I bloody love Kyneton.
Every time I’m there, whether sipping a latte in the sunshine, wandering the many stores along Piper Street or indulging in some of the finest food in Victoria, I look around and mutter, to no one in particular, ‘I bloody love this place.’ I then usually start mapping my move into a nearby Victorian style home, until I realise that Kyneton isn’t so far from Melbourne, and it’s truly the perfect spot for a getaway – whether that be a day trip, a few days away, or more (go for more, always more).
So where to go? Where to eat? Where to stay?
Stick with me, mates. I’ve got you covered.
EAT & DRINK
Duck Duck Goose & Larder | 17/19 Piper Street, Kyneton | www.duckduckgooseandlarder.com.au
Duck Duck Goose & Larder is a family business run by Andrew and Jeanette Collinson, together with their daughter Hannah.
The café and food store literally has something for everyone – an array of homewares and provisions make the store the perfect spot to wander and peruse and the café offers a variety of meals, desserts and drinks, that will satiate even the hungriest of travellers.
Duck Duck Goose & Larder makes good food great – healthy, fresh, moreish. One visit is never enough.
La Bonta | 12 Piper Street, Kyneton | www.labonta.com.au
I’m Italian, but I rarely go out to eat Italian food. Not because it fails to compare to my mum’s incredible cooking (it usually does), but because it’s the same old options: pizza and pasta.
What’s brilliant about La Bonta – despite the delicious food, extensive wine list and general ambience – is it does proper Italian food. Sure, some pasta and gnocchi, but also meats and fish and salads and yes, a whole menu devoted to mozzarella.
Chef-patron Tim Austin knows his Italian food, and he’s devoted to quality produce. The menu pays homage to various regions of Italy, and the modern take on regional classics is perfection. Each dish is packed with flavour, that dances in your mouth long after the last morsel has been consumed. The serves are generous (Nonna would be proud), the presentation picture perfect, and the taste undeniably delectable.
I’ve never enjoyed an Italian meal outside of the walls of my mother’s house so much.
The Royal George Hotel | 24 Piper Street, Kyneton | www.royalgeorge.com.au
With 16 taps of craft beer and ciders on a rotating basis, the Royal George has one goal: to help you find the perfect beverage.
I sat down at the bar for a free beer tasting, and despite getting fairly sauced up trying to keep the pace, I must say they were the tastiest beers I’d ever downed.
Offering craft beers and local wines, with good pub food, is the Royal George’s motto. And they deliver.
Little Swallow Café | 58A Piper Street, Kyneton
The perfect spot for a post-Royal-George-night-out breakfast, Little Swallow Café offers hearty all day breakfasts that’ll keep the tummy grumbles at bay.
Decent coffee, good serves and meals that wouldn’t be out of place on Brunswick Street, Little Swallow is perfect for a coffee (or ten) or a lingering brekkie.
SHOP
Stockroom | 98 Piper Street, Kyneton | http://stockroomspace.com
Stockroom is Macedon Ranges premier artist and makers space. Housed in the Kyneton District Butter Factory, Stockroom includes a large split-level space showcasing contemporary artists, makers and designers.
The Garden Tap Nursery | 96 Piper Street, Kyneton | www.thegardentap.com.au
This boutique nursery hosts an array of beautiful plants, many unusual, some rare, that you might not find elsewhere. Of course being in the Macedon Ranges there is an emphasis on frost hardy varieties.
Amongst the plants you will discover unique garden art from local artists and artisans as well as recycled and restored garden wares.
The Lauriston Press Gallery | 37B Piper Street, Kyneton | http://lauristonpress.com.au
A unique gallery experience curated and owned by artist Sarah Gabriel, offering original works on paper, etchings, paintings, ceramics and jewellery from established regional artists.
Macedon Ranges Interiors | 61 Piper Street, Kyneton | www.macedonrangesinteriors.com.au
Bringing you exemplary products and design inspiration from all corners of the world, with a particularly strong European and Japanese influence.
STAY
St Agnes Homestead | 30 Burton Avenue, Kyneton | www.saintagnes.com.au
If you’re craving a place you can not only rest your head but truly enjoy every element of, then St Agnes is it. Historical, charming, idyllic…the entire property makes for a truly perfect country escape.
The gardens and surrounds at St Agnes are breathtaking, and the varied accommodation options offer a suite of facilities and styles. What’s most impressive is the lengths owner Traudi has gone to in restoring the original buildings and features. No detail has been missed, no room without every possible amenity and whim catered for.
And then some.
Touches like port and chocolate on the bedside (I know, riiiight) offer old world charm in a genuinely homely way.
I feel in love with St Agnes Homestead – the driveway, the pond, the view, the open fireplace, the bath.
A stay at St Agnes is pure magic.
