Heading to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges this Spring? Our region has some fantastic events coming up throughout October and November. Make the most of the season by visiting some of the extraordinary gardens on offer, hear from some incredible authors with new books fresh off the press, learn the art of sourdough baking or beekeeping, and explore our incredible wine region through a once-a-year opportunity.
An Evening with Noni Hazelhurst
Friday 11 October 2024, 7:30pm
The Phee Broadway Theatre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine, $25pp
Noni Hazelhurst is one of Australia’s most iconic and best-loved actors who has graced our screens and theatres for over 40 years. Now she is finally telling her own story in her new memoir Dropping the Mask. Her story is full, rich, lively and opinionated – and a testament to her talent and the power of storytelling. Join her in conversation with Bridget Haylock for stories sure to be funny and thoughtful.
Afternoon tea at Babbington Park with Annie Smithers and Nadine Ingram
Tuesday 22 October 2024, 2pm
The Chapel, Babbington Park, 84 South Lyonville Road, Lyonville, $120pp
Two of Australia’s beloved chefs come together at the stunning Babbington Park to chat about food, flavour, friends, kitchens, great memories and their new books, Kitchen Sentimental and Love Crumbs.
Annie Smithers is a highly regarded chef and one of the first in Australia to epitomise the paddock to plate ethos. She’s spent the last 25 years living and working in the Macedon Ranges culminating in her Trentham restaurant du Fermier. In Kitchen Sentimental, Annie takes the reader through every significant kitchen in her life, both domestic and professional, sharing her journey of self-discovery, one recipe at a time.
Nadine Ingram is one of Sydney’s most beloved bakers, opening the doors to Flour and Stone in 2011. Her new book, Love Crumbs, honours the places and experiences that have formed us with a creative and soulful collection of cakes that are steeped in nature. Her reliable cake recipes are written with the precision of a world-class pastry chef and the warm encouragement of a countrywoman.
Ticket price includes Annie and Nadine in conversation, afternoon tea prepared by Annie, a glass of prosecco, and a $30 book voucher with the opportunity to chat with both Annie and Nadine and get your books signed.
Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa
25–27 October 2024
First held in 1993, the Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa is a community festival that celebrates the enduring contribution of the Swiss Italian migrants who came to the Hepburn Springs/Daylesford region during the 1850s gold rushes. These Italian speakers came from the villages and towns on either side of the Swiss Italian border. The Festa draws on the traditions of these early settlers and their neighbours and friends. It’s a celebration of 170 years of “taking the waters”, and the continuing legacy of good food, wine and architecture that our region is built on. The Festa includes traditional and artisanal food and wine, parades, performances, art shows, heritage tours, bocce tournaments, and fireworks.
Wombat Park Estate Open Garden Weekend
2–3 November 2024, 10am–4pm
Wombat Park Estate, 4719 Midland Highway, Daylesford, $30pp
Wombat Park Estate is one of Daylesford’s most loved historic properties. The home is a fine example of Arts and Crafts architecture and is surrounded by 250 acres of lush gardens and farmland. Open for the first time in almost 10 years, don't miss this opportunity to experience the history and grandeur of this extraordinary garden.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase on the day along with plants, garden wares and books. Onsite stallholders over the weekend include Passing Clouds Winery, Spade to Blade Catering, Enki Apothecary, The Secret Garden, Bridget Bodenham Ceramics, The Woolshed Australia, French Baskets, and more.
Spring Garden Tour
Sunday 3 November 2024, 10am or 2pm
Babbington Park, 84 South Lyonville Road, Lyonville, $165pp
Join Annie Smithers and her wife Susan at Babbington Park this Spring for a fully guided tour. Your day will start with a beautiful morning or afternoon tea in The Chapel chatting about the history of the region and farm, followed by a wander through the vegetable garden, orchard and decorative gardens. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the poultry and animals and ask all your garden and design questions along the way. A fully stocked shop with jams, comestibles, tea towels, and Annie’s books will be available for you to purchase on the day.
Introduction to Beekeeping
Saturday 9 November 2024, 10am
Dairy Flat Farm, 238 Dairy Flat Road, Musk, $195pp
Are you intrigued by beekeeping and want to learn some amazing facts to add to your knowledge and understanding of the humble, yet incredible honeybee?
This is an immersive beekeeping experience where you will be taken through every aspect of hive care and management, from set up and placement to the inner workings of the hive and the behaviours of the honeybee. Learn from your host Dan the Bee Man, who has decades of experience in the world of beekeeping and hive caretaking. The class also includes a tour of the working regenerative farm and semi-underground bake house, where pastries and refreshments will be served.
Introduction to Sourdough Baking
Sunday 10 November 2024, 10:30am
Dairy Flat Farm, 238 Dairy Flat Road, Musk, $295pp
Always wanted to master the art of sourdough baking? This class is for you! The workshop includes an introduction to and hands on tuition in slow fermentation, sourdough baking, shaping and moulding. You’ll also be taken on a private tour of the Dairy Flat Farm vineyard, orchard, olive grove and productive herb and vegetable gardens, which supply the Lake House kitchens.
Ticket price includes recipe cards, a sourdough starter, banneton basket, and a Dairy Flat apron and tote bag to take home with you.
An afternoon with Paul Bangay and Annie Smithers
Wednesday 13 November 2024, 4pm
The Chapel, Babbington Park, 84 South Lyonville Road, Lyonville, $120pp
Join these two besties for an afternoon in the Babbington Park Chapel. Paul and Annie will chat about all things gardening and cooking while you enjoy a glass of champagne and a treat from Annie’s new book, Kitchen Sentimental. Books will also be available for purchase and signing.
Budburst
16–17 November 2024, $49 weekend pass
Budburst is a once-a-year opportunity to come behind the vines and meet the family-owned and small-batch makers that shape mainland Australia’s coolest wine region. Across the weekend, more than 20 Macedon Ranges winemakers will open their wineries and cellar doors for wine tastings, accompanied by curated food menus championing local produce, art shows, sculptor walks and live music. Explore at your own pace or jump on one of the Saturday Budburst bus routes.