Daylesford Macedon Life - Autumn 2022 by Daylesford Macedon Tourism

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

Your ultimate guide to a 7-night stay in the region

ART & DINING

Feed your soul

MOUNT MONUMENT

Nonda Katsalidis’ latest inspiration

A QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF CHILLOUT

Regional Australia’s biggest party turns 25

AUTUMN 2022 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

A DAYLESFO RD M ACED O N TO U R ISM P U B L I C ATI O N | DAYL E SFO R DM AC E DON LI FE .C OM .AU

CONTENTS Regional Awards

Welcome

Ultimate Autumn Giveaway: Enter to Win

The Regenerators

6-7

Pay It Forward in Woodend

8-9

Bridges of Macedon County

10-11

Shizuka Ryokan

Slow Down and Reconnect

Botanic Gardens Treasure Hunt

14-15

Eat Your Veg

Q&A with Clay Watson

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival – Our Top Picks

A Week in the Life

20-21

Food From Local Woods, Meadows, Farms and Gardens: With Alla Wolf-Tasker

22-23

COVER Prince Alfred Street, Talbot Dress and bag supplied by The Amazing Mill Market Daylesford Photographer MDP Photography and Video Mitch is a photographer, filmmaker and photography educator based in Fryerstown and working across Victoria. Their work is people centred, often advocating

A Guide to Conscious Shopping

No Time to Unwind? Do You Have Time Not To?

Wine, Dine and Discover Something Fine

absorbed in a Master of Arts Photography at PSC, due to

Dairy Flat Lodge and Farm

be completed at the end of 2022.

New Sensation: Mount Monument

The Indigenous History of Hanging Rock

Walking Tall in Daylesford: ChillOut Festival Turns 25

Rooms with a View

32-33

What's On

34-35

Classes and Workshops

Stay, Play and Dine

How to Get Here and Discover More

Pancho Café's Carrot Cake Recipe

for social change and visibility for diverse communities, particularly in Regional Victoria. They are currently also

Photographer MDP Photography and Video E @mdpphotovideo Q mdpphotovideo

Daylesford Macedon Life Creative Director Andrea Pribaz Editor Madeleine Blake Sales Annissa White Production Stef Driscoll, Sarah Klas Advertising Enquiries annissa@dmrtourism.com.au 03 5309 2776 This publication is lovingly created by the Daylesford Macedon Tourism Board, because we adore our region and want to share our wonderful stories and experiences with you. Here’s how to stay social and get the latest on what’s happening in the region. Share your photos and stories with us by tagging our account. The most remarkable and beautifully shot pics will be put on our Instagram and Facebook accounts. Q daylesfordmacedonranges E daylesfordmacedonranges #daylesfordmacedonlife #stayclosegofurther

Love our Food and Regional Producers? dmproduce.com.au Q dmpharvest E dmpharvest #dmpharvest daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waterways of our region. We recognise their living cultures and ongoing connection to Country and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

K mdpphotovideo.com.au

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

REGIONAL AWARDS THE OLD AUCTION HOUSE ARTS PRECINCT

The Age Good Food Guide 2022 (local inclusions)

2021 Golden Plate Awards winners

Lake House, Daylesford

State Awards Winner

Beppe Kitchen & Bar, Daylesford

Kadota, Daylesford

Best Casual Dining

Bistro Terrior, Daylesford

Kadota, Daylesford (winner)

Sault, Daylesford

Bistro Terroir, Daylesford (highly commended)

Winespeake Cellar +Deli, Daylesford

Best Value for Money

Wombat Hill House, Daylesford

Bistro Terroir, Daylesford (winner)

Midnight Starling, Kyneton

Hotel Criterion, Clunes (highly commended)

Spaghetti Bar, Kyneton

Best List of Wines, Beers & Ciders

Fook Shing, Kyneton

Kadota, Daylesford (highly commended)

Kuzu Izakaya, Woodend

Best Chef

Du Fermier, Trentham

Doug Kerr – The Criterion, Clunes (winner)

RedBeard Bakery, Trentham

Most outstanding front of house person

Radio Springs Hotel, Lyonville

Martin Fairhurst – Bistro Terroir, Daylesford (winner)

The James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2022

2021 Australia and NZ Boutique Wine Show

Macedon Ranges Wine Region 5 star rating

Trophy for the Best Sparkling

Bindi Wines (Gisborne)

Parkside Winery and Farm, Lancefield - 2015

Curly Flat (Lancefield)

Chardonnay Pinot Noir Sparkling

Granite Hills (Baynton) Hanging Rock Winery (Newham)

Melbourne Royal Wine Awards 2021

Lane’s End Vineyard (Lancefield)

Trophy for Best White Blend

Passing Clouds (Musk)

Hanging Rock Winery – Jim Jim Three

Cobaw Ridge (Pastoria) Winemaker of the Year

The International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021

Michael Dhillon of Bindi Wines (Gisborne)

Two x Gold Medal Winner

Best New Winery

Mountain Distilling, Gisborne

Place of Changing Winds (Bullengarook)

52-56 Mollison ST, KYNETON OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM - 5PM M-F, 10AM - 4PM S-S FREE ENTRY - PRAM / WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE GIFTS & SUPPLIES

STUDIOS

GALLERY

INDEPENDENT

HANDMADE

AUSTRALIAN

www.theoldauctionhouse.com.au

Daylesford Macedon Life | 4

Illustration by Jeff Gardner

WELCOME by Steve Wroe, CEO Daylesford Macedon Tourism This time of year is my favourite in the region. The weather is still warm, and as it cools over April and May, the leaves do their thing and change to yellow, orange then red, bestowing the landscape with a kaleidoscopic, colourful magic. This year, we are starting to see events spring back to life and a particular favourite in our household is ChillOut, the legendary queer pride festival which is celebrating its 25th year. On the Sunday, we take our girls up to Carnivale, partly because my seven-year-old daughter Frankie ‘thinks drag queens are beautiful’ but mainly because it’s just a LOT of familyfriendly and inclusive fun. Meanwhile, the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, in its second year, will deliver a month-long exploration of events, nature experiences, and fresh produce. Speaking of produce, the legendary Alla Wolf-Tasker of Lake House fame tells us about fresh produce, and how it can boost your immunity, and we feature vegan eateries, dining integrated with art, and a ripper recipe. I’ve written a little piece on Hanging Rock, and we feature a friend of ours, Clay Watson who - when he’s not hanging out with Keanu Reeves - runs wine tours in the area. We’ll show you the best bridges and gardens, an amazing new winery, restaurant and art space by Nonda Katsalidis AM, introduce you to some inspirational regenerative farmers, and much more. See you soon.

When we celebrate life’s milestones, we remember the special moments many years later. Come and join us and take in the views, drink our delicious wines and taste our rustic Italian inspired menu, like these herb crumbed sardines with our chilled vermentino. If you can’t make it, celebrate at home with our vermentino - a variety native to Sardinia Italy. The 2020 vermentino was soaked on skins for 24 hours before being fermented in stainless steel producing a wine that is bright straw in colour with aromas of lemon sherbet and fresh paw paw. Flavours of grapefruit pith and fresh almonds finishing with minerally saline notes and crunchy acidity. The most perfect wine to have with sea food. Save 15% when you buy a dozen. RRP: $35 4 Taylors Rd, Mount Macedon 0488 155 088 mounttowrong.com.au Q mounttowrongvineyard

WIN the

ultimate

autumn the

escape

Daylesford

Macedon

to and

Ranges

region.

The Grove (Hidden Valley Resort), Wallan, in two

Enjoy a Friday and Saturday night stay at

luxurious townhouses accommodating two people in each, access to all resort facilities plus an 18-hole game of golf, an indulgent high tea plus a two-course dinner including wine for four people, valued at

$1200.

Attend a private wine-tasting paired with platters of locally made produce for four served among the vines at family-owned

Lyons Will Estate, Lancefield, valued at $100. Piper St Food Co., Kyneton, created using a range Indulge in a generous picnic for four by

The Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region truly turns it on in autumn. Enjoy our region during its finest season by visiting renowned cellar doors, quaint shopping strips, emerging distilleries, tranquil day spas, evocative art spaces and the breathtaking natural surrounds.

of handmade award-winning products with all the accompaniments and local produce, valued at

$200.

Delight in cocktails and tapas for four at the

Rock and Wombat Bar (The Victoria Hotel), Woodend, valued at $250 brand new

Relax under the ornamental vines to take in the beauty of Daylesford as autumn takes hold

Café Koukla within the iconic Hotel Frangos, valued at $250. and enjoy a lavish lunch for four at

daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/enter-to-win Entries close on Monday 4th April 2022. Terms and conditions: daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/competition-terms-conditions

Daylesford Macedon Life | 5

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE $2000

THE REGENERATORS Richard Cornish @foodcornish

There's a dry clatter of dragonflies cutting through the air as they hunt down destructive cabbage moths, one white menace at a time.

lsewhere on Brooklands Free Range Farm, there is the sound of frogs, birds warbling in the trees, and the occasional bellow from a cow and a grunt from a pig. Over the past 12 years since Natalie Hardy and Jono Hurst bought their Blampied farm, west of Daylesford, they have slowly turned their backs on modern farming practices. Instead they have embraced methods that use natural environmental cycles to improve soil health and water quality, and biodiversity. It is called regenerative farming, a practice gaining ground globally as farmers work to repair the damage done to farmland and increase the productivity of their land without chemical fertilisers and pest control.

grass into valuable nutrition," says Natalie. "This feeds the grass – which creates more leaf matter through photosynthesis – which feeds the animals. Their manure feeds the underground army," she explains. "When we started, we had soil carbon under 0.5%; now it's 4.5%."

Natalie and Jono raise rare breed Berkshire pigs and British White Cattle, producing exceptional pork and beef. "We have enlisted an underground army of naturally occurring microscopic bugs, bacteria, fungus, and other living creatures that turn manure and dead

Brooklands Freerange Farms beef and pork is available at the Sunday Daylesford Market.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 6

"What we have in this region is a high number of like-minded regenerative farmers," says Natalie. "We produce some of the best, and can I say award-winning, produce in the country. You'll find our food on the menus of our top restaurants, in the markets, and the shelves of local stores. Our farms are better, our animals are healthier, and the produce is more nutrient-dense than conventionally farmed food. And it tastes so good."

