1. Chilling out at Sanatorium Lake (Image credit: Instagram @harveyandkoba_goldenretrievers 2. Gus on the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail 3. Gus on an 18.8km stretch of the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail (Image Credit Pics 2 & 3: Instagram @gustagram)
Black Hill Reserve
Only five minutes drive north of Kyneton, Black Hill Reserve is known for its imposing rock formations such as The Monolith, one of the biggest granite features in Victoria. It offers three walking trails for different fitness levels.
Circuit Track: 3.9km
A gentle walk with only a few inclines. Some people find it easier to walk this trail in a counter-clockwise direction. Allow a good hour for this walk, more if you spend time enjoying the views or a picnic.
Ridge Track: 2.7km
A more strenuous walk with some steep sections and well over 250 steps along the way. You will encounter lots of rock formations, huge granite boulders sculpted by erosion, particularly around Cave Rocks and the Eastern Lookout.
Revegetated Area Track: 1.7km
An easy walk and a popular area for kangaroos seeking shade in hot weather.
Please Note: Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Tip: Pack a picnic or scoot back into Kyneton for a refreshing drink. If you time your walk with the Kyneton Farmers’ Markets (held on the 2nd Saturday of the month), you can even pick up some local produce supplies before setting out.
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Cave Rocks Black Hill Reserve, Kyneton
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Rock formations at Black Hill Reserve, Kyneton
Picnics with Pup
Do you like the thought of stretching out on the grass under the shade of a big old oak tree? The Macedon Ranges has a number of parks perfect for a picnic with pup. Either pack your own picnic or pick up some local goodies from providores.
Malmsbury Botanic Gardens
This is the place to escape the heat of summer or go on leaf-crunching walks in autumn. The Malmsbury Botanic Gardens was established in the 1850’s and is one of Victoria’s earliest regional botanic gardens. There are plenty of shady spots around the lake to enjoy a picnic on the grass, or set up camp at a picnic table. The gardens also offer a magnificent view to the old bluestone railway viaduct, an example of one of Australia’s finest early bridges.
There is a large family of geese and ducks living at the gardens, so make sure pup keeps a respectful distance.
Location: Ellesmere Place, Malmsbury
Playground & BBQ Facilities: Yes
Hot Tip: Make sure to grab a true country-style pie from the family-owned Malmsbury Bakery on the way.
Kyneton Botanic Gardens
These gardens date back to 1858. Here too you will find plenty of shade under the likes of grand old Himalayan Oaks. There is a peaceful bike and walking path running along the Campaspe River as well as a fantastic children’s adventure park. You will find plenty of quiet spots throughout the Kyneton Botanic Gardens and along the Campaspe for a special picnic.
Location: 2 Clowes Street, Kyneton
Playground & BBQ Facilities: Yes
Hot Tip: Pick up a handmade terrine, English-style pork pies, fresh baguettes, cheeses, pates, local olives and more at Piper Street Food Co or Monsieur Pierre’s in Kyneton. Home Grown on Piper is a great cafe to pick up healthy picnic supplies (okay, and cake), and cater to a number of dietary needs.
There are also a number of fantastic bakeries to pick up a pie, including winner of Australia’s Best Pie for many consecutive years, Country Cob Bakery.
Gisborne Botanic Gardens
A hop, skip and jump from Melbourne, the Gisborne Botanic Gardens offer a maze of winding pathways along flat and hilly terrain, and a bubbling little creek.
Location: 6 Aitken Street, Gisborne
Playground & BBQ Facilities: Yes
Hot Tip: Head to Gisborne Peak Winery while you are in this neck of the woods for a spot of wine tasting at their dog friendly cellar door.
The old bluestone railway viaduct in Malmsbury.
Dog-Friendly Places to Eat
There are a number of dog-friendly Macedon Ranges cafes and restaurants particularly perfect for pooches on a summer’s day. Here our some of our top picks…
Kuzu Izakaya
This Japanese restaurant in Woodend is so popular you will need to book in advance.
The restaurant has an outdoor courtyard where you can bring your dog and enjoy the most amazing Japanese food you have ever had the pleasure of tasting. A collaboration between restaurateur Gareth Rowlands and Chef Eriko Pannan, the restaurant serves traditional Japanese Izakaya cuisine, Macedon Ranges wines & sake. If you have kids, take them down to the Woodend Children’s Park afterwards to let off some steam.
Located: 42D Anslow Street, Woodend, (03) 4417 7804
The Oaks Grill Kyneton
The Oaks Kyneton is a popular restaurant and bar on Kyneton’s historic Piper Street. Sit out on their verandah overlooking a shady park with a cold glass of vino, and soak up the K-Town vibe with your dog by your side. Or just stop by for a coffee.
