Autumn Murmuring Walk
Murmuring Walk is an audio-guided walk reflecting the environment, birdlife and natural rhythms of Sanatorium lake, Mount Macedon, which is on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land. Participants are invited to wear headphones connected to their personal device and enter a contemplative space as they are led by a sublime multilayered vocal and poetic soundtrack.
The birds, grasses, ferns, trees and all the abundant life join with the audio track to become one sublime experience. A truly blissful way to experience the nature of Mount Macedon.
The audio guided walk is free and can be done at any time.
The audio files covers two sections of Sanatorium Lake: The lake walk and the extended loop walk. We recommend allowing approximately one hour for the whole experience, though you are welcome to pause and take your time along the way.
Nearby Days Picnic Ground is an ideal location to enjoy a wood-fuelled barbecue or picnic afterward (BYO firewood).
Instructions to download Murmuring Walk audio
- Download the two audio files onto your device before heading to the lake (internet is unreliable on location). Download the files by clicking on the 3 black dots next to the volume icon.
- Make sure to download or print out our Murmuring Walk Map Guide (PDF, 577KB)
- Then head to Sanatorium Lake, connect your headphones, and begin your walk!
Before you set out on your walk check Parks Victoria for advice regarding weather conditions, alerts or closures at Sanatorium Lake or see our FAQ page for updates.
Murmuring Walk – Part 1
Murmuring Walk – Part 2
Alternatively, print out the map(PDF, 577KB)
Then head to Sanatorium Lake, connect your headphones, and begin your walk!
Directions to Sanatorium Lake
From Mount Macedon Rd turn onto Lions Head Rd, continue 1.9km past Days Picnic Ground (the closest toilets), to the Lions Head Road Carpark.
Don’t forget to bring headphones, water, wear warm clothing, and suitable footwear. Conditions at Mt Macedon can be cold and wet.
Sanatorium Lake, Mount Macedon, Lions Head Road, Mount Macedon 3441 View Map
About the artists
Ria Soemardjo, Sandra Fiona Long and Charlotte Roberts are passionate about inviting audiences to reconnect deeply with natural environments, by creating a space of heightened listening and contemplation.
Sandra and Ria are long term collaborators creating immersive performances around Australia and Asia and Charlotte is a Macedon Ranges musician and vocal artist. Together they draw on expertise in writing, performance making, facilitation, vocal improvisation and sound design.
About Sanatorium Lake
This area is a mixture of regrowth forest after the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, and pockets of old growth with ancient majestic trees and incredible understory. It is said that the Mountain Ash in this area have an unusual resistance to fire, unlike Mountain Aash in other areas. Perhaps because fires came through this area more frequently in pre-colonial times.
The lake, known as Sanatorium Lake was built as a dam in 1923 to provide water for a sanatorium down the hill, built for tuberculosis patients, who were moved on to Echuca where the climate was warmer. We hope you will enjoy the beauty of this area and the sweet fresh air as you experience the audio walk.
Acknowledgments and credits
- The Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people who are the traditional custodians of this land.
- Stephen Ryan, Penny Roberts and Skye Stewart (VACCHO) for consulting with us.
- Cameron Forbes, Adam Forbes, Nathaniel Muller and Erin Tappé.
- Photographer and designer of the haunting image Nichole Adler