Another of the Daylesford Macedon's regenerative farmers is Sam White from Sidonia Beef in the Cobaw

Ranges east of Kyneton. Sam raises Angus cattle, but runs them to emulate the massive herbivore herds of the African savannah. "We have one mob of 200, and we put them all into one paddock," he explains. "It may sound counterintuitive, but the cattle eat the grass and knock down the stalks, so the soil microbes break it down. They manure the paddock at the same time. After a few days, we move the herd on." Sam has been farming this way since 2016, the farm is now entirely covered in perennial and native flora and no longer has parasite problems. Buy Sidonia Beef boxes online at sidoniabeef.com.au. While growing vegetables is one of the most intensive forms of farming, Josh Williams and his business partners, Nick Judkin and Rex Chalmers from Tumpinyeri Growers at Captains Creek, believe they are doing the right thing for the environment. "It is all about letting the natural processes go about their course," he says. He and his team protect the creek nearby, home to

the dragonflies who keep the pest insects down. They don't use chemical sprays and choose compost over chemical fertilisers. At the end of autumn, the irrigation will be rolled up and the potato, zucchini, greens and wildflower beds will be given over to sheep and cattle. In spring the composted and manured ground will be sown with a cereal crop and then turned over to perennial pasture. Although only cultivating a hectare, Tumpinyeri Growers produce enough vegetables to supply Blake Family Grocers in Daylesford and have a CSA subscription scheme. tumpinyerigrowers.com.au Covering 4000 hectares of regenerative egg production is the Honest Egg Company, across several farms around the Daylesford region. Founder Paul Righetti is from Swiss Italian stock and says raising hens for eggs on pasture is just like farming used to be before chemicals and sheds and cages. He continues, "we call it ‘regenerative’, but it is just how my grandparents used to farm." He has flocks of chickens that graze in open paddocks, feasting on grass and bugs. So they are not turned into dinner for foxes themselves, they

are protected by Maremma dogs, a breed of canine dedicated to protecting other animals. The hens roost at night in specially built mobile sheds. After a few weeks, the chooks are moved on to greener pastures. Their manure is turned into valuable nutrition for plants by the soil microbes where the hens grazed. The end results are full-flavoured eggs, with orange yolks and strong whites perfect for breakfast or baking. Honest Eggs Co. is a good-sized company for a country town, employing 25 people in farming, packing and logistics with eggs sold around the East Coast including local stores and independent supermarkets around Daylesford, Hepburn and the Macedon Ranges. honesteggsco.com.au Next time you come and visit us, drop by a local store, eat at one of our restaurants, or head to a farmers' market to buy or try some of the best produce on earth, that is doing its bit to heal the planet.

Photos (opposite page): Josh Williams, from Tumpinyeri Growers. Photography by Richard Cornish. Above: Honest Eggs Co. Photography by Andrea Pribaz.

Producers of Farm Crafted Small Batch Award Winning Gin Support Local Buy Australian Spirits

‘Distilled by people who love their gin’ Tasting Room

Please check the Big Tree Distillery website for current opening times. 307 Hennerbergs Road, Newham, Macedon Ranges, Victoria. Phone 1300 040 573

www.bigtreedistillery.com.au

Daylesford Macedon Life | 7

PAY IT FORWARD



in Woodend Words by Madeleine Blake

Located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, Woodend is a lively and welcoming village, which has successfully maintained its small country town charm over the years. Located an easy 45-minute drive from the heart of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway, Woodend was first established as a main thoroughfare for those seeking their riches in Victoria’s goldfields in the 1850s. The legacy of those times is still evident today, with historic buildings lining the main boulevard, sitting alongside boutique shops, cosy cafés and charming country pubs.

Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa 652 Black Forest Drive, Macedon, 03 5426 4044 macedonrangeshotelspa.com.au

STAY We start our journey at Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa. Located at the main turn off to Woodend when arriving from Melbourne (along the Calder Freeway), this hotel is the ideal base for exploring Woodend and surrounds. Set within a natural bush setting, each of the 36-rooms feature double spa baths, providing the ideal setting for taking in the stunning views of Mount Macedon. Be sure to leave some time to treat yourself to some me time at the onsite day spa. From here it’s a short drive into the village of Woodend.

With Mount Macedon providing a stunning backdrop to the town, Woodend is also the ideal launching pad for discovering the various walks, hikes, wineries, distilleries and natural attractions found in the area. We chatted with some of the friendly locals and discovered a passionate bunch of people who clearly love where they live. Here a few of them ‘Pay it Forward’ to give you the inside word on what an ideal day in Woodend looks like.

SHOP

Woodend General, 100 High Street, Woodend, 03 5427 1695 woodendgeneral.com.au (Photo Sarah Pannell)

“You are spoilt for choice when shopping in Woodend, with some gorgeous boutique homewares and gift stores to choose from. My personal favourite is Woodend General, where the owners Lou and Ange always greet you with a welcoming smile. Beautifully set out, the store is home to the most thoughtful collection of high quality and ethically made goods. I especially love the children’s section, which is my go-to spot when selecting gifts for family and friends with young ones.” - Rachel Fletcher, Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa

Daylesford Macedon Life | 8

BRUNCH "One of our favourite spots to have breakfast or lunch is at our neighbour; Fox in the Chamber. Always serving delicious coffee, pastries and toasties – either to go, or to be enjoyed in their beautiful light-filled dining room housed in the old Council Chamber. Their menu is seasonal and always changing. Owners Bonnie and Remy are wonderful people who also run a hospitality school training a new generation of hospitality superstars. Be sure to drop by and experience the hospitality of this welcoming team.” - Louise Pannell, Woodend General

DRINK “Nestled in Newham, just a stone's throw from Woodend and just past Hanging Rock, is the wonderful small batch gin producer Big Tree Distillery. On a picturesque Macedon Ranges property sits this cosy distillery cellar door where we like to sit and sip on the marvellous cocktail creations, designed and beautifully executed by the passionate team. This clever bunch are always working on new and interesting flavour distillations, so it’s well worth the short drive out of town.” - Remy Shpayzer, Fox in the Chamber

Daylesford Macedon Life | 9

Fox in the Chamber, 90 High St, Woodend, 0456 778 664, foxinthechamber.com (Photo KGMG Creative)

Big Tree Distillery, 307 Hennerbergs Road, Newham, 1300 040 573, bigtreedistillery.com.au

DINNER "Every country town needs a great pub or two serving good food and fun vibes, luckily we are spoilt with two great choices in Woodend. I recommend checking out the new Rock and Wombat Bar at The Victoria Hotel. They have a wonderful range of local beers, wine and of course they serve our award-winning Big Tree Gin. If you are in town on the weekend on Fridays and Saturday nights they serve delicious tapas. The tapas menu changes each week with lots of delicious morsels to try, so it is a great way to start your evening. We especially like the bao buns washed down with a delicious G&T.” Catherine Crothers, Big Tree Distillery

The Victoria Hotel, 67 High St, Woodend, (03) 5427 2721, thevictoriawoodend.com.au (Photo Kim Selby)

BRIDGES

OF MACEDON COUNTY Narelle Groenhout Bridges of Madison County, the modern-day love affair played out on the big screen by Clint Eastwood and Merryl Streep in 1995, was famously set against the backdrop the unique and beautiful bridges of the namesake county. Here we discover the Daylesford Macedon Ranges' own collection of unique and beautiful bridges.

ere in the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region, we lay claim to some of Australia’s most treasured and fascinating bridges. The engineering feats, longevity and beauty of our local bridges deserve to be recognised and celebrated. A spectacular autumn day trip, meandering across the region and taking in our spectacular bridges, not only pays homage to the survival of the humble bridge but showcases their importance to the region’s history. The Malmsbury Viaduct is an engineering masterpiece constructed in 1862 using 132,000 cubic feet of Malmsbury bluestone. Taking over a year to build, it was constructed as part of the nationally significant Melbourne-Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway. It remains the largest masonry bridge in Victoria.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 10

With five arched spans reaching 152 metres, this incredible man-made creation has been featured in many local and international film and television productions, and is a popular backdrop for wedding photos. Before marveling at this iconic beauty, pick up some fresh, local produce from the Malmsbury Farmers’ Market (third Sunday of the month), then head down to the historic Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, where you can access the viaduct via a walking track. Make sure you stop and appreciate the Malmsbury Forrest Road Bridge as you continue your journey. This underplayed piece of regional history features beautiful brickwork and is deserving of a slight detour off the main road. Located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, Woodend attracted Victoria’s elite in the early 19th Century, and was famed for its elegant guesthouses and private

homes. The Woodend Historic Bridge is a unique attraction. The single-span bluestone bridge features a flat segmental arch with prominent voussoirs and a string course at pavement level. The bridge was built in 1862 on the route to the goldfields. Over the course of time, it has been widened to cater for the growing population but remains sympathetic to the original structure. The bridge crosses the Five Mile Creek with a threekilometre walking track where you can fully appreciate the historic workmanship. Woodend offers fabulous bakeries, takeaway options, cafés and restaurants. If your bridge sighting adventure kicks off here, then a perfect breakfast to start the day is at the renowned Bourkies Bakehouse a short stroll from the bridge in High Street. For 30 years the bakehouse has never wavered from offering traditional bakehouse fare (just when you thought Long John cakes were a thing of the

past) and numerous awards for its meat pies and vanilla slices has kept thousands of visitors and locals treasuring this 30-year-old Woodend institution. Near Romsey, the little village of Clarkefield is home to one of Australia’s oldest trestle bridges. The bridge was built 141 years ago on the Lancefield rail line crossing the Bolinda Creek. Spanning 64 metres with 24 openings, the bridge was officially closed in 1956. While many locals value the bridge as a nod to years gone by, its crumbling and dilapidated formation also makes it a popular destination for photographers. The bridge is located on private land but can be glimpsed from the public road. Please note: we advise capturing an image via a drone as it’s not safe to stop on the road nearby. Grab a bite to eat at the Coach and Horses in Clarkefield but be careful of the ghosts. Nestled on the scenic Loddon River, Warburtons Bridge in Glenluce was built in the mid19th century and features local bluestone and timber from nearby forests. The bridge is located within the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park which is also home to other goldrush relics and history. Warburtons Bridge stands within a small, pet friendly campground with sites perched next to the Loddon River. Set up camp after a day of bridge spotting and while there, head to the nearby Glenluce Mineral Spring and wander through the Vaughan Mineral Springs Chinese Cemetery to really get a sense of our heritage. A short drive away in the Hepburn Shire you’ll find a hidden treasure at Jubilee Lake in Daylesford. Unlike other bridges, this originally had two decks – the upper for the train line and the lower for passengers. While the last train crossed the tracks in 1953, the passenger bridge is a fascinating piece of local history. Marveling in our beautiful bridges, that we often take for granted, is one way we can honour the great labor and accomplishments of those before us. Our local bridges do so much more than provide a passageway over an obstacle. They are valuable structures in our region’s history, providing a way to both connect and progress.

Photos (opposite page L-R): Warburtons Bridge, Jubilee Lake Bridge, Woodend Historic Bridge. Top: Malmsbury Viaduct (photography by Chloe Smith) Bottom: Bolinda Creek Bridge. All photography by MDP Photography and Video unless otherwise indicated

WIND DOWN in autumn

LUNCH SAT & SUN DINNER THU - MON 03 5348 2335 2 BURKE SQUARE, DAYLESFORD @ THE DAYLESFORD HOTEL

Daylesford Macedon Life | 11

MAKE A BOOKING ONLINE: daylesfordhotel.com.au

SHIZUKA RYOKAN Dew sparkles in the Zen garden where a crimson Japanese maple tree holds court.

grilled fish, tamagoyaki, vegetables, miso soup and rice. Meals feature local organic vegetables, locally fermented miso and traditional recipes passed down from the chef’s Obaasan (grandma). Time at Shizuka Ryokan passes slowly with the Japanese spa removing tension and guiding you towards the path to tranquillity.

