Discover Riddells Creek

Discover Riddells Creek through a range of different stops: Dromkeen represents the history of the Dromkeen Picture Book Art Collection; in the town centre, a heritage-listed railway bridge forms the backdrop to Walter J Smith Reserve; and Conglomerate Gully Flora Reserve lies where the Western Grassland Plains meet the hills of the Macedon Ranges. There is also the Farmers Market and a scenic drive. When planning, you can choose between art and local history, nature, and an outing with several stops.

Dromkeen and the town centre

Built in 1889, Dromkeen later became home to the Dromkeen Picture Book Art Collection. Its building history and picture book art give the place distinct historical and cultural associations. Guests at Dromkeen can enjoy several activities: visit the Tea Room, explore the galleries and stroll through the gardens. These options are specifically available to guests of Dromkeen.

Another historical feature lies in the centre of Riddells Creek. There, a heritage-listed railway bridge forms the backdrop to Walter J Smith Reserve. This offers two different perspectives on the town: Dromkeen connects its architectural history with a picture book art collection, while the bridge frames the reserve in the town centre.

Nature at Conglomerate Gully Flora Reserve

Conglomerate Gully Flora Reserve is in Riddells Creek, where the Western Grassland Plains meet the hills of the Macedon Ranges. Its location marks the transition between these named landscapes. A 2.9 km trail winds through healthy dry forest and grassy dry forest in the reserve. This offers a distinct nature-focused experience, different from the town’s historical attractions.

Kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas and currawongs live in the reserve. Together with its two vegetation types, these animals and landscape features give the trail its own character. If you are weighing up culture and nature for your trip, the type of surroundings and the trail length offer practical points of reference, alongside the town’s name. These animals are part of the habitat; sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Market day and getting around town

The Riddells Creek Farmers Market is held at Riddell Primary School from 9 am to 1 pm on the third Saturday of each month from January to November. In December, it is held as a Twilight Market on the second Friday of the month. The December date therefore differs from the Saturday schedule in the other months. Check the market dates before your trip so you can plan your visit around your stay.

Riddells Creek railway station is also a practical point of reference for getting around town: a local pub, bakery and shopping centre are within walking distance. This gives you a specific connection between the station and the named places in town, without making any claims about timetables or how often train services run.

A scenic drive

A scenic drive runs from Riddells Creek through Bolinda, Kerrie, Cherokee and Mount Macedon. It offers a different focus from the 2.9 km trail in the flora reserve: the drive takes in several named places, while the trail passes through two types of dry forest in a nature reserve. When planning your day, you can decide whether you would prefer a specific walking route or a scenic drive.

Discover more destinations: Elwood, Marong, Walwa, Torrumbarry, Charlton, Swifts Creek, Codrington, Oakleigh South.

View the broader travel guide: Victoria.