What’s new in Victoria’s Heartland for Spring 2026
From luxury vineyard stays and stylish new accommodation to destination wine bars, immersive cultural tours and exciting culinary talent, Victoria's Heartland continues to evolve, with a wave of fresh experiences giving visitors even more reasons to plan a trip this way.
Mount Monument – accommodation now open
Nestled high on the slopes of Mount Monument, the newly opened Mount Monument Retreats bring a bold new luxury accommodation offering to the Macedon Ranges. Designed by renowned architect Nonda Katsalidis, the two private retreats immerse guests in the landscape with floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping regional views and outdoor rainwater hot tubs. Set within the award-winning Mount Monument estate, guests enjoy access to the winery, restaurant, sculpture park and bushwalking trails, alongside locally sourced breakfast provisions delivered each morning. The addition of private overnight accommodation transforms Mount Monument into one of regional Victoria's most complete and compelling escapes.
New Head Chef at Sault Restaurant
Sault Restaurant is excited to welcome new Head Chef, Josh Winchester, whose ingredient-led philosophy and international experience will shape an exciting new chapter for this popular Daylesford dining destination. Raised in a Tasmanian hospitality family, Winchester has worked at some of the world's most celebrated kitchens, including Maison Bras in France, Core by Clare Smyth, The Fat Duck, Lake House and Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel. Drawing on a deep respect for seasonality, local produce and sustainable cooking, his approach celebrates ingredients at their peak. At Sault, Winchester will create menus inspired by the changing seasons, regional Victorian produce and the restaurant's stunning garden surrounds.
New Head Chef at Mount Macedon Winery
Mount Macedon Winery has welcomed Shanaka Wijentunga as Head Chef, bringing more than 23 years of culinary experience from leading hospitality venues across Australia and overseas. Formerly in senior roles at Hubert Estate and Risby Cove, Shanaka is known for his focus on seasonal produce and contemporary Australian cuisine. He will lead the culinary direction across UUMM and the Cellar Door Restaurant, with an exciting new menu concept set to debut in September.
Leggatt St Bar
An exciting new wine bar from the team behind Daylesford’s popular winespeake cellar + deli, Leggatt St Bar is set to open on the shores of Lake Daylesford in late August. Featuring a curated wine list and a food offering shaped by the strong producer relationships developed through winespeake, the venue will focus on seasonal, share-style dishes thoughtfully paired with wine.
Josephine’s Woodend
New in Woodend, Josephine's is a welcoming new wine bar championing the best of the Macedon Ranges and regional Victoria. The cosy space, just off High Street, features a rotating selection of natural and minimal-intervention wines paired with a seasonal share-style menu showcasing produce from small organic farmers and artisan producers.
Saint Brigid’s Daylesford
Set to open in late August, Saint Brigid’s is a new cocktail and craft beer bar from the team behind Daylesford Brewing Co. Located just off Vincent Street, the venue blends traditional English-inspired charm with a modern touch, offering signature cocktails, local craft beer and share plates from the adjoining Marrow kitchen.
Banjo Making Course at Wildwood Instruments
New at Wildwood Instruments, Australia's only one-day Banjo Making Course gives aspiring musicians and makers the chance to build their own 5-string resonator banjo from start to finish. Led by luthier Nick Carpenter at his Mount Franklin workshop near Daylesford, the hands-on experience joins the business's popular guitar-making courses. Priced at $499 per person, the course includes assembly, set-up and finishing, with participants taking home the instrument they create. Upcoming course dates are 19 September and 28 November.
Lake House introduces a Lymphatic Ritual spa treatment
Lake House Spa has added the Acqua Vital Lymphatic Ritual to its menu of spa experiences. This deeply restorative treatment is designed to support the body’s natural healing processes, combining dry brushing, manual lymphatic drainage, breathwork and soothing botanical elements to help reduce inflammation, ease fluid retention and calm the nervous system. Featherlight techniques encourage detoxification and deep relaxation, while a warm mineral foot wrap and scalp massage complete the experience. Guests can also enhance the ritual with a targeted facial drainage treatment for visible de-puffing, sculpted contours and a healthy glow.
DUMAWUL Argyle Spring Walking Tour
Discover Dja Dja Wurrung Country on the Nyerna Djayi Wurreka (Listening to Country Speak) Argyle Spring Walking Tour. Led by Djaara educators, this immersive 2.8km cultural experience explores local stories, landscapes and living Culture through a series of interpretive stops featuring Djaara artworks. The walk culminates at the iconic Argyle Spring, where visitors can hand-pump and sample the region's renowned natural mineral water. Tours depart from the Hepburn Mineral Springs BBQ area.
Perrins House, Daylesford
Hidden among the treetops in one of Daylesford's most sought-after locations, Perrins House Daylesford is an exceptional new luxury retreat where designer interiors, curated artwork and serene natural surroundings combine to create a truly memorable escape. This five-bedroom property was reimagined in collaboration with acclaimed interior designer Jessica Holmes, with every space thoughtfully crafted to balance sophistication and comfort. Layered textures, rich colours, statement lighting and bespoke furnishings come together to deliver an immersive stay that is both elegant and inviting. Bookable now through Discover Daylesford.
PerCapita Home, Daylesford
PerCapita Home is a thoughtfully designed two-bedroom retreat that blends striking contemporary architecture with a minimalist approach to country living. Created by PerCapita Studio, the home features light-filled interiors, curated furnishings and sweeping valley views, all designed to encourage guests to slow down and reconnect with nature. Just minutes from Daylesford's cafés, restaurants and mineral springs, it offers a design-led escape for couples, friends and creatives. Bookable now through Discover Daylesford.
Margaux, Daylesford
New to Daylesford, Margaux is a six-bedroom luxury villa designed for group escapes, family gatherings and weekend getaways. Completed in 2026 and styled by Hunter & Richards, the architect-designed home blends contemporary design with relaxed country comfort. Highlights include a heated spa that converts to a plunge pool, expansive indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces, soaring timber trusses and views towards Wombat Hill and The Convent, all within walking distance of Daylesford's cafés, restaurants and shops. Bookable now through Dayget.
Art in the Vines 'Art in Motion 2' at Hanging Rock Winery
Art in the Vines returns to Hanging Rock Winey in the Macedon Ranges from 19 October until end April 2027, transforming the landscape into a stunning outdoor gallery. Set among vineyards with iconic views of Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon, this free exhibition features more than 20 kinetic sculptures that respond to wind and changing conditions, making the landscape itself part of the experience and ensuring no two visits are quite the same. A highlight is the rare opportunity to see five works by acclaimed Australian kinetic sculptor Rudi Jass together in the landscape, showcasing the artist’s fascination with movement, balance and natural forces. Visitors can follow the sculpture trail before enjoying a wine tasting, local produce or the vineyard views at Hanging Rock Winery’s cellar door.