The view from the top of Mount Macedon
Renowned for its native forests, vibrant food and arts scene, and unique rock formations, the Macedon Ranges reveals a rich history and array of experiences just an hour drive northwest of Melbourne.
Gardens and grandeur
There’s something quite ethereal and majestic about the drive through the township of Macedon and up towards the mountain. Each side of the road is bordered by grand estates and meticulously maintained gardens; many of which are open to the public. Forest Glade is a private garden that you can wander through at any time of year and boasts a blend of English, Japanese and woodland styles. Whether it’s during autumn for the riot of colour omitted by various types of maple, or spring for the display of azaleas, rhododendrons, and roses; it’s an incredibly tranquil place worthy of a visit, although possibly covered in snow during winter!
As you drive up the mountain the road is bordered by grand estates and gardens
A few more minutes up Mount Macedon Road towards the summit of the highest peak of Macedon Regional Park is Camel’s Hump. There’s a short 22min return walk to the lookout from the car park, albeit a fairly steep incline. But there’s a spectacular 180-degree view from this six-million-year-old volcanic rock formation that helps sweeten the deal.
Camel’s Hump holds significant Aboriginal cultural and historical importance to the Wurundjeri people, which is understandable considering its abundance of native flora and fauna, and elevation at 1010m offering a vantage point for hunting and navigation.
Camel’s Hump in the distance on the road to Hanging Rock
Various walking tracks and picnic areas (with picnic tables) are scattered throughout this 2379ha perfectly manicured park, and there’s a tearoom at the top of the hill for a scone break and further views of the region from Major Mitchell Lookout. There are many commemorative memorials, including the Memorial Cross, a towering 21m structure which stands as a solemn tribute to the soldiers who served in World War I. Set amid a beautifully landscaped garden, the Memorial Cross is a place of reflection and remembrance.
Major Mitchell Lookout on top of Mount Macedon
The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross
Nearby is Sanatorium Lake — a man-made lake that was originally created to supply water to a tuberculosis sanatorium. However, today it serves as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The short walk from the car park to the lake is through a canopy of tall trees, their leaves casting dappled shadows on the path.
After visiting the park, it’s an absolute must to visit the Mount Macedon Hotel on the way back down the mountain for a pub lunch and a locally brewed beer off the top of the wood. The front part of the pub is beautifully adorned with pressed tin ceilings and cosy nooks for eating and playing chess with the fireplace going for those cold days like the day we visited. We had the beef cheek bourguignon and a pint of Guinness, which was perfect.
The cosy front bar of the Mount Macedon Hotel
Hanging Rock folklore
As a child I remember feeling bitterly disappointed when I was told that the book Picnic at Hanging Rock was fictional after wholeheartedly believing that a group of schoolgirls on a picnic became entranced by the rock and swallowed up within its crevices. However, in reality, it still lives up to the enchanting stories that surround it largely in part to its cultural significance as a sacred site for the Wurundjeri people who used it as a meeting place for gatherings, trade, and ceremonial purposes. The rock’s distinctive formations and elevated position made it a natural landmark for navigation and a strategic point for various activities. For those interested in local folklore, the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre offers insights into the area’s Aboriginal heritage and the eerie tales that inspired Joan Lindsay’s novel.
The mystical Hanging Rock (Image Chloe Smith Photography)
Hanging Rock, or Ngannelong, has a 45min round-trip walk to its 718m high summit rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There’s a cafe for refreshments (or bring your own picnic, just don’t fall asleep and become entranced by the rock) and the Hanging Rock Reserve also hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, markets, and the renowned Hanging Rock Races in January.
Another must-visit is Hanging Rock Winery, situated near the iconic rock itself (only a 6min drive north in Newham). This family-owned winery produces a range of wines, including its signature Macedon sparkling. The cellar door is a great place for a wine tasting and to purchase a bottle or more, and the friendly staff are always eager to share their knowledge and passion for winemaking.
