AUTUMN – WHAT’S NEW
Victoria’s Heartland is buzzing with new openings, revamped spaces and exciting arrivals.
Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm has unveiled a stunning hillside pool, Campaspe Mill Distillery brings small‑batch gin to a restored 1856 bluestone mill in Kyneton, and Castlemaine welcomes Gabirra, a new First Nations-owned gallery and studio. Hepburn Palais also returns with a fresh new era of live entertainment. Add a string of new accommodation options, from luxe country estates to tiny homes and architect‑designed cabins, and you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit the Heartland’s this autumn.
Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm – now home to a stunning hillside pool
(pictured above)
Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm, the acclaimed boutique destination that has redefined farm-to-table hospitality in Daylesford (80 minutes from Melbourne), announces the completion of its spectacular new hillside pool, a carefully curated space that seamlessly integrates luxury with the property's celebrated pastoral landscape. Carved into the hillside overlooking the estate's pinot and chardonnay plantings; the pool feels both refreshingly contemporary and timelessly rooted in place. The pool's positioning offers guests a front-row seat to the estate's viticultural rhythms, from the morning mist that rises from the vineyard rows to spectacular sunsets.
dairyflatfarmdaylesford.com.au
Andino – coming soon to Castlemaine
Andino is an exciting new offering from the team behind Wild Food and Wine in Castlemaine. After closing Wild last year, the team has transformed the old Castlemaine Fire Station and will return as Andino, bringing the bold flavours and warm hospitality of Latin America back to town. Think tacos, ceviche, BBQ and of course, margaritas. From the bright, fresh flavours of the coast to the earthy, home-style dishes of the highlands, Andino will be the perfect spot for casual catch-ups over drinks and snacks or settling in for a fiesta with family and friends. Due to open in March.
Campaspe Mill Distillery – new gin distillery in a restored bluestone mill
Campaspe Mill Distillery is an exciting new addition to Kyneton, transforming a restored c1856 bluestone mill into Victoria’s newest gin destination. Easily accessible off the Calder Freeway, the distillery produces small‑batch, grain‑based gins and handcrafted vodkas, with a focus on quality, design and sustainable practices. Visitors can enjoy tastings, gin flights and a bistro menu onsite, with VIP experiences available by arrangement. Open Thursday to Monday.
Gabirra – new First Nations gallery and studio in Castlemaine
Gabirra is a new First Nations-owned art gallery and creative studio on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Castlemaine. Gabirra sells a range of First Nations art, artefacts and First Nations products. They also facilitate a variety of workshops. Open Thursday to Monday weekly.
Hepburn Distillery – new owners and new offering
(pictured above)
Hepburn Distillery has entered an exciting new chapter under fresh ownership, bringing renewed energy to one of Daylesford’s most loved distillery doors. Visitors can now settle in with relaxed tasting flights of vodka, gin and whiskey, paired with beautifully curated cheeseboards showcasing the region’s exceptional local produce. The year ahead promises even more reason to visit, with the distillery’s 2026 Sloe Gin set for release in March, alongside a lineup of new vodka and gin expressions arriving soon.
Hepburn Palais – re-opening in April 2026
The iconic 100‑year‑old Palais Theatre in Hepburn Springs is set for a major revival, relaunched as Hepburn Palais by the team behind Arcobar and Hotel Trentham. Reopening just after Easter, the venue will focus on live music, dance, comedy and special events, beginning with Chocolate Starfish performing on Saturday 11 April. Initially operating for ticketed events only, Hepburn Palais will offer upgraded sound and lighting and a diverse program designed to bring audiences back to this much-loved live music venue.
Le Bouchon at Attwoods – new a la carte menu
Attwoods Wines have launched a new style of dining at their restaurant Le Bouchon at Attwoods. Their passionate chefs have created a delicious a la carte menu, with a range of seasonal small and large dishes to choose from. Prefer for have someone else make the decisions? Opt for the new Chef Selection, a range of dishes from across the menu, with two price options. The menufeatures fresh seasonal produce from local suppliers including stunning heirloom tomatoes from Florian, Wedgetail Farm goats curd, whole rainbow trout from Tuki Trout, Western Plains Pork scotch and some MS7 Sher Wagyu bavette.
Think Alike Store – fresh new look and expanded retail offering
Woodend based Think Alike has a fresh new look. Designed to complement the hues of the native flora of the surrounding Macedon Ranges region, the calming space is hone to labels from around the globe which may not be on your radar (just yet). Sustainably made, quality apparel and accessories that you won't find in the shopping centres. Think Alike has also expanded their offering with unique men’s and children’s apparel, making them a one stop shop for all your wardrobe needs.
New Accommodation
The Duckling, Wheatsheaf
The Duckling is a serene one‑bedroom bush retreat in Wheatsheaf, just eight minutes from Daylesford. Surrounded by towering gums, this pet‑friendly hideaway blends rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring an open‑plan studio design, wood‑burning fireplace, well‑equipped kitchenette and a curated queen bedroom with a stylish bathroom. A standout feature is The Soaking Spot,two private outdoor baths nestled beneath the gum trees. Here, you can soak in complete privacy, surrounded by nature by day and under open skies at night. A calming experience designed to help you slow down and fully unwind.
