17 lovely things to do in Kyneton, Victoria
Looking for things to do in Kyneton? Only an hour from Melbourne, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Discover what you can get up to in this part of Victoria.
Kyneton is one of the prettiest small towns in Victoria.
Located in the state’s Spa Country and close to some lovely walks, it also has a thriving food scene and some gorgeous historic architecture.
Best of all, the town is only an hour’s drive or just under a 1.5 hour train ride from Melbourne.
You can also make a dedicated stop in Kyneton on your way to destinations such as Castlemaine, Heathcote or Bendigo.
Here are some things to do in Kyneton, whether you’re just passing through, or spending some time in the area.
The best things to do in Kyneton
Kyneton is renowned for its gourmet food scene. Plus, it’s easy on the eye, extremely accessible and very close to plenty of other interesting sites and attractions in Victoria.
1. Walk Piper Street
Piper Street and Mollison Street are the main, well, streets in Kyneton. Both are worth a stroll down, but if you’re short on time, I’d hotfoot it to Piper Street.
Many of the sights on this list of things to do in Kyneton are located on Piper Street.
Don’t miss the ghost sign on the side of number 61. It lists some of the sights of yesteryear, such as local antiques and tearooms and is extremely photogenic.
2. Check out the town’s historic architecture
Being a stone’s throw from Victoria’s goldfields, Kyneton was established in the mid-1800s and is known for its bluestone buildings and historic architecture. The best examples can be see along Piper and Mollison Streets.
If historic architecture is your jam, don’t miss nearby Maldon, which has almost perfectly preserved goldrush era architecture.
3. Drop into Kyneton Museum
If you like history, one of the best things to do in Kyneton is visit the local museum.
A former Bank of New South Wales branch built in 1856, the local museum hosts changing exhibitions.
Head upstairs to see the bank manager’s residence, frozen in time. There’s also original bluestone stables, the servant’s kitchen, laundry and the Theaden Cottage onsite, along with historical carriages and farming equipment.
Admissions is $5 for adults.
Note: The Museum is currently closed for restoration works, but the building itself is worth a look.
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4. Take a gin masterclass at Animus Distillery
Animus Distillery produce small-batch, handcrafted artisan gin and soon, whisky.
You can drop into the distillery for a tasting, or book onto a gin-blending masterclass to learn how to make your own bespoke gin.
Their gin bottles are beautiful and as an added bonus, if you bring them back to recycle, you’ll get $10 off your next purchase.
5. Shop vintage, antiques & artisan made pieces
Kyneton is known for its shopping. You can grab vintage and artisan made homewares, jewellery, clothing, garden accessories and more along Piper, Mollison and High Streets.
For more, time your trip with the Kyneton Antique Fair, held the first weekend of September.
6. Grab picnic wares from Piper Street Food Co
In the mood for some gourmet goodies? Grab a spread from Piper Street Food Co, a shop known for its British and French charcuterie, and picnic provisions.
You can also add to your culinary repertoire by booking into a cooking class. Learn the art of pickling and preserving, or how to craft the perfect pork pie.
One of the best things to do in Kyneton is to eat, after all.
7. Pedal the Three Towns Scenic Route
Chuck your bike in the car or bring it on the train to pedal the Three Towns Scenic Route.
Starting and ending at Woodend Station, the route travels through Kyneton, Woodend and Trentham.
Ride time is around 3.5 hours without stops, along undulating roads and country lanes.
Autumn would be a great time to do the ride, to see bright and colourful foliage.
8. Order a vino from Musk Lane Wine
Musk Lane‘s urban cellar door is the perfect place for a tipple or two.
They produce their wine onsite, using grapes grown less than an hour’s drive from Kyneton.
Turn off High Street into Turner’s Lane, to find the old timber yard turned winery.
9. Stroll through Kyneton Farmers Market
Held the second Saturday of each month, Kyneton Farmers Market is held at St Paul’s Park on Piper Street.
There’s usually over 50 stalls to browse, selling produce, meat, eggs, honey, sourdough bread and more.
If you happen to be in town, drop into the market and see what you can uncover.
10. Fill your bottles at Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve
As previously mentioned, Kyneton is located in Victoria’s Spa Country, known for its gourmet food scene, spas and mineral springs.
This park has two pumps where you can fill your bottles up with mineral spring water.
