LOST Autumn 2023

EAT, DRINK AND be local!

For 165 years, the Farmers Arms Hotel has been a gathering place for Daylesford locals and gourmet travellers alike Nowadays, it has evolved into one of the biggest supporters of local producers, showcasing wild and farmed ingredients from around Daylesford and the best of the region And it doesn't stop at the food The extensive drinks menu has all your favourites and some you can only find in Daylesford Try local gin made from Mt Macedon pepper berries, vodka from Trentham potatoes, house wine from a 400-year-old Rofosco vine transplanted by Daylesford founders and beer brewed in the neighbourhood too Book the 'Farmers Kitchen', a private dining experience, dine in one of the luxe vintage dining rooms, or rub elbows with those at the bar When it comes time to leave, rest assured your heart will be as full as your belly

ABOUT LOST MAGAZINE

Lost Magazine is an independent monthly magazine circulating throughout Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Kyneton, Trentham, Glenlyon, Castlemaine, Woodend, Creswick, Clunes and surrounds. We also distribute to select Melbourne venues and to an ever-growing subscriber base.

LOST TEAM

PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

Tony De Marco

FEATURE WRITER

COVER IMAGE

Bridget Bodenham by photographer

Chris Turner. Read the full story on page 08.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

All content in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without express permission of the publisher. All care is taken to ensure accuracy in editorial and advertising however the publishers and any contributors accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. All material herein constitutes information and not advice.

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHER

Larissa Dubecki

FEATURE WRITER

Mahmood Fazal

Chris Turner

FEATURE WRITER

Michael Harden

EDITOR

Jess Walsh

Taylor Albioli

Theresa Albioli

REVEL IN your creative side

Discover what Ballarat is made of.

From nurturing your inner poet to capturing brick-lined backstreets on film, explore a new series of experiences led by Ballarat’s award-winning makers and creators.

After all, the best weekends aren’t made of moments spent at home; they’re made of Ballarat.

Start planning your creative escape at madeofballarat.com

Film Photography Walk with Jacqueline Matisse

Daylesford Spirit is offering a Limited Edition Pride Gin to commemorate the 2023 Chillout festival

Our Pride Gin is a wonderful souvenir of Daylesford, The Pride Capital of Regional Victoria, available: Cellarbrations at Foxxy’s, 55 Vincent St, Daylesford

Mention the code ChillOut2023, or show your festival ticket at the counter, to receive $5 off the purchase price

Daylesford Spirit Premium Distillery we are bottling the very spirit that make the area unique and special

Lost News

WRAP UP OF NEWS AND HAPPENINGS IN OUR REGION

BY EDITOR, JESSICA WALSH

It's festival season here in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, and boy do we know how to celebrate! Our region turns on its colour, both naturally and intentionally

Chillout Festival kicks off the string of much anticipated events across the region. CresFest is back for its second year with an impressive lineup, along with old favourites such as the well loved Clunes Booktown Festival.

So now that the rain has finally settled, the ground has dried out, and it's enjoyable to venture outside - what have we been up to?

Mahmood first visited Em Westerbeek, who needs no introduction to anyone local. Borealis and Chillout Festival extraordinaire, Em shaes her passion for fun and love for community.

Next, Mahmood visited James Robertson in Mt Franklin, a favourite

local artist of ours who masters colour and landscape, who graces the cover of this edition.

Around the corner in Kyneton

Mahmood shares the colourful story of how Foraged Flavour was born

Last stop for Mahmood is Georgie and Michael at Crofters fold in Pipers Creek to talk all things farm life

Larissa shared a cheers with new publicans Tom and Megan, at the re imagined Guildford Hotel

Michael visited local institution Daylesford Brewing Co, and shares Dave and Jess' story with us.

We hope this edition brings you new and familiar faces, and fills you with inspiration and new reasons to get lost in our lovely region.

Jessica Walsh Editor

res f est is a project of the c reswick n eigh B ourhoo D c entre inc

of it's

A life own

JAMES ROBERTSON

STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL

PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

Pale aqua ripples blend with waves of sky blue clouds. The painting is titled Fortitude by artist James Robertson. In the distance, an obscure mashing of sky and waves, a man in a paddle boat wrestles with his fate as a curl of colour slowly sinks him.

