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.

After your Murmuring Walk experience, it’s time to get a taste of the region’s award-winning gins.

There are three gin distilleries in the Macedon Ranges, so you can choose one or nominate a designated driver and visit all three.

If heading back in the direction of Melbourne, you may want to end the day with a trip to Mountain Distilling’s Tasting Room in New Gisborne.

Their award-winning artisanal gin will transport you right back to the pine forest you’ve just driven through. They also produce other craft spirits including vodka and single malt whiskey.

Open weekends only from 10-5pm. Keep an eye out on our What’s On page for spring gin botanical foraging tours on Mt Macedon.

If you’d like to squeeze in a couple of gin distilleries before heading back towards Melbourne, then a visit to Big Tree Distillery or Animus 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. 

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 Animus Distillery.

If the weather is warm, sit outside in their dog-friendly bar area. Or cosy up inside on their comfy couches with their amazing grazing plates.

Situated in the heart of Piper Street, you might even be able to squeeze in some boutiques and galleries, or dinner in one of its many fantastic restaurants or pubs.

Closed Monday – Tuesday. Open 12-8pm Wednesday & Sunday, 12-9pm Thursday, 12pm-11pm Friday & Saturday. We recommend checking opening times in advance as they can change with the season.

Don’t forget to tag your experience on Instagram with #MacedonRangesGinTrail and @visitmacedonranges