At the end of the woods
Most of the Macedon region has diverse little villages within easy reach, so after a visit to Hanging Rock, it’s only a 10min drive down the road to the town of Woodend — a lovely arts and cultural hub of the region.
The Woodend Art Group Gallery holds regular exhibitions from local artists and the town hosts the annual Woodend Art Group Exhibition, showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums.
You can’t miss the renowned Holgate Brewhouse in the heart of the town, which offers a fantastic selection of craft beers brewed on-site. It’s a popular spot on the weekends, so it’s best to book a table in advance if you want to enjoy a tasting paddle while indulging in some pub fare, or like us, you want to bunker down for the night in their affordable upstairs accommodation.
Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend
Regional cuisine and markets
If you love local produce like I do, then a trip to the Lancefield and District Farmers’ Markets is a no-brainer. The markets are held every fourth Saturday of the month in the rural town of Lancefield, only a short drive (20min) from Woodend. In the spirit of community, this one brings all types of artisans together displaying their goods. October’s market is particularly special, with spring produce in abundance and live music adding to the festive atmosphere. After we’ve snaffled some local honey and olive oil from the markets, it’s just a 25min drive to Kyneton for some lunch, before our road trip home.
The Lancefield and District Farmers’ Market (Image David Hannah)
Kyneton’s historic Piper Street is lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, now home to boutiques, galleries, and cafes; the Duck Duck Goose and Larder being one of our choices for lunch, serving up great wood fired pizza and coffee. If you’re planning on staying longer, then head to the award-winning French bistro at Midnight Starling for dinner.
September is a great time to visit the town with the annual Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival in full swing, featuring art exhibitions, garden tours and a parade. In fact, the whole Macedon region is lit up with springtime blooms around September–October, making it a completely unique experience to visiting in winter although no more charming.
Daffodils can be seen everywhere in Spring (Image Visit Macedon Ranges)
Driving home through Macedon, we pass through my partner’s old stomping ground of Gisborne. Due to its proximity to Melbourne CBD just 45mins away, the allure of a ‘tree change’ and the natural beauty of the Macedon Ranges standing majestically not far in the distance make this somewhat of a drawcard for families and artists alike.
The town has come a long way from its early days as a vital stopover for gold rush travellers in the 1850s to its present status as a vibrant and thriving town. If you’re a bit of a history buff, then it might be worth a visit to the Gisborne and Mount Macedon Districts Historical Society, located in the old courthouse. There are also numerous places to eat and drink — our choice being a quick refreshment at Baringo Food and Wine Co. across from the historical Gisborne railway station and in view of those mysterious Macedon Ranges.
Fast facts
Where to stay
- Kyneton and Woodend have free overnight parking (up to 48 hours) for RVs and caravans
- Wombat State Forest has a free camping area at Firth Park (Firth Road, Trentham East), an old sawmill site in the northern section of the forest with plenty of room for tents, but limited space for RVs and caravans
- Macedon Caravan Park on Black Forest Drive offers ensuite cabins with air conditioning, a camp kitchen and TV, and caravan clubs and groups are welcome
- Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend has spectacular views of the village and mountains in affordable but cosy rooms at the top of a bustling pub
Woodend Clock Tower (Image Kim Selby)
Where to walk
- Bald Hill Reserve Wetlands Walk is an easy 10min return (520m) walk. On entering, the two large rocks represent the reserve’s basalt and granite geological features, silvertop wallaby-grass, endangered brown toadlet, white-faced and white-necked herons and swamp wallabies are often seen at the dam.
- Peppermint Forest Loop is another easy, but longer 45min return (2km) walk where peppermint trees dominate the forest. Harvested in the 1920s for the Kyneton Hospital furnace, it is mostly regrowth with mid-story acacias. During the wildflower season there are many orchids, lilies, herbs and varieties of peas and you may see kangaroos, echidnas and a range of woodland birds, as well as powerful owls.
More information
Head to Visit Macedon Ranges for some inspiration on what to see and do in the Macedon Ranges region.
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