Kyneton (including Carlsruhe and Tylden)
Medium-sized rural centre on the Campaspe River
Kyneton is a progressive rural centre of some 4500 people located 85 km north-west of Melbourne on the Campaspe River and just off the Calder Highway. It is 509 metres above sea-level on a fertile basalt plain which supports a diversity of rural enterprises, to which Kyneton acts as a service centre. It also has a small manufacturing sector.

Kyneton has one of the state's strongest collection of historic bluestone buildings. In the early spring the main approaches to Kyneton are lined with blooming daffodils as part of the Daffodil and Arts Festival.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans the area was occupied by the Thagungwurung Aborigines. The party of explorer Thomas Mitchell crossed the river at or near the future townsite in 1836. He named it the 'Campaspe' after one of Alexander the Great's courtesans.

The first squatter, C.H. Ebden arrived in 1837, establishing the 'Karlsruhe' station (hence the town of Carlsruhe just to the south of Kyneton). Other squatters followed. Some took the unusual step of adding corn-growing to the usual pastoralist's repertoire of sheep and cattle and a corn mill was in operation by 1841. Although there weren't many Kooris in the district, two shepherds were killed during a confrontation in 1842. The mounted police pursued the party in question, killing six of their number.

The future Kyneton was surveyed in 1846 as a camping place for teamsters headed to Bendigo. It was chosen as a townsite in 1848 and surveyed the following year to serve as a centre of law and administration in place of the earlier Carlsruhe settlement to the immediate south. At that time there were a few slab buildings and a couple of huts. It was named after the English village of Kineton (now Kington).

In the early 1850s Kyneton developed rapidly as a gateway to and supply centre of the goldfields of Clunes, Castlemaine and Bendigo. It was a major coach stop and the bellies of the goldminers (and those of Melburnians) caused a rapid expansion of local agricultural production. Kyneton became the state's major agricultural town and the general prosperity and development resulted in a building boom which saw bluestone quarrying become a substantial industry. The regular through-traffic also allowed a diversity of businesses and services to develop. Kyneton was proclaimed a municipality as early as 1857.

Gold was discovered in its own right at Laurieston and A HREF="VICMalmsbury.shtml">Malmsbury in the late 1850s and furnished reasonable returns into the 1870s. The rail link from Melbourne arrived in 1862, further boosting the fortunes of the town. In the 1890s the state's first pasteurizing plant was introduced at Kyneton.

In 1858 Caroline Chisholm lived at Kyneton where her family owned a store and her husband was a magistrate. While she lived here she began to establish a series of inexpensive overnight shelters for travellers on the Mt Alexander Rd (now the Calder Highway), a road which was commonly used by prospectors heading to the central goldfields. A reminder of this scheme can still be seen at Carlsruhe

In 1860 the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition camped just to the north of the township and the only survivor, John King was regaled at a local hotel on his return trip. On the literary front, early Australian novelist, Joseph Furphy, lived at Kyneton as a teenager.

The town's celebrations include a Country Music Festival in February, the Kyneton Horticultural Show in March, a Literature Festival in April and, in September, the Spring Flower Show and the Daffodil and Arts Festival, during which many of the area's beautiful gardens are open for inspection. The Kyneton Cup is held on the first Wednesday of November and the Jebba Yacki Fireworks Display is held at Lauriston in November or December.

Things to see:  

Tourist Information
Kyneton Visitor Information Centre is located in Jean Haynes Reserve near the intersection of High St and Edgecombe St, tel: (03) 5422 6110. They can supply self-guided walks of the town's historic buildings and an abundance of information on the attractions of the town and outlying area.

HISTORIC WALK 1
Kyneton Historical Museum
On the corner of Piper and Powlett Streets is the Kyneton Historical Museum. It is located in the beautiful bluestone Bank of NSW building (1856) which is reputedly the oldest surviving bank building in the state. It features a wide range of Victoriana and vintage farm machinery from the town and shire's past. The residential section and outbuildings have been decked out in period style and there is a stable, a buggy house, a printer's workshop, a farm kitchen and an old water pump. Also on the grounds is Theaden Homestead (c.1840). It is open Friday to Sunday and public holidays (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. The museum also opens every Thursday during school holidays , tel: (03) 5422 1228 or (1300) 656 577.

St Paul's Anglican Church
On the other side of Powlett St, at the Yaldwyn St corner, is the striking Gothic bluestone figure of St Paul's Anglican Church (1856), one of the state's oldest surviving churches.

Sunday School
On the other side of Yaldwyn St is the Arts Centre, built in 1898 as the Congregational Sunday School. It has been described as 'one of the finest buildings constructed in Victoria during the 1890s'.