“I worked in industrial design so I could always draw. I was an engineer at the time.”

One afternoon, a friend asked James to paint something as a housewarming present. “She asked me to paint something abstract,because I was good with colours,” remembers James. “I picked up a brush and started painting. I ended up painting a sort of a desert landscape with clouds and sort of freaked myself out. And I couldn't stop. That was the beginning of it. I loved it.”

He reflects on that desert landscape he first painted. “It was a feeling, really…like I’ve been doing it my whole life but I’d never painted before.”

James would paint after work every night. He began selling more and more paintings until he decided to quit his day job. The desert is a motif that runs through his body of work.

“I just attack a blank canvas, pick a colour and start to see what happens,” laughs James. “It just really flows and I never know what I'm gonna get it. It has a life of its own.”

In James’ arresting, vast, landscapes - the sky dominates the scene, the clouds erupt, everything is subordinate to nature reaching for the sublime. When James is asked about

the sky, he quips, “There’s something about the serenity of it. It’s like a theatre. An empty scene. I love looking at cloud formations. And they’re always changing. That’s the beauty…the freedom.”

He reflects on his favourite painting, The Carbon Trader, “I gave it to my mum to hang on to because I knew I would sell it so it hangs on her wall.” In the painting, a man stands tall with a gas mask on. In the distance a coal fired power station protrudes from the earth. James adds, “we’re all concerned about the environment.”

Pollution and the environment was a subject that one of James’ favourite painters, J.M.W. Turner, thought about on the canvas. “Steam, rain and wind it’s called,” reflects James. “It’s very atmospheric and dramatic.” He cites two other artists work as inspirations; Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock and a photograph by Ansel Adams titled Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico.

James describes his inspirations as “sensational.” They’re expressive works that exploit dramatic environments in order to carve an emotional landscape into the hearts of the audience.

While peering into the sky, after being absorbed by its immensity in James’ work, the lines from Hegel come to mind, “Art has the task to reveal the truth in its sensuos form.

James Robertson

jamesrobertson.com.au

@james_robertson_artist

OPEN 7 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS

Relaxed cosmopolitan style dining by day and fresh modern restaurant by night, The Virgin Kitchen marries cultures and unites taste buds. A pristine, simple, unadulterated showcase of local produce.

meets the Forest Dancefloor

STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL

EM WESTERBEEK

The visionary civil and human rights leader, Harvey Milk, once said, “hope will never be silent."

In Daylesford, every year the community comes together for ChillOut Festival; to celebrate queer country pride through a series of events and parties that light up venues across town.

Emma Westerbeek, the festival’s director, says that at the heart of the festival there’s a sense of integrity that draws her in, “Things used to be; kids in regional areas going into the city to find themselves.”

With over 25 years of Music and Events industry experience, Emma has worked at institutions such as Revolver Upstairs, Bar Open, The Big Day Out, The Byron Blues Festival, Meredith music festival, and Ballarat frolic festival Dark Rainbow. “In 2020, I was asked to program the festival. It was fantastic fun working in my own backyard, says Emma. “It was the first Golden Plans Festival I didn’t work because it was on the same weekend.”

For Emma, the story of ChillOut is weaved into the fabric of Daylesford, “the fact that it started in the park as a way to connect rainbow families…26 years ago.” She says, “Growing the festival is part of growing with the community. Everyone from the primary schools, to high school, police, to the elderly, to people with disabilities.”

When she moved to Daylesford, the potential of the ChillOut parade made Emma realise how vital community support was for LGBTQI residents. She says, “every year we would watch the parade to be part of the community that makes ChillOut what it is.”

“This year we wanted to focus on more accessibility and inclusivity. We put a call out for people with disabilities to attend the festival. that's one of the changes, the other change is going for is a no waste festival. We're just kind of easing into it.”

The festival strives to empower LGBTQI community and educate the locals, Emma says, “I feel like we're a bit of an educator for people, to show them how a community can be a safe space.”

