Dispatches from Australia - Kyneton

Posted by Janis Nicolay of Pinecone Camp.

Hello from lovely Kyneton Australia! I'm happy to be spending Christmas in Kyneton and Melbourne this year. The perfect country town and big city combo and some much needed vitamin D.

Kyneton is just an hour train journey from Melbourne and well worth the trip. An easy walk into town over a  bluestone bridge (built in 1861), crossing the Campaspe River, and you're there. This town is filled with great shops, cafes, restaurants and gardens.

Prunella is owned by two talented floral designers, Caris and Vanessa. Their shop is filled with vintage finds, flowers and all things beautiful. I loved the butterfly still life under the glass dome. So pretty. Bought some of our table decorations for Christmas lunch. More on that another day!

Mr. Carsisi is a fantastic place to go for breakfast or lunch. Their Turkish lunch menu is pretty much perfect. I love the old pieces of coloured wood planks mixed with the copper ceramic tiles at the bar too.

A couple of years back, I did a post about Stockroom (pictured above) here at Poppytalk. I loved it then and I think I love it even more now. They've created an art gallery in the back area of the shop featuring Australian and international artists. They really do "love people who make stuff". Stop by and say hi to the owners Magali and Jason (who, by the way, makes a perfect coffee).

If you stop by Rundell & Rundell, you'll probably be greeted by Millie the jack russell. The owners of this shop are Lisa and Glen Rundell. Glen is a highly skilled wood worker, making incredibly beautiful chairs and boxes. They offer workshops where you'll walk out with your own chair or a trio of the beautiful boxes pictured above. Lisa creates leather carry bags using old school tools and methods. Everything they sell, at the shop, is a labour of love.

I think Dhaba at the Mill just might be my new favourite restaurant. Delicious Indian food and a fantastic atmosphere, with bollywood films being shown on the painted bluestone wall. We sat on the front veranda for a drink and papadams and chutney, then headed inside for dinner. Can't wait to go back.

Other places to visit while you're here...

Little Swallow Cafe - great for brunch

Mollison's - homewares, vintage and gifts

Monsieur Pierre - deli, and gourmet food products

No. 2 Sweetheart - eco friendly clothing, gifts and accessories

That's it for my little tour of Kyneton. Hope to see you here!

Janis
Pinecone Camp.