Thule Country Estate, Mount Macedon
Thule Country Estate is a stunning architect designed home boasting 6 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms (sleeps 12), set on 36 acres of breathtaking countryside in one of Mount Macedon’s most sought-after locations. Blending refined comfort with authentic rural charm, this expansive estate is ideal for families, groups, and special getaways seeking space, privacy, and unforgettable surroundings. Wander the paddocks with Highland cows and goats, picnic by the lake, and enjoy the resort style facilities including a swimming pool, tennis court, basketball, and gym.
The Globe House, Castlemaine
Built in 1855 and formerly The Globe Hotel, this historic property has been fully renovated, now offering eight bedrooms and five bathrooms, along with a fully equipped kitchen, and versatile indoor and outdoor spaces. The property is ideal for weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate retreats, and family getaways. Just a short walk from Castlemaine’s cafes, shops, and galleries, Globe House combines modern comfort with historic charm.
Cosy Tents, Yandoit
Introducing Stockholm at Cosy Tents, a beautifully crafted A‑Frame cabin that blends Scandi‑inspired style with all the comforts of premium glamping. With it's striking A Frame design, warm timber interiors and thoughtfully styled details, Stockholm blends Scandinavian-inspired simplicity with the cosy charm that Yandoit based Cosy Tents are famous for.
Piccola Retreat, Hepburn
Tucked quietly into the heart of Hepburn, Piccola Tiny Houses offer a rare chance to experience tiny house living without sacrificing comfort, location or indulgence. Designed for guests who love beautiful spaces, these two private tiny homes invite you to live simply and sink into a cosy, carefully curated escape. Just five minutes from Daylesford and moments from the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, guests can book one for a romantic stay or both for a unique friends’ getaway.
Elsa, Hepburn Springs
Elsa is a gorgeous, romantic one-bedroom retreat in the heart of Hepburn Springs. Perfect for couples, Elsa features a luxurious spa bath, gas log fire, full kitchen, air-conditioning and peaceful outdoor relaxation areas. Tucked away yet close to the Hepburn Bathhouse, forest trails and Daylesford’s dining and wellness experiences – Elsa is the ideal base for slow, indulgent stays.
Bloomwood, Mount Franklin
Bloomwood is a spacious five-bedroom, three-bathroom country escape set on 18 acres of tranquil Mount Franklin countryside, just minutes from Daylesford. Features include an outdoor jacuzzi, expansive garden and an outdoor entertaining area. Surrounded by rolling hills, sweeping paddocks and the gentle quiet of native bushland, this beautifully presented, family friendly home invites you to unwind, recharge and settle into a slower, more soothing rhythm.
discoverdaylesford.com/bloomwood-mt-franklin-near-daylesford
WORKSHOPS & EXPERIENCES
The Woods Daylesford
The Woods Daylesford are offering three inspiring creative workshops over the coming months. The Language of the Rose (22 March) invites guests to gather garden roses, explore Victorian flower meanings and craft bespoke floral notecards. It’s a Piece of Cake (26 April) offers a handson dessertmaking experience, teaching elegant techniques for four individual sweets. Away with the Faeries (24 May) is a whimsical parentchild workshop of crafting, storytelling and nature play.
When: Multiple dates throughout autumn
Where: The Woods Daylesford, 51 Brunts Road, Bullarto
Process and Printmaking Demonstrations
(pictured above)
Jeff Gardner's Printmaking Studio is situated in a converted Sunday School adjacent to Cascade Art Gallery. Inside an extraordinary collection of printing presses and technologies Jeff has gathered over many years. On both Saturdays of the Castlemaine State Festival Jeff will demonstrate a variety of printmaking techniques on his beloved presses. Jeff's printmaking practice includes works on paper as well as limited editions of books of poetry.
When: Saturday 28 March from 11am-1pm & Sunday 29 March, from 11am-5pm
Where: Cascade Art Gallery, The Church, 1A Fountain Street, Maldon Victoria
The Garden of St Erth
The Garden of St Erth hosts a rich autumn program of hands‑on workshops celebrating herbs, harvest and natural materials. Learn to make traditional remedies in the Herbal Honey Workshop (15 March), creating oxymels and infusions using seasonal herbs and honey. Craft a vibrant autumn table piece from vegetables, flowers and foliage in the Harvest Celebration Centrepiece Workshop (29 March), or make coiled baskets using garden fibres in Baskets from the Garden of St Erth (26 April). Round out the season with Wild Winter Remedies (17 May), preparing syrups, steams and poultices for winter wellness.
When: multiple dates throughout autumn
Where: The Garden of St Erth, 189 Simmons Reef Rd, Blackwood