ChillOut is now the largest LGBTQI festival in regional Australia. “I like to use the phrase, ‘Chillout is where the forest meets the dancefloor.’ It’s about connection.”

This year the festival will be hosting panel discussions, the famous Bush Dance in Victoria Park, Granny Bingo, cabaret, a pool party and comedy shows among a wild array of colourful offerings.

“I'm excited to see Kate Miller Heidke headlining carnival. I’m really excited about the All Ages Soundshell, it's a great place for families from all over regional victoria to just connect with LGBTQI youth,” says Emma. “Also, there’s a fantastic youth panel of Daylesford College students are talking about gender fluidity and all things queer.

For the first time, ChillOut will be offering shuttles buses and glamping to accomodate the influx of over 30,000 guests.

“I just want to invite all community to come to the opening event to meet us and enjoy our beautiful local primary school choirs.”

Em Westerbeek Director - Chillout festival chilloutfestival.com.au

Spur of the moment Proposition

DAYLESFORD BREWING CO

STORY BY MICHAEL HARDEN

PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

Some businesses begin life with an iron-clad business plan, all dotted i’s and crossed t’s, with very little left to chance. But, if recent history has taught us anything, it’s that we must be ready to adjust quickly to circumstances. The Daylesford Brewing Company is an excellent case study in how to do just that.

Owned by husband-and-wife team of Dave Gill and Jess Holmes, Daylesford Brewing Company started life as a kind of spur-ofthe-moment proposition. Jess, an interior designer who grew up in Daylesford and Dave, an environmental scientist with a side interest in brewing beer, were visiting the town at a time they were contemplating a life change. Jess had always wanted to do a B&B in the region and Dave was looking to take his interest in classic brewing further.

“As we were leaving town after that visit we saw a house for sale,” says Dave. “We looked at it online on the Monday, bought it on the Wednesday and soon after we moved up and started renovating the house to turn it into a guest house while I started chipping away at the beer side of things.”

They launched their beer label in 2015 in between renovating the house and working other jobs in order to help fund their plan, which had expanded to include turning a former hotel site in the centre of town into a brewery, accommodation and a restaurant venue. They were getting ready to launch a serious push into wholesaling their beer – a core range of classic styles that included a pale ale, golden ale, porter and a lager –when the pandemic hit.

The larger renovation plan immediately went on hold and they decided to concentrate on a smaller venue as an interim project which gave them some new ideas.

“Jess is brilliant at making these light, welcoming spaces and didn’t want ours to be all corrugated iron and stainless steel,” says Dave. “Rather than a brewery with a taproom we wanted to be a venue with good food and great atmosphere that happened to have a brewery attached.”

The Daylesford Brewing Co Restaurant and Bar is now well-established on Vincent Street. It has a reputation for exceptional chicken burgers and cheeseburgers, but that’s recently been augmented by a wider range of dishes like kangaroo served with a reduction made with their porter, wagyu steaks, cauliflower steaks and house pickled vegetables flavoured with hops they grow themselves. It’s beerfriendly food but for the non-beer drinkers wanting to dine out, there’s an excellent wine list highlighting local labels, an impressive range of gin and whisky and cocktails that attract a loyal following.

Wholesaling their beer hasn’t been forgotten either. All their classic beers, plus some more experimental brews – a Raspberry Sour and a Black IPA, for example – are not only available on tap in their restaurant but in cans selling locally and in Melbourne.

The plan for the larger project is in play too though, in true DBC style, has been adjusted and changed. The accommodation will become a bigger component with the brewery a part of the project rather than its focus.

“We’re still tapping into Daylesford’s goldrush history with the brewing but we also love the dining scene in town and want to be an integral part of that,” says Dave.

