A Dreamy Guide to the ‘Top Tiny Town’ of Trentham
Trentham delights with slow pleasures, whimsical charm, and country magic.
Drum roll, please… the crown for Victoria’s Top Tiny Tourism Town of 2025 goes to none other than Trentham, a pocket-sized stunner with serious slow-living swagger. Just an hour from Melbourne and perched prettily in the Central Highlands, this bijou bolthole (population: 1,180, give or take a sourdough starter) is where the rush of life melts away and luxury is measured in crackling fires, forest air, and the golden hour glow hitting heritage façades just so.
Here, boutique stays like The Cosmopolitan Hotel whisper of indulgent weekends and long lunches that turn into dinners. The village hums with quiet charm — think artfully curated stores, perfectly poured wines, and locals who’ll treat you like kin. And just five minutes away? The theatrical Trentham Falls, plunging 32 metres into a fern-fringed ravine, a natural spectacle that’s every bit as breathtaking as the town’s culinary scene.
Trentham is where time lingers, taste is elevated, and every corner offers a new reason to stay just a little longer. Small? Yes. But oh, it’s mighty.
The Best Accommodation in Trentham
Cosmo Cottage
Beneath the whispering elms of The Cosmopolitan Hotel’s storied gardens, Cosmo Cottage is a country reverie brought to life — where refined design meets just the right amount of whimsy. Reimagined by Marcus Roberts Architect, this restored weatherboard darling delivers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an embarrassment of luxuries: cloud-soft Cultiver linen, Creswick alpaca quilts, and walls adorned with works by local luminaries. Upstairs, the Bridal Suite is pure romance — complete with a soaking tub, double shower, and a soft, dappled light that begs for slow mornings. A snug sitting room doubles as a dreamy extra bed, while room service is a phone call away (because of course it is). With The Cosmo’s wine list practically on tap and Trentham’s postcard-perfect charm at your doorstep, this is slow country indulgence done exceptionally well.
The Estate Trentham
The Estate Trentham is a whimsical waltz through time and thyme. A 1902 Federation house dressed in Scandinavian calm—white walls, dark floors, airy rooms—it’s a treasure chest curated with finds from Parisian brocantes and local op shops alike. The gardens, tended by green-thumbed Tim Pilgrim, overflow with seasonal produce, berries, and a mini orchard perfect for long, winey lunches under gnarled fruit trees. Inside, rustic elegance hums softly, like an old jazz record. It’s part countryside reverie, part aesthetic fever dream—and altogether, a most glorious way to press pause on city life.
Acre of Roses
Acre of Roses in Trentham is a whimsical sanctuary where heritage roses bloom and time takes a long, luxurious breath. The 1860s Miner’s Cottage, now a beautifully restored wellness retreat, blends rustic charm with indulgent comforts—think cedar hot tub, crackling fire, and croissants warm from the oven. The Potting Shed, equal parts quaint and creative, offers a studio-style escape with vintage flair. It’s a place to rest, reconnect, and quite possibly, never want to leave. Romantic, slow, and utterly spellbinding.
Loving Our Guide to Trentham? You’re Guaranteed to Enjoy…
Best Things to Do in Daylesford: Where to Eat, Stay & Play
Explore & Experience the Best Things to Do in Castlemaine
The Best Dining in Trentham
The Cosmopolitan Hotel
At The Cosmopolitan Hotel, dining is an invitation to indulge in the very essence of the Macedon Ranges. Beneath the shelter of century-old elms, the air hums with the rich aromas of local produce, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The menu is a tribute to the region’s finest ingredients—don’t miss the rack of Macedon lamb, its rosemary and mint pesto crust perfectly roasted, served alongside a spring vegetable risotto. Finish with a decadent Galaktoboureko—crispy filo, baked semolina, and blueberry custard, topped with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis. A beloved local’s favourite, The Cosmopolitan’s welcoming vibe makes it the perfect spot for a relaxed meal or a special occasion.
21 High Street, Trentham
RedBeard Bakery
Down a quiet laneway in Trentham, RedBeard Historic Bakery is a yeasty cathedral of flavour, built around a rare 19th-century Scotch oven that still crackles with life. Here, golden sourdough loaves emerge like edible relics, crusty and deeply fragrant. Hearty, meaty pies steam with soul-warming comfort, while flaky pastries—piled high and unapologetically buttery—tempt from every shelf. It’s rustic, it’s reverent, and it smells like happiness. Come hungry, leave gloriously full.
38A High Street, Trentham
Trentham General
Trentham General is like stumbling upon the village’s warmest hug in cafe form. Sunlight spills across timber tables, where locals and wanderers alike gather over plates of house-baked bread, poached eggs with garden herbs, and coffee as smooth as a jazz saxophone. Shelves brim with local delights—jams, pickles, wines—all telling tales of the region’s rich soil and good humour.
