plate or choose from a series of well paired gin and tonics. There is also an extensive classic cocktail list in addition to a range of predominantly local beers and wines. Small snacks are also available.
Animus Distillery, 1/89A Piper Street, Kyneton
The Town Roaster
This café is light and airy with comfortable lounge chairs and cushioned banquettes along the large windows. The menu is keto inspired and the cabinet is full of treats that look dangerously decadent but are actually good for you. The kitchen is lectin free which means no sugar, hydrogenated oils, gluten or peanuts.
The Town Roaster, 8 Market Street, Kyneton
PLACES TO STAY
Treat yourself and stay at Isabella at Kyneton an award-winning bed and breakfast located within walking distance to the town’s attractions. An 1890’s cottage which sleeps up to 6 people and is fully fitted out with everything you need.
The breakfast provisions are plentiful and included in the rate. Enjoy fresh locally baked bread, bacon and eggs, DIY pancakes, muesli, cereal, yoghurt and fruit. The kitchen is well equipped including dishwasher, microwave, coffee plunger and even extra wine available for purchase if you happen to run out.
Professional and attentive host Dianne, sends through a comprehensive visitor information pack prior to arrival and there is an in-house iPad with all the local restaurants preloaded so you can see their menus. It also has links to other local attractions. Free Wi-Fi is available.
The lush back garden is perfect for relaxing complete with an outdoor setting, umbrella and BBQ. Grab some local produce and a bootle of wine (or gin) and enjoy afternoon drinks.
Isabella at Kyneton, 10 Bowen Street, Kyneton
Getting to Kyneton
To get to Kyneton drive north west on the Calder Freeway approximately 90km from the Melbourne CBD. If you are visiting from the north of Victoria, follow the signs to Bendigo and pick up the Calder Freeway heading south.
The town is also accessible by train using the V/Line service. The journey takes approximately an hour from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. There are multiple departures daily. Train services are also available from other regional train stations across the state. Conveniently, your train ticket is valid on the local bus that connects the station to the town centre or it is a short 15-minute walk to the town centre.
Have you visited Kyneton? Tell us about your visit in the comments below or share with us on social media @possandruby
If you are looking for other destinations for a road trip see some of our favourites here
