The township of Kyneton is a regional centre of 4,500 people is situated in Victoria’s scenic Macedon Ranges beside the Campaspe River, halfway between Melbourne and Bendigo.
Originally established to service agricultural producers farming the rich volcanic soil, Kyneton leapt into prominence in the 1850’s as a way-station and sores replenishment stop for the thousands of prospectors headed for the Bendigo and Castlemaine goldfields.
The boom petered out but not before it brought incredible wealth to the community. It also led to the construction many substantial civic and other buildings and projects featuring bluestone from local quarries. The continued prosperity of the region over the years has supported Kyneton’s thriving commercial centre.
Tourism is a major industry in the region. Through good fortune, far-sightedness of conservationists and political support, many of the historical buildings of yesteryear have been preserved for posterity. Kyneton, however, is not a living museum. The Kyneton bypass of the Calder Highway diverted high volumes of heavy traffic that strangled the town’s main street. It also allowed Kyneton to catch its breath and to grow in new directions.
A regular stop on V/Line’s rail trunk routes to Bendigo and Echuca and with up to 20 trains each way during weekdays on weekdays, Kyneton is well placed to become a life-style dormitory for Melbourne commuters. With fares similar to outer Melbourne travel and just one hour travel time to the city, the low land prices makes Kyneton an interesting prospect for first home buyers and young families wishing to combine a health lifestyle with affordable housing. The current median price of Kyneton houses is just $260,000.
Bushranger Ned Kelly was tried in the Kyneton Courthouse – now the Magistrates Court. The enterprising local tourism people put together a number of varied walks about historical Kyneton – the grand Kyneton of yesteryear – then step out to experience the Kyneton of ‘today’! Fresh clean air. Picnic or fish at nearby reservoirs. Enjoy the invigorating mineral springs. Visit nearby wineries with their tasting rooms and cellar sales.
Annual celebrations include the Kyneton Jazz Festival, its Daffodil Festival Agricultural Show and the Kyneton Cup held the day after the Melbourne Cup. Residents are active in other sports, too – like Australian Rules Football, golf and soccer.