Kyneton Fine China
Walk west along Yaldwyn St to the Wedge St corner where you will find Kyneton Fine China and Wattle Ceramics on the site of the town's first substantial commercial building - the Robert Burns Hotel. You can watch the artists producing award-winning figurines and other works in fine bone china, porcelain and resin-ceramics. There are displays of figurines and antique chinaware. It is open weekdays, tel: (03) 5422 3337.

Meskills Woolstore
Walk along Wedge St back to Piper St where, at no.96, is Meskills Woolstore - a genuinely interesting wool-spinning mill and factory shop that utilises antique machinery and sells pure wool, knitting yarn and knitwear. It is located behind the Georgian facade of a brick-and-bluestone building erected c.1867 as a butter factory and is open daily, tel: (03) 5422 3033.

Piper Street
Walk east along Piper St, the town's commercial centre in the 1850s. It has been restored in period fashion with original gas lamps (once powered by gas from gum leaves), flagstone paving and plenty of specialty shops. Kyneton has one of the state's strongest collection of historic bluestone buildings.

At no.74, is the former Dawson's Emporium building (1852). At Piper and Ebden are two buildings of interest. The former Anglican rectory (1850), Kyneton's oldest surviving building, is the single-storey bluestone structure on the south-western corner. The western bluestone half of the Royal George Hotel was erected prior to 1860, the brick half in 1891 and the verandah in 1915.

Steam Mill Museum
On the corner of Piper and Ebden Streets is the old four-storey Willis brothers' bluestone-and-timber steam flour mill (1862). It is said to be the only working 19th-century steam mill in Australia and it still produces fresh bread for the adjacent bakery. There are guided tours of the mill on weekends and public holidays from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

HISTORIC WALK 2
Mollison Street
Mollison St became the commercial centre after the arrival of the railway in 1861. At Mollison and Mair is 'Eli Meek' (1890), a striking red-brick residence with towers and griffins.

Heading south, at Bowen and Mollison, is the former State Bank building (1883-84), now a sports club.

On the other side of the road, at Mollison and Hutton, are the shire hall and offices. The earliest part of the attractive facade dates from 1878.

Duck down Hutton St to the bluestone courthouse (1856) where a young Ned Kelly was once tried.

At Mollison and Jennings are the post office (1871) and the decorative brick-and-stucco National Bank building (1877).

On the other side of the road, Lauriston St projects eastwards. 'Attic House' at 26 Lauriston St is a lovely single-storey bluestone cottage (1857-58) with attic dormer windows.

At 142 Mollison St is North-West Country Credit, originally the Bank of Victoria (1875-76). Opposite the intersection of High and Mollison is the former mechanics institute, built in 1858 but largely rebuilt after subsequent fires in the 19th century.

Duck down Welsh St to the High St corner where you will find the old Colonial Bank building (1858).

At Mollison and Donnithorne is the Club Hotel (1861) where the Riot Act was read in 1861 to railway workers striking over lowered pay (a hundred police were in attendance). It has been much altered although it retains some fine cast-iron lacework and beautiful windows.

Botanic Gardens
At Mollison and Clowes are the Botanic Gardens. The first planting, in 1863, was the magnificent Algerian oak adjacent Clowes St. However, things really got under way with a gift of flowers in 1866 from Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. There are some fine oaks, firs, cypress and cedars, giant redwoods (40 metres high), a number of rare trees and picnic-barbecue areas.

Railway Station
Just south of the gardens Mollison St crosses the Campaspe on an historic bluestone bridge, built in 1861 to facilitate passenger travel to the commercial centre. A little further south is the beautiful bluestone masonry of the station itself (also 1861).

HISTORIC WALK 3
Ebden St
At the south-eastern corner of Ebden and Baynton Sts is the primary school. The oldest section dates from 1855. On the north-eastern corner is 'Inverugie', a bluestone home dating from 1858 and at the north-western corner is 'Carn Brae'. The rear dates from 1854 and the facade from 1866. Slightly west along Baynton, to the right, is 'Catherineville', a mansion with very delicate lacework on the verandah. It was built in 1872 for Martin McKenna who became, successively, mayor of Kyneton, Adelaide and Coolgardie.

At Ebden and Jennings is the Baptist church, built for the Methodists in 1870.

Proceed to Hutton St and turn left. The bluestone Arts Centre was built in 1859-60 as the Congregational Church to a Gothic design with Classical detailing. Note the iron palisade fence, carved stonework, the rose window, window tracery, bellcote, porch, finials, the internal roof trusses and 1880 organ. Adjacent is the old Sunday school. Both are now occupied by the Arts Centre where arts and drama events are held.

