Turn a two-day weekend into three and roll into the countryside where your Woodend adventure awaits. Begin with a leisurely walk with the long-lashed beauties at Hanging Rock Llama Treks, whose tranquil presence and soothing nature will allow everyone to leave behind the stresses and worries of everyday life. If you have children under twelve, book a meet and greet with the famous Llamas and follow up with a family walk in the Hanging Rock Reserve.

Hanging Rock is a former volcano called a mamelon, created some 6.25 million years ago, and is a place of special significance and gathering for the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples, the traditional custodians of the land. After your walk, enjoy casual pizzas at McQueens Woodfired Pizza or burgers at Super Lekker, along with incredible ice cream from the Woodend Ice-creamery before checking into your accommodation.

Next, wander down to the Woodend Children’s Park, where the kids can run off that extra energy and enjoy the adventure playground before heading out to dinner at one of the local watering holes, both with reasonably priced kids’ menus and a family-friendly vibe.

The Victoria Hotel, Woodend’s Oldest Pub, serves locally brewed Rock and Ranges and boasts a deep selection of local spirits and wine. Alternatively, head to Holgate Brewhouse, which has been proudly at the forefront of Australia’s craft brewing movement for the past 20 years, and sample microbrews at the state-of-the-art tap room before retiring for an early start on the trails.

Your second day starts early when you are spoilt for a choice of trails to enjoy! At 8:00am, the Campaspe Park Run starts beside the Five Mile Creek behind the local primary school, welcoming young and old to join for a five-kilometre jaunt along the Creek before heading out for coffee at a local café.

For those who prefer two wheels, the Wombat Forest has 37 kilometres of handmade trails that will delight older children, and there are plenty of walks and hikes to choose from in the Macedon Regional Park, such as Camels Hump or the Memorial Cross walk, both offering sweeping views. From Memorial Cross, you can almost see the city of Melbourne, while Camels Hump, at 1011m, offers superb views of the surrounding countryside.

Reconvene at one of the region’s farmers markets, Woodend’s being held on the first Saturday of the month, to have a roaming breakfast and collect your fare for a picnic adventure at Hanging Rock Winery to see the outdoor sculpture exhibition Art Among the Vines. Alternatively, pre-order a picnic box at Mount Macedon Winery for a leisurely picnic lunch next to the vines and the cute Scottish Highland Cows.

After lunch, check out the region’s events calendar and head to one of the seasonal events, such as the national award-winning Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, which celebrates autumn and boasts Australia’s biggest Pie and Tart Trail; enjoy the harmonious tones from Woodend Winter Arts Festival a highlight of Woodend’s event calendar in June or head to neighbouring town Kyneton for their Daffodil and Arts Festival which celebrates the coming in of spring.

And to finish the day, dine at celebrated Kuzu Izakaya in the beautiful Japanese Garden, where the cuisine is classic Japanese Izakaya infused with Chef Eriko’s creative genius or Sizzeler Restobar for a modern authentic Indian cuisine, in their fully licensed restaurant.

On your final day, wind down and take it easy. Start with a leisurely breakfast at one of the many cafes in town. A popular choice is Fox in the Chamber, where kids can enjoy coloring and you can take in a nostalgic view of the historical corner of town and the teal-domed Woodend Clock Tower. This tower was originally erected to commemorate those who served in World War I.

After breakfast, satisfy your retail cravings by wandering along High Street. Local retail stores offer beautiful products and quality wares. Karasmatic Kids is a charming toy store that will be a hit with both young and old, while the Woodend General is a must-visit if you’re looking for a keepsake or a gift for someone special.

To cap off your three-day adventure, why not learn a new skill or create a handmade item at one of the many creative, foodie or nature workshops in the region of makers? For example, you could attend a Foraging Workshop with Mountain Gin or a spoon whittling workshop with Rundell and Rundell. Or, you could try your hand at painting with Tia Alysse or join a craft workshop at the Old Auction House in Kyneton.

If workshops aren’t your thing, explore the neighbouring township of Kyneton, which is just 10 minutes down the Calder freeway. There, you can visit the historic Kyneton Botanic Gardens and Community Park. The Kyneton Botanic Garden dates back to 1858 and boasts large, magnificent specimen trees, with 17 listed by the National Trust of Australia. And the sprawling nature-based Community Park features a ropes course, water play, fence maze, and amazing oversized swings that will spark your imagination.

Whatever you choose, Woodend offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories for a three-day family adventure.

Vote for Woodend to WIN the 2023 TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards HERE!