But, as has proved successful for the couple in recent, challenging, years, nothing in the business plan is written in stone. Excellent beer, food and design will always be a part of the mix but, as ever, they’ll offer it in a way that suits the times

Daylesford Brewing Co Restaurant & Bar

97 Vincent St, Daylesford

daylesfordbrewingco.com.au

Hidden Monument

Architecturally designed with a focus on creating key connections between the inside and out, Hidden Monument presents an idyllic and quiet reprieve from the outside world. The home’s contemporary features and clean lines bring together a brilliant light-filled space complimented by its high ceilings, black accents and rustic notes. 3

A Magigal Hum

CROFTERS FOLD

STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL

PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

Nestled in Pipers Creek, in the lush Macedon Ranges, is a minimalintervention micro farm, that doubles as boutique accomodation, called Crofters Fold.

Although the founders, Georgie and Michael, speak to me from Saudi Arabia, they are both purebred country Aussie stock. Georgie quips, “I’m the daughter of a fifth generation grazier & farmer.”

After the tumultous period of droughts in the 80s, the family decided to turn over a new leaf. “The story goes that my father came home one day and announced, ‘there’s got to be more to life than this,” explains Georgie. “Both are truly adventurous at heart. We moved around NSW and over to WA over several years as Dad settled into corporate life and finally ended up in Melbourne. Our country roots still running thick through all our veins.”

Georgie eventually met Michael, “We always knew we wanted a connection for our own family in a rural community like we both enjoyed when we were small.” She says, “Seven years, three kids (currently 6yo, 4yo & 2yo) and a retail business (www. georgesofdubai.com) later we suddenly came up for air and decided it was time

to find a spot to put down some country Australian roots for our little family.”

Georgie’s brother and sister-in-law were living in a property near Malmsbury and her parents were on land near Lauriston so when Crofters Fold hit the market, the dream came to life.

But not without a hitch. “We moved back to Australia at the worst possible time, Victoria’s COVID quarantine and subsequent lockdowns made an international homecoming completely soul crushing.” She says, “We eventually settled into Crofters and got to work tweaking the wonderful work the previous owners had achieved in establishing the bee friendly, chemical free peony and garden rose farm, vineyard and the accommodation offering.”

The ornate property is every bit bucolic. “Surrounded by the gorgeous granite boulders, rolling rural landscape, fresh eggs from our lovely chookies, the cheeky Black Faced Suffolk's parading past the sunroom window and handsome Highland cows in the distance, we thought we were done forever.”

When the lockdowns were over, and both Georgie and Michael were back at work, the labour of the farm weighed heavily on their careers, “Our idyllic country life, not

quite the reality when you are still building a career and putting foundations down to bring up three kiddies. We started building a really great team to pick up the slack and all of a sudden the property was sailing along.”

Now, the property is among Macedon Ranges most celebrated farm stays. “We intended to create a 'home away from home' feeling that evokes curiosity and tells the story of our wanderlust,” explains Georgie.

“Staying at Crofters Fold is an immersion.

about their last tasks of the day and as the shadows start to paint violet hues across the ridge, the sheep make their way through the paddocks to their sleeping spot under the old pines. The beauty and simple delight of this nightly cacophony fills your cup full to the brim.”

Crofters Fold

33 Balls Lane, Pipers Creek stay@croftersfold.com.au croftersfold.com.au

ers fold accommodation at The Houses Daylesford thehousesdaylesford.com

Four or ve course seasonal set menu, changing monthly. Open for lunch

260 Green Gully Road,

at its best. attwoodswines.com.au/dining Regional dining LOST MAGAZINE | 37

FEATURE PROPERTY

Amore

Peacefully secluded between Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Amore is an impressive contemporary property on 1 acre, that has the the perfect combination of architecture, luxury, style and art. Enjoy complete privacy whilst taking a dip in your heated swim-spa overlooking the natural bushland. Stylish and beautifully furnished, Amore is truly an exceptional property.

6 3 2

(03) 5348 2008

thehousesdaylesford.com

stay@thehousesdaylesford.com

Social Heart The

GUILDFORD FAMILY HOTEL

STORY BY LARISSA DUBEKI PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

Alot of love and a lick of paint has brought new life to a community icon.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of the Guildford Family Hotel to its namesake Central Victorian town. Sitting proudly on the main street, the local landmark is rich with goldfields history and the social heart of the community - which meant its unexpected closure sent shockwaves through the community and the residents of the broader region in late 2021.