Slip off your shoes and enter a world that is distinctly Japanese. At Shizuka Ryokan you are treated to hospitality of honour, authentic cuisine, and nourishing spa treatments. The simple Zen design, hushed intimacy of rooms behind sliding shoji screens, and ritualised routines quiet your mind and soothe your soul. At Shizuka Ryokan we have a special pride in the rituals of Japanese hospitality…omotenashi. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a nakai-san who will look after you during your stay. As you exchange your shoes for slippers, your cares drift away and you follow her to your room. The earthy scent of the tatami flooring is grounding. Sunlight filters through the timber latticed shoji screens beyond which is a private courtyard garden tinted in rich Autumn hues.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 12

As you put on your yukata, you notice the tranquillity that permeates the ryokan. Sipping a green tea made by the nakai-san, time seems to slow as you embrace the ways of the ryokan. The menu at Shizuka Ryokan changes as autumn ushers in abundant harvests. Dinner is a traditional country feast of sashimi, tempura, seasonal vegetables, Japanese rice and simmering broths. The breakfast is traditional:

7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn Springs 03 5348 2030 shizuka.com.au @shizukaryokan

SLOW DOWN AND RECONNECT: GROUP GETAWAYS Jocelyn Pride Whether it’s a girls’ getaway, down-time with work buddies, a blokes’ trip, or that family get together you’ve been dreaming about, the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region is bursting with innovative ideas to reconnect and create new memories with your peeps.

BOUTIQUE WINE TOURS

When Clay Watson left a life in Hollywood ten years ago, to start Daylesford Wine Tours, he couldn’t have imagined how popular his tours would become. “We have around a 38% return visitation rate,” he says. Happy to stay small, Clay’s tours are a true local’s experience, designed to visit a range of cellar doors (even ones not usually open to the public) where you’ll meet the winemakers. With more than 20 grape varieties and around 35 wineries in the region, having someone plan your big day out takes the stress out of driving; not to mention navigating. And if you think Clay looks vaguely familiar, avid movie fans will recognise him from The Matrix Reloaded. See page 17 for our interview with Clay. HIDDEN TREASURE

BACK TO NATURE

Mystical Sanatorium Lake at Mt Macedon is the canvas for a new immersive experience created by performance artists Ria Soemardjo and Sandra Fiona Long in conjunction with local vocal artist, Charlotte Roberts. Designed as an audio-guided easy 2.5km walk around the lake, Murmuring Walk, connects people to the surroundings through a stunning poetry-in-motion style soundtrack. Organise your group, download the audio walk for free and remember to bring headphones for your mobile devices.

Daylesford Macedon Life | 13

Mention the word treasure (especially in a gold mining area) and you have an instant audience. Treasure hunts using a small hand-held GPS device are the most popular (great for all ages) activity offered at Secret Forest Walks, which is run by local Brendan Murray. After a quick lesson in how to use the device, the hunt is on around picture-postcard Lake Daylesford to find hidden markers that will lead to uncovering the buried treasure. Brendan also rents out his GPS devices for a series of curated hikes in the Daylesford area and runs a range of team-building activities for corporations - the mineral water masterclass is one of many unique experiences. BAKERS AND MAKERS

There are plenty more places to gather a gang and have a blast learning something new. Long regarded as the best in the biz, the team at RedBeard run fabulous

sourdough workshops at their bakery in Trentham, featuring an historic wood-fired oven. For craft lovers, The Old Auction House in Kyneton has weekend classes in arts such as silver jewellery, lead-lighting and basket weaving. And for something totally different, book in to one of Kate Edwards’ floral workshops and discover more about sustainable gardening at Winter Creek Flowers in Maldon. GIN IS THE THING

If there’s one thing better than tasting gin at one of the award-winning distilleries scattered throughout the area, it’s making your own. Sign your group up for a gin blending masterclass at the atmospheric Animus Distillery in the heart of Kyneton’s buzzing Piper Street, and be blown away as Gin Chief, Luke Jacques helps you experiment with botanicals to craft a bottle to take home (complete with major bragging rights). Photos (L-R): Sanatorium Lake. Photograph by Lucus Brunt @ lucasaidphoto. Daylesford Wine Tours at Passing Clouds Winery, Musk.

BOTANIC GARDENS TREASURE HUNT Katrina Buttigieg @macedonrangesmumma Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are spectacular in autumn and everyone wants to join in on the fun. But rather than battle the crowded streets and private gardens on the popular Mount Macedon, why not opt for a more family friendly location with plenty of room to move?

he botanic gardens in the area offer a colourful collection of trees of all sorts, with accessible walking paths and space to kick a football or frolic in fallen leaves.

We have created a Treasure Hunt List for you to tick off as you explore these nature-filled landmarks. This is the ideal family-friendly excursion in the fresh air, with a fun challenge to boot. Please note that all of these gardens have water features, so be vigilant when you are exploring them as a family, especially with smaller children. KYNETON BOTANIC GARDENS

The historic bluestone gates on Mollison Street mark the entrance to this renowned local site that dates back to 1858. There are 17 trees within, which are listed by the National Trust, as well as a gardener’s cottage. Meander along the path through the thoughtfully crafted gardens, designed to inspire all your senses. When you emerge on the other side, there is the equally beautiful

Daylesford Macedon Life | 14

Kyneton Community Park, where the kids will enjoy equipment made of natural materials. There are no cafés in the immediate vicinity but if you head back to the Mollison Street and High Street intersection, Ruby Café and Social Foundry, are both fantastic family friendly eateries. Don’t miss: The historic drinking fountain. Can you find out when it was built? MALMSBURY BOTANIC GARDENS

Set behind a small gated playground, these gardens are straight out of a Monet painting. The weeping willows frame the lake with its beautiful wooden bridge. Follow the dirt path on your treasure hunt and have a rest or snack on one of the many picnic tables dotted around the lake when you need a rest. How many geese can you spot on the pond? These residents add to the serenity of this charming spot. The Malmsbury Bakery is just up the road if you fancy a delicious baked treat after your adventure.

Don’t miss: The Malmsbury Viaduct which is visible from the gardens. How many arches are there? CASTLEMAINE BOTANIC GARDENS

These gardens offer plenty of open space to play and run between Lake Johanna, quaint rotundas and manicured garden beds. There is a mixture of both native and exotic plants, as well as many that are listed under the National Trust. Little and big people alike will be awestruck by the towering cypress that have watched the town from its beginnings into a new century. Follow the winding path through the gardens to the charming playground at its end. If you are after something delicious to punctuate your adventure, The Mill (across the road from the lake end of the botanic gardens) is a business precinct which offers a range of options, including coffee, meals and ice cream. Don’t miss: The historical fountain. Can you see what is on the top?

WOMBAT HILL BOTANIC GARDENS

These lush gardens overlook Daylesford and are jampacked with an assortment of stunning plants. There is something to discover at every turn of the path; wombat statues, carefully crafted sticks into artistic ensembles and trees that make the perfect outdoor tent. At its centre, is the quaint Wombat Hill House café, a wonderful resting spot after a nature themed treasure hunt. Don’t miss: The Pioneers Lookout Tower. How many stairs can you count to the top?

TREASURE HUNT LIST:

1. Palm tree or fern 2. Oak tree (receive a bonus point if you can find an acorn) 3. Weeping willow 4. Cypress tree 5. Gum tree 6. Pine tree (receive a bonus if you can find a pinecone) 7. A body of water: lake, river, creek or pond

THE BIG TREE IN GUILDFORD

8. A human-made structure (bridge, gazebo, cottage or tower)

For the ultimate in tree treasure hunting, consider heading to Guildford, which is less than 15 minutes’

9. Fallen leaves in these colours: yellow, orange, red, purple, brown

drive from Castlemaine. Guildford’s Big Tree Park is host to a magnificent red gum, which is 30 metres high, has a circumference of over 9 metres, and the canopy of which is home to a menagerie of native birds and animal life. This tree is of significant importance to the local Dja Dja Wurrung people and estimated to be between 500 and 1000 years old.

10. A tree that you need more than one person to reach around its trunk Photos (opposite page L-R): Malmsbury Botanic Gardens. Photography by Joel Bramley @joelbramley. Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Photography by Shuang Li. Above: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. Photography by Katrina Buttigieg

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EAT YOUR VEG Emma Watts @piccolo_daylesford Eating vegetables has never been more fashionable than it is right now, with plant-based dining making its way onto almost every list of food trends across the globe.

aylesford and the Macedon Ranges has long had a history of offering diners vegie-based alternatives, since the days when the idea of an ImpossibleTM Burger

was, well, impossible. Today the region dishes up plenty of options for diners who are vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, or flexitarian. Many of these dishes showcase the region’s delicious seasonal produce and sit proudly alongside their meatier counterparts. The ever-stylish restaurant, bar and performance venue Palais Hepburn presents a show-stopping separate vegan menu, with two or three courses available, perfect for soaking up one of their delicious cocktails. In Daylesford, Sault offers a separate plant-based menu that makes seasonal, local produce the herbivorous hero. Their regular menu is also available with all dietary information listed, for those who might need to avoid certain ingredients, but don’t like to bother the waitstaff. Vegan and vegetarian dishes dominate the menu at Betel Boy, which is reminiscent of some of Melbourne’s coolest Asian eateries. The 'Feed Me' menu provides an opportunity to try a range of dishes – it does require the entire dining party to take part, so everyone will need to get their veg on.

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While these venues might cater specifically to veg lovers, there are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options peppered onto restaurant and café menus throughout Daylesford and Hepburn. Such as at Frank

atmosphere certainly will be. This newcomer has been winning hearts and tastebuds with vegans and meat eaters alike. Most visit for the felafel but their desserts (such as the pavlova made from aquafaba) are also

& Connies Kitchen, where the menu changes daily, but there are always Grecian-inspired vegie options available. Lake House, for example, offers vegan options on its à la carte menu using produce from the establishment’s own Dairy Flat Farm, or at Beppe Bar & Kitchen, where many of their crusty wood-fired pizzas can be veganised.

delighting diners far and wide.

For more casual fare, vegan diners are spoilt for choice at Harvest Café, where they can also pick up groceries and fresh produce. Both Wombat Hill House and Pancho change their menus regularly, but always have vegetarian and vegan options. And a vegan hidden gem is Lavandula, where they not only serve up luscious grazing platters to eat among the purple-hued blooms, but many of their lavender products are also vegan. And to continue feasting long after visitors have left the region, Himalaya Bakery has a full range of vegan pies, cakes and sausage rolls that many vegans stock up on before they head home, while both Blakes Family Grocers and Tonna’s Fruit and Vegetables also have lots of delicious vegan pantry items. In Trentham, if the name isn’t enough to intrigue, Twinkle Town’s entirely plant-based menu or cutesy food truck

Over at Woodend, vegans are catered for alongside traditional pub fare at The Victoria Hotel and with modern Japanese delicacies such as sweetcorn or cauliflower tempura at Kuzu Izakaya, while the unassuming Sizzler Restobar has a menu of Indian favourites, where almost every dish can be veganised. And for daytime dining, both Fox in the Chamber and The Milko have vegan options. Mr Macedon (located in both Macedon and Gisborne) always has a couple of vegan items on the menu, but the exceptional staff are also well versed in helping diners modify dishes to cater for their dietary preferences. Finishing in Kyneton, Fook Shing features multiple vegan dishes on its menu, but diners would be foolish to pass by the five-course vegan banquet that’s as eye-catching as the kaleidoscopic décor. And the vegies don’t come much fresher than at Home Grown on Piper, as they’re grown by the owners on their mini-farm in Metcalfe. Photos (L-R): Beppe Bar + Kitchen. Photograph by Chris Turner. Fook Shing. Photograph by KGMG Creative. Pancho Café.

