Follow the Autumn Playgrounds & Nature Trail
Discover eight leafy autumn locations that are great for kids and families, a short drive from Melbourne. Perfect for playgrounds and outdoor adventures during the annual Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.
Forest Bathing & Gin Tasting
Explore the Murmuring Walk sensory audio experience around Sanatorium Lake on Mt Macedon. Then relax with a tipple or two at local gin distilleries and try the region’s artisan gins.
Murmuring Walk | Sanatorium Lake
Rise early and head to the mountains.
Pass through the tiny village of Mount Macedon, where you may want to stop for a cup of coffee or stock up on gourmet picnic supplies.
Continue winding your way up the mountain until you reach the turn off to Lions Head Road car park in Macedon Regional Park.
At the entrance to the walking trail, put on your headphones and be led by a sublime multi-layered vocal and poetic soundtrack*.
This blissful experience on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land reflects the environment, birdlife and natural rhythms of the lake.
Afterward, head to Days Picnic Ground for a picnic or wood-fuel barbecue** lunch. In the cooler months, make sure to bring some marshmallows to toast on the fire!
*The audio-guided walk is free and can be done at any time. Find out how to pre-download the Murmuring Walk track (internet reception is limited on the mountain).
**Wood-fires prohibited during fire ban season. BYO firewood.
Murmuring Walk Info Here
Lunch Here
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Gin Tasting Here
Gin Tasting on a Farm | Big Tree Distillery
Take a scenic drive in the countryside.
If you’d like to squeeze in a couple of gin distilleries before heading back towards Melbourne, then a visit to Big Tree Distillery is highly recommended.
After leaving Mt Macedon, head in the direction of Hanging Rock. The beautiful Big Tree Distillery is located on Jack’s Springs Farm and welcomes visitors to their indoor and outdoor tasting space (please note that during winter their distillery door is closed and reopens for spring).
Big Tree tasting flights are your chance to get well acquainted with their range of small-batch gins. Mix and match with your preferred style and amount of tonic… or decide to enjoy the subtle flavours and aromatics au natural. Add a cheese plate for good measure.
Open 11-4pm weekends, 10-3pm Monday. Closed in winter. Make sure to call in advance to ensure they are not closed for a private function.
Gin Tasting Here
Gin Tasting in a Historic Village | Kyneton
Treat yourself within this iconic historic mill
If you still have steam left in you, we highly recommended visiting the historic village of Kyneton (approximately 25 minute drive from Sanatorium Lake). Here you’ll be treated to a sublime tasting and cocktail lounge experience at Campaspe Mill Distillery.
If the weather is warm, sit outside, or cosy up inside, and explore the onsite museum and art gallery.
Closed Tuesday/Wednesday. Open 12-5pm Thursday to Monday.
Don’t forget to tag your experience on Instagram with #MacedonRangesGinTrail and @visitmacedonranges
Gin Tasting Here