But thanks to new custodians Tom Allen and Megan Evans, the Guilly, as it’s better known, has a new lease on life – plus the thrill of tap beer for the first time in years.

“We were told by the landlord that the lease was coming up and we took over after the old tenant had left,” says Allen. “It was pretty tired by that stage. We basically tipped the place upside down and everything that fell out stayed out. We rebuilt the bar, put in new equipment, rebuilt the kitchen and remade it as a really beautiful country pub.”

The very picture of the classic corner hotel with its shady veranda, character-filled front bar and grassy beer garden where dogs sit with their owners, the Guildford Family Hotel has reasserted itself as the centre of the community. Friday nights see the meat raffle raise money for different charities while a calendar of events includes the annual yabby races on Melbourne Cup Day.

“It was a tradition that had been going on for years and we were really happy to keep it going… it’s a real hoot,” says Allen.

Like the name attests, the business is a family affair. Allen can be mainly found behind the bar after leaving his former profession in audio production and sales. Evans, whose life has been spent in hospitality, including 10 years at Daylesford’s Farmers Arms Hotel, manages front of house.

And in the revamped kitchen, head chef Lee Littlepage is responsible for a smart menu of pub classics that show how far the genre has come from its meat and three veg days, whether that’s the starters of pea, mint and haloumi fritters or battered scallops on cauliflower puree with crisp bacon. Mains

tick all the boxes, from chicken parma and Angus porterhouse to beer battered fish and chips, while also heading into the more modern territory of barramundi niçoise salad, chilli and garlic prawn spaghetti (“That’s my pick,” says Allen) and Thai-style beef salad. Sunday afternoons in the dining room with its exposed red brick walls also honour the tradition of the roast with all the trimmings.

Reprising the long-disused beer taps now means Carlton Draught as well as local heroes Shedshaker, from near Castlemaine, whose kegs are rotated seasonally. Harcourt cider, another local, also gets a look-in. The wine list similarly delves into the region with the acclaimed whites and reds from Passing Clouds featuring prominently.

“We’re aiming for a quality product in food and drink that matches a good pub setting,” says Allen. “It’s all about comfort and community.”

Guildford Hotel

guildfordfamilyhotel.com.au

35 Fryers Street, Guildford 03 5473 4021

Open Wednesday to Friday, 3pm - 11pm Saturday noon - 11pm, Sunday noon - 7pm

Lies Passion Where my

STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL PHOTOS BY CHRIS TURNER

Eating flowers sounds like the title of a surrealist painting, however flower cookery has a rich history with roots as far back as Roman times, and to the ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures.

Today, the art of livening up plates with edible flowers is enjoying a revival and it’s not just for the aesthetics - the nutrientdense flavours of flowers span an incredibly vast palate from anise to honey.

In Glenlyon, Lauren Richardson started her

busy schedule. “Cutting back our lavender, preparing garden beds, mulching and fixing irrigation. Yesterday we spent the whole day picking.”

She was raised on the property, which doubles as her parents farm. She says, “I went to school in Daylesford. I loved growing up in the country. I always liked gardening and gardens.”

Lauren didn’t have any formal background in gardening. But it was always a passion.

She eventually moved to Melbourne and acquired an Arts Science degree before embarking on her Masters of Architecture.

“I was talking to friends who had a fresh produce business in the Melbourne wholesale market. They were saying that there was a demand for edible flowers and that that trend was was starting to grow and develop. And so I saw that opening and decided that was something I could do while I was studying.”

The business was rapidly blossoming. Lauren eventually moved back to Kyneton with her family.

“I was towards the end of my Master's of architecture when the business took over. And I realised that’s where my passion lies.”

Lauren asked her parents for an acre of their land and got to work. To begin with she planted roses, viola and nasturtium flowers. “And plants that I had access too like elderflower,” adds Lauren.

“The biggest challenge was seeing what works specifically in my location, because every kind of garden is different. Every climate is different. Everyone's soil is different. And just working out what works for me.”

