Malmsbury

Continue your journey through the serene Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region with a visit to historic Malmsbury, on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples. Explore the lush gardens, see local artworks, and wander the beautiful streetscape lined with National Trust buildings, invoking the mid-nineteenth century diggers service centre.

Historic gardens and viaducts

Wander through the leafy Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, established in 1850 and the oldest in Victoria. Enjoy a picnic by the ornamental lake and then make your way along the walking track to the old railway viaduct, constructed in 1859 to carry the Bendigo line over the Coliban River. One of the state's largest nineteenth-century engineering structures in the state, the bridge section consists of five arched spans reaching 152 metres from end to end.

Getting arty

Admire the works by local artists at Tin Shed Arts and Woodbine Art and peruse more artwork over freshly baked pastries and coffee Malmsbury Bakery & Gallery. For a hands-on art experience and memento of your visit, make your own jewellery at Made in Malmsbury.

Visit in November to experience the flavours, music and frivolity of the Malmsbury Village Fayre. Enjoy live gypsy music, fine produce, local wine and stroll through stalls filled with handmade art and crafts to take home.

Vineyards and coffee beans

Winegrowing across the region has gone from strength to strength in recent decades. Buy from cellar doors and enjoy view-of-the-vine dining experiences at local wineries like Birthday Villa, Tarrangower Estate, Zig Zag and Fontanella Wines.

Coffee fiends need not worry, with great brews available from local roaster and brunch favourite Moto Bean Moto Bean Café.

Cool waters

Slow down and get back to nature with a day by the pristine waters of the local reservoir. Anglers will have luck with redfin and trout. Finish the day with a cruise out to the Glenlyon Mineral Springs Reserve to drink from the natural mineral springs.