There’s something magical about a country bakery. The smell of fresh bread, the clatter of coffee cups, and glass cabinets stacked with pies and slices, it’s comfort food at its finest. Luckily, Victoria’s Spa Country and Goldfields are dotted with some of the best bakeries in Australia.
If you’re up for a day of flaky pastry, buttery croissants, and award‑winning pies, here’s the perfect trail through Daylesford, Kyneton, Trentham, and Castlemaine.
Morning in Daylesford ☀️
Start your day in Daylesford, where the bakeries are as much a part of the town’s charm as the mineral springs.
- Daylesford Bakery: A true local institution. Try the steak & mushroom pie or a classic chicken & leek. Sweet tooth? Their vanilla slice is legendary.
- Pastry King Café – Famous for generous portions. The steak & bacon pie is a winner, and their éclairs and vanilla slices are big enough to share (but you won’t want to).
- Himalaya Bakery – Organic sourdough, vegetarian pies, and vegan cakes make this a wholesome stop. Perfect if you want something hearty but not heavy.
- Dairy Flat Farm Bake House – If you spot their pastries at Wombat Hill Cafe at the botanical garden or the Sunday Market, don’t hesitate. Croissants, fruit danishes, and filled baguettes are worth the early start.
Mid-Morning Trentham 🌿
You’re on a winner with Trentham. Officially Victoria’s Top Tiny Town and now crowned Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town of 2025
- Trentham Bakery – Old‑school and proud of it. Chunky beef pies, hearty pasties, and custard escargot pastries that taste like childhood.
- RedBeard Historic Bakery – Legendary sourdough baked in a 140‑year‑old Scotch oven. Don’t miss their ‘Nice Bun’ — a sticky fruit bun that locals rave about.
If you’ve got time, stretch your legs at Trentham Falls before rolling on.
Lunchtime in Kyneton 🏆
Just 25 minutes away, Kyneton is pie royalty.
- Country Cob Bakery – The crown jewel. Multiple‑time winner of Australia’s Best Pie. Go for the caramelised pork & pepper or the pepper steak — both are showstoppers.
- Dough Si Dough – Rustic sourdough and homestyle pasties. Their cinnamon scrolls are the kind you pull apart slowly, bite by bite.
- Grist Artisan Bakers – Housed in a converted steam mill, this is all about craft. The chicken & cauliflower pie is a standout, and the sourdough loaves are worth taking home.
Take a stroll down Piper Street — it’s full of gourmet shops and makes for a perfect mid‑morning wander.
Afternoon in Castlemaine 🎨
Castlemaine is where tradition meets creativity, and the bakeries here are as diverse as the town itself.
- Johnny Baker – Sleek and modern, with pies like vegan green curry and pastries that look almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
- McShanag’s Pie Shop – Old‑school, cash‑only, and serving pepper pies, apple moccasins, and milkshakes in metal canisters. Pure nostalgia.
- SPROUT Bakery – A cult favourite inside The Mill. Their sourdough is excellent, but the Friday fresh pasta is the real insider tip.
- Castlemaine Fine Biscuit Co. – Handmade shortbreads and spiced biscuits, perfect for gifts or a car snack on the way home.
By now, you’ll be full, happy, and probably carrying a bag of “just one more thing” treats for later.
Final Crumbs ✨
This trail isn’t just about food — it’s about tasting the character of each town. Every bakery has its own story, its own flavour, and its own loyal following. By the end of the day, you’ll have eaten your way through history, tradition, and a whole lot of pastry.
So pack your appetite, bring a friend, and hit the road. The country’s best pies are waiting.
*Warning do not follow this trail if you are on a diet!
