Located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, Woodend is a lively and welcoming village, which has successfully maintained its small country town charm over the years.
Located an easy 45-minute drive from the heart of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway, Woodend was first established as a main thoroughfare for those seeking their riches in Victoria’s goldfields in the 1850s. The legacy of those times is still evident today, with historic buildings lining the main boulevard, sitting alongside boutique shops, cosy cafés and charming country pubs.
With Mount Macedon providing a stunning backdrop to the town, Woodend is also the ideal launching pad for discovering the various walks, hikes, wineries, distilleries and natural attractions found in the area.
Located in the heart of town, the Woodend Visitor Information Centre is staffed by volunteers who are eager share information about our local area with visitors. They’re open all weekend and will help you find what you need in our region.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Woodend and its surrounding areas. Go to visitmacedonranges.com/where-to-stay for some more information.
For inspiration on what else to do in the region, check out daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.
We hope you enjoy Woodend and its community as much as we do… we look forward to welcoming you back time and time again.
FESTIVAL VENUES
Corner Forest & High Street, Woodend
16 Templeton Street, Woodend
(St Mary’s Parish)
15 Buckland Street, Woodend
FOOD & DRINK
Shop 4, 80 High Street
Choose from the wide selection of wine or beer, paired with a tasting board at this welcoming wine bar – where the focus is very much local.
42 Anslow Street
An intimate and welcoming space offering classic cocktails and local wines, along with a wide selection of takeaway options.
4/80 High St
Pop into Gindu’s distillery door and try one of their gin tasting paddles or a delicious cocktail, paired with a plate of bushtucker tapas.
66 High Street
A cosy corner café offering excellent coffee and treats, ideal for breakfast or lunch.
100 High Street
Nellie’s Shed is a great spot to catch up with friends over a coffee or tea surrounded by plants and greenery.
67 High Street
Cosy up to the double-sided fireplace in the large bistro (ideal for large groups) or enjoy a local drop in the adjoining Rock and Wombat Bar. Bookings advised.
95 High Street
This cosy café and gift shop is a great option for breakfast and lunch.
112 High Street
A local favourite, the go-to spot for breakfast, coffee, cakes, and lunches.
118-126 High Street
A great spot for coffee, pastries, toasties and light meals, and lots of great vegan options too.
81 High Street
Enjoy everything from nachos and tacos through to cocktails and tequila and this Mexican restaurant and bar.
42D Anslow Street
Japanese fine dining, this is Woodend’s most exclusive dining option, bookings must be made well in advance.
79 High Street
A top spot for locally crafted brews, enjoy elevated pub food beside the roaring fireplace in the dining room or try a tasting paddle in the taproom.
90 High St
One of Woodend’s most popular coffee spots, offering delicious pastries and light meals.
41 Forest Street
Delicious simple soups, toasties and cake served by the Woodend Scouts.
115 High Street
Open every day, cakes, pies, drinks, coffee and sandwiches.
97A, High St
Selling ice cream, hot chocolate, tiramisu and delicious baked goods, a must-visit in either summer or winter. Open Wed-Sun
35 Urquhart street
A pop-up pizza oven open at limited times over the weekend; check their Facebook for details.
GETTING HERE
Woodend is easily accessible from Melbourne for those self-driving. Or you can choose to arrive via public transport, with V/Line delivering you to the centre of town.
BY CAR
Woodend is located just over 70km from north-west of Melbourne along the Calder Highway, half way between Bendigo and Melbourne. By car, it’s about a 50-minute drive.
From Sunbury, it’s an easy 25-minute drive.
Parking is not an issue in Woodend. There is plenty available and there are no parking meters. Most Festival venues are within walking distance of the historic main street.
BY TRAIN
A good proportion of the Woodend community commute regularly by train to Melbourne or Bendigo (and everywhere in between). To come by train, you need to catch the Vline ‘Bendigo Line’.
Regular trains run between Woodend and Melbourne – and locals regularly use late train services to come home from concerts, dinners and sporting events in the CBD.
Because the Woodend line is a country service, our trains have fabulous conductors and comfy seats. If you’re coming to the Festival by train, bring a book, your weekend paper, some headphones and a coffee and settle in.
Check out the Vline services and fares on the day you want to travel – and be sure to catch one that stops at Woodend.