Pay It Forward in Woodend

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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