Riddells Creek

One of the villages closest to Melbourne, the little hamlet of Riddells creek offers historic architecture and a relaxed country attitude.

Gone are the rocky granite outcrops of other parts of the Macedon Ranges as Mount Macedon descends in long ridges and valleys to the foot of the Riddells Creek township and the land opens up into beautiful livestock grazing country.

Have a picnic lunch in the Lions Park Reserve in the centre of town. Featuring a shady parkland with a playground and BBQ facilities, the reserve is bordered by a quaint timber Catholic Church, sports fields and the grand timber Mechanics Institute built in 1875.

For the children and the young at heart, Dromkeen Homestead is a highlight of the Macedon Ranges. This graceful National Trust classified 19th century homestead set in established gardens, houses the Australian Children’s Literature Collection. Dromkeen boasts the most complete collection of original artwork, manuscripts and other pre-publication material from Australian children’s books. Galleries feature presentations of sketches, models and original books. Workshops are run with authors and experts alike. Dromkeen is open Tuesday to Friday from 9am, and from noon on Sunday.

Many quality local wineries can be easily accessed from Riddells Creek, toward Romsey including Mount Charlie wines available by appointment. Mount Charlie Road will bring you to the Mount Charlie State Forest which offers excellent bush walking and vehicle access to spectacular mountain hamlets of Kerrie and Cherokee.

On the road to Romsey, pass evocations of the indigenous occupants as you cross the Woiwurrung Creek and the Wurundjeri Creek.