There’s also tables, BBQ facilities and toilets, making the area perfect for a picnic.
Kyneton isn’t the only town in the area worth exploring. Check out my guide to the spa towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.
11. Go bushwalking in Black Hill Reserve
For something a bit more fast-paced, head to Black Hill Reserve, which is located on 260 acres of bushland.
There are several great walking tracks in the reserve and vantage points with stunning views. The reserve is best known for its granite rock formations, including The Monolith, one of the largest in Victoria.
Plenty of wildlife call the area home and if you time your visit with spring, you’ll see wildflowers.
As the area is a reserve rather than a national park, you are free to bring your dog with you. Good boys and girls must remain on leash at all times.
12. Drop into various art galleries
Art lover/collector looking for things to do in Kyneton? You’re in luck – the town has a bunch of private galleries, which regular open to the public.
These galleries include:
13. Things to do in Kyneton: Check out the local sculptures
Kyneton has its own sculpture park near Piper Street Bridge, which shows of the works of local sculptors.
There’s also other works spread around town. Most notable is the After Black Saturday Memorial, located on the side of Town Hall in Hutton Street.
Tiles are inlayed with material destroyed in the fire.
For context – the Black Saturday bushfires burned across Victoria on and around Saturday, 7 February 2009. They were devastating, resulting is the highest ever loss of life from a bushfire in Australia.
14. Amble alongside the Campaspe River
Keen to stretch your legs near town? Follow the Campaspe River Walk, which stretches almost three kilometres alongside the river.
Along the way you’ll pass the Kyneton Botanic Gardens, the old weir and a mill ruin.
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15. Take a llama for a walk around Hanging Rock
Kyneton is close to the locally famous Hanging Rock, the setting for the much-loved Australian classic Picnic at Hanging Rock (I have extensive guide to the best books about Australia, if you fancy yourself a bookworm).
You can walk to the top of Hanging Rock and the grounds are excellent for a picnic.
The standout experience in my opinion, is taking a llama for a walk around the granite monolith.
Yep, it’s entirely possible and one of the best things to do in the area.
16. See the Malmsbury Viaduct
Located a short drive from Kyneton is the town of Malmsbury, which is home to a fantastic, historic display of engineering.
The viaduct was constructed as part of the Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway. Made out of bluestone, it’s the largest masonry bridge in Victoria.
Remaining one of Australia’s loveliest early bridges, it’s well worth checking out if you’re in the area.
17. Go with the flow at Trentham Falls
The small, nearby town of Trentham is also worth popping into. If you’re short on time, you should at least make a detour to take in the splendour of Trentham Falls.
Nearby Turpin Falls is also worth ogling, especially after rain.
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Where to eat in Kyneton
There’s no shortage of fabulous food options in Kyneton.
For breakfast or lunch, drop into Home Grown on Piper. They cook with organic veg from their farm in nearby Metcalfe, alongside locally grown meat and produce.
Order classic French fare from Midnight Starling. Fook Shing offers a Southeast Asian inspired menu in an historic hotel building. The restaurant/pub is named after a Chinese detective appointed by the head of the Victorian Police Force to oversee disputes in the regions goldfields, in the 1800s.
For drinks, head to Botanik Bar in the Royal George or order colourful cocktails and wine from Miss M’s Lounge, to pair with Spanish tapas if you feel so inclined.
Where to stay in Kyneton
Love retro hotels? Make a beeline for Kyneton Springs Motel. Recently renovated, this boutique motel is conveniently located on Piper Street and will be a highlight of your trip.
Alternatively, relax at Loose Leaf Cottage, a holiday house right near Piper Street.
Or cuddle up in a tiny house at nearby Newham. Tiny Hideaway at Cloverhills welcomes furry friends as well.
Things to do in Kyneton: in conclusion
Only an hour from Melbourne, Kyneton is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend away. Stuff yourself full of fab food, then take a lengthy walk (with or without llama in tow).
There are plenty of things to do in Kyneton; more than enough to keep you busy.
Other attractions in Victoria
Keen to explore more of VIC? Check out the following guides:
- Best road trip guide to the Great Ocean Road
- Go for gold in Bendigo
- How to spend a weekend in Ballarat
- Everything you need to know about the original Silo Art Trail
See my other content on Victoria and Melbourne, or check out the Australian Travel Guide.
