Campaspe Mill Distillery opens in 169-year-old Kyneton building outside
A former flour mill is set to become a major central Victorian tourist drawcard as a gin distillery — complete with a vintage World War II motorcycle collection.
A former flour mill visible from one of the state’s busiest freeways is set to open as a gin distillery, with a leading business group hoping it becomes a major tourist drawcard for visitors to central Victoria.
Childhood sweethearts Bill and Helen Coleby, who bought the 169-year-old Campaspe Mill Distillery in 1996, are hoping it becomes part of Kyneton’s well-trodden visitor experience.
“It's a special moment because it means so much to us; it’s really part of our DNA,” he said.
“This building, for us, is the success of the business … we always had in the back of our minds that, because of its location, it was destined to be commercial at some point.”
As a young boy, Mr Coleby promised himself he would own the historic flour mill and fill it with his vintage motorcycle collection.
He still has an image of Campaspe Mill from a 1968 calendar that hung up in his childhood home.
Items from Mr Coleby’s collection, including WWII-era motorcycles, antique farming equipment, and vintage signs already adorn the site.
The Coleby’s have grand plans for the space — aside from operating it as a gin distillery, they intend to use the building’s many levels for an art gallery, five star restaurant, regional history museum, and VIP room.
But these ideas will be rolled out over time, Mr Coleby said.
“We’re going to be holding it back rather than trying to get it going, to be frank,” he said.
“The number of people that want to be here is just out of control.”
Mr Coleby said he was not daunted about opening in a time when small businesses in the food and beverage sector were experiencing financial strain.
“It’s a huge undertaking, don’t get me wrong, but (Campaspe Mill Distillery) has been very carefully designed to make sure it is going to be successful.”
For now, the focus for the couple is to sell “the best gin that can be possibly made” as well as natural spring water that runs off the property.
The bluestone building, which has only changed hands twice, was built by the son of Cascade Brewery founder Peter Degraves.
Business Kyneton treasurer Christina Tantsis said she anticipated the opening of the distillery would “attract more visitors” to the area and “strengthen the whole town”.
“People are travelling here for quality and craft, and a venue of this calibre draws visitors who stay longer, explore more, and support local businesses,” she said.
“A distillery brings something fresh and anchors Kyneton even more firmly as a destination for people who enjoy artisan products and unique experiences.”
“This opening is another indicator of the momentum we’re seeing in the region, passionate operators creating thoughtful, high-quality spaces.
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