Visit Macedon Ranges is managed by Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Council elections take place in Oct 2024. From midday 17/9/24 to 6pm 26/11/24, Macedon Ranges Shire Council will enter into Caretaker Period. During this time Council business is conducted in accordance with our Election Period (Caretaker) Policy.

More from Sanatorium Lake

About Sanatorium Lake

Historically, Sanatorium Lake was purpose built to provide a water source to a hospital specialising in the treatment of tuberculosis, which was never built. Now the lake is a beautiful setting for a number of self-guided walking and horse-riding trails. Swimming is not permitted in the lake. A 250 metre walk from the car park along the Eco-Tourism Walking Trail takes visitors to an information shelter and the adjacent lake. Other picnic areas and walking trails are located near the lake.

Sanatorium Lake is a great place for families, with many natural features and an easy walk with abundant wildlife and natural bush land.  There is signage along the walk as well as a display board at the lake which provides information on the forest environment. The best time of year to explore this area is in Spring and Summer.

The walk is about 2.5km and passes through several vegetation types, including tall eucalypt forests and a wet fern gully. Access and parking is available at Days Picnic Ground, Lions Head Road carpark and Sanatorium Picnic Ground.

The trail links with the 29 kilometre Macedon Ranges Walking Trail, which incorporates most of Mount Macedon’s other scenic highlights, including Camels Hump, Memorial Cross and lookouts with outstanding views to Port Phillip Bay, the You Yangs and the Dandenong Ranges.

The Murmuring Walk at Sanatorium Lake

If visiting Sanatorium Lake we highly recommend downloading the Murmuring Walk.

Murmuring Walk is an audio-guided walk reflecting the environment, birdlife and natural rhythms of Sanatorium lake, Mount Macedon, which is on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land. Participants are invited to wear headphones connected to their personal device and enter a contemplative space as they are led by a sublime multilayered vocal and poetic soundtrack.

The birds, grasses, ferns, trees and all the abundant life join with the audio track to become one sublime experience. A truly blissful way to experience the nature of Mount Macedon.

The audio guided walk is free and can be done at any time.

The audio files covers two sections of Sanatorium Lake: The lake walk and the extended loop walk . We recommend allowing approximately one hour for the whole experience, though you are welcome to pause and take your time along the way.

 

 

Opening Hours

7 days

Features

  • Picnic Facilities
  • Public Toilets

How to get here

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