Q&A

WITH

CLAY WATSON Interview by Madeleine Blake

It’s often well after their tour has ended that Daylesford Wine Tour guests realise their host, Clay Watson, has Hollywood credentials. Quiet and unassuming, he doesn’t like to make a big deal of his ‘other’ profession. First shooting to fame as The Kid in The Matrix Reloaded in 2003, Clay went on to play various roles both on home grown soil and overseas. However, a move to Daylesford saw him switch the big screen for boutique wines. As a lover of all things wine, Clay set up Daylesford Wine Tours in 2011. He’s been showcasing the region's wineries to visitors from near and far, ever since. Here, we get the lowdown on Clay’s must visit locations around the region. What drew you to the Daylesford area? I was on a holiday with my wife Renai and we absolutely fell in love with the place. Everything from the food, the service, the scenery, to the amazing wines we tasted had us hooked. We moved here in 2011 and haven’t looked back since. As a local wine tour guide, which wineries do you recommend people visit in the region? We are spoilt for

choice when it comes to wineries around Daylesford. My favourite go to places are Passing Clouds, Sailors Falls Estate, Limestone Track Vineyard and Mount Franklin Winery. A little further afield from Daylesford, Zig Zag Rd Winery and Wombat Forest Winery are both fantastic options as well. Do you have a favourite local tipple? I have always been a big fan of The Angel from Passing Clouds. I hail from the Barossa region so I love my big reds. This handmade wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cameron Leith, the winemaker, hand selects five of the best barrels each year, which then go into oak for 12 months. It is by far my favourite local drop. Where do you head for a craft brew? I head to Daylesford Brewing Co. Owner and head brewer, Dave Gill, does a fantastic job and has created some really tasty IPAs. I’m generally not a huge fan of boutique beers, however I can honestly say I really enjoy every one of his beers. Where is your favourite place for a bite to eat in the region? I love David

Willcocks' cooking at The Surly Goat in Hepburn Springs. The food there is amazing, the service is spot on and it has the most lovely atmosphere. I love sitting at the bar, chatting with the barkeeper and enjoying Dave’s incredible food. Any insider tips on what do in the region that visitors may not be aware of? I think one of the best hidden gems of our region is just how many high quality boutique cellar doors that the area is home to. Here you can find family run vineyards where the wine is handmade, hand plunged and hand labelled, with minimal amounts of additives, resulting in a long lasting taste. You get to meet the makers and learn first hand how the wine is made. And best of all, our wineries are never too crowded. As a family man, where do you take the kids for a fun day out locally? We love Daylesford Cider. There is plenty for the kids to do in their expansive garden. The food is beautiful and owners Clare and Mackie have done a great job of making the venue both family and pet friendly. Mackie also makes a great cider, which his long list of awards is testament to.

Lastly, are there any plans to switch Daylesford for the Hollywood Hills anytime soon? Although I have enjoyed getting back into acting and producing over the past couple of years, with some exciting projects in the works, it’s safe to say I’m anchored in Daylesford. We love the lifestyle here far too much, we won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Keep an eye out for Clay in the upcoming psychological revenge drama, The Cost, which includes scenes filmed near Kyneton. He also plays the lead role in upcoming crime thriller, Kane

Photo: Clay Watson in The Cost Photography by Brian Flexmore

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MACEDON RANGES AUTUMN FESTIVAL Madeleine Blake The Macedon Ranges come alive in autumn, as leaves change colour, and villages celebrate the arrival of the season…and we’re holding a festival to celebrate! Immerse yourself in nature, taste fresh autumn produce, enjoy world-class music and entertainment, and more, across nine charming and colourful villages. Taking place from Sunday 26 March to Monday 25 April, the event will include immersive art displays, interactive light shows, live music, various food and wine events, open studios, farmers’ markets, chalk art, street activations and plenty more. Here are just some of our favourite events.

FOR MUSIC FANS Macedon Ranges Music Festival (Saturday 26 March) Live from the famous site of Hanging Rock, the Macedon Ranges Music Festival brings together some of the best local vendors and finest Australian musicians. Headlined by Ash Grunwald.

FOR EPICUREANS Macedon Ranges Autumn Pie and Tart Trail (26 March – 25 April) The inaugural Macedon Ranges Autumn Pie and Tart Trail will feature over 20 delicious pies and tarts from across the region. From rustic bakeries and cosy cafés to friendly cellar doors and pubs, there’s bound to be an autumn pie and tart to tickle your tastebuds. Force of Nature at Lyons Will Estate (Sunday 10 April) Matt Donnelly and Jo Corrigan are former chefs and restaurateurs turned foragers, producers and adventurers. Meet them at Lyons Will Estate for a fivecourse tasting menu matched to the Lyons Will range of wines. Think mushrooms and quinces, chestnuts and figs…yum.

FOR A TIPPLE OR TWO Celebration of Harvest (Sunday 24 April) Join Macedon Ranges Wine in celebrating this year’s harvest, vintage and the colours of autumn.

Enjoy live music and a beautiful autumn vibe as you meet local winemakers and feast on fabulous wines complemented with delicious foods.

FOR CULTURE LOVERS Open Studios Macedon (Weekend of 24-25 April) Artists of Macedon are opening their studios over one weekend. Nine studios set within a short drive of each other, will feature artists at work who will demonstrate and discuss how they approach their art. They will have original works on display and for sale. Mountain Writers Festival Author Lunch (Saturday 26 March) An engrossing lunch with esteemed writers Tony Birch, Evelyn Araluen and Tom Griffiths, moderated by Sophie Cunningham AM. Taking place at The Wine Collective in Macedon.

FOR THE SOUL Outdoor Sound Bowl Meditation (Sundays 27 March – 24 April) Surround yourself in the autumnal beauty of Kyneton Botanic Gardens, while experiencing a sacred sound bath meditation. Harpist in the Garden at Dromkeen (Saturday 9 April) Visit Dromkeen in Riddells Creek to witness a performance inspired by the changing seasons, performed by Michael Johnson, harpist and composer from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Follow this with a stroll through the historic gardens before enjoying one of their famous Devonshire teas.

FOR GARDENERS A Day at Duneira (multiple dates) Experience Duneira, a private historic hill-station garden on Mount Macedon with live music, fresh roasted chestnuts, Devonshire tea and guest speakers. The ultimate day out to enjoy one of Victoria’s most historic and spectacular gardens.

FOR FAMILIES The Ultimate Autumn Picnic (Sunday 27 March) Picnic amongst the autumn leaves in Gisborne's beautiful Jacksons Creek Reserve and be treated to a live show by Cassidy La Creme and Tash York. A fantastic free fun day for the whole family. A Journey (multiple dates) Be wowed by A Journey – an interactive lighting and sound experience created by local artists, that journeys through the Malmsbury Botanical Gardens, culminating in a lighting display at the Malmsbury Viaduct. The Gardeners (multiple dates and event appearances) Keep your eyes out for a pair of gentle giants known as ‘The Gardeners’ who will spread notes, gifts and messages of joy and fun at various farmers’ markets and events. View the full list of events taking place at visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival Photo: Autumn Pie and Tart Trail - Malmsbury Bakery. Photography by Chloe Smith

A WEEK IN THE LIFE Lindy Alexander @lindyalexanderwriter

A weekend is never long enough in the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region, so stay for a little longer, get off the beaten path and discover charming, lesser-known towns. There are stunning natural attractions, innovative winemakers, heritage streetscapes and plenty of fabulous food. Here’s your handy guide for a seven-night stay.

DAY 1 - KYNETON Start your journey in Kyneton, an easy hour’s drive north of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway. On arrival, explore Black Hill Reserve by hiking around The Monolith, one of Australia’s largest granite rocks. Then stroll along the Campaspe River Walk, a picturesque trail snaking past Kyneton’s Botanical Gardens, a sculpture park and platypus habitat. Back in town, the heritage-listed Piper Street houses galleries, boutiques and some of Victoria’s best food and drink offerings. Sample award-winning, small-batch gin at the distillery door of Animus, or head to cosy yet sophisticated Miss M’s Lounge for cocktails and tapas.

the spectacular 1860s bluestone Malmsbury Viaduct – Victoria’s largest masonry bridge. Then discover some of the area’s cool climate wineries. At Parkside Estate and Farm (between Lancefield and Romsey), soak up breathtaking views while sampling award-winning sparkling and chardonnay. North of Lancefield is Curly Flat Vineyard, known for its naturally fermented wines. Drop in for lunch (weekends only) at Cleveland Winery where the woodfired pizzas are perfect with a glass of sparkling pinot noir or full-bodied shiraz. Finish off at Romsey’s Evans Bistro, Bar and Garden, with its glamorous cocktail bar, welcoming outdoor space and modern Australian menu.

DAY 2 - MALMSBURY, LANCEFIELD & ROMSEY

Trading Post is the ultimate stop for house-made cakes, pies and local produce. Down the mountain is Mount Towrong vineyard, a sustainable family-owned winery serving rustic Italian fare to match their crisp wines. Rising from the surrounding countryside is Hanging Rock, known as Ngannelong by the Traditional Owners of the land. Hike to the summit or thread your way through the reserve on numerous paths. Time for a tipple? Nearby, you can sample award-winning small batch gins at Big Tree Distillery. Or stop by Woodend’s Holgate Brewhouse and Taproom, where an extensive range of craft beers are brewed on site. For further ideas on what to do in Woodend, check out our guide on page 8.

DAY 4: HARCOURT, CASTLEMAINE & MALDON DAY 3 – MOUNT MACEDON & WOODEND

Start day two in the enchanting hamlet of Malmsbury, with breakfast at The Stables Mediterranean Restaurant and Pizzeria. Explore the verdant botanic gardens and

Daylesford Macedon Life | 20

With its bright red door reflecting the flame-coloured leaves atop Mount Macedon during autumn, the

Pack your bags for a short, northern detour through charming goldfields towns.

bottle for the pure waters at the Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve.

picturesque village of Blackwood, tucked in between the Wombat and Lerderderg State Parks.

For complete relaxation, book into Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, soaking tension away in the mineral waters before a massage. Follow up with a delicious ‘prix fixe’ four course dinner at The Surly Goat, a delightful Hepburn restaurant and wine bar where the menu changes daily.

A short drive from Blackwood gets you to the Western Highway, 45 minutes from Melbourne. Return home sated, relaxed and with the knowledge that whatever you didn’t manage this time, there’s always next time in the Daylesford Macedon Ranges Region.