37A High Street, Trentham
Du Fermier
Du Fermier is a slow-food reverie dreamt up by chef Annie Smithers—part Parisian farmhouse, part central Victorian bounty. Step inside and you’re greeted by the aroma of garlic butter and orchard herbs; it’s less restaurant, more love letter to the seasons. The set menu changes weekly—think braised lamb shoulder with pillowy dauphinoise, or an Alsatian onion tart so delicate it might whisper poetry. It’s warm, intimate, and a place that makes you believe in the quiet magic of well-grown things, well-cooked.
42 High Street, Trentham
The Best Things to do in Trentham
Trentham Falls
Trentham Falls is a true natural masterpiece, standing at 32 metres and one of Victoria’s longest single-drop waterfalls. Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky outcrops, the falls offer an awe-inspiring experience. A short walk from the car park leads to a viewing platform, but if you’re feeling adventurous, a trail brings you closer to the base, where the mist cools your skin and the sound of rushing water fills the air. In both spring and winter, the falls’ beauty remains timeless, enhanced by the soothing sounds of local birdlife.
Trentham Scenic Reserve Road, Trentham
Great Trentham Spudfest
Every May, Trentham celebrates its spud-growing roots with the much-loved Great Trentham Spudfest—a joyous, earthy tribute to the humble potato. This free community festival brings the town to life with food trucks, live music, historical displays, and potato-themed everything. Wander through charming village stalls, take a tractor ride, or dig into golden, crisp chips straight from the fryer. It’s wholesome, quirky fun for all ages—and the kind of weekend that leaves you smiling (and very well-fed).
3rd and 4th May, 2025
Bushwalking along the Lerderderg Heritage River Walk
Just a short drive from Trentham, the Lerderderg Heritage River Walk is a delightful jaunt through time, where the whispers of Victoria’s gold rush past greet you at every turn. This 9km circuit, beginning and ending at the picturesque Garden of St Erth in Blackwood, winds its way through the lush Wombat State Forest. Wander through fern-clad gullies and towering eucalypts, stumbling upon old mining relics and water races—silent witnesses to a bustling past. A moderate hike with history and beauty, this walk offers an enchanting escape for curious souls and nature lovers alike.
189 Simmons Reef Road, Blackwood
Garden of St Erth
Just outside Trentham, The Garden of St Erth is a blooming marvel through every season—spring daffodils, vibrant summer borders, and the fiery hues of autumn. Wander beneath shady trees, potter through the Diggers nursery for heirloom seeds, or linger over a slow lunch in the charming cafe. Tucked within the Wombat State Forest, this garden is a secret Eden for plant lovers, day-trippers, and dreamers alike.
189 Simmons Reef Road, Blackwood
Domino Rail Trail
The Domino Rail Trail is a serene 12km journey through Wombat State Forest, stretching between Trentham and Lyonville. Following an old railway line, this flat trail meanders through lush bushland, with towering trees and delicate ferns, while remnants of history – like weathered trestle bridges and embankments – add a layer of charm.
Starting at the old Trentham Railway Station, the trail offers scenic spots and occasional seating. It’s a perfect escape into nature.
Quarry Street Reserve
Quarry Street Reserve is the most delightful spot for a picnic. With its twinkling lake and soft, leafy shade, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. Pop by the Trentham General to gather a basket of delicious treats – perhaps a loaf of fresh sourdough from RedBeard Bakery – and settle on one of the park’s charming picnic tables. It’s an idyllic little corner of town where simple pleasures and quiet moments take centre stage.
Fleurs de Lyonville
Fleurs de Lyonville is a charming family-run flower farm near Wombat State Forest, where the air is thick with the fragrance of seasonal blooms and a dash of enchantment. Meander through vibrant rows of flowers, from classic cottage varieties to native treasures, all nurtured with care and sustainability.
Pick your own bouquet of bee-friendly beauties to take home, a fragrant reminder of your visit. A true haven for flower enthusiasts, Fleurs de Lyonville offers a floral experience that feels like stepping into a living, blooming dream.
35 Leishmans Lane, Lyonville
Loddon Falls
Just 20 minutes from Trentham, Loddon Falls is a hidden gem where cascading waters tumble over dramatic basalt columns in a setting worthy of a rustic fairy tale. The air is alive with the gentle rustle of bushland, and you might spot a wallaby bounding past or an echidna pottering about. It’s an idyllic retreat, best visited after rain, when the falls are in full voice—a glorious reminder of nature’s theatrical flair.
Glenlyon, Victoria
Whether you’re feasting fireside, soaking in cedar tubs, or wandering lush gardens, Trentham invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and discover the magic of regional Victoria. For more rural escapes, explore these charming country getaways and indulgent wine regions.