What's New in Victoria's Heartland
There’s plenty new to discover in Victoria’s Heartland this winter. In Daylesford, The Rex Arcade has opened with Bromley & Co as its flagship tenant, alongside the return of the Phoenix Cinema. Across the region, there’s also new dining at Mount Towrong, fresh cafés in Hepburn Springs and Castlemaine and a small‑batch release from Hepburn Distillery. Add in cosy winter stays and wellness escapes and you’ll soon realise Victoria’s Heartland needs to be on your must-visit list this winter.
The Rex Arcade - new home for Bromley & Co.
Bromley & Co. is opening at The Rex in Daylesford, unveiling a majestic new gallery space at the rear of the iconic Vincent Street building, following a successful 12-year tenure two doors down. Home to celebrated Australian artist David Bromley, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most renowned creatives, the gallery also showcasesworks by acclaimed artists including Peter Watts, Kit Bennett, Mick Porter and Jennifer Pinder.
The revitalised Rex Arcade is set to be one of Daylesford’s most exciting shopping and dining precincts – home to a cinema, florist, chocolatier, boutique children’s clothing store and other specialty retailers. Bromley & Co is set to open in late May, with additional businesses across The Rex Arcade to follow in the months ahead.
Phoenix Cinema, Daylesford
The historic Phoenix Cinema in Daylesford re-opened in April this year, marking a new chapter for this beloved 1929 venue. Designed by the same people who created Melbourne's famous Regent Theatre and built in a striking Spanish colonial style, the cinema has long been a local landmark. Now under the ownership of local families, including artists David and Yuge Bromley, and operated with the help of volunteers, the Phoenix aims to once again bring film and culture back to the heart of Daylesford.
Mount Towrong Vineyard – new chef, new menu + extended hours
A fresh new chapter is underway at Mount Towrong’s Enoteca as Italian-born chef Andrea Rigodanza joins the team to bring new flavours and dining experiences to thisMount Macedon based restaurant and cellar door. Drawing inspiration from the northern Italian region their families call home, guests can enjoy seasonal menus and the introduction of Friday Pasta Nights, alongside expanded hours including Friday lunch and dinner and Saturday dinner.
Sonder House Clunes - Winter 'Sanctuary Series'
This winter, Sonder House Clunes elevates regional luxury with the launch of their 'Sanctuary Series.' This stylish architectural retreat for four now offers a completely catered escape, pairing its signature slow living design with exclusive new local partnerships. Guests can experience bespoke in-house massage and organic facial treatments alongside a private chef service offering custom, fireside dining. It’s the ultimate winter cocoon, allowing guests to experience premium regional wellness and gastronomy without leaving their private sanctuary.
Hardware Lane Gin – Hepburn Distillery
Hepburn Distillery has expanded its small-batch range with Hardware Lane Gin, a native-forward release inspired by the building’s 80+ year history as a local hardware store. Featuring lemon myrtle, pepperberry leaf, elderflower and orange zest, the gin pays tribute to the site’s past while showcasing uniquely Australian botanicals. The range also includes Vanilla & Bush Honey Vodka, all crafted and poured onsite, with tastings and cocktails available at their distillery door in the heart of Daylesford.
Mount Monument – sustainable accommodation
Romsey-based winery, Mount Monument - created by notable architect Nonda Katsalidis – are launching the first two of their four stylish eco retreats. Designed with sustainability in mind, each retreats blends seamlessly into the environment that surrounds them. They provide the ideal spot to unwind before exploring Mount Monument’s cellar door, fine-diner restaurant, and sculpture park.
Melody Castlemaine
Melody, which opened in March, is the latest addition to Castlemaine’s café scene. Opened by Lauren Bieber and Tom Crowe (ex Pancho Daylesford) and centrally located next to the Theatre Royal on Hargraves Street, it serves vibrant, seasonal lunches centred on salads, house‑made falafel and pita.
Cello Hepburn – new cafe in Hepburn Springs
Cello Hepburn is the latest addition to Hepburn Springs, joining a growing wave of openings in the area. Cello is your go-to-spot for coffee, seasonal dishes and house‑made pastries, with a simple, relaxed dine‑in and takeaway offering. It joins Cafe Lotte (opened June 2025), and the recently relaunched Palais Hepburn (opened April 2026) and the Old Macaroni Factory (opened November 2025) along this picturesque, hillside strip.
Gisborne Golf Club Bar & Bistro – now open
Introducing the new Gisborne Golf Club Bar & Bistro – located within the newly built Gisborne Golf Club. Operated by Macedon Ranges–based Harvest & Soul, the venue offers a relaxed dining experience, paired with views overlooking rolling fairways and the resident kangaroos. The kitchen focuses on fresh, regional and sustainably sourced produce, with a menu of seasonal dishes, elevated pub classics and share‑style snacks. Located an easy 45-minute drive from central Melbourne, the Bar & Bistro is open to both members and guests.