DAY 6: CRESWICK, CLUNES & TALBOT An easy 20-minute drive west of Daylesford, is Creswick, with its historic redbrick buildings, iconic woollen mill and RACV Goldfields Resort 18-hole course. A little further north you’ll find historic Clunes (a town for true

Have breakfast at the Harcourt Produce and General Store (try a Danish tart). A great playground is opposite, while keen mountain bikers should hit the trails at La Larr Bagauwa Park. In Castlemaine, the artisan smallgoods, boutique wines, fresh sourdough, cheese and chocolate are popular at The Mill. For lunch try Superhero Banh Mi, a hole-in-the wall café serving some of the best banh mi and bao outside Vietnam. Then board the Victorian Goldfields Steam Railway, journeying through Box-Ironbark forest and the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung. Arriving in Maldon, Australia’s first notable town, the beautiful heritage streetscape is a treasure trove of antique shops, collectables and local galleries like Much Ado, selling French-Provincial homewares, textiles and books.

DAY 5: DAYLESFORD Renowned for its creative communities, it’s time to discover Daylesford’s local artists. Start at the majestic Convent Gallery where exhibitions change regularly. Then explore Black Gallery, Stony Creek Gallery and Clayfire Gallery. For beautiful ceramics, visit Minna Graham’s studio, where nature has a dramatic influence on her creations. For lunch, try Wombat Hill House - a darling, renovated cottage or locals’ favourite, Cliffy’s Emporium. There’s no better place to indulge than in Australia’s spa capital where Swiss and Italian migrants have long championed the area’s mineral springs. Bring an empty

Daylesford Macedon Life | 21

Photos (opposite page L-R): Piper Street, Kyneton. Photography by @journeybylight_photography. Clunes. Photography by @michelle.glanville Left: Talbot. Below. Ollie. Photography by @mdpphotovideo

booklovers, and the site of Clunes Booktown each May). From there, it’s a short drive to Talbot, home to a charming goldrush era streetscape. Time it right and you’ll catch the Talbot Farmers' Market (third Sunday of every month) – recognised as one of the region's best.

DAY 7: MUSK, BULLARTO AND LYONVILLE Stock up on European-style meats from Istra Smallgoods’ farmgate in Musk. While in the area, visit Stonewalls at Musk – artist Andrew O’Brien’s stunning vision to combine art, hospitality and design. Then stop at the estate vineyard of Passing Clouds, renowned for its complex pinot noir and crisp chardonnay. And art lovers – don’t miss Bullarto Gallery, which exhibits the visceral art of painter Phillip Edwards. Have lunch or dinner at the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville, where head chef Yvan Meunier combines European cuisine with his travels through South East Asia, creating an irresistible menu.

DAY 8: TRENTHAM & BLACKWOOD Trentham is a mini-but-mighty town with excellent dining options, such as Annie Smithers’ French farmhouse-style restaurant Du Fermier or the iconic Cosmopolitan Hotel. A short drive away you’ll also find the newly reopened Pig and Whistle Hotel, which offers an elevated pub experience on a quiet, back country road. Minutes from Trentham’s town centre is Trentham Falls, Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall. If there’s time on the clock for spectacular gardens, drop into Blackwood Ridge or The Garden of St Erth in the

THINKING OF BRINGING YOUR FURRY FRIEND ALONG WITH YOU? HERE ARE SOME PET FRIENDLY OPTIONS: STAY

Birch House, Daylesford Jubilee Lake Park, Daylesford Matilda Cottage, Gisborne East Wing, Kyneton EAT & DRINK

Wombat Hill House, Daylesford Cliffy’s Emporium, Daylesford Pancho Café, Daylesford Daylesford Cider Mount Towrong Vineyard, Mount Macedon Mount Macedon Winery The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham

FOOD FROM LOCAL WOODS, MEADOWS, FARMS AND GARDENS LATE SUMMER, EARLY AUTUMN

Alla Wolf-Tasker AM. Culinary Director Lake House & Dairy Flat Farm Daylesford @wolfinkitchen @lakehousedaylesford @dairyflatfarmdaylesford All of us have heard the word ‘immunity’ spoken about during these pandemic years, yet most of us take for granted this magically intricate defense system that works to keep us healthy.

properties. Onions, meanwhile, have a substance called Quercetin a known inhibitor of various influenza viruses.

ood food, together with good sleep, prioritising exercise (even if it’s just a ramble through our beautiful surrounds here), socialising, conviviality and integration in community, are all critically important for our immune system. As these are things many of us had to forego throughout the lockdowns and travel restrictions of the past two years, our immunity is bound to have taken a battering. In these difficult times, what we can control are the choices we make when we purchase food for ourselves and our families. Mind you, wellness shouldn’t be about throwing down a raw fruit and vegetable juice now and then, nor the use of some new ‘fad’ grain or dried berry from somewhere over the other side of the globe. Rather, it’s about the confidence to make informed choices about our regular everyday purchases. Fresh local food is always the best because it’s in season. And,

Daylesford Macedon Life | 22

But beyond those humble contributors, right now a large bowl of mixed local berries is one of the best additions you could make to your diet. They are at their best, and like other vibrant brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, often provide some of the highest levels of nutrients, especially antioxidants. The anthocyanins found almost exclusively in these nutritional powerhouses have been shown to postpone cognitive decline. Berries are also a prebiotic fibre rich food that provide fuel to the probiotics in the gut. And a healthy microbiome, we now know, plays an essential role in our immune system. Buy your organic (there are a lot of pesticides that are often used in supermarket purchased produce) berries locally from farmers' markets or enjoy the experience of picking your own at Morningswood Farm, just outside Daylesford. if you’re shopping at a farmer’s market you’ll often get to meet the grower and can ask about their farming or production practices. We’re spoilt for choice with weekly farmers’ markets across our region bursting with great food from what is now acknowledged to be one of the most productive and sustainable food bowls in Australia. At Daylesford’s weekly Sunday market our own Dairy Flat Farm has a stall filled with sour dough loaves and Viennoisserie from our farm bake house, as well as plenty of just harvested pesticide free produce. Onions and garlic are a critically important addition to whatever you are cooking. Humble and often forgotten, they have recently been harvested. Garlic offers considerable protective benefits for our healthy immune response. Crushed or chopped, it produces allicin which offers substantial antiviral and antibacterial

But if it’s a forage you are after – look out for hedgerows of elderberries. These tall treelike shrubs grow very well across the Central Highlands. The tannic, pungent clusters of small dark berries make a delicious syrup when washed, stripped of their stems and cooked with sugar. We often use that as the base for a house liqueur here at Lake House. If you want to make a jam from them you’ll need to add pectin or a pectin heavy fruit. Apple and elderberry jam is quite delicious especially on pancakes with a little crème fraiche on the side.

"Fresh local food is always the best – because it’s in season".

But what about health and the immune system you ask? Well just check out your health food store or pharmacy to see the number of elderberry supplements, syrups and powders on the shelf – or online. Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world and you will find it in abundance right here. As children, we were never without it at home. It was always used to treat flu and the common cold – one of our many, well known SARS viruses. Healthy eating can boost your immunity, lift your spirit and nourish your sense of wellbeing. Go well! Go strong!

Photo (opposite page): Elderberries. Supplied by Lake House. Right: Farmers' market blueberries.

As Victoria continues to welcome you back, plan ahead, to make the most out of your trip. Reserve a table at your favourite restaurant. Book a night in a room with a view. Or get off the beaten track, to discover somewhere new to you. Please be patient while our tourism businesses get back into the swing of things. Keep in mind, to #travelkind

Daylesford Macedon Life | 23

A GUIDE TO CONSCIOUS SHOPPING Louise Pannell @woodendgeneral By shopping ‘slow’ and supporting smaller makers or certified brands, you are often making a more sustainable choice and investing in the future of businesses that are truly trying to make a positive difference to how we live and what we buy.

t Woodend General we are all about discovering functional, beautiful, and wellmade goods and gifts for our customers. This means understanding the values of the brand we are buying from, how and where the goods were made, and thinking long term about the impact the goods will have on the Earth. One of our favourite brands that we stock, and is doing a really good job of this is Olli Ella; a Certified B Corporation company (a global certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact). Others we love and stock include smaller makers and creatives such as ceramicists Kim Wallace, Adele Macer & Suzie Fox and Erin Lightfoot – all of whom hand-make their products here in Australia.

Other local brands to watch include Sister Studios, Dominique Healy, Lois Hazel and Jillian Boustred. One of the most considered and beautiful stores in our region, Daylesford-based Manteau Noir has been a personal favourite for years. They stock superior Australian skincare brand Aesop, as well as founder Victoria’s own label; a beautiful line of ethically and sustainably made womenswear. The store champions small artisan makers, sustainable and ethical production methods, and stunning heritage brands.

There are a growing number of boutique shops within our region, making a conscious effort to sell ethically made and sustainable goods. Here, we look at those shops which are leading the charge.

Daylesford is home to several other fantastic options, including the family-owned Alpaca Passion, where you will find stylish alpaca garments and cosy homewares. One of the most sustainable and luxurious natural fibres, alpaca is known for its softness, incredible lightness and supreme warmth. They work with suppliers and designers in Peru to ensure their own label A.P. MODA includes the highest quality, most affordable and fashionable alpaca garments.

A great option in Woodend is Think Alike. They offer a curated selection of Australian and New Zealand designers with a strong focus on sustainable practices and local production. NZ-based Kowtow is one of their leading innovative labels, with every piece in their collection made from 100% biodegradable materials.

Creswick Woollen Mills offers a beautiful selection of homewares, accessories and apparel. Their products are made from natural fibres including merino wool, possum, alpaca, cashmere, cotton and bamboo. They work closely with all suppliers to ensure fibres are 100% natural, sustainable and eco-friendly. Visit them at their

MUST HAVE Taking its cues from Daylesford's idyllic lakes, mineral springs, forests and seasonal offerings, the new EKO signature scent range captures and evokes the restorative and nurturing qualities of our spa experience; from the fresh citrusy scents, floral fragrances, the warm and enveloping notes, with the hint of spice. This range encourages and creates rituals into your everyday allowing mind and body rejuvenation. The range includes bath soak, candle, room mist and essential oil. EKO SIGNATURE SCENT RANGE CANDLE RRP $29.95

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historic Mill in Creswick, or their shop in Daylesford. A new offering, Slow Lane Daylesford sell a collection of Australian brands for those who value the importance of quality local brands. Focusing on sustainably and ethically manufactured goods, their collection showcases natural fibres with everything from hemp bags and hats and organic skincare. Brands of interest include – Daylesford Apothecary, Golden Brown the Label, Honest Studios and Seljak. At The Farmer’s Wife, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of beautiful quality clothing and homewares, along with an eclectic mix of preloved treasures. Always a rewarding shopping experience, you can visit them in both Creswick and Daylesford. If searching for pre-loved goods, you can’t go past The Amazing Mill Market in Daylesford. Home to the country’s largest mix of collectibles, retro fashions, vintage goods and jewellery, you can spend hours trawling the vast collection of vintage goods. We often buy props and fixtures there for use in our own store. In Kyneton, Camilla on Piper offers a beautiful selection of contemporary women’s fashion, with a focus on high quality, ethical brands, including labels such as Pol Clothing and Lou Lou Australia. Just across the road on Piper Street, you’ll find The Woolshed Australia. Here the aesthetic is distinctly rural and romantic, with stylish and sustainable brands such as Untouched World, Lorena Laing and Worn. Finishing in Trentham, another treasure trove is the Green Store, which specialises in natural, organic, and ethically sourced products. They stock a diverse range of quality body care and cleaning solutions for those with sensitivities, allergies or families wanting a chemical free home. You’ll also discover beautiful scarves and socks, bags, up-cycled bespoke furniture and lighting, toys, gifts, games and much more.

