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See & Do

Explore the Macedon Ranges

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What to do in the Macedon Ranges

You can easily fill a day or a week-long stay in the Macedon Ranges. In under an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, you will be surrounded by nature, taste great food, and experience historic charm, friendly folk and a creative buzz.

See our directory below for a guide to things to experience in the Macedon Ranges.

Key attractions

Nature-based experiences are top of the list for many visitors to the Macedon Ranges. Hanging Rock Reserve is one of our key attractions, however many visitors also flock to Macedon Regional Park for bushwalking and wildlife spotting.

Avid foodies love our fabulous cafes, restaurants, bars and friendly cellar doors. While folk come in droves to experience our wonderful country farmers markets on each weekend.

Whether you’re after beautiful gardens, art and shopping or the great outdoors, mouthwatering produce and delicious wine – you’re bound to find your happy space in the Macedon Ranges.

Find out more about key attractions

Hanging Rock taken just before sunset. The sky is a light blue and the sun is turning the rock and paddock in the foreground a shade of gold. All around the base of the rock is bushland.

Hanging Rock Reserve

Outdoors and nature

Immerse yourself in nature and breathe fresh crisp air. Go for a bushwalk or family picnic. Challenge yourself to a backcountry gravel ride. Take a tranquil stroll in our botanic gardens or go horse riding. The Macedon Ranges is a paradise for anyone who loves the great outdoors, cycling, hiking, freshwater fishing and more.

Sanatorium Lake in Macedon Regional Park

Markets and farm gates

The Macedon Ranges is well-known for its wonderful accredited farmers markets on each weekend in a different village. There are also a number of artisan markets to discover, including the well-known Gisborne Old Time Market and Hanging Rock Craft Market.

In addition to wine cellar doors and gin distilleries, visitors can pick up fresh produce from farm gates selling everything from eggs and honey, to cherries and fresh flowers.

Find out more about markets

Find out more about farm gates

Kyneton Farmers Market

Gardens and nurseries

Garden lovers are absolutely spoilt for choice in the Macedon Ranges. From open garden to an abundance of boutique garden nurseries, botanic gardens to the Annual Garden Lovers Fair in Macedon – your green thumbs will be tingling with joy!

Find out more about Open Gardens

Family picnic at an open garden on Mount Macedon

Forest Glade Garden

Lookouts, barbecues and picnic spots

Pack your picnic basket or stock up on treats from a local providore and enjoy a day with family and friends. The Macedon Ranges is perfect for a laid-back barbie in a forest setting or picnic under historic oak trees. Hanging Rock and Macedon Regional Park are some of the top spots for picnics, however the region also boasts a number of picturesque botanic gardens and children’s parks.

Family-friendly things to do

Get your kids outdoors in the Macedon Ranges. Visit our beautiful parks and playgrounds, go hiking at Hanging Rock and dine in family-friendly cafes and pubs. Cycle the Federation Trail between Romsey and Lancefield or go fishing and kayaking at Lauriston Reservoir. In less than an hour from Melbourne’s CBD your kids will be roaming wild and free surrounded by nature!

Kyneton Botanic Gardens in spring

Arts, history and culture

An abundance of boutique independent art galleries. Villages oozing historic architecture and charm. Bluestone viaduct railway bridges. Music festivals, amateur theatre and box office events at Kyneton Town Hall.

The Macedon Ranges has a thriving art and cultural scene to enjoy on a day trip or long stay visit. Pay a visit to the Kyneton Museum to learn about the region’s fascinating past. Enjoy a concert at Hanging Rock with world-class acts such as Elton John. Book a comedy show or purchase original art.

Local tours

Explore the Macedon Ranges with a local guide. The region offers a number of different special interest tours, including wine tasting, ghost hunting and alpaca-led hikes to Hanging Rock Reserve. Take your pick for whatever tickles your fancy.

Find out more about Macedon Ranges tours

Hanging Rock Llama Tours

Shop and pamper

It doesn’t all have to be about outdoor activities and nature. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy retail therapy and a spot of pampering in the Macedon Ranges. Kyneton’s Piper Street Precinct and Woodend’s High Street are the two village highlights when it comes to a day of shopping.

Find out more about Kyneton’s Piper Street Precinct

Piper Street Kyneton

Workshops and retreats

Plan a day trip or long stay around our diverse year-round workshops and retreats. Tap into your inner creative with artistic pursuits or treat yourself to a cooking class. Experience healing with horses or indulge in a zen wellness retreat with like-minded folk.

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The Old Auction House Multi-use Arts Space in Kyneton

Old Auction House Kyneton Arts Precinct

Key events

The Macedon Ranges hosts a number of brilliant events and festivals not to be missed. Keep an eye out for the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, concerts at Hanging Rock, Macedon Ranges Budburst Food & Wine Festival, Woodend Winter Arts Festival and the Garden Lovers Fair. Just to name a few!

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