TRENTHAM COUNTRY ESCAPE Annissa White
Trentham is a quaint town, nestled in the Wombat State Forest, halfway between Daylesford and Woodend. Its character-filled main street is jam-packed with paddock to plate restaurants, bakeries making award-winning sourdough and historic pubs. The surrounding area is lush, dense forest and features an occasional potato farm. It is a very restful location and the journey to and fro is part of the fun. Woodend, with its mix of cafés, stores and pubs, warrants its own three day stay. Take some time to stroll along High Street. You’re likely to pass the Woodend General which is a great store to collect a memento. Sample some craft beer at Holgate Brewhouse and grab one of the best burgers in country Victoria at Super Lekker. It’s now time to head toward Trentham, less than 20 minutes away, to check in at Acre of Roses luxury accommodation. Acre of Roses is a micro flower farm and the perfect base to either retreat entirely or from which to explore further. Wander through the heady rose bushes, chill in their hanging chairs or even take a soak in their heated cedar hot tub.
DAY 1 - MT MACEDON/WOODEND DAY 2 – TRENTHAM There are two main ways to get to Trentham from Melbourne. Today, drive along the quickest route, the Calder Freeway. Don’t worry; you’ll be able to make the most of your trip and slowly wind your way home, surrounded by the dense Blackwood Forest. Take the exit after Gisborne, toward Mount Macedon. This is the large, heavily treed mountain to your right. It has a small population and is best known for its Honour Avenue and collection of 19th century gardens with extravagant homes. Pass by, or visit gardens such as Forest Glade and Stephen Ryan’s Dicksonia Rare Plants Nursery. You can also take a slight detour to Mountain Distilling gin and Mount Towrong Vineyard, who have some interesting Italian varietals and offer a hearty, homestyle Italian cooking intentionally created to pair perfectly with their wine. Continue to the top of the mount and take the short stroll to historic Memorial Cross. The views from Major Mitchell lookout are breathtaking and you can see for miles on a clear day. Facing out to your west, you will see Woodend village, a great spot to stop for a bite to eat.
Daylesford Macedon Life | 30
Nearby Trentham may be a wanted distraction from the decadent comfort, or maybe not. If you are prepared to get out and about, we would recommend a picnic at nearby Trentham Falls, pumping natural mineral water at the Lyonville Springs and taking a hike along the historic train line between Lyonville and Trentham, known as the Domino Trail. In Trentham village, you will discover RedBeard Historic Bakery and their famous sourdough and baked goods. Find timeless wardrobe staples for everyday casual living at Frankie and Mae. The Green Store is a great place for sustainable homewares, body products and even myotherapy or a massage treatment. No trip to Trentham is complete without dinner at The Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is an institution in these parts and has one of the best beer gardens in Victoria.
Distillery for gin and vodka (open Friday and Saturday by appointment). Their vodka is made with locally grown organic potatoes and the taste is like nothing you’ve tried. Nearby in Musk, you can also top up on wine at Passing Cloud Winery and cider at Daylesford Cider Co. It’s time to start your return trip and the journey through the Lederderg State Park, via Blackwood, is tranquil and captivating. If you’re a gardener, you’ll be pleased to know that The Diggers Club Garden of St Erth is hidden along the way. It’s a nice little bypass for plants. Then grab a coffee and a bite to eat at Martin Street Coffee, Blackwood and head to the picnic area, which is also your last opportunity to pump some healing mineral water before continuing your drive home.
DAY 3 – LYONVILLE, MUSK AND BLACKWOOD Photo L-R: High Street, Trentham
Before heading home, it’s your chance to stock up on delicious fare, to consume and remind you of your time here. Head towards Lyonville and duck into Hepburn
The Cosmopolitan Hotel