Lauren’s research was deep, she was talking with suppliers, growers, reading and watching “lots of Gardening Australia.” It still wasn’t enough. For Lauren, the key to her success was her community and plenty of trial and error.

“We have a really large community of micro flower farms in the area, from edible flowers to cut flowers and market gardeners. This community of micro flower farms rely on each other and we have a great collaboration,” explains Lauren. “We share a similar environment, it’s such a good way to share knowledge, talk about problems and any success we are having.”

Lately, Lauren has become increasingly interested in the way nature can help her farm thrive. “One of my biggest interests that I've learned through doing this is about the importance of beneficial insects to balance other pests. And they're a really important part of my flower farm and what it means to have a balanced, healthy ecology.”

Some of Lauren’s produce is available on her website, and her dried edible flower jars are available at Winespeake in Daylesford and the Glenlyon General Store. Foraged

For a full list of stockists, visit; foragedflavour.com.au

Reasons to Get Lost in Autumn...

COMPILED BY JESSICA WALSH

CRESFEST

Folk & Roots Festival

CresFest is a folk and roots festival in the forested gold rush town of Creswick, nestled among the Seven Hills between Daylesford and Ballarat. Returning for its second year in 2023, this joyous festival invites you to savour two of life’s transformative pleasures, music and dance.

300 plus line-up includes First Nations artists Kutcha Edwards and Pirritu; national headliners Ami Williamson, Fred Smith and Charm of Finches; US stars Natalie and Brittany Haas and Martha Spencer; Scottish legends Christ Stout and Catriona MacKay; local treasures Tenzin Choegyal, Ruth Hazleton and Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers.

Plus 'Courthouse Conversations' including Cate Kennedy and Casey Bennetto, 'The World Comes to Creswick' with The Boîte, kids' activities, dance and music workshops, festival market, light displays at night (thanks to Community Bank) and Latin-themed street parade.

31 Mar - 2 April 2023

cresfest.com.au

Clunes Booktown

Running from dawn to dusk in the historic township of Clunes in Regional Victoria. A two day festival full of author and artist talks, workshops and live entertainment for the whole family. Discover the outdoor book bazaar with over a hundred stall holders and immerse yourself in Clunes from cover to cover. It’s well worth the visit.

25 - 26 March 2023

clunesbooktown.com.au

Trentham Spud Festival

More fun than you might expect from the humble potato. Celebrate the local potato growers, cookers and enthusiasts

SPUDTASTIC fun, food, music, games, entertainment and activities galore! You'd never guess potatoes

Saturday 6th May 2023

trenthamspudfest.org.au

Lino Printing Workshop @ Black Gallery

Re-kindle the fun of creating lino prints in our Black Gallery art studio under the guidance of art teacher, artist and gallery owner; Cristina Doyle

Friday March 17 2023

blackgallerydaylesford.com

AUTUMN LOCAL MARKET GUIDE

FIRST SATURDAY

WOODEND FARMERS MARKET

9am-1pm High Street, Woodend

FIRST SUNDAY

CASTLEMAINE FARMERS MARKET

9am-1pm Forest Street, Castlemaine

FOURTH SUNDAY CASTLEMAINE ARTISTS MARKET

9am-2pm Western Reserve, Castlemaine (Opp Farmers Market)