NO TIME TO UNWIND? DO YOU HAVE TIME NOT TO? Paul Matthews

t is critical to be able to relax - now more than ever. Being relaxed not only boosts your productivity, it facilitates mind-body integration for higher performance and can even help you live longer. The Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region is home to plenty of amazing experiences that can help you recharge, relax, and reset. Check out these inspirational options for starters: HEPBURN BATHHOUSE & SPA

Day Retreat - allow up to 4 hours The perfect balance of traditional water therapies and well-being spa therapies. This package is specifically designed to de-stress and restore balance. Included within your experience is a little time to nourish and replenish your body with a regional tasting platter, a glass of wine and a spa gift upon your departure. hepburnbathhouse.com DAYLESFORD DAY SPA & BEAUTY

Total Bliss package - 120 mins Let a therapist take you on a journey of Total Bliss with this package designed to de-stress your body and mind, restore balance and enhance relaxation. Enjoy a massage of your back, neck and shoulders or scalp, a rejuvenating body exfoliation, a massage of your hands and feet, and a hydrating facial to re-energise your body and mind. daylesforddayspa.com.au THE MINERAL SPA

Total Float & Relax - allow up to 4 hours The Mineral Spa is an idyllic restorative haven and renowned as one of the most acclaimed and awarded natural mineral spas in Australia. Float away stress in a cloud of weightlessness before a rebalancing aromatherapy massage and freshening appetiser facial. You’ll be on cloud nine. mineralspa.com.au

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MAIAVEDA HOLISTIC HEALTH RETREAT & SPA

Ayurvedic Blissful Detox Ritual - allow 2 hours 30 mins These therapies take the mind, body and spirit on an inner voyage of relaxation and mental purification. By creating an experience where you are held and nurtured, promoting energy flow and purification of the body-mind, this ritual supports the healing process and connection to your higher self. Includes a full body steam from the neck down infusing dosha specific herbs to detox. maiaveda.com.au

Brewery & Taproom Restaurant & Bar Accommodation Bottleshop

THE SPA AT LAKE HOUSE DAYLESFORD

100% Mineral Water “Tree Top” Soak - 30 mins Set in a magical treetop location, private circular spa tubs sit in individual ‘cabins’ and look out through the willow trees to Lake Daylesford. Mineral water hydrotherapy is known to boost your circulation, assisting with the detoxification process and encouraging relaxation and general wellbeing. lakehouse.com.au/spa SHIZUKA RYOKAN JAPANESE COUNTRY SPA & WELLNESS RETREAT

Wellness package – up to 4 hours Shizuka Ryokan offers a traditional Japanese experience. The wellness package includes a reflexology treatment, relaxation massage, and an omakase banquet dinner with sake tasting cups to enjoy with your meal. shizuka.com.au

79 High St, Woodend holgatebrewhouse.com

W E S T P O R T E S TAT E .CO M . AU

WINE, DINE &

DISCOVER SOMETHING FINE Ali Webb @houseofwebb

Feast your eyes on more than a meal, and discover an array of fine art, dressing the walls of the region’s restaurants. If you’re lucky, a piece of art could be going home with you; many local artists sell their works straight off the walls.

tepping inside the warm interior of Beppe Kitchen + Bar on a stormy evening in Daylesford, I get the feeling that I’m being watched. It’s not the gloriously attentive waiters who have me seated and wined and dined in the fabulous Italian eatery; it’s the curious-looking portraits hanging on the walls, suspiciously eyeing off my sneaky second glass of wine and my stealing of a deliciously crunchy marguerita pizza crust off my partner’s plate. The work of Daylesford-based Kim Barter is iconic in central Victoria. Her portraits capture character and wit and in some paintings, a twinkle of cheekiness in a set of eyes that could follow you around a room. Whilst Beppe has commissioned Kim to create a series of conversation-starting portraits for their space, you can leave the restaurant inspired to delve deep into the work of Kim and perhaps commission a piece to keep an eye on you at home. A sunny afternoon at Botanik in Kyneton can easily have me sitting on the upstairs veranda of the Royal George Hotel overlooking Piper Street, under the shade of enormous palms, ficus’, monstera and fruit salad plants. A glass of bubbles and a delectable plate of cheese and olives in the jungle-like setting puts me in the position of the explorer as I adventure downstairs to Kabinett, home to a collection of interior art and design, handpicked and beautifully curated by owners Melissa Macfarlane and Frank Moylan. Come for the safari of delicious cocktails and share plates and leave with objects of desire from vintagesourced goods, original artwork, unique furniture pieces, exquisite bedding and hand-picked fragrances.

All the indoor plants are available for purchase ready for you to recreate a jungle scene in your own nest. Deep within central Victoria’s renowned art trail lies Trentham, a cool town known as a hot spot for art lovers to visit, and artists to live. Trentham’s Cosmopolitan Hotel is the central meeting place for art and food to come together. Dining in this family-friendly and awardwinning pub, you are consumed by warmth, sound, laughter, a beaming menu and an ever-changing display of local artworks on the wall. With each visit, the display changes, likely due to the works selling so quickly! The cheerful sight of a kookaburra on the wall captures my attention as we relax in the dining room, taking in a local Holgate Brewing Co. beer and snacking on a regional tasting plate. Prolific Victorian artist Helen Cottle lives within the Macedon Ranges, and her work is clearly inspired by the landscape, wildlife, flora, fauna and people of the region. It’s such a treat to see her works up so close in this restaurant space. I’m so tempted by the painting of the kookaburra watching over our table, but the drawing of the blue wren in the front bar steals my attention as I head towards the enormous beer garden. We discuss the works in the outdoor area, surrounded by birds and beautiful native plants and I’m THIS close to making a purchase. Upon enquiry, I’m told that the works have been sold. You’ve got to get in quick! Lucky for me, Helen does commissions. Let art play the part when planning your next dining experience.

Beppe Kitchen + Bar. Kim Barter artwork. Photography by Chris Turner.

DINE

Beppe Kitchen + Bar 32 Raglan Street, Daylesford The Cosmopolitan Hotel 21 High Street, Trentham Botanik 22 Piper Street, Kyneton ART

Kim Barter kimbarterart.com Helen Cottle helencottle.com.au Kabinett kabinett.com.au

DAIRY FLAT LODGE & FARM This is not a hotel, this is something else…

Leitches Creek Mineral Spring. Take a private yoga class, learn the art of watercolour painting with our in-house illustrator, arrange a beekeeping 101 with our own hive master, or take a tour around the productive gardens that supply the Lake House kitchens.

A luxe farmhouse style lodge set on almost 40 acres, serviced by the team from the iconic Lake House Hotel, Restaurant & Spa. Located just 10 minutes from the village of Daylesford, amid rolling hills with views to productive farms, vineyard and forest, Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm is an exclusive retreat for up to 12 guests. Six king suites are exquisitely decorated with a mix of vintage and custom-made furniture alongside original artwork, much of it from local painters and sculptors. The main concierge kitchen, dining area, open fireplace, sumptuous velvet sofas, gorgeous library and honour bar provide a multitude of places to gather over coffee, a glass of wine or negroni. There is also a hot tub overlooking the vineyard, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, established hedgerow gardens, electric bikes, fishing rods, picnic hampers, a telescope for stargazing and so much more.

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Lodge guests receive priority reservations at Lake House Restaurant & Spa, or alternatively a private chef can cook exclusively for your group. Whether you prefer long languid days or jam-packed itineraries, whatever your preferred travel pace; Dairy Flat is a place to gather your tribe and return to time and time again.

Enjoy a generous farmhouse style cooked breakfast in the morning (the onsite sourdough bake house specialises in slow fermentation, sourdough baguettes, loaves & viennoiserie), our team will provide plenty of options for activities, tastings and more, then the day is yours…. Ride your bike to nearby Passing Clouds Wine, take a stroll to the Daylesford Cidery, or perhaps nearby

By appointment only dairyflatfarmdaylesford.com.au @dairyflatfarmdaylesford 03 5348 3329

NEW SENSATION Jo Stewart As the architect behind some of Australia’s most influential buildings including Hobart’s MONA and Melbourne’s Eureka Tower, Nonda Katsalidis AM has more recently directed his ingenuity towards a project close to his heart: building a cellar door, restaurant and sculpture paddock at Mount Monument vineyard.

ven though the Katsalidis family has held the property on Romsey Road for more than 16 years, only recently have they begun to share it with the rest of us.

“The farm at Mount Monument is a lovely landscape with a volcano at its heart which rises over a hundred metres above the surrounding plain. It’s a landscape that we have poured huge effort and love into over the time we have owned it. The winery and sculpture paddock is the latest adventure in the evolution of our dream,” says Nonda.

winning local viticulturist Ben Ranken, who produces pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz and riesling for the Mount Monument label.

sunny days. With picnic blankets, cutlery, food and – of course – wine provided, a picnic at Mount Monument is a no-fuss affair.

Taking cues from the brutalist architecture movement, the new cellar door and restaurant, made from dark grey concrete and red oxidised steel, is unlike anything else in the Macedon Ranges. The restaurant features a menu of simple modern European dishes that harmonise with Mount Monument’s minimal-intervention, French-style wines.

Sculptures by the likes of Louise Paramor, Eden McCready and Tom Borgas can be found throughout the property, as well as several works by Nonda himself who values the artistic freedom that comes with working on personal projects.

Mount Monument’s evolution has indeed been a labour of love. Over the years, thousands of olive trees have been planted and an old dam has been converted into wetlands which has attracted waterbirds, frogs and insects.

A striking sculpture from the couple’s private collection, Richard Stringer’s The Birth of Zarathustra has found a new home at Mount Monument. Acting as a centrepiece in the restaurant, the imposing sculpture of a large human head flanked by two smaller figures keeps a watchful eye over diners.