Located: 37 Piper Street, Kyneton
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A magic afternoon with a cold wine and balmy weather. Image credit: Instagram @chrissilouise
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Yes, I’d like what you’re having, please! Image credit: Instagram @macedonrangesinteriors
The Milko
The Milko is a great cafe in the heart of Woodend, with an outdoor courtyard. It’s kid-friendly and dog-friendly and a popular spot for brekkie and lunch. Time it with a trip to the Woodend Community Farmers’ Markets (1st Saturday of the month) and pay a visit to the nearby Woodend Children’s Park if you have kids in tow.
Located: 118 – 126 High Street, Woodend
Duck Duck Goose & Larder
Duck Duck Goose & Larder is situated inside a historic building on Kyneton’s Piper Street, has a big grassy area out front with umbrella-shaded tables. Here you can dine with your dog by your side and enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or light snack. Plus you’re well situated for a spot of retail therapy inside the cafe afterward, with a fantastic range of homewares, gifts and gourmet fare on offer.
Located: 17 – 21 Piper Street, Kyneton
Home Grown on Piper
Home Grown on Piper has an outdoor courtyard that welcomes dogs. The food is fresh, locally grown and delicious, with plenty of options for people with special dietary needs. A great spot for brekkie or lunch!
Located: 12-14 Piper Street, Kyneton
Quench your Thirst
There’s nothing better on a hot summer’s day than sipping on a cold pint with your dog at your feet. The Macedon Ranges has plenty of dog-friendly bars and pubs where you are welcome to bring your pet and partake in one or two beverages of the alcoholic variety. Here are a couple of suggestions…
Holgates Brewhouse
Holgates Brewhouse is a family-owned affair that produces genuine craft beer brewed, bottled and kegged on-site. Situated inside a beautiful 19th century red-brick hotel in Woodend, it is a truly historic country pub.
Dog owners can kick back in a shady courtyard with a view up to the old village clock tower, and have a blast matching food and beer. Plus the brewhouse is easily accessible from the Woodend V-Line train station if you want to enjoy a few pints and not worry about driving.
Location: 79 High Street, Woodend
Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend is 100% dog friendly!
Evan’s Wine & Cheese Bar
Evan’s Wine and Cheese Bar is located in the historic little village of Romsey. You’ll find it inside Romsey House, built in 1860. This local’s fav has an outdoor courtyard that welcomes dogs (on leads), and often has live music outside on Sundays. It serves local, Australian and international wine, craft beer and cider, accompanied by an exciting tapas menu designed to be shared amongst friends.
Location: 119A Main Street, Romsey
Animus Distillery, Cocktail Bar & Lounge
Animus is a gin distillery and bar located on Kyneton’s Piper Street. It has outdoor seating where pooches can sit with their owners while they enjoy a gin cocktail in the sun. Animus’ hand-crafted, artisan gins are winning awards worldwide! They also serve other gins locally distilled in the Macedon Ranges, in addition to a selection of local and international whiskey, wine and beer.
Location: 89a Piper Street, Kyneton
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Happy gin tasting days at Animus. Image credit: Instagram @tjgoldsmith15
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Sunday session at Animus Image credit: Instagram @kimmibearandfriends
Enjoy a cool cocktail at Animus in Kyneton.
The Victoria Hotel
Located only a short 150m walk from the Woodend V-Line train station, The Victoria Hotel in Woodend is a great country pub with a dog friendly courtyard. Enjoy lunch or dinner downed with a coldie (or two) then catch the train back home. Perfect.
Located: 67 High Street, Woodend
Visit a Country Market
Farmers’ markets in the Macedon Ranges are all dog-friendly. If your dog is ‘market friendly’, take them for a day out to the country and pick up some tasty fresh produce. Our farmers’ markets are brimming with local free range eggs and pastured poultry, free range pork, organic vegetable, locally made cheese, wine, olives… the list goes on. Dogs will love the smell of goat sausages sizzling on the BBQ and spending time with mum and dad too.
Macedon Ranges Farmers’ Market Dates
Woodend Community Farmers’ Markets: 1st Saturday of the month
Kyneton Farmers’ Markets: 2nd Saturday of the month
Riddells Creek Farmers’ Markets: 3rd Saturday of the month
Lancefield Community Farmers’ Markets: (plastic bag free) 4th Saturday of the month
Please note: Dogs must be on leashes at the markets.
