Go to www.visitmacedonranges.com for a full range of itineraries.
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 award-winning artisan gins.
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 award-winning artisan gins.
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 the Lions Head Road car park in the Macedon Regional Forest.
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 reflects the environment, birdlife and natural rhythms of the lake, which is on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land.
Afterwards, head to Days Picnic Grounds 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.
**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.
Back down the way you came is the home of Mountain Distilling and their Mountain Gin, which 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.
Sit back at their distillery door located at Mount Towrong Vineyard for a tasting. If you’re clever, book ahead for a table and enjoy some delicious Italian-inspired cuisine while you’re there.
Open weekends only.
From here it’s time to leave the mountain and head towards Hanging Rock. The beautiful Big Tree Distillery on Jack’s Springs Farm welcomes visitors to their indoor and outdoor tasting space.
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. If visiting during the Autumn Festival, ask about their Autumn Picnic Box and Gin Flight.
Open 11-4pm weekends, 10-3pm Monday. Make sure to call in advance to ensure they are not closed for a private function. You may also want to check out the Big Tree Gin Afternoon Tea Autumn Indulgence event series during the Autumn Festival 2022.
If you still have steam left in you, drive approximately 20 minutes to the historic village of Kyneton. 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.
Open daily from 12pm.
Don’t forget to tag your experience on Instagram with #MacedonRangesGinTrail and @visitmacedonranges