Virtually opposite, at 31 Hutton St, in a lovely garden setting, is 'Carrack'. The bluestone section was built by Italian architect, sculptor and stonemason Andrea Stombuco in 1859. The porch, verandah and rear brick section were added later. It was once owned by the great- grandfather of media baron Rupert Murdoch.

On Ebden, between Hutton and Yaldwyn, are St Andrew's Uniting Church (1857) and the associated manse (1860). Opposite is St Mary's Catholic Church (1857) which has a striking interior of contrasting white and blue and fine stained-glass windows. The 14 station of the cross was carved in Germany in 1867.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS 4
The two-storey central bluestone wing of the hospital was built in 1854-56 and features a central gable and fine lacework verandah (added in 1910). It is at the western end of Simpson St, just past Wedge St.

At 70 Wedge St is 'Campaspa Villa, a single-storey bluestone villa which was built in 1855-56. 'The Lawns', at no.69, is a single-storey Classical weatherboard house (c.1871) with an unusual verandah and elaborate woodwork and detailing.

Rock House is a very attractive historic building erected c.1853-54 for Edward Argyle. However, it was recently burned out, leaving only the facade. The remainder has been rebuilt sympathetically. It is located to the west of town along the old Calder Highway (an extension of Piper St).

Adjacent is St Agnes homestead, a large and notable Classical red-brick structure erected c.1872. It incorporates the original bluestone homestead (c.1850) built by Argyle's partner Abraham Booth. The distinctive stables date from 1876.

River Walks
It is very enjoyable to wander along the banks of the Campaspe River from an area south of Piper St to the very pretty racecourse (1867), north of Piper St. There are a few picnic areas en route, including one adjacent Piper St.

Kyneton Mineral Spring Reserve
The Kyneton Mineral Spring and Reserve has trees, picnic facilities, a period rotunda and a pump with which to sample the water. It is signposted off Cobb & Co Road 2 km west of town.

Mill
On the roadside to the south-west of town, where the Cobb & Co Road rejoins the freeway bypass, are Skelsmergh Hall (built in the 1850s and once a summer residence for the governor) and an old three-storey steam mill, Wards Mill (1859), which is currently a private home.

Lauriston Reservoir
Lauriston is 9 km west of town along the Lauriston Reservoir Rd. The structure was built between 1938 and 1941. The spillway measures 77 metres and the reservoir has a capacity of 19 800 megalitres. There is a popular picnicking area amidst formal gardens and an arbour of pine trees beside the Coliban River. Fishing and water sports can also be enjoyed. It is open daily.

Blackhill Reserve
About 3 km north of town along the Kyneton-Heathcote Rd (Edgecombe St), Ennis Rd heads off to the right to Blackhill Reserve, a 60-ha passive recreation area which is a pleasant space for those who enjoy natural bushland. There are no facilities. Contact the visitors' centre for a bushwalking guide.

Turpins Falls
Further north along the Kyneton-Heathcote Rd, turn left into Langley Rd, right into East Metcalfe Rd then take the turnoff on the right to Turpins Falls. Contact the visitors' centre for more detailed directions and a map. They only run after rain.

Windmill
The remains of the state's only surviving stone windmill (1855) are located on Green Hill, beside the Metcalfe Rd.

Carlsruhe
Carlsruhe, 6 km south-east on the Calder Highway, was the first township to develop in the area. It emerged from the district's first sheep station - 'Karlsruhe', which was established by C.H. Ebden in 1837 and named after Karlsruhe in Germany where Ebden completed his education. In the 1840s it was a small hamlet with an inn. A depot for the gold escort (consisting of barracks, stables and a lock-up) was established here in 1851. The settlement was later diminished by the development of Kyneton.

On the left-hand side of the highway, as you head towards Melbourne, is the four-storey Degraves Mill (1856-57) which was, at the time, one of the state's largest flour mills. It is currently being used as a private studio and workshop. On the same side of the road, past the second bridge, is a large building on a corner block which was built in the 1850s as part of Caroline Chisholm's overnight shelter project (see introduction).Opposite is a memorial to Chisholm on a vacant piece of land.

Caroline's Restaurant is located in an 1853 general store and the bluestone railway station dates from 1862.

Upper Coliban Reservoir
2 km south of Kyneton along the Trentham Rd, there is a turnoff to the right which leads to the bluestone floodway of the Upper Coliban Reservoir which was built in 1903 and enlarged in 1917. It has a capacity of 30 000 megalitres. This is a good spot for trout and redfin fishing and there are several picnic areas.

