Go to www.visitmacedonranges.com for a full range of itineraries.
Explore a famous Open Garden in Mount Macedon and a rare plant nursery, followed by local wine tastings and gourmet lunch at a vineyard or pub.
Explore a famous Open Garden in Mount Macedon and a rare plant nursery, followed by local wine tastings and gourmet lunch at a vineyard or pub.
Kick start the morning with a Devonshire tea or coffee in the tiny village of Mount Macedon.
Only an hours’ drive from Melbourne, this picturesque mountain village was originally the summer retreat for Melbourne elite in the post-gold rush period of the mid to late 19th century.
As you wind your way up the mountain, the pine-scented air becomes cool and crisp, and you’ll start to see beautiful flowers, forestscapes and bushland.
Autumn and spring are particularly popular months for visiting Open Gardens. However, the mountain is beautiful at any time of the year. In summer, the gardens offer a cool respite from the city heat. And in winter you’ll discover a misty floral wonderland ideal for a stroll in your woolies and gumboots.
Note: From 27 March to 26 April, Macedon and Mount Macedon receive a high visitation over weekends and public holidays. Find out more about getting around the area during this time including parking restrictions, road closures and free shuttle services. Many cafes and restaurants will require advance bookings.
After a homemade scone and cuppa, it’s time to inhale fresh mountain air and explore Forest Glade Gardens, a stunning heritage garden open to the public.
Amble along, taking time to drink in the flora and fauna. Bring a rug or picnic chairs and laze under a tree with a good book. Or indulge in a passion for nature photography, painting or drawing.
If you visit in November, there’s a stunning Laburnum Archway that breaks out in stunning yellow blooms. And the sculptures throughout the gardens are just as special as the flora.
No matter the season, these historic gardens will make your heart sing and put a joyful skip into your step.
If you’re feeling inspired by the beauty of Forest Glade and Tieve Tara, drop by nearby Dicksonia Rare Plants garden nursery in Mount Macedon village for an exotic plant or two.
Opening times
Please note there is no parking allowed on weekends and public holidays outside Forest Glade Gardens from 27 March to 26 April. Find out more about the Forest Glade shuttle service.
A short drive from Forest Glade Gardens and Mount Macedon village is Mount Towrong Vineyard. Here you can enjoy wine, delicious food and a warm welcome at their rustic cellar door.
Mount Macedon Winery is a great choice for wine tasting and a gourmet lunch showcasing locally sourced produce. Their restaurant has a wood-fuel fireplace perfect for cooler months and a deck with beautiful views to enjoy on warmer days. They also offer delicious picnic hampers from their cellar door to enjoy on the grounds of the winery.
If these wineries are not open or are booked out, you can always head back down the mountain to Woodend for lunch, wine and craft beer tastings.
For a Mediterranean-inspired menu, an extensive wine selection and stunning views to Mt Macedon, check out The Wine Collective Regional Cellar Door and Restaurant.
For a more casual experience, The Victoria Hotel is a favourite for locals. It offers a large selection of local wine, beer and cider, along with a classic pub menu and crackling fire.
If you love a good craft beer, make sure to visit Woodend’s Holgate Brewhouse. Their state-of-the-art brewery has 16 taps of core and special release beers, tasting paddles, charcuterie and platters for you to enjoy.
Complete the gourmet experience with a final wine tasting at Hanging Rock Winery in nearby Newham, with views to Hanging Rock.
Opening times (please note all venues currently require advance bookings):
