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Mount Macedon

The green heart of the Macedon Ranges

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Visit Mount Macedon

Bronze winner of the Top Tiny Tourism Town 2022 awarded by the Australian Travel Industry Council.

The forested slopes of Mount Macedon can be seen from virtually every corner of the region, even Melbourne. Mount Macedon village sits approximately 615 metres above sea level, while further up on the summit you will reach 1001 metres elevation.

What to do in Mount Macedon

The mountain is a wonderland of heritage gardens and wild bushscapes of eucalyptus, pine and tall Mountain Ash. Inviting cellar doors and soul-soothing views. Magnificent mansions and native wildlife.

It’s a paradise for those who love nature, stunning gardens and outdoor activities.

Mount Macedon’s beauty is constantly changing with the seasons. Autumn is particularly popular as the oak trees on Macedon’s Honour Avenue become ablaze with colour.

In spring the mountain is awash with wisteria and rhododendron, daffodils and magnolia blooms. It’s a haven from the heat of summer and a cosy destination for winter retreats. Time your visit right and it may even snow…

Beautiful ivy covered church in Mount Macedon during autumn

Macedon Regional Park

With 30 kilometres of connecting trails throughout Macedon Regional Park, it’s no wonder visitors drive the short distance from Melbourne to enjoy a bush walk and barbecue picnic.

If it’s your lucky day you may encounter native wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats and echidnas. Or an abundance of birds including rosellas, galahs, majestic eagles and tiny blue wrens.

In winter the park transforms into a mushroom fairyland, with nature lovers exploring trails