Malmsbury

Over the bridge

Once a service centre for diggers travelling to Bendigo and Castlemaine, Malmsbury has evolved into quiet town with a preserved streetscape of quaint shopfronts and bluestone buildings.

It is home to one of Victoria’s oldest botanical gardens, which follows the Coliban River and has picnic spots beneath mature trees that are especially beautiful during autumn when the leaves turn shades of gold, amber and red. 

Within the gardens, find a spot from where to admire the engineering feat that is the epic Malmsbury Railway Viaduct. When it was completed in 1862, this arched, bluestone railway bridge was the largest in Victoria.

Anyone who is decorating a house or loves antiques will want to explore Rathdowne Antiques and Gifts. There’s also Madame Vintage – a destination for lovers of unique, European-inspired finds.

Malmsbury has great places to eat, too. Try The Stables for Mediterranean inspired fare for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or stop by the Malmsbury Bakery Cafe, where the pies, pastries, bread and cakes are made on the premises every day. There’s a lovely shaded outdoor area where you can relax and enjoy them all.

In April, this enchanting town hosts the Malmsbury Village Fayre, a wonderful day of fun, food and live music. 