A Weekend Guide to Malmsbury: History, Gardens and Hidden Gems

30 Apr

Why Visit Malmsbury?

Just over an hour from Melbourne, Malmsbury offers a charming escape packed with natural beauty, rich history, and culinary delights. Whether you’re into heritage sites or just want to picnic under century-old trees, this small town has a big heart.

Day 1: Explore the Essentials

Morning: Arrival & Coffee

Grab a pastry and latte from the Malmsbury Bakery
Walk through the town’s main street to admire the heritage architecture
Snap photos and read the nearby plaques on local history
Follow the guided town walk at https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/4827

Afternoon: Gardens & Relaxation

Bring a picnic to the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, designed by Ferdinand von Mueller (of Royal Botanic Gardens fame)
Continue through the gardens to the Malmsbury Viaduct, one of Victoria’s oldest bluestone bridges
Wander down to the Malmsbury Cricket Ground (affectionately known as the MCG) or discover Malmsbury Common (across the river from the cricket grounds)

Evening: Food, Wine & Stars

Enjoy dinner at the Malmsbury Hotel or The Stables
If you're staying overnight, check in at a cozy B&B like Malmsbury Barn House
Star-gaze from the quieter outskirts of town—Malmsbury has minimal light pollution

Day 2: Markets & Local Finds

Morning: Malmsbury Village Farmers Market (every third Sunday)

Sample local honey, bread, and seasonal produce
Chat with locals and browse handmade goods

Midday: Art & Antiques

Stop by local antique stores such as The Merchants of Malmsbury and Rathdowne Antiques
Poke around bric-a-brac stores such as Madame Vintage or Ruste Belle’s
Take a walk down Clowes Street for hidden sculptures or murals

Optional Add-On: Nearby Wineries

Visit nearby vineyards such as Zig Zag Wines or, a little further away, Kyneton Ridge

Getting There

Malmsbury is located on the Calder Freeway, roughly:

1 hr 15 min drive from Melbourne
1 hr by V/Line train (depart from Southern Cross)

What to Pack

Walking shoes
Reusable tote (for the market)
Sun protection (gardens are open-air)
A camera!

Local Tip

“Don’t miss the geese in the botanic gardens—my kids love them!”
– Emma C., Malmsbury local

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Sarah Marshall

I am a copywriter who can never decide where to live. I like dogs. I also love advertising. Especially the juicy bits like creative strategy and uncovering nuggets of glorious truth. I believe my strength is in making honest, human connections, creating ideas with the power to move people. I’m proud to say, I‘ve made a few clients cry in a good way. I believe simplicity is vital, in work, words and life. Clear communication is always my priority. If I had to start a movement, it would be called I.H.A. because I hate acronyms. I believe they waste more time than they save. Seriously, has adding a few extra syllables ever killed anyone? I actually love working on pitches. Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment but I love the pace, the adrenaline and being in the trenches with a team who knows exactly what they need to achieve. I also really like winning and have a pretty solid success rate, possibly because of the next sentence. I’m really good at listening, especially to clients. So I always give them what they want, as well as what they need. I believe in using the power of advertising to make the world a better place. If I can sell product as well as change lives, then it makes it all worth it. And finally, I believe we should talk. After all, communication is what it’s all about. P: 646-463-1347 E: contactsarahmarshall@me.com