GISBORNE ALL SEASONS MARKET

9am-3pm Gisborne Village Shopping Centre, Gisborne

SECOND SATURDAY

BALLAN FARMERS MARKET

9am-1pm Mill Cottage, 96 Inglis Street, Ballan

KYNETON FARMERS MARKET

8am-1pm St Pauls Park Piper Street, Kyneton

SECOND SUNDAY CLUNES FARMERS MARKET 9am-2pm Collins Place, Clunes

MALDON MARKET 9am-2pm Cnr Church & Edwards Street, Maldon

THIRD SATURDAY

CRESWICK MARKET

9am-1pm Napier & Victoria Street, Creswick

GLENLYON VILLAGE MARKET

9am-1pm Glenlyon Hall, Glenlyon

LEONARDS HILL HALL & COUNTRY MARKET

9am-2pm Ballan-Daylesford Road, Leonards Hill

TRENTHAM FARMERS MARKET

9am-1pm Trentham Town Square, Trentham

THIRD SUNDAY

WOODEND LIONS CLUB MARKET

9am-2pm High Street, Woodend

LAST SATURDAY

LANCEFIELD & DISTRICT

FARMERS MARKET

9am-1pm High Street, Lancefield

EVERY SATURDAY

WESLEY HILL COMMUNITY MARKET

9am-1pm Pyrenees Hwy, Castlemaine

EVERY SUNDAY DAYLESFORD SUNDAY MARKET

8am-4pm Daylesford Railway Station, Midland Hwy

D.C GR OUP + NEWLINE DESIGN

ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING, INTERIOR DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT. RESIDENTIAL & HOSPITALITY

RESTAURANTS, CAFE'S & FOOD STORES

BAD HABITS CAFE

5348 3211

7 Daly St, Daylesford. Open daily, 10am-4pm. Enjoy a light morning or afternoon tea, or a substantial breakfast or lunch. theconventgallery.com.au

HEPBURN GENERAL STORE

102 Main Rd Hepburn Springs.

Open 7 day from 7am. (Sundays 8am) hepburngeneralstore.com.au

PALAIS-HEPBURN

5348 1000 New chef serving up Modern Australian cuisine in a luxurious setting. Open Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-12am, Dinner from 5pm-9.30pm palais-hepburn.com

SAULT

5348 6555

2439 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Sailors Falls. Seasonal Modern Australian dishes in a scenic homestead. Dinner Wed-Sun. Lunch Fri-Sun. sault.com.au

SWISS MOUNTAIN HOTEL 5345 7006

3454 Midland Hwy, Blampied. Pub meals & Functions. Dinner TuesSan. Lunch Wed-Sun. Closed Monday. swissmountainhotel.com.au

THE VIRGIN CAFE

5348 2271

77 Main Road Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days from 8am. Part café, part gallery. Enjoy some of the finest culinary delights in Victoria. bellinzona.com.au

WINERIES, DISTILLERIES & CIDERIES

ANIMUS DISTILLERY

5403 2431

1/89A Piper St, Kyneton. Artisan gin distillery. Open 12-Late Wed to Sun. Mon and Tues open by appointment. animusdistillery.com

BIG TREE DISTILLERY 1300 040 573

Producing Award Winning Farm Crafted Gin Distillery Tasting Room open most weekends and Mondays. bigtreedistillery.com.au

DAYLESFORD CIDER

5348 2275

155 Dairyflat Rd, Musk. Craft Cider, Tastings, Lunch & cellar-door sales. Online reservations, visit website for info on opening hours daylesfordcider.com.au

PASSING CLOUDS

5348 5550

30 Roddas Lane, Musk. Winery open daily 10am5pm. Lunch 12pm Fri-Mon (bookings are essential). passingclouds.com.au

WINE BARS, HOTELS & BOTTLE SHOPS

FARMERS ARMS

DAYLESFORD

5348 2091

1 East Street, Daylesford. Open 7 days lunch & dinner. Hotel and accommodation. thefarmersarms.com.au

FOXXY'S AT CELLARBRATIONS 5348 3577

55 Vincent St Daylesford. Open 7 Days until late. Local and international wines, beers and spirits. cellarbrations.com.au

RED HARE WINERY 0499 607 609 Boutique vineyard & cellar door. 1225 Daylesford Malmsbury Rd, Denver Open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 11.00 - 4.30 redhareestate.com.au

THE LOBBY BAR 5348 2271

77 Main Road Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days from 5pm until late. Swing by and settle in for the evening. bellinzona.com.au

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

PORTAL 108 5348 4353 108 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs

Clothing, shoes, handbags, designer pet gear, homewares and jewellery portal108.com.au

GALLERIES & STUDIOS

BULLARTO GALLERY 0408 529 725 962 Daylesford

Trentham Rd Bullarto

Beautiful space and works Open 10-4pm Sat & Sun or via appointment @phillip.edwards.artist

