Reasons to get LOST in Summer
Plein Air Painting Retreat at Wombat Park Estate
Escape to Daylesford for a weekend Art Retreat at Wombat Park Estate, with renowned landscape artist Lana Daubermann. Enjoy rare access to Wombat Park Estate’s private grounds while spending two immersive days painting en plein air with Lana’s expert, intuitive guidance.
Stay at the elegant Lewellyn House, a beautifully restored historic home in the heart of town. With sunset aperitivo, all meals included, and a welcoming atmosphere for both beginners and experienced painters, this retreat offers a focused chance to slow down, reconnect with your creativity and paint within one of the region’s most inspiring private estates.
6-8 February. For info and tickets visit thehousesdaylesford.com/ theretreatsdaylesford
Mamma, Yokai!
Local puppetry creatives Hamish Fletcher and Tamara Rewse (Things of Foam & Wood) are taking over Kyneton’s Bluestone Theatre for the first creative development of their new bilingual stage work, Mamma, Yokai!
They’ll be joined by artists from Osaka’s KIO theatre company for a cross-cultural collaboration - and you’re invited. Meet the artists, watch the puppets come to life, and discover the yokai hiding within.
Friday 6th Februray, 2.30 – 4.30pm Bluestone Theatre Kyneton
Rediscover Hepburn Pavilion Cafe's New Look & Menu
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa has reopened its refreshed Hepburn Pavilion as a vibrant Wellness Café with a new menu by local chef Caliopi Buck. Featuring local producers, the menu includes fluffy crumpets, gourmet bagels, tasting platters, and extensive vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options. From Wellness Bowls to Devonshire Tea, brunch, lunch and sweet treats, the new café offers a fresh, wellness-driven foodie escape.
Mineral Springs Reserve, Hepburn Springs. Open 7 days.
Woodend Pool Party
The Macedon Ranges Youth Team is hosting a pool party! Join them for a delicious sausage sizzle and enjoy music from a DJ.
Woodend Swimming Pool 14th January 12-3pm
Plan Your Autumn Now: Two Festivals Heating Up the Central Highlands and Early Bird Tickets on Sale
While autumn may feel a long way off, the Central Highlands is already gearing up for next year’s cultural season - and with CresFest early-bird tickets now on sale, it’s the perfect time to plan ahead.
The Clunes Booktown Festival returns on 21–22 March 2026 for its 20th year, once again turning the historic main street into a lively literary village with more than 100 book stalls, thousands of books, and a program of talks and workshops for readers of all kinds.
Then, from 10–12 April, CresFest brings three days of folk, roots and world music to Creswick across 12 intimate venues. With over 45 local and international acts - including Fiona Boyes, Natalie & Brittany Haas, Tony McManus, Riccardo Tesi & Giua, Queen of Hearts and Makepisi - plus workshops, sessions and family-friendly activities, it delivers a warm village atmosphere and standout regional music experience.
If you like being ahead of the curve, now’s the moment: CresFest early-bird tickets are on sale for a limited time.
Clunes Booktown Festival passes on sale now. Visit clunesbooktown.org.au CresFest 2026 is a boutique festival capped at 2000 people so buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Their Early Bird sale is on now and ends 31 Dec or until allocation is exhausted. Head to cresfest.com.au/tickets