Enjoy all that Melbourne and the West has to offer each and every weekend. We love the west! Updated every day so your best bet is to check on a Thursday or Friday when we are more likely to have updated everything.
Bookmark this page so you can return to see what's going down in the West every weekend.
What's on in Melbourne and the West this weekend
17-19 April 2026?
Poor weather:
In the case of inclement weather check the social media of the event organiser for event updates or cancellation. Many events are outdoors so to avoid disappointment check ahead of time if travelling any significant distance.
Disclaimer: This is an information website and West Melbourne and Beyond do not manage or organise any of these events.
Community Events and Festivals:
Here today gone tomorrow: Enjoy these once-off community events, festivals and markets while you have the opportunity. Don't miss out!
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More Weekend Events:
But wait there's more: Looking for something to do or keep the kids entertained. Here's a list of event regulars you may have forgotten about. Don't miss out!
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Markets
Markets: Any once off markets plus all the recurring markets in the West. Conveniently broken into lists split by Saturday and Sunday to make it easier for you to find markets YOU want to visit.
Special Markets
Enjoy these once-off markets while you have the opportunity. Here today gone tomorrow. Don't miss out! Click image for more information.
Saturday Markets: Western Suburbs
All the markets on this Saturday in the western suburbs. Click image for more information.
Saturday Markets: Western Country Victoria
All the markets on this Saturday in country western Victoria. Click image for more information.
Sunday Markets: Western Suburbs
All the markets on this Sunday in the western suburbs. Click image for more information.
Sunday Markets: Western Country Victoria
All the markets on this Sunday in country western Victoria. Click image for more information.
Visit Woodend
Explore more of Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Woodend.
Dromkeen Gallery Riddells Creek | Historic Art, Gardens and Tearoom
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.
Dromkeen Gallery in Riddells Creek, Victoria
Dromkeen Gallery in Riddells Creek is one of those lovely Macedon Ranges places where history, art, gardens and a relaxed country outing come together beautifully. Built in 1889, Dromkeen has the graceful feel of a heritage homestead and the easy charm of a destination where you can slow down, enjoy the gardens, explore picture book art and make a simple day trip feel a little bit golden.
A Historic Macedon Ranges Gallery, Garden and Tearoom Escape
For families, art lovers, photographers and anyone who enjoys a calm Victorian day trip, Dromkeen Gallery is a great Riddells Creek attraction to keep on your list. The property is known for its connection to Australian children’s literature and picture book art, while the gardens and tearoom make it feel more like a gentle country wander than a formal gallery visit.
Why Visit Dromkeen Gallery?
Dromkeen is a nice change of pace from the usual weekend routine. You get a historic homestead, a gallery, gardens and a tearoom all in one stop. It is the kind of place where you can take your camera, wander without rushing and maybe find a little moment of joy in the details, from the old building to the garden paths. As someone who loves photography, art and country Victoria, this is very much my kind of low stress outing.
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.
Dromkeen for Families
Dromkeen is especially appealing if you are travelling with children. The Australian children’s literature connection gives the visit a thoughtful family angle, while the gardens help keep things relaxed. It is not all rush, screens and schedules. Sometimes a homestead, a garden and a bit of imagination is exactly what a weekend needs.
Art, Books and a Little Bit of Magic
The picture book art theme makes Dromkeen feel different from a standard regional gallery. There is a gentle nostalgia to children’s books and illustration that can bring out your inner Sailor Moon or Doraemon fan, in the best possible way. It is creative, sweet and a bit next level if you enjoy art that connects with memory, childhood and storytelling.
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.
Make It a Macedon Ranges Day Trip
Riddells Creek is a handy base for exploring the Macedon Ranges. You can pair Dromkeen Gallery with a local market, country drive, winery stop, Hanging Rock, Mount Macedon or Gisborne. It is the type of trip where you can keep things flexible and let the day unfold, a bit like discovering an unexpected photo trail or country winery when you only planned to see art.
That reminds me of visiting the Ballarat International Foto Biennale and discovering a Pyrenees photo trail along the way. What started as an art outing turned into wineries, food and new places to explore. Dromkeen has that same energy. Visit for the gallery, then let Riddells Creek and the Macedon Ranges add a few bonus stops to the day.
