All aboard... 10 locations you can travel to by train

With easy V/Line connections - and even better, free travel until 30 April - exploring by rail is simple, affordable and refreshingly slow. Come for the day or stretch it into a weekend. Either way, the journey is part of it.

Here are 10 towns to explore, each with its own reason to linger – all served by either the Bendigo or Ballarat train lines.

Gisborne & New Gisborne (Bendigo Line)

The New Gisborne train station is conveniently located next to Baringo Food & Wine Co – a cafe, providore and bar all in one, making it your ideal first pitstop. Grab a hearty breakfast or lunch at the Cafe & Providore, or if you fancy a tipple with mountain views, pop into Whistle Stop Bar. From here, a short shuttle trip transports you to nearby Gisborne. Wander the main thoroughfare, popping into one of the many boutique stores. Popular food options include Zen Zen, 3 Little Pigs or Bowl'd Bar. Time your visit with The Gisborne Olde Time Market (held on the first Sunday of the month). With over 250 stalls, it’s a treasure trove of local produce, handmade goods, art, fashion, and more.

Macedon (Bendigo Line)

Conveniently located in the heart of town, the Macedon Train Station provides easy access to both food and nature experiences. Directly opposite the train station you’ll find Macedon Village Hotel, tuck into a hearty pub meal as you admire the views of Mount Macedon. Alternatively, stroll down Victoria Street and grab a bite to eat or a coffee from Mr Macedon, The Lazy Baker or Gogo’s Cafe. From there, it’s a pleasant 20-minute walk to Macedon’s famous Honour Avenue. Or, head west and follow the path that leads part way around the Macedon Reservoir. Affectionately known as ‘the Res’ by locals, this picturesque lake was the backdrop for a scene in the 2022 Liam Neeson film Blacklight. It’s also a popular swimming spot during summer.

Woodend (Bendigo Line)

Discover for yourself why Woodend is recognised as one of regional Victoria’s most liveable towns. Located at the top end of High Street, Woodend Train Station is within easy walking distance of the town’s attractions. Start with a coffee at Nellie’s Shed, before perusing boutique stores such as Think Alike and Woodend General. Enjoy a vanilla slice at Bourkies Bakehouse, before heading to Holgate Brewhouse to try one of their famous tasting paddles, paired with a pub meal. For local more local drops drop into Woodend Cellar & Bar or 600 Above. If travelling with young ones, be sure to stop by the expansive Woodend Children’s Park, followed by an ice cream from Woodend Ice Cream Co.

Kyneton (Bendigo Line)

Kyneton Train Station is located on the edge of Kyneton, but is still within walking distance of the many food, art and shopping options. Start with a walk through the beautiful Botanic Gardens (stunning in autumn) before getting your arts fix at the Old Auction House. Continue on to historic Piper Street and settle in for lunch at Prato or Fook Shing, followed by further art explorations at Stockroom Kyneton. Peruse designer goods at Cavaletti Gallery and Kabinett, before treating yourself to a cocktail at Botanik Bar. End the day with a drink at Kyneton Hotel, before making your way back to the train station.

Malmsbury (Bendigo Line)

The Malmsbury Train Station is located a pleasant 10-minute walk from the stunning Botanic Gardens – recognised as some of the oldest in Victoria. Nearby and not to be missed is Malmsbury’s photogenic railway viaduct, an impressive feat of nineteenth-century engineering. Enjoy some Mediterranean inspired fare at The Stables or wander up the charming main street and enjoy a delicious pie from the Malmsbury Bakery. Be sure to spend some time exploring Malmsbury’s collectibles and vintage scene, with top picks including Rathdowne Antiques and Gifts and Madame Vintage.

Castlemaine (Bendigo Line)

Located in the heart of town, the Castlemaine Train Station provides easy access to all Castlemaine’s main attractions. Start with a stroll around the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens before heading to The Mill Precinct – where you can easily spend a day. Housed within the former Castlemaine Woollen Mill, this vibrant precinct is now home to 40 artisan makers, offering everything from food and drink, to vintage goods, collectables, art and more. Top picks include Das Kaffeehaus, Shedshaker Brewing, Long Paddock Cheese, Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar and Boomtown Winery.

Add on a trip to Maldon on a heritage steam train

If you’re travelling through Castlemaine, you can extend your rail adventure with a ride on the Victorian Goldfields Railway. Heritage steam locomotives run between Castlemaine and Maldon, offering a glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. Once in Maldon, it’s just a short walk into the beautifully preserved historic township. Spend the afternoon exploring galleries, browsing vintage stores, enjoying tea and scones, or sampling local honey from Warral Maldon before hopping back on the train. Rides run every Friday, Sunday and School Holiday Saturdays.

Creswick (Ballarat Line)

In Creswick, the train station sits a short stroll from the heart of town. Shaped by gold rush wealth, Creswick is nowadays famed for its grand architecture and for its epic mountain bike trails. Take some time wandering the main boulevard, pick up some sweet treats at French patisserie Le Peche Gourmand or pop into the Creswick Museum where you can check out works from one of Australia’s most artistic families – the Lindsay family, who were from Creswick. For a dose of nature, wander around Calembeen Park (which doubles as an excellent swimming spot in the warmer months) or bring your bike and hit the trails at Djuwang Baring mountain bike park. End the day with a drink paired with live music at Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel.

Clunes (Maryborough Line via Ballarat)

Clunes is one Victoria’s best-preserved gold rush towns with wide streets, grand facades and a cinematic feel (you’ve likely seen it in Mad Max or Ned Kelly). Explore antique stores, browse the museum or settle into a classic country pub experience at the National Hotel. For those keen to stretch their legs, nearby Mount Beckworth (3–4 km from the town centre) offers a rewarding climb. This granite peak, steeped in Indigenous significance, delivers panoramic views across the surrounding plains and woodlands.

Talbot (Maryborough Line via Ballarat)

Talbot is a small town with plenty of historical charm. The monthly Talbot Farmers’ Market (third Sunday of the month) is a standout, drawing visitors for fresh produce, local makers and a strong sense of community. Outside of market day, the town still holds plenty of appeal. Enjoy a long lunch or a glass of local wine at Fossickers Fine Food & Eatery, visit the Talbot Arts and Historical Museum, or simply wander and feel like you've stepped back in time.

Maryborough (Maryborough Line via Ballarat)

Accessible via the Ballarat line, Maryborough is another historic town easily accessed by train. Step off the train straight into one of regional Victoria’s grandest historic towns. Maryborough Train Station is a landmark in its own right, sitting just moments from the wide boulevards and heritage streets of the town centre. Wander along High Street and settle in for a coffee or a pub lunch at local favourites like The Bull & Mouth Hotel or The Welcome Stranger. Art lovers can head to the Central Goldfields Art Gallery, housed in a striking 1861 fire station, while those chasing fresh air will enjoy a stroll through Princes Park, one of Victoria’s finest examples of nineteenth-century garden design.

Beyond the train line, V/Line coach services connect you with even more of our region, transporting you to Trentham, Daylesford, Lancefield, Romsey, Maldon, Harcourt, Dunolly and beyond. For routes, timetables and coach connections, head to ptv.vic.gov.au and plan your trip.