When it comes to winemaking, the family are somewhat hands-off, preferring to leave it to award-

Beyond the cellar door and restaurant, visitors can enjoy a pre-booked picnic in the sculpture paddock on

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“I love to build and work with landscapes. When I do something for myself, I like to take more risk and be more experimental because if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter so much. I value what I learn from the process,” says Nonda. Looking ahead, visitors will be able to stay overnight with plans for boutique accommodation in the works. Art and wine lovers, stay tuned! Photos L-R: Sculture by Richard Stringer, Mount Monument landscape, Sculpture by Nonda Katsalidis

THE INDIGENOUS HISTORY OF HANGING ROCK Steve Wroe

perspectives and stories, but evidence suggests that the groups were highly inter-connected and it is clear that Ngannelong was a sacred place for all three groups and was used for ceremonies, meditations, and initiations for at least 26,000 years…possibly more like 40,000. Archaeologists have unearthed stone tools dating back at least 10,000 years at the site. The sources of the stone used to make tools found at Hanging Rock come from a considerable distance, suggesting that Ngannelong was the site of a much larger social and economic network. There is also a natural spring that provided a valuable source of water.

n a former life, I had a job that meant I spent a lot of time at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park…and even more time in Kakadu National Park, having lived there for a year. It was a great honour to work in these iconic places and now I have the honour of working in a region that’s home to Hanging Rock… also known as Mount Diogenes…and before that, Ngannelong…or Anneyelong. The very name of this famous site raises all sort of questions. For starters, should we start using the indigenous name, as has happened at Uluru and many other places around Australia? The answer, in my view, is ‘yes’, but it also raises further questions. For starters, there is some conjecture as to the actual indigenous name of the site. A German naturalist created an engraving of the rock in the mid-1850s using the word ‘Anneyelong’ but toponymists believe that he misheard the name and it’s actually ‘Ngannelong’. No one is sure. One of the challenges facing anthropologists, historians

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As a prominent culturally significant landmark near tribal boundaries, the rock is likely to have been used for Ngargee ceremonies (corroborrees) and other traditional business that involved gatherings between the three groups for marriages, resolution of conflicts, trade and initiation. and, indeed the various Traditional Owner groups around Australia, is that Indigenous stories were passed on verbally, there was no written Indigenous language. This would have been fine; after all, Australian Indigenous culture stretches back tens of thousands of years and was travelling along perfectly well until white people showed up. However, the cataclysmic impact of European settlement on the Indigenous people and culture is well known. One of the many tragic outcomes of the upheaval was that countless rich cultural stories have been lost, or are in danger of being lost, forever. So, when I was asked to write an article on the Indigenous history of ‘the rock’, I was surprised at the lack of available information. What we do know is this: the site - let’s call it Ngannelong - is located near the traditional boundary between three Aboriginal tribal groups – the Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri), the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung. Each has its own

When you consider that the three traditional owner groups have been visiting the site since at least the last ice age, it puts into perspective the importance of Ngannelong as a part of Indigenous history. It also gives us some perspective into the remarkable longevity of the Australian Aboriginal culture. Jesus was born a couple of thousand years ago. The pyramids were built 5,000 years ago. At least 25,000 years ago Indigenous people were performing ceremonies at what we have been calling ‘Hanging Rock’ for a few decades. Next time I visit Hanging Rock/Ngannelong (we take our kids there often), I’ll stop to take a moment to reflect on this. I encourage you to do the same next time you visit.

Photo: Hanging Rock. Photography by Chloe Smith

WALKING TALL IN DAYLESFORD Narelle Groenhout

he word that comes to mind for many people when asked to describe Daylesford is ‘beautiful’. The historic buildings, the rolling, forested landscape in which the small township is nestled, and the seasonal shades. The word ‘beautiful’ can equally be applied to the people who call Daylesford home and the community as a whole. For those who have decided to call this place home, whether they are born and bred or recent arrivals, the power of ‘the village’ is like a warm embrace. Indeed, there is pure beauty in the sense of acceptance and safety in this quite extraordinary community. For these reasons Daylesford has been home to people from all walks of life. And, from as long ago as the 1980s, members of the gay and lesbian community, heard whispers that there was a little town in central Victoria accepting of those a little different from society’s norm. It’s no secret we are proudly home to many members of the LGBTQ+ community. And in a riot of colour, fun and craziness, every March the whole town – straight and queer – sets about hosting one of the country’s largest and most fun regional Queer festivals - ChillOut. ChillOut started out as an idea over drinks 25 years ago among a small group of gay men and women, who

ART IN THE VINES ‘21- ‘22

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desired to share their town and their open embrace with the wider community. Thanks to them, 25 years on, ChillOut continues to grow each year. From attracting a few hundred people at the Old Butter Factory to now welcoming up to 20,000 visitors annually, there is something quite special and unique about ChillOut. But when the rainbow flags come down and the little town resembles its daily self, the sense of safety continues to be the reason many chose and continue to make Daylesford home. Local storyteller and community stalwart Anne E. Stewart has spent hundreds of hours researching and documenting the history of Daylesford’s Queer community over the years. Stories of a young female doctor, and those of a gay bushranger who penned love letters, have featured in Anne’s work. Who exactly was the ‘first gay in the village’ has also been covered in Anne’s extensive collection, as has the beautiful account of a respite home set up in Daylesford during the height of the AIDS pandemic. It’s believed many gay women had already set up life in the region, partly because land and homes were cheaper for women on lower wages and because it was a quiet retreat away from the city. Anne believes it was many of the gay women who nursed men with AIDS and welcomed their visiting partners. While many died,

many loved ones stayed to make a life in town. The Peace Mile around Lake Daylesford is a beautiful tribute to those lives and is a reminder of the town’s love for all. For 72 year old Max Primmer, a visit to the Chillout festival in 2003 saw him relocate to the area months later. He immediately found his tribe; his home. “There is something in the air. Something in Daylesford that makes you feel safe. Whichever way you come, you drive through the bush – it feels euphoric – and then you come to a little enclave through the forests. It doesn’t matter who’s hand you hold in the main street. It just matters that we live in a community that accepts us all.” Max grew up on a dairy farm in Western Victoria, his father a senator. They didn’t care who he loved. They just cared. Max believes such a sentiment lives on in Daylesford. “It doesn’t matter who we are or who we love, we can just be our true selves and walk a little taller thanks to everyone before us who has made this little town the safe, welcoming place it is today.”

ChillOut Festival 10-14 March 2022

ROOMS WITH A VIEW Madeleine Blake Blessed with lush forests, verdant rolling hills and stunning mountain vistas, it comes as no surprise that the Daylesford Macedon Ranges region is home to some unforgettable views. After the crazy few years we’ve all had – with far more time than we’d like staring at the same old walls – we could all do with a change of scenery. So, we’ve hunted down a selection of accommodation options that offer breathtaking views and a sense of escape. Pack your bags…and get ready to be wowed.

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PROVINCE LAKE HOUSE, DAYLESFORD Enjoy your own private paradise on Lake Daylesford at the luxurious Province Lake House. Here, serenity is imbued within the very foundations of this stunning lakeside house. Accommodating up to 10 guests across five luxurious bedrooms, this property provides direct access to Lake Daylesford and is only a short walking distance to the heart of town. discoverdaylesford.com/province-lake-house

LUMELLA, BULLARTO Lumella is an architect-designed getaway for those seeking a private and peaceful rural escape. Located on Dolphins Hill on the border of Musk and Bullarto, Lumella sits on 20 acres atop the Great Dividing Range. Perfect for couples, this stylish retreat commands panoramic views as far as the eye can see, providing an ever-changing living canvas, breathtaking throughout each season. dayget.com.au/lumella

CAMPBELL HOUSE, CASTLEMAINE From the regal lounge room to the historic finishing and antique furniture, a stay at Campbell House will transport you to an aristocratic manor from another time. The upstairs balcony and bedrooms boast commanding views over the town of Castlemaine. Freshly renovated and restored to its former glory, this majestic mansion features nine bedrooms. castlemaineaccom.com.au/en/campbell-house

MUSK FARM STUDIO, MUSK Situated in an idyllic rural setting, surrounded by lush pastures and rolling hills, Musk Farm Studio was inspired and created by the famed designer Stuart Rattle. This wonderfully cosy and aesthetically stunning onebedroom cottage features large hexagonal shaped windows, looking out over the surrounding beautiful Musk Farm gardens, to which guests are given exclusive access. daylesfordcountryretreats.com.au/ accommodation/musk-farm-studio

LANCEMORE MACEDON RANGES, LANCEFIELD Set upon 274 acres of lush vineyards, Lancemore Macedon Ranges offers extraordinary views of the surrounding countryside. Rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, over the estate vineyard and dams, with resident mobs of kangaroos or flocks of rosellas stopping by to graze on the lawn. This luxurious property features 71 guest rooms, a lookout bar, campfire and plunge pool, plus lots more. lancemore.com.au/macedon-ranges

LAWSON LODGE COUNTRY ESTATE, MACEDON Situated on 53 acres of rolling hills, Lawson Lodge is surrounded by national park, with amazing panoramic views of Mount Macedon. You are given exclusive access to this luxury 9-bedroom Californian mountain lodge, which sleeps up to 24 guests and includes access to a private 9-hole golf course. lawsonlodge.com.au

GISBORNE PEAK WINERY, GISBORNE Gisborne Peak Winery is home to four selfcontained, off-grid cottages that sit perched above the vineyard. The private decks of each cottage are the ideal location to take in the sweeping views as you sip on wines made from the very vines you are overlooking. The winery cellar door is just a short stroll down the hill where you can indulge in wood-fired pizzas and other tasty treats. gisbornepeakwines.com.au

IRONBARK, MALDON Find yourself truly immersed in nature at Ironbark. This stylish 3-bedroom retreat is nestled between a private ironbark eucalyptus forest and farmland, a short drive or walk from the historic gold mining township of Maldon. Floor to ceiling glass doors and windows provide you with your own private viewing of the surrounding forest, where you can spot kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas. maldongetaways.com.au/en/2429671/ironbarkmaldon

GOLDIE VIEWS, GOLDIE Custom designed to emulate a barn loft, and completely self-contained, Goldie Views offers stunning treetop and lake views from the upstairs balcony. Located on a small beef cattle farm within the Macedon Ranges, this architecturally designed couples retreat is surrounded by 74 acres of private fields and woodlands. goldieviews.com.au Photos (opposite page) 1. Lumella 2. Lancemore Macedon Ranges (photo Rhiannon Taylor) 3. Province Lake House 4. Musk Farm Studio 5. Lawson Lodge 6. Goldie Views 7. Ironbark 8. Campbell House (Photo Chris Turner) 9. Gisborne Peak Winery

offering a flexible booking policy BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE NOW

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WHAT'S ON-

We anticipate more events will be confirmed over autumn as restrictions further ease, so make sure you keep an eye on our website daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au and on our Facebook page @daylesfordmacedonranges. Be sure to check the event is going ahead before hopping in the car.

CHILLOUT FESTIVAL

OPERA AT BOLOBEK- ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

ChillOut Festival is back for 2022! It’s the 25 Year Silver Jubilee so it will be one for the ages. Held over the Labour Day weekend in March at various locations across Daylesford, the festival will transform the Central Highlands of Victoria into Queer Country. Includes: carnival, street parade, ballroom blitz, bush dance and so much more.

Be taken away in the family feel good performance of the Australian premiere of London’s Opera Holland Park delightful production Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Presented by the award-winning Australian Contemporary Opera Co (ACOCo) in association with Open Gardens Victoria. Staged in the magnificent heritage-listed grounds of Bolobek. Two performances available, be sure to book.

WHEN:

10 - 14 March

WHEN:

Saturday 12 March

WHERE:

Daylesford and surrounds

WHERE:

Bolobek, Mount Macedon

INFO:

chilloutfestival.com.au

INFO:

opengardensvictoria.org.au/Opera-at-Bolobek

MALDON’S FINE ART TREASURE Discover authentic hand made etchings, wood engravings, linocuts and lithographs. Discover original paintings and sculptures which will kindle the imagination and provoke observation. Jeff Gardner – Printmaker exhibition extended until 31 March. Artists represented include David Moore, Dean Bowen, Jeff Gardner, David Frazer, Liz Sullivan, Jan Palethorpe, Robert Maclaurin and many more. Kareen Anchen – Gallery Director warmly invites you to visit!