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.
Photography and Slow Travel
Bring a camera or at least make sure your phone is charged. Dromkeen has the kind of old world detail that suits relaxed photography, especially if you enjoy gardens, homestead architecture and soft country scenes. It is not about rushing around ticking boxes. It is more about noticing things, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a Victorian day trip that feels gentle and full bodied.
Dromkeen Gallery is a great option for people searching for things to do in Riddells Creek, art galleries in the Macedon Ranges, family friendly attractions near Melbourne or a quiet weekend escape in country Victoria. Check opening times before visiting, then make the most of the trip by adding a winery, market or scenic drive nearby.
Trivia: Dromkeen was built in 1889 and was once the country estate of Judge Arthur Chomley. It later became strongly associated with Australian children’s literature and picture book art.
Getting there
Dromkeen Gallery is located at 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek VIC 3431. Driving is the easiest option for many visitors, especially if you are combining Dromkeen with nearby Macedon Ranges wineries, gardens or Hanging Rock.
Drive times (approx.): Flinders Street Station to Dromkeen Gallery in Riddells Creek is around 55 to 70 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Gisborne: A handy Macedon Ranges base with food, shops and access to nearby attractions.
Woodend: A lovely country base for combining Dromkeen with Hanging Rock, Mount Macedon and local wineries.
When
Dromkeen Gallery is a year round attraction. Check the official website before visiting for current opening hours, exhibitions, tearoom availability and any seasonal changes.
Cost
Check the official Dromkeen website before visiting as gallery, tearoom, event and exhibition costs may vary.
While you are here why not visit these other great locations:
Gisborne Peak Winery: Local winery option near Gisborne for visitors exploring the Macedon Ranges.
Hanging Rock: Iconic volcanic formation, walking destination and picnic spot near Woodend. Never visited? It's about time then - more INFO here.
Hanging Rock Winery: Macedon Ranges cellar door at Newham with wine tasting and country views. Art and wine - we love it! More INFO here.
Macedon Regional Park: Bushwalking, lookouts and forest scenery around Mount Macedon. Check out the highlights of Mt. Macedon here.
Mount Charlie Winery: Riddells Creek winery option for cellar door exploring when open.
Mount Macedon Memorial Cross: Landmark lookout and memorial site with scenic views. Iconic landmark and great walk too! More INFO here.
Riddells Creek Farmers Market: Local produce market held monthly, useful for timing a country visit.
Riddells Creek Railway Station: Historic local transport stop for visitors using public transport.
Walter J Smith Reserve: Riddells Creek picnic reserve with heritage bridge interest.
Woodend: Country town base for cafes, shops and nearby Macedon Ranges attractions. Visit the iconic Holgate Brewhouse for great pub lunch. More INFO here.
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.
Dromkeen Gallery Riddells Creek FAQ
Where is Dromkeen Gallery?
Dromkeen Gallery is at 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek VIC 3431 in the Macedon Ranges.
Is Dromkeen Gallery good for families?
Yes. Dromkeen is a good family friendly stop because of its Australian children’s literature connection, gardens, tearoom and relaxed country setting.
What can you do at Dromkeen?
You can enjoy the historic homestead setting, see gallery displays, explore the gardens, visit the tearoom and use Riddells Creek as a base for a broader Macedon Ranges day trip.
Should I check opening times before visiting?
Yes. Always check the official Dromkeen website before visiting because opening hours, exhibitions, tearoom access and events can change.
What else is near Dromkeen Gallery?
Nearby options include Hanging Rock, Mount Macedon, Macedon Regional Park, Riddells Creek Farmers Market, local wineries and the villages of Gisborne, Macedon and Woodend.
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.
Visit Daylesford
Explore more of Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Daylesford.
Bookmark this page so you can return to see what's going down in the West every weekend.
What's on in Melbourne and the West this weekend
17-19 April 2026?
Poor weather:
In the case of inclement weather check the social media of the event organiser for event updates or cancellation. Many events are outdoors so to avoid disappointment check ahead of time if travelling any significant distance.
