Top Things To Do In Woodend

Top Things To Do In Woodend Victoria Australia For Families, Foodies And Weekend Explorers

If you are planning a weekend escape in regional Victoria, let me introduce you to one of my favourites for a day trip. Woodend Victoria Australia is that sweet spot between nature, great coffee, fresh country air and a touch of cool climate wine country charm. With two energetic kids aged ten and eight, and our Labrador Tommy always ready for an adventure, Woodend has become one of those destinations we happily return to again and again.

From iconic natural landmarks to vibrant markets and cosy cafés, this Macedon Ranges gem delivers big on experience without feeling overwhelming. Whether you are visiting for a day trip or turning it into a full bodied weekend away, here are the top things to do in Woodend Victoria Australia.

Top Things To Do In Woodend — *Image: Westmelbourneandbeyond.com*

Woodend Suggested Itinerary:

These are our top picks of things to do on a first time or only visit to Woodend. Woodend isn't the biggest place so we highly recommend visiting on the 1st Saturday of the month when the Woodend Farmers market is operating or your visit may end surprisingly quickly or you may feel a bit disappointed.

Chowdown for lunch at the iconic Holgate Brewhouse. Local brews, classic Aussie pub fare, beautiful glass stain windows, excellent service.
Visit on 1st Saturday of month to enjoy the Woodend Farmers Market.
Walk the local shops. Woodend is pretty small so it won't take too long.
Enjoy a sweet treat or classic Aussie pie at Bourkies Bakehouse. A perfect old school classic cakeshop.
Have dinner at Kuzu Japanese Restaurant. Open only from 5PM and bookings recommended due to popularity and scarcity.
Walk the Five Mile Creek Reserve for a chance siting of local wallabies and a view of some well to do Woodend real estate.
Make your own adventure wine trail in the Macedon Ranges.

We've outlined some of the best things to do in Woodend on a day trip. Woodend doesn't justify more than a day trip for most travellers unless you are visiting family and friends. You really must visit on market day to make the most of your visit to Woodend.

Just out of Woodend are classic Macedon Range icons for visitors:

Mount Macedon Memorial Cross: More info here.
Hanging Rock: More info here.
More of the Macedon Ranges: More info here.

1. Explore Woodend Village And Its Boutique Shops

Woodend village itself is charming and easy to navigate. High Street is lined with boutique shops, bookstores, gift stores and some seriously good cafés. This is where I embrace my inner music loving self and imagine a weekend soundtrack featuring Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga or Dua Lipa while sipping a perfectly brewed latte.

After browsing, settle in for brunch. Woodend knows how to do country hospitality with flair. Think local ingredients, hearty portions and friendly service.

2. Enjoy A Country Pub Meal at the Iconic Holgate Brewhouse

Best known for: Today Woodend is probably best known for the iconic Holgate Brewhouse.

*Lunch at the Holgate Brewhouse. Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.*

A visit to Woodend is not complete without a hearty country pub meal. There is something deeply comforting about sitting down to a generous plate of food after a day exploring. Think classic parmas, local wines and that welcoming country atmosphere that makes you want to linger just a little longer.

As someone who tries to balance indulgence with moderation, I appreciate the option to enjoy a glass of wine with a proper meal. It makes the whole experience feel grounded and celebratory at the same time.

Best for: The true icon of Woodend is not too be missed.

3. Woodend Farmers Market

The Woodend Farmers Market in Victoria, Australia is one of those regional markets that makes a weekend feel instantly special, bringing together local growers, bakers and artisan producers in the heart of the Macedon Ranges.

Held monthly at the Woodend Racecourse, it is packed with fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, crusty sourdough, free range meats, handmade pastries and small batch pantry goodies that make you want to cook up a storm the moment you get home.

I love wandering the stalls with a coffee in hand, chatting to the stallholders about where their produce comes from and letting the kids pick out a treat while we stock up on quality ingredients. It is relaxed, community focused and full of country charm, making it one of the top things to do in Woodend for food lovers and families alike.

The Woodend Farmers Market, held monthly, is a must visit for fresh produce, local bread and handmade treats. Supporting small regional producers always feels like a gamechanger to me. It reminds me that putting the work in, just like watering your mandarins at home, brings beautiful rewards.