The Church, 1A Fountain Street, Maldon OPEN: Thursday - Sunday 10am – 5pm and by appointment.

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0408 844 152 kareen@cascadeart.com.au cascadeart.com.au @maldonsfinearttreasure @cascadeartmaldon

MACEDON RANGES AUTUMN FESTIVAL - NINE VILLAGES, ONE FESTIVAL

CRESFEST – CRESWICK’S FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & DANCE

Get a taste of the Macedon Ranges in autumn at the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival – a month-long exploration of events, nature experiences, autumn produce and creativity across nine unique and colourful villages. Including immersive art displays, interactive light shows, live music, various food and wine events, open studios, farmers’ markets and plenty more.

This April, experience world-class folk ‘n roots music in lovely Creswick. The festival includes star-studded Town Hall special events, intimate pub concerts, a Bollywood spectacular, films and a program of workshops. Dance, sing, learn, listen, eat and rest in glorious autumn weather.

WHEN:

26 March - 25 April

WHEN:

1 - 3 April

WHERE:

Various locations across the Macedon Ranges

WHERE:

Various locations across Creswick

INFO:

visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival

INFO:

cresfest.com.au

145TH MALDON EASTER FAIR

CLUNES BOOKTOWN FESTIVAL

The Maldon Easter Fair tradition continues. Wander the Easter Monday Parade, showcasing a range of Maldonian history, from fire trucks, to Garden Club penny farthing bicycles. Across the weekend enjoy the Easter Machinery Rally, a torchlight procession, hole in one golf competition, dancing in the streets, a billy cart race, scone bake, and quilt show. There's something for everyone.

Clunes, the bibliophile capital of regional Victoria, comes alive this autumn in a celebration of books, words, writers and renowned authors. The annual festival is a calendar-marker for book lovers and regional adventurers with the quaint township offering local food, wine and produce alongside the pleasant series of talks and conversations provided by our country’s favourite wordsmiths.

WHEN:

14 - 18 April

WHEN:

30 April - 1 May

WHERE:

Main and High Streets, Maldon

WHERE:

Clunes

INFO:

facebook.com/maldoneasterfair

INFO:

clunesbooktown.com.au

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Home to a broad and rapidly growing range of classes and workshops, the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region provides those wanting to explore their creative side with plenty of options to choose from. Whether it is discovering the art of cheese making, trying your hand at lino printing, or learning how to declutter your life, there is literally something for everyone! Keep in mind that many of these classes book out quickly, so be sure to book well in advance. Find these classes and more on: daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/ classes-workshops

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS ART OF LINO PRINTING WORKSHOP AT BLACK GALLERY, DAYLESFORD

INK & WATERCOLOUR WASH ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP AT THE OLD AUCTION

FRIDAY 11 MARCH / $295PP

HOUSE, KYNETON.

Re-kindle the fun of creating lino prints at Black Gallery art studio under the guidance of art teacher, artist and gallery owner; Cristina Doyle. The workshop will cover design, drawing, cutting, inking, printing and framing and is a class geared for groups of six with no prior printmaking experience. All materials plus lunch with wine are included. To book call Cristina 0409 137 157 / blackgallerydaylesford.com NATURALLY ORDERLY: JAPAN-INSPIRED DECLUTTER & RE-SET AT SHIZUKA RYOKAN, HEPBURN SPRINGS SUNDAY 27 MARCH / 11AM TO 3:30PM

Fall in love with a uniquely Japanese, nature-based approach to decluttering your home and life. Join Cecilia Macaulay for this fun and interactive seasonal workshop at Shizuka Ryokan. You will learn to ‘reduce useless diversity and increase useful diversity’, and so much more. The experience includes a traditional Japanese lunch. shizuka.com.au/retreats-workshops-shizuka-ryokan INTRODUCTION TO CHEESE-MAKING WITH CRAIG CASTREE, KYNETON THURSDAY 31 MARCH

Join horticulturist and author Craig Castree at Kyneton Library for a free and delicious cheese-making demo (bookings are required). Learn to make bocconcini, mozzarella and halloumi in your own home. Craig's books include A simple Urban Life, Edible Gardens: A Practical Guide, Edible Garden Secrets and Plant Profiles. visitmacedonranges.com/events/craig-castree-introduction-to-cheese-making

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SATURDAY 23 APRIL / 10.30AM / $210

Immerse yourself into the art of drawing with ink and creative watercolour wash sketches. In this full day drawing class you will join local artist Linda Newton to learn to outline your sketches before using watercolour pigments to fill them with colour, creating movement and personality. theoldauctionhouse.com.au/classes SPIRITS SOAR AT SKY HIGH, MT FRANKLIN WITH YOGABOUT SATURDAY 23-25 APRIL 3PM / $1,100

Rediscover your sense of self over two nights, while connecting into gentle yoga, forest bathing and mineral springs and guided walks in the breathtaking country surrounds of Sky High, Mt Franklin. Relax, revive, rejuvenate. yogabout.com.au/event-details/spirits-soar-at-sky-high-medium-walks-2-nights TASTES OF THE REGION - SOURDOUGH CRUMPET MASTERCLASS & LONGEST BRUNCH AT DARRAWEIT GUIM SUNDAY 3 APRIL 2022

A cider-paired longest brunch kicks off with a sourdough crumpet masterclass hosted by the town baker himself, Simon Mathee, of Millet Road Maker. Love brunch? Love cider? Love cooking? This event is for you! Learn all the tricks of the trade for ultimate crumpet bliss. visitmacedonranges.com/events/sourdough-crumpet-masterclass-longestbrunch/

STAY, PLAY AND DINE

ACRE OF ROSES: A SPELLBINDING FLOWER-FILLED RETREAT

DAYLESFORD PICNIC BOXES

MAZE HOUSE

5 Blue Mount Road, Trentham acreofroses.com.au | 0405 032 566

The perfect, local picnic box. daylesfordpicnicboxes.com.au | 0411 466 429

3155 Midland Highway, Newlyn North mazehouse.com.au | 0437 842 018

WILD FOOD AND WINE

WILDWOOD INSTRUMENTS ART GALLERY

WOMBAT FOREST VINEYARD AND WINERY EST 1997

Wine bar & restaurant in the heart of Castlemaine. wildfoodandwine.com | 03 4432 7352

Open Sat/Sun 10-4pm - 11 Phillips Road, Mt Franklin wildwoodinstruments.com.au | 0416 188 950

Wine tasting and cheese platters. wombatforestwines.com | 0427 239 334 HOW TO GET HERE & DISCOVER MORE

BUSES AND TRAINS

Journey times are approximate only. Full details on train and coach details can be found on vline.com.au

DRIVING TIMES AND DISTANCE MELBOURNE - DAYLESFORD

80 MIN

113 KM

MELBOURNE - WOODEND

55 MIN

71 KM

MELBOURNE - CASTLEMAINE

90 MIN

129 KM

MACEDON - Southern Cross Station to Macedon Station (55 min)

DAYLESFORD - Southern Cross Station to Ballan Station, coach to Bridport Street, Daylesford OR Southern Cross Station to Woodend Station, coach to Bridport Street, Daylesford (1 hr 55 min)

DAYLESFORD - BULLARTO

13 MIN

12 KM

LANCEFIELD - Southern Cross Station to Sunbury Station, coach from Brook Street Sunbury to High Street, Lancefield (1 hr 5 min)

CLUNES - Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Station to Clunes Station (2 hrs 15 min)

DAYLESFORD - CRESWICK

20 MIN

27 KM

DAYLESFORD - TRENTHAM

25 MIN

27 KM

WOODEND - Southern Cross Station to Woodend Station (1 hr)

TALBOT - Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Station to Talbot Station (2 hrs 30 min)

DAYLESFORD - CLUNES

34 MIN

40 KM

CLUNES - CRESWICK

16 MIN

18 KM

TRENTHAM - WOODEND

20 MIN

23 KM

DAYLESFORD - MALMSBURY

25 MIN

30 KM

MALMSBURY - KYNETON

10 MIN

11 KM

KYNETON - LANCEFIELD

25 MIN

32 KM

KYNETON - WOODEND

15 MIN

16 KM

GISBORNE - Southern Cross Station to Gisborne Station (45 min) BACCHUS MARSH - Southern Cross Station to Bacchus Marsh Station (50 min)

KYNETON - Southern Cross Station to Kyneton Station (1 hr 5 min) CASTLEMAINE - Southern Cross Station to Castlemaine Station (1 hr 25 min) TRENTHAM - Southern Cross Station to Woodend Station, coach to Market Street, Trentham (1 hr 30 min)

Daylesford Macedon Life | 37

CRESWICK - Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Station to Creswick Station (1 hr 40 min)

Daylesford Macedon Tourism is not responsible for changes or delays to scheduled services running in our region.

RECIPE - CARROT & WALNUT CAKE by Tom Crowe Pancho Café, Daylesford As Easter fast approaches we went in search of an Easter themed recipe. We decided that although a little indulgence never goes astray, it doesn’t have to be all about chocolate and perhaps Easter Bunny’s favourite treat should get a look in too. We are therefore excited to share the recipe from one of Pancho Café’s most coveted items, their amazing Carrot & Walnut Cake.

PANCHO CAFÉ

This recipe has been kindly shared with us by Pancho’s owners Tom and Lauren Crowe. The focus at this popular Daylesford based café is on small, yet well considered offerings, with a menu featuring fresh and innovative dishes that are created using the highest quality local ingredients.

Photograph by Stef Driscoll

INGREDIENTS: • 4 eggs • 220g caster sugar • 300g carrots, peeled and grated • 150g vegetable oil • 120g walnuts, toasted and chopped • 250g plain flour • ½ teaspoon salt • 2 teaspoon bicarb soda • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

METHOD:

Cream cheese icing

7. Cool on rack.

• 500gm Philladelphia cream cheese (room temperature) • 50gm unsalted butter (room temperature) • 200gm icing sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste

117 Vincent St, Daylesford panchocafe.com.au

Whisk together eggs and sugar in stand mixer (using whisk attachment) on medium low for around 15 minutes, until batter is thick, pale and glossy.

2. Slowly add oil to incorporate, while continuing to whisk gently. 3. In a large bowl, fold through carrot and walnuts. 4. Gently fold through remaining dry ingredients, being careful not to over mix (to avoid knocking air out of batter). 5. Grease and line a 22cm spring form tin. 6. Bake at 165°c for 60-70 minutes or until skewer comes out clean.

Cream cheese icing 1. Beat all ingredients with paddle attachment of stand mixer until smooth and silky. 2. Spread evenly over cooled cake with a wet palette knife. 3. Garnish with more chopped walnuts.

We'd love to share your baking skills, tag us in your recipe photos for a chance to be seen in our socials Q @daylesfordmacedonranges #daylesfordmacedonlife.

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