Bringalbit and Other Gardens
About 14 km north-east of town is Bringalbit Park & Gardens. There are ten acres of huge old trees, an ornamental lake, sweeping lawns, stone walls, roses and perennials and a bed-and-breakfast facility associated with the 1870s stone homestead, woolshed, stables and outbuildings. It is open daily but it is best to ring first, tel: (03) 5423 7223. To get there head north along Edgecombe Rd (the Kyneton-Heathcote Rd), turn right into Pipers Creek Rd, cross the bridge over Office Creek and take the first left into Baynton Rd. After 7 km turn left into Sidonia Rd.

If, instead of turning into Sidonia Rd, you proceed along Baynton Rd for another 6 km there is a three-way intersection. Turn right into Goochs Lane (surfaced but unsealed) and it is about 2 km to 'Bindara', a 100-acre farm and nursery surrounded by the granite hills of the Cobaw Ranges. It is open by appointment. A self-contained studio residence, overlooking the garden, is available with breakfast included, tel: (03) 5423 5237.

'The Oaks' and 'Woorabinda' are two other local gardens which are both accessible during the Open Garden Scheme.

WINERIES
Cobaw Ridge Winery
13 km from Kyneton along the Baynton Rd is a three-way intersection. As Baynton Rd veers to the left, avoid the right turn into Goochs Lane and take the dirt road in the middle which continues more-or-less straight ahead. It is signposted for Cobaw Ridge which produces chardonnay, shiraz and lagrein. It is open weekends and most other days from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. It is best to ring first, tel: (03) 5423 5227 or (0427) 805 699.

Knight Granite Hills Winery
Knight Granite Hills Vineyard is one of the most elevated vineyards in the country. This family winery, which commenced operations in 1970, produces a distinguished riesling, along with chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz with sparkling wines a recent addition. It is open every day from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. but Sunday when it opens at 1.00 p.m. To get there follow the Baynton Rd north-east of Kyneton for 21 km then turn right onto the Burke and Wills Track and it is a short distance along this road which heads south-east to Lancefield, tel: (03) 5423 7264.

Trio Station Winery - Virgin Hills
At 17-21 Piper St in Kyneton is Trio Station Winery. It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5422 3034.

Candlebark Hill
On the western side of the freeway, in Fordes Lane, is Candlebark Hill which offers fine views of the area. This family-owned boutique winery produces limited-release table wines - cabernets, merlot, malbec, shiraz, pinot noir and chardonnay. They are open Sundays or by appointment, tel: (03) 9836 2712 or (0412) 068 777.

Horseriding
3 km south of Kyneton, along Trentham Rd, is a turnoff on the right into Spring Hill Rd which heads south-west for 14 km to Spring Hill. At 'Tallara', on Spring Hill Rd, is Hill's Pony Playgroup which offers children aged two to seven a chance to interact with ponies and experience riding (for groups of 3 to 6 children). There are also Lead Trail Rides for those aged two to twelve (for groups of 2 or more) and private lessons for beginners to advanced. Bookings are essential, tel: (03) 5424 8570.

Burrinjuck Trail Rides are located at Burrinjuck Park, Spring Hill. They are open weekends and public holidays only and offer two-day trail rides in the Wombat State Forest with all meals, horses and equipment provided. Half-day rides are also available with barbecue and fresh salad, tel: (03) 5424 8328 or (0408) 543 279.

	Tourist Information
	Kyneton Visitors Centre High St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 6110, 1800 224 711
	Motels
	Central Highlands Motor Inn 104 High St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 2011 Facsimile: (03) 5422 7470 Rating: ***1/2
	Kyneton Motel 101 Piper St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 1098 Rating: **
	Hotels
	Club Hotel Mollison St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 1280
	Royal George Hotel Piper St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 1390
	Resorts
	Kyneton Bushland Resort Edgecombe Rd P.O. Box 410 Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 2811 Rating: ***
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Bringalbit Bed & Breakfast Sidonia Rd Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5423 7223 Facsimile: (03) 5423 7223 Rating: ****
	'Gainsborough' Guesthouse B&B 60-66 Jennings St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 3999, 0407 823 900 Rating: ****
	Moorville at Kyneton Bed & Breakfast 1 Powlett St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 6466 Facsimile: (03) 5422 6466 Rating: ****
	Caravan Parks
	Kyneton Caravan Park Clowes St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 1612 Rating: **
	Restaurants
	Babette's French Restaurant Piper St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 2581
	Kyneton Oriental Phoenix Chinese Restaurant High St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 2805
	Kyneton Pizza High St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 1816
	La Compania Pizza Restaurant High St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 6007
	New Garden Chinese Restaurant Mollison St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 2097
	The Cottage On Piper Restaurant Piper St Kyneton VIC 3444 Telephone: (03) 5422 6944