Go to www.visitmacedonranges.com for a full range of itineraries.
This scenic 75-minute loop from Woodend to Malmsbury takes in five historic villages. A beautiful trip for garden lovers, green thumbs and folk who just love a journey through the countryside. There’s so much to see and do on this drive you’ll want to repeat it again and again.
This scenic 75-minute loop from Woodend to Malmsbury takes in five historic villages. A beautiful trip for garden lovers, green thumbs and folk who just love a journey through the countryside. There’s so much to see and do on this drive you’ll want to repeat it again and again.
This driving loop can begin from anywhere – download the google route map and begin your journey.
Enjoy a stroll along peaceful Five Mile Creek, before warming up with a coffee in one of the many village cafes. If you’re a fan of craft beers, make sure to visit the impressive Holgate Brewery Tap Room for a tasting.
There’s also many great boutiques, bookshops and antique stores to explore in Woodend. If you’re a green thumb, drop by Woodend Nursery for a plant or two…
From Woodend, embark on a beautiful drive along Ashbourne Road towards Trentham, a mini English garden town. This is a stunning stretch of road where you’ll discover many picture-perfect farms en-route.
Explore Trentham village’s quaint buildings and streets, including the old Cosmopolitan Hotel and Red Beard Bakery. There’s many a photo opportunity here in front of historic building facades.
From Trentham, head through farmland along Trentham Road towards Tylden. You might even want to take a detour to Trentham Falls along the way.
Tylden is home to the fantastic Spring Hill Garden Nursery & Cafe, so if you’re a green thumb, ensure your car boot is empty so you can fill it up with plants. Stop here for a coffee and delicious pastry as you wander their extensive selection of plants and stunning landscaped gardens.
Follow Trentham Road into Kyneton – a vibrant country town brimming with beautiful gardens, shops and cafes.
Go on a tranquil stroll along the Campaspe River Walk and Kyneton Botanic Garden. Kids will love the Kyneton Community Park adventure playground too.
Historic Piper Street is the heart of the retail and cafe precint, where you’ll find art galleries, clothing shops, boutique plant nurseries… even a gin distillery and bar.
If you want to enjoy a picnic, stop by one of the many providores in town for some treats. The Country Cob Bakery on Mollison Street has won Australia’s Best Pie for the last three years!
Kyneton’s old bluestone architecture and cottage gardens make this town extra special. Everywhere you walk you’ll feast your eyes on autumn colour and reminders of a bygone era.
Drag yourself away from Kyneton for the final treasure on this trip. Take a back route to Malmsbury that swings by the Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve, where you can use an old pump to taste the famed mineral spring water known for its rejuvenating health benefits.
It’s only a few minutes’ drive from here to the charming little village of Malmsbury.
The Malmsbury Botanic Gardens & Lake is an intimate and quiet place for reflective strolls under the willows. One of the particularly special parts about a wander through these stunning gardens is the view to the historic bluestone viaduct bridge – many a subject for keen photographers.
Drop by the Malmsbury Bakery for a pie or vanilla slice and enjoy a picnic in the gardens, meeting gaggles of friendly geese and ducks along the way.
Loop back to Woodend to complete your drive. If you’ve got time on your hands, extend your drive to one of the Macedon Ranges’ oldest vineyards just outside of Malmsbury and visit Zig Zag Wines friendly cellar door. Get cosy by their wood fire with a glass of wine. The views and countryside out this way are beautiful!
Note: This loop can also start from Kyneton or Malmsbury
