On the edge of the Wombat Forest lies the gorgeous little town of Trentham. Half way between Daylesford and Woodend, and just over an hour from Melbourne, it’s well worth stopping by. New businesses are popping up regularly and it has become a perfect destination for great food, entertainment, and scenic beauty. Make sure you call ahead, as most businesses only operate over an extended weekend schedule.
Scenic Beauty
Trentham Falls, Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall, is a spectacular sight. It is one of our favourite places to go to enjoy a picnic, or venture out further along one of the many hiking and biking trails throughout the forest.
The drive from Daylesford is a scenic winding road, passing olive groves, wineries, and the Daylesford Christmas Tree Farm along the way. If you have time, be sure to stop in for a wine tasting at the award-winning Passing Clouds Winery in Musk, or catch some live music at the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville.
Arts, Crafts & Markets
We all love country markets, and Trentham has three! On the 3rd Saturday of every month, you’ll find a great selection of local and organic produce at the Farmer’s Market. Nearby, you will find the Art & Craft Trenthamade Market, featuring hand-made products by regular stallholders. On the 4th Sunday of the month they also host their own Sunday Market. READ MORE..
In and around the main street, you’ll also find a selection of boutique shops, crafts, antiques, and artisan galleries.
Food, Dining & Entertainment
Over the years, Trentham has become quite a foodie destination. The recent arrival of Annie Smithers’ new cafe, du Fermier, has gotten a lot of people talking. Serving up French farmhouse cuisine with an abundance of seasonal produce, it’s a match made in heaven.
Just opened in Trentham: Chaplin’s at the Muse. Inspired by the legendary Charlie Chaplin, Melanie Thomas from nearby Hepburn Springs, has created a café with an emphasis on the coffee! Proudly serving up Allpress coffee, and a winter menu of hearty stews, soups and platters, as well as breakfast and a selection of cakes. READ MORE..
If you venture off the main street, you’ll find the Colliban Foodstore, and it’s more than just a food store! Stocking an extensive selection of fine wines, and a large range of local produce, you can buy everything you need for that perfect weekend away.
Freshly baked bread you ask? Yes, Trentham has that too! The award-winning Red Beard Bakery specialises in certified organic, authentic sourdough bread. Cooked to perfection in a traditional, wood-fired Scotch oven that dates back to 1892. In addition to their bakery, they house a café serving up breakfast and light lunch, and invite patrons to tour the premises (bookings required). For the aspiring bakers out there, they also host regular sourdough baking workshops.
On the corner of High Street and Cosmo Road sits the historic Cosmopolitan Hotel. Damaged by a fire in 2005, it is slowly being restored to its former glory by its new owners. The main building is still under construction, but go around to the back and you’ll find the heritage Cosmopolitan Gardens & Stables. The interior of the Stables has been restored and is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious food prepared in their adjacent “caravan-kitchen”. They also offer free live music on Sunday afternoons!
Annual Events
Spudfest! Yes, a festival celebrating potatoes! Now in it’s fifth year, Spudfest is a fun weekend in May full of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Live music, games for kids, tours, a bit of history, and of course potatoes, and lot’s of them!
