Winter events in Victoria’s Heartland

Words in Winter Central Goldfields

Words in Winter Central Goldfields returns to Maryborough with a program of bold conversations, storytelling and creative exchange. The three‑day festival features writers, journalists and thinkers exploring themes of truth‑telling, community and contemporary life. Highlights include discussions on the Yoorrook Justice Commission, writing workshops, panel talks and a festival dinner, alongside opportunities for audience Q&A, humour and regional storytelling.

When: Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May, 2026

Where: various venues around Maryborough

Tickets: on sale now at wiwcg.com.au

Woodend Winter Arts Festival

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival returns to the Macedon Ranges for four inspiring days of music, ideas and creativity. Highlights include accordion virtuoso James Crabb; ARIA Award‑winning pianist Tamara‑Anna Cislowska in a special collaboration with composer Elena Kats‑Chernin; and Monteverdi’s monumental Vespers of 1610 performed by Ensemble Gombert and Accademia Arcadia, alongside a vibrant program of performance, conversation and family events.

When: King’s Birthday long weekend, 5-8 June, 2026
Where: various venues around Woodend
Tickets: on sale now at woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au

Castlemaine Jazz Festival

Castlemaine Jazz Festival returns over the King’s Birthday long weekend, filling the town with music across multiple venues. Expect a vibrant program spanning swing, big band and contemporary jazz, with highlights including Dans Les Arbres, Vince Jones & Paul Grabowsky, The Velvetones, the Nat Bartsch Quartet, Maggie Jackson NY Jazz Trio and Big Band Frequency. With more than 100 musicians descending on Castlemaine, it’s a lively, community‑driven celebration of jazz in all its forms.

When: King’s Birthday long weekend, 5-7 June, 2026
Where: multiple venues in Castlemaine
Tickets: on sale now at castlemainejazzfestival.com.au

Maldon Winter Solstice Steam Train & Bonfire

Celebrate the winter solstice with a heritage steam train journey from Castlemaine to Maldon for their annual winter bonfire. The heritage steam train departs from Castlemaine in darkness, before making its way through the chill night air to Maldon. On arrival in Maldon, you’ll be guided to the Maldon Machinery Museum, where there will be plenty of food and drink stalls, musical entertainment, and of course the bonfire to keep you warm on a brisk night. After time by the fire, return by train with a unique ‘listening stop’ at Muckleford Station on the way back to Castlemaine.

When: Saturday 20 June, from 5:15pm
Where: The train departs from and returns to Platform 3 at Castlemaine Railway Station
Cost: From $52 for adults and $21 for children
Tickets: vgr.com.au/maldon-winter-solstice

Castlemaine Documentary Festival

Across three days and nights, audiences gather at the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, for a curated program of documentaries, conversations, music and parties that focus on connection and our shared humanity. Exploring the 2026 theme of ‘Love — the antidote’, this year’s Castlemaine Documentary Festival brings together outstanding Australian and international nonfiction cinema, alongside immersive events that extend beyond the screen. From live music and afterparties to filmmaker conversations and community-led projects, the festival transforms Castlemaine into a vibrant meeting place for storytelling, creativity and shared experience. Running from June 26–28, CDoc continues to cement itself as one of regional Victoria’s most distinctive and deeply human cultural events.

When: 26–28 June 2026
Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
Tickets: tickets on sale now at cdocff.com.au

Winter Sounds

Winter Sounds is a weekend of intimate performances taking place across Daylesford and the surrounding hills. From soaring churches to remote bush schools, country halls and aboard vintage trains, Winter Sounds brings Australia’s finest artists to Daylesford and the surrounding hills each August.

When: 27-30 August, 2026
Where: various venues around Daylesford and surrounds
Tickets: The full schedule will be announced on 9 June – find out more at wintersounds.com.au

Words in Winter, Daylesford & Surrounds

Much-loved festival Words in Winter returns to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs this August. Enjoy author talks, poetry readings, workshops, and live music. Cosy up with tales by local and guest writers and unleash your creativity. Kids will love the storytelling sessions and writing adventures. Celebrate words that spark hope and connection through winter’s quiet moments.

When: 26-30 August, 2026
Where: Various locations around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
Further information: wordsinwinter.com

A Chocolate Led High Tea at Sisko Chocolate Trentham

Chocolate takes centre stage at this indulgent high tea experience at Sisko Chocolate Studio in Trentham. Held at Sisko’s working chocolate studio, this seated high tea invites you to slow down and savour a thoughtfully curated menu that balances savoury and sweet, creativity and comfort. Far from the traditional high tea experience, instead expect elegant savoury bites with subtle chocolate elements, a guided chocolate tasting flight, and a warm dessert to finish, plus a little chocolate take home treat that you create. Held on Farmers Market Saturday, this experience is the perfect way to round out a day exploring Trentham.

