EDITOR'S NOTE: WHAT'S NEW

by Madeleine Blake

It’s all happening in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, as we continue to see a steady flow of new openings across the region - from sustainable cellar doors and gin tasting rooms, to shipping container bars, and glamourous overnight digs. Follow our journey around the region to discover what’s new and what’s happening over the coming months.

Starting in Romsey, Lyons Will Estate has opened a carbon neutral cellar door, with stunning elevated views of their estate and the surrounding ranges. Also in Romsey, Mount Monument have opened their much-anticipated restaurant with chef Ben Salt (ex-Kuzu Izakaya) at the helm. Nearby, Little Wren Cottage is a gorgeous new one-bedroom retreat surrounded by lush countryside.

In Lancefield, the Lost Watering Hole has opened. This new brewery and restaurant pays tribute to Lancefield’s unique history, as the location of one of the richest deposits of megafauna fossils in Australia.

The team behind MOUNTAIN Distilling have opened a Bar & Tasting Room in New Gisborne. Here, you can taste their award-winning gins or sip on a cocktail as you graze on charcuterie boards and cheese platters.

A little further down the road in the heart of Gisborne, Fallen Freight is a fantastic new outdoor beer garden / café space, where food and drinks are served out of shipping containers. Kids and pooches are welcome too.

Further North, the Kyneton Springs Motel has undergone a major refurb, with a retro aesthetic that merges the classic Australian road trip with the cool glamour of California’s Palm Springs.

In Castlemaine, artist David Bromley’s latest project is set to open in early-April. Located within the old Castlemaine Gaol, this museum-cumgallery will house some of the favourite things that David has collected, made, or discovered.

Daylesford has seen several new openings, Around the Corner is a gorgeous new retail offering from the team behind Manteau Noir Further along Vincent Street, Enki Daylesford is a new café, bar and lounge where you can experience the wonders of apothecary, while Brew Jays is another new addition to the bar scene.

New in the accommodation space, Daylesford Country Retreats have welcomed several incredible new architect-designed homes to their portfolio (read more about them on page 18.) In Hepburn Springs, The Grande Hotel has been given a new lease of life following a refurbishment by new owners.

Our events calendar also marches into full swing over the coming months. The nine villages of the Macedon Ranges will be awash with autumn colour and events as the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival takes place (1-30 April).

Creswick is gearing up for three days of music and dance when Cresfest Folk & Roots Festival returns (31 Mar-2 Apr). Woodend will welcome some of the world’s finest musicians for the annual Woodend Winter Arts Festival (9-12 June). There are some exciting new additions to the program. In July, Daylesford and surrounds will once again host a weekend of intimate performances as Winter Sounds takes over the unique venues of the region (14-16 Jul).

Castlemaine will be a hive of activity, with the Castlemaine State Festival (24 Mar-9 Apr), Castlemaine Jazz Festival (9-11 June) and Castlemaine Documentary Festival (16-19 June) all taking place. While the Goldfields Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas will be the centrepiece of the annual Maldon in Winter celebration (24 Jun9 Jul).

These are just some of the reasons to start planning a trip to our amazing region. We look forward to seeing you soon.