Episode 26: Weekend in Kyneton
Everyone needs a weekend escape, and when you can get away from it all yet not drive too far, it's always a bonus. Rebecca Judd, along with Shane Crawford, Brodie Harper and Glen Moriarty show you all the delights of what to do for a weekend in Kyneton. From pubs and grub to flowers and artists' studios, fabulous places to stay and a celebrity pit stop at Highbank with Tonia Todman, this episode gives everyone plenty of ideas for a mini break.
No.2 Sweetheart, Stockroom, Hennie and Fox and Kabinett
If you're spending a weekend away in Kyneton and want to take some time out to do shopping, you can't go past Piper Street. Once there start your day at Hennie and Fox, a whimsical and colourful kid's boutique which stocks a large range of Australian and locally made clothing and one-of-a-kind handmade pieces constructed from vintage fabrics, doilies and tablecloths.
A little further down the road you'll find No.2 Sweetheart. This stylish 'green boutique' is home to all things eco-friendly, organic and recycled. It stocks a wide range of gifts, jewellery, skincare and accessories, as well as a beautiful range of organic clothing.
'Kabinett' specializes in vintage industrial style furniture and fittings. There are industrial lights, lamps, old suitcases, propaganda art and an eclectic mix of old furniture and fittings. Kyneton is also home to some pretty groovy galleries, including Stockroom, a huge space showcasing contemporary artists and designers. It includes a large retail area and three art galleries. The Stockroom galleries host an exciting exhibition program representing the forefront of Australian contemporary art.
Hennie and Fox
66A Piper Street, Kyneton
Ph 03 5422 6323
Kabinett
66 Piper Street, Kyneto
Ph 03 5422 669
kabinett.com.au
No. 2 Sweetheart
37A Piper Street, Kyneton
no2sweetheart.com.au
Stockroom
98 Piper Street, Kyneton
Ph 03 5422 3215
stockroomkyneton.com
Kyneton Ridge Estate
One place where you can get a real taste of what the Macedon Region has to offer is at Kyneton Estate Winery. With five generations of winemakers in the family, John Boucher and Pauline Russell set about turning this 40 hectare property into an award winning winery. If you'd like to share in the good life you can check into their B&B, where you have the choice between the Macedon suite which has a queen bed and spa, or the family suite which features two standard rooms. Once you've unpacked you're then free to roam the property. Not only are they picking up a stack of awards for their wines, the cellar door is very popular for small functions and weddings. On weekends people travel from far and wide to try their great plonk and the excellent food, all with stunning views of the vineyard and Mt Alexander.
Kyneton Ridge Estate
Ph 03 5422 7377
kynetonridge.com.au
The Royal George Hotel and The Piper Street Food Co
The Royal George Hotel has been a fixture in Kyneton since the 1850s and it's one of the oldest, continually licensed pubs in Victoria. If you're here for a more substantial meal, you'll find yourself seated in one of the elegant linen-dressed dining rooms, perusing a menu full of local, seasonal delights. Fresh produce comes straight to the restaurant's kitchen from local farmers, so the chefs have plenty to play with.
Down the road at the Piper Street Food Company you'll find a beautiful range of pates and parfaits, terrines, rillettes, sausages and pies. Everything is made on the premises from scratch, and customers can catch all the action through the kitchen's glass doors or even book in for a class.
The Royal George Hotel
24 Piper Street, Kyneton
Ph 03 5422 139
royalgeorge.com.au
Piper Street Food Co.
89B Piper Street, Kyneton
Ph 03 5422 355
piperstfoodco.com
Prunella, Lauriston Press, Tonia Todman – Highbank
Tonia Todman's Highbank accommodation is where you'll you will find two comfortable bedrooms, along with a stylish lounge room and galley style kitchen with quality fittings. An outdoor terrace overlooks the countryside. Recently, Tonia has added a new accommodation listing to Highbank, which has been designed especially for couples. It's called The Tack Room and with its modern Australian décor, offers every luxury and comfort anyone would need for a relaxing stay.
One place to visit in the area on iconic Piper Street is Prunella, a florist shop where they believe "flowers are a necessity, not a luxury". Prunella offers a striking 'nature' inspired approach to its floral arrangements. Another must-visit 'arty' space on Piper Street is Lauriston Press. This is a working artist's studio and gallery representing various local artisans.
Prunella
68 Piper Street, Kyneton
Ph 03 5410 8835
prunella.com.au
Lauriston Press
37b Piper St, Kyneton
Ph 03 5422 1710
lauristonpress.com.au
Highbank – Accommodation and Courses
Cnr Donnelly Rd and Sebastopol Rd
Ph 03 5422 2308
toniatodman.com
Mollisons and Babette’s B&B
Housed in the former Bank of New South Whales building in Kyneton you'll find Mollisons, a chic and contemporary accommodation with a wonderful blend of old and new, making it some of the best we've ever seen in regional Victoria.
Behind Babette's B&B humble façade, there's a stylishly renovated cottage that would be a perfect base for a weekend in Kyneton. The modern and spacious self-contained house features designer furnishings and fine linens. It sleeps up to six guests comfortably.
Mollisons
116-118 Mollison Street, Kyneton
mollisons.net.au
Babette′s B&B
59 Ebden Street, Kyneton
babetteskyneton.com.au
Postcards Diary
Yarra Valley Water Grape Run
This weekend head to the Yarra Valley, one of Victoria's best known wine and tourist areas, and take part in the Yarra Valley Water Grape Run.
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 1 September
Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival
Welcome the beginning of spring with 10 days of garden and flower show celebrations at this year′s Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival.
Where: Kyneton
When: 30 August – 9 September
More: kynetondaffodilarts.org.au
Tour of the Murray River Cycling Classic
If you're planning on spending time at the Murray then don't miss out on this year's Tour of the Murray River, held at the beautiful lakeside township of Yarrawonga.
Where: Yarrawonga and The Murray Region
When: 2 – 9 September