Kyneton

Character forged by the wealth of the gold rush

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Visit Kyneton

Kyneton has a character forged by the wealth of the gold rush and some of the finest bluestone buildings in the region. Today this thriving village is equal parts rural hub, creative hotspot and heritage honeypot, with vibrant retail streets and award-winning restaurants.

What to do in Kyneton

Kyneton offers a wide variety of things to see and do. And a picturesque town to simply do nothing. It’s the go-to destination for country getaways close to Melbourne, for people that love a spot of retail therapy, great food, wine and ferments, the outdoors and the arts.

Historic town walk

A relaxing way to explore Kyneton is via a self-guided Historic Town Walk. Pick up a Historic Kyneton Town Walks Map from the Kyneton Visitor Information Centre on High Street (open Friday to Sunday 10-4pm).

Campaspe River walk

The Campaspe River Walk is a popular spot for a gentle stroll or bike ride under the shade of old oak and poplar trees. Bring your canine pal on a lead for a lovely walk too.

Bushwalking at Black Hill Reserve

Situated only five minutes’ drive from town, Black Hill Reserve offers bushwalking and a variety of tracks depending on your fitness. It’s also home to ‘The Monolith’, one of the biggest granite features in Victoria.

Botanic Gardens and playground

The Kyneton Botanic Gardens date back to 1858 and is one of the access points to the Campaspe River walk. There’s also a wonderful kids Kyneton Community Park in the gardens with barbecue facilities.

Cellar door adventures

Kyneton is the gateway to off-the-beaten track wine tasting adventures and home to award-winning Animus Distillery, where you’re guaranteed an amazing gin cocktail.

The town even has its own Urban Wine Cellar Musk Lane Wine, if you don’t want to travel far (open on weekends).

Grab a Wine Tasting Map from the Visitor Information Centre on High Street or use the Twenty Five Doors app to design your own wine tasting itinerary.

The drive through stunning pastoral landscapes to reach nearby cellar doors such as Kyneton Ridge Estate, Hunter-Gatherer Vintners, and Granite Hills will make your wine tasting experience a real standout.

Shopping in Kyneton

Kyneton is a shopaholics paradise. Historic Piper Street is lined with fantastic new and vintage clothing boutiques, homewares and art galleries, milliners and garden nurseries.

You’ll also find wonderful gifts, books and art along Mollison and High Streets.

Vintage bike with daffodils in basket outside historic building on Piper Street Kyneton

Kyneton Art Galleries

Kyneton has more art galleries than any other village in the Macedon Ranges, including The Old Auction House Gallery, John Lloyd Gallery, Stockroom Gallery, The Golden Dog, Art on Piper and Lauriston Press Art Gallery.

Creative workshops

The town is fast becoming home to creative artisan, cooking and lost trades workshops, where you can learn everything from wooden spoon carving and old school sausage making to silversmithing and gin blending.

Visit our What’s On page for upcoming workshops.

Road cycling

Kyneton is a popular road biking destination, with frequent Race Days held by Melbourne-based cycling clubs.

Check out our Ride Guide for road biking loops from Kyneton to surrounding regions for a great day or weekend cycling getaway. The Macedon Ranges Cycling Club welcomes visitors to join them on social rides too.

Golfing and fishing

Kyneton boasts an 18 hole country golf course and exciting freshwater fishing opportunities.

Get a line wet at the Upper Coliban Reservoir, Lauriston Reservoir and Malmsbury Reservoir, well-stocked with Trout, Yellow Belly, Red Fin and Macquarie Perch. These reservoirs also allow canoes, kayaks and small portable craft with electric motors.

Where to eat and drink in Kyneton

You can easily spend days eating and drinking your way through Kyneton. You’ll experience everything from country pubs such as The Albion Hotel, to cool cocktail bars like Botanik @ The Royal George Hotel. Discover Chef Hat award-winning French bistro Midnight Starling or casual dining and wholesome food for the soul at Home Grown on Piper.

There are wine bars where you can taste Macedon Ranges wines, cosy cafes, gourmet burger joints and brilliant bakeries.

In fact, Country Cob Bakery on Mollison Street has been awarded Best Pie in Australia from 2018 to 2020, with people travelling from far and wide to taste their famous pies.

Kyneton Farmers’ Market

For tasty local produce and a crackin’ atmosphere, head to the monthly Kyneton Farmers’ Market, held on the second Saturday of the month on Piper Street.

Places to stay in Kyneton

Kyneton offers highly curated, stylish guesthouses, bed & breakfasts, and self-contained cottages, as well as simple motel-style lodgings.

Kyneton Bushland Resort is a popular base for longer visits. Farmstay experiences just out of Kyneton are also available.

Although there’s no caravan parks in Kyneton, caravans and RV’s are catered for with free camping for up to 48 hours at the Kyneton Mineral Springs.

Local events in Kyneton

There’s always something going on in Kyneton. In spring, time a visit around the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival (early September) or Macedon Ranges Wine & Food Budburst Festival (November).

The Kyneton Agricultural Show in November is also a family favourite, as is the annual Kyneton Cup at our very own racecourse.

In April, the Daylesford Macedon Open Art Studios is a great way to meet our large population of working artists.

Kyneton’s beautiful town hall, Bluestone Theatre and the Kyneton Museum also have a regular line up of performances and exhibitions worth checking out.

Follow our What’s On page for upcoming events.

Attractions near Kyneton

Kyneton is a short drive to Hanging Rock, Macedon Regional Park, open gardens on Mount Macedon and the beautiful Bringalbit gardens in Sidonia.

It also provides the perfect base to go day tripping to attractions such as Trentham Falls, Garden of St Erth, Daylesford Mineral Spa, Castlemaine Botanic Gardens and Bendigo Art Gallery.

How to get to Kyneton

Kyneton is a hop, skip and 70 minute drive north west from Melbourne’s CBD along the Calder Highway, or a 45 to 60 minutes’s drive from Bendigo. It’s also accessible via the V-Line Regional Train from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and Bendigo.

The Kyneton Visitor Information Centre is located on High Street and is open 7 days from 9-5pm.