VENUES

PALAIS-HEPBURN

5348 1000

Serving up the best cocktails in the shire. Selected French and local wines. Boutique bottle shop. Thu 5pm11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-12am Dinner from 5pm-9:30pm palais-hepburn.com

THE FARM DAYLESFORD 0406 690 775

Daylesford's newest event space. Built from recycled tin, wood, striking power poles and 160 year old trusses. thefarmdaylesford.com.au

SERVICES

OZ-TRANS 0407 697 877

Professional removals, general, furniture & produce freight. Art, piano's, pallets & parcels. Regular runs to Melbourne, Geelong & west/central Vic oztrans.com.au

SIGNSATION

0427 425 577

We specialise in hand painted signs and murals. We also offer the most up to date methods in digital printing to our customers. signsation.net.au

ACCOMMODATION

THE AMALFI

5348 2008

A beautiful self-contained property featuring 20 en-suited guest rooms, commercial kitchen and conference spaces. thehousesdaylesford.com

HOTEL BELLINZONA

5348 2271

77 Main Rd Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days. Bespoke accommodation in the heart of Hepburn Springs. bellinzona.com.au

FARMERS ARMS

ART SUITES 5348 2091

2 East St, Daylesford Free Wi-Fi, Parking & Inroom mini bar. Across from the iconic Farmers Arms thefarmersarms.com.au

HOLYROOD HOUSE 5348 1063

51 Stanbridge St Daylesford. Unparalleled service in magnificent Victorian Guest House. holyrooddaylesford.com.au

PARKSTONE REAL ESTATE

9115 7328

Shop 6/22-24 Howe Street, Daylesford. Real Estate Sales & Property Management. Servicing Daylesford, Castlemaine & the Macedon Ranges. parkstonerealestate.com.au

THE OXFORD 5348 2008

Historical property catering to large groups of up to 24, in the scenic Hepburn Springs area. thehousesdaylesford.com

PEPPERS HOTEL

5348 2202

124 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days. 1930's Daylesford hotel, transformed into a deluxe retreat. mineralspringshotel.com.au

THE HOUSES DAYLESFORD

5348 2008

Office located at 3 Howe St Daylesford. Full service agency specialising in corporate retreats and both large & small groups. thehousesdaylesford.com

THE TRAIN

5348 2008

Thoughtfully converted train carriage for two guests on a private block, only 5-min walk from Lake Daylesford. Pet friendly. thehousesdaylesford.com

WOMBAT EDGE

5348 2008

A beautiful and modern country home for up to 11 guests. Set on 10 acres with a lake, and only 15 minutes from Daylesford. thehousesdaylesford.com

THE GARDEN HOUSE

5348 2008

You could easily forget that you are so close to Daylesford’s thriving town centre, when inside these remarkable grounds. thehousesdaylesford.com

LEWELLYN HOUSE

5348 2008

Accommodateing 18 guests with 9 bedrooms & 9 ensuites. Positioned opposite The Convent Gallery. thehousesdaylesford.com

DARREN OLIVER

2. Did you grow up here or move to the region ?

My wife and I shifted up to Daylesford 22 years ago with your to young sons. We wanted a better upbringing for them, and Daylesford seemed the perfect fit for us as well as them, country living with a bit of pizzazz, that’s Daylesford.

1.Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

My background was transport and hydraulics then changed tack about ten years ago to property maintenance.

3. What do you love about Daylesford and surrounds?

I love the feel of the town and surrounds, the bars, cafes, and music venues All an hour or so from Melbourne.

4. How is it, building in this very cold climate that is also very hilly? Any challenges?

It has been a challenge working in this region with the weather doing property maintenance and working outside in winter.

5. If you were to be a tourist in our town, what would your weekend itinerary look like?

If I was a tourist in town, I would start with a good breakfast nice co ee a nice walk around the lake or some of the great bush tracks, visit some out of the way mineral Springs, a stroll up and down our main street and a visit to the botanical Gardens. Love where I live.

We’d love to hear it ! Contact the team at LOST for opportunities found@lostmagazine.com.au

Long tome local