When: Saturday 20 June, Saturday 18 July & Saturday 15 August, from 2pm-3:30pm
Where: Sisko Chocolate, 5 Albert Street, Trentham
Cost: $79pp or $99pp including a glass of Wombat Forest sparkling wine.
Tickets: Book online at siskochocolate.com/collections/high-tea

Christmas in July at Lavandula, Shepherds Flat

Celebrate the magic of winter with a festive twist at Lavandula's Christmas in July Feast Night. Indulge in a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates winter produce, paired with wines from Red Edge and a touch of nostalgic Christmas charm. In a communal setting, expect generous shared dishes, hearty flavours, and a few festive surprises woven throughout the evening.

When: Saturday 4 July, 2026 from 5.30-8.30pm
Where: Lavandula, 350 Hepburn Newstead Rd, Shepherd's Flat
Cost: $105pp
Tickets and further information: lavandula.com.au/products/autumn-harvest-feast-night

A European Christmas in July at the Daylesford Hotel

Daylesford Hotel hosts a series of Christmas in July dining events this July, designed to capture the romance and charm of a European-style winter Christmas in Victoria’s Heartland. Held across three evenings, the experience includes a three‑course festive feast, three‑hour drinks package, mulled wine on arrival, and live music with carols. Guests begin outdoors before moving into Bar Bamford for dinner.

When: Friday 17 July, Saturday 18 July & Friday 24 July, from 5:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Daylesford Hotel, 2 Burke Square, Daylesford
Cost: $165pp
Tickets: daylesfordhotel.com.au/events

Christmas in July Feast – The Station Café Restaurant & Bar

Celebrate Christmas in July Maryborough style with a festive two‑course banquet at The Station Café Restaurant & Bar at the historic Maryborough Train Station. Enjoy a classic spread including ham, turkey and roast beef, served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and traditional trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding. A cosy winter dining experience perfect for gathering with family and friends.

When: Saturday 18 July, from 6pm
Where: The Station Café Restaurant & Bar, 29 Station St, Maryborough
Cost: $69pp
Tickets: whiskeyjune.com.au/the-station/events

Christmas in July at Lyons Will Estate, Lancefield

Celebrate the magic of a Danish Christmas with guest Chef, Bente Grysbaek, at Lyons Will Estate this July. Chef Bente invites you to relive her fond childhood memories through an authentic Danish Christmas feast cooked over fire amongst the vines at Lyons Will Estate. Held on Saturday 26 July, the experience pairs festive dishes with Lyons Will wines, including current and museum releases, in a relaxed vineyard setting just outside Lancefield.

Date: Saturday 26th July , from12:30pm
Cost: $145pp (four course meal and wines available for purchase on the day) or $195 (four course meal with matched wines)
Tickets: lyonswillestate.com.au

Introduction to Sourdough Baking Class at Dairy Flat Farm

Discover the tricks behind the perfect sourdough at Dairy Flat Farm this winter. Receive hands on tuition and an introduction to slow fermentation, sourdough baking, shaping and moulding. The workshop includes a private tour of the Dairy Flat Farm vineyard, orchard, olive grove, and productive herb and vegetable gardens which supply the Lake House kitchens. Participants will also receive recipe cards, a sourdough starter, banneton basket, and a Dairy Flat apron and tote to take home with them.

When: Sunday 14 June, 10:30am-1pm
Where: Dairy Flat by Lake House, Musk
Bookings: lakehouse.com.au/product-category/classes-events/

Ragged & Tagged & Flagged Caroline Chisolm, Domesticity and the Victorian Goldfields by Dr Flossie Peitsch

Dr Flossie Peitsch presents Ragged & Tagged & Flagged, a mixed‑media textile exhibition reimagining the legacy of Caroline Chisholm in the Victorian goldfields. Using domestic materials as a form of protest, the installation invites visitor participation. A free community workshop will be held on Sunday 19 July (2pm) offering the chance to create a mini finger‑hooked rug with the artist.

When: 25 June to 11 October, 2026
Where: Central Goldfields Art Gallery, 1 Neill St, Maryborough
Further information: centralgoldfieldsartgallery.com.au/What-s-on~182

Capturing the Wild, Central Goldfields Art Gallery

Maryborough artist Milton Moss presents Capturing the Wild, a series of paintings and photographs inspired by the landscapes of the Moolort Plains and Joyces Creek in the Central Goldfields. The exhibition opens at 2pm on Saturday 23 May, with accompanying events including a free cloud painting demonstration on 6 June (1–3pm) and an insightful artist talk on 29 July (10.30am), offering a deeper look into Moss’s work and techniques.

When: 21 May – 16 August 2026
Where: Central Goldfields Art Gallery, 1 Neill St, Maryborough
Further information: centralgoldfieldsartgallery.com.au/What-s-on~182