Go Wine Tasting
Go cellar door hopping with your pooch in tow. There are many Macedon Ranges wineries that welcome dogs with open arms! Here a just a few…
Gisborne Peak Winery
Gisborne Peak Winery offers a great day out with friends where you can experience wine tasting and a lazy lunch. Sit on the open air deck, sip wine and feast on wood-fired pizzas, along with tasting platters, a baked Brie to die for, sizzling prawns, grilled chorizo and cheesy garlic bread. The winery is so pet-friendly it even posts a ‘Pet of the Week’ pic every Wednesday to their Facebook page.
Location: 69 Short Road, Gisborne
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Billy and Tulip enjoying an al fresco lunch at Gisborne Peak Winery.
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Aurora, the white Samoyed and ‘Rocket’ the Finnish Lapphund having a great day out at Gisborne Peak Winery
Hunter-Gatherer Vintners
Only 10 minutes from Woodend or Kyneton, Hunter-Gatherer Vintners is a family-run vineyard and cellar door offering a range of award winning, handcrafted wines including Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot noir, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Sparkling Shiraz. They also serve grazing plates that you can enjoy on a picnic table with views to rolling hills and vines.
Location: 362 Pipers Creek Pastoria Road, Pipers Creek
Hunter Gatherer Vintners are super dog friendly!
Parkside Winery Estate
Parkside Winery Estate is all about great wine and a relaxed atmosphere. Their family friendly venue offers tastings in a lovingly restored 1890’s horse stable, then afterward, you can relax with a glass of wine on the deck or surrounding lawn area. The winery produces medal winning Sparkling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, all estate grown and vinified in the small winery at Parkside. Whilst Parkside does not have a restaurant, cheese platters can be arranged prior to visiting throughout the year.
Location: 308 Parks Road, Lancefield
Cellar Door Open: Weekends and most public holidays from 11 – 4pm, May to September by appointment only.
Hanging Rock Winery
Hanging Rock Winery is located 3km from the iconic Hanging Rock and offers stunning views. There are over 20 wines on tasting, plus they have widened their products to include grass fed Hanging Rock Beef, available for purchase from the cellar door.
The winery also offers gourmet picnic boxes prepared by popular Kyneton providore The Piper Street Food Co, to enjoy on their picnic tables and grassy lawn.
Picnic boxes are available for sale throughout the week until sold out. If you wish to guarantee a picnic for the weekend, make sure to order and pre-pay via no later than the Wednesday prior. Call (03) 5427 0542 or email hrw@hangingrock.com.au
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Pups first picnic at Hanging Rock Winery
Image credit: Instagram @obiwancaboodle
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Check out our more detailed guide to dog-friendly cellar doors in the Macedon Ranges.
Visit a Waterfall
15 June 2021: Turpins Falls has been closed to all visitors till further notice by Parks Victoria. The recent rains and increase in visitation has meant the steps have deteriorated and the entire visitor site is now closed to protect public safety. Signage and fencing are in place to prevent people accessing the carpark, track and falls.
For up to date info search for Turpins Falls @ www.parks.vic.gov.au
Turpins Falls Scenic Reserve is a little known waterfall situated 12.6km from Kyneton. The falls cascade into a large billabong, with sheer rock formations on three sides.
You can enjoy scenic views of the falls from a lookout nearby the car park, however, if you are up for an adventure there is a steep, unmaintained pathway to the waterhole at the base of the falls. Enclosed footwear is recommended and make sure you are ‘snake aware’, particularly over the summer period.
Turpins Falls stands out as one of the State’s most impressive examples of a naturally formed basalt column cathedral. Its wide girth and large reflective pool combine to make it look and feel much larger than other waterfalls in its class” – Brad Neal, Author of Waterfall Seasons of Victoria – The Waterfall Guide.
Parks Victoria do not recommend swimming in the waterhole due to the extremely cold water. The water can get very deep quickly off the rocks too. It’s stunningly beautiful to look at though! There are no amenities or general facilities such as toilets or picnic tables.
Important! Access to the top of the falls is permanently closed for safety reasons. This is not to be taken lightly. There has been death and spinal injuries from people jumping off the top of the falls. Low visibility in the water means that it is impossible to see underwater hazards. Please adhere to all Parks Victoria warning signs at the site.
Access: via Shillidays Road, Langley
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Jake enjoying a day out at Turpins Falls. Image credit: Instagram @boof_head_jake
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Camouflage pup at Turpins Falls. Image credit: Instagram @joshlennon
Stay the Night
Make a trip out of it and spend a night or two or three. Here’s some ideas for pet-friendly places to stay in the Macedon Ranges.
Be Fire Aware. Check the CFA website for high fire warning days and take necessary precautions.
Disclaimer: Some pics used in this blog article have dogs off-lead for a quick photo only. Please double check all opening hours of businesses listed due to operational changes as result of COVID-19. For the latest health and travel advice visit the DHHS website.