Best for: Country charm, good vibes, a wander and a must visit.

4. Bourkies Bakehouse:

Bourkies Bakehouse is a local icon and if you enjoy classic Aussie treats then this is a must visit - think pies, pasties, vanilla slices and more.

Best for: Living the past in the present.

5. Walk Five Mile Creek Reserve:

Courthouse Hotel — *Images: West Melbourne and Beyond*

The Five Mile Creek Reserve is only a few minutes drive away from the town centre.

If you are lucky you'll get to spot a local wallaby otherwise this is pleasant enough for a daytripper without being particularly special. The kids may enjoy the walk and there is nice greenery if you do want to bring your own picnic.

Probably the biggest feature of a walk here is seeing some of the more exclusive properties in Woodend if that is your kind of thing and getting out of the town centre.

Best for: Filling in some time.

6. Dinner at Kuzu Japanese Restaurant:

Kuzu Japanese Restaurant has particualarly restricted opening hours for a weekend visitor. You really must plan ahead and even better make a restaurant booking if you intend to dine here.

Best for: A special treat.

7. Wine Trail:

Make your own wine trail in the Macedon Ranges before heading to the Holgate Brewhouse for lunch or do in reverse order and have lunch first then head out on a wine trail as you make your way back to Melbourne.

Woodend is in very close in proximity to many cool climate wineries in the Macedon Ranges. Perfect to grab a chardonnay or pinot noir and more. If in doubt think of pinot noir as a great summer red and you'll have greater appreciation of the wines of the region if you are a red wine lover.

It was certainly a revelation for me after having a deep preference for shiraz. I've now added pinot noir to my summer wine list!

Best for: Finding a great summer pinot noir, chardonnay or grenache.

Check out our list of local wineries close to Woodend.

Mount Macedon Winery: Just 8 minutes drive away. More info here: https://www.westmelbourneandbeyond.com/p/mt-macedon-winery.html
Mount Towrong Winery: Just 14 minutes drive away. More info here: https://www.westmelbourneandbeyond.com/p/mount-towrong-vineyard-macedon.html
Hesket Estate Macedon Ranges Winery: Just 8 minutes drive away. More info here: https://www.westmelbourneandbeyond.com/p/hesket-estate-winery-macedon-ranges.html
Mount Monument Winery: Just 13 minutes drive away. More info here: https://www.westmelbourneandbeyond.com/p/mount-monument-wines-romsey.html
Paramoor Winery: Just 13 minutes drive away. More info here: https://www.westmelbourneandbeyond.com/p/paramoor-winery-farm-kyneton.html
Wombat Forest Vineyard: Just 19 minutes drive away. More info here: https://www.westmelbourneandbeyond.com/p/wombat-forest-wines.html

8. Local Shops:

Woodend Local Shops — *Images: West Melbourne and Beyond*

Befitting a smallish tourist town Woodend has a mix of a few cafes, gallery and touristy shops.

This isn't the biggest town ever so is suitable for a short stroll and perhaps grabbing an ice-cream for the kids at Woodend Ice Cream Co. Adults feel free to indulge as well!!!

Best for: A casual general wander around. Treat yourself to an ice-cream or a wine at the Woodend Cellar & Bar!

Trivia: Hanging Rock was formed over six million years ago from volcanic activity and became internationally famous after the 1967 novel and 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock put it on the global tourism map.

In Conclusion:

A day trip to Woodend in Victoria Australia is the perfect way to reset without travelling too far from Melbourne, offering a beautiful blend of nature, country charm and relaxed food and wine experiences. You can start your morning with a walk up Hanging Rock for sweeping Macedon Ranges views, wander along High Street for boutique shopping and great coffee, then settle in for a long lunch at a cosy café or classic country pub.

If time allows, a quick drive to Mount Macedon for the Memorial Cross lookout or a visit to a nearby cool climate winery rounds out the day beautifully. It is easy, scenic and family friendly, making Woodend one of those golden destinations where you can breathe deeply, slow down and feel like you have had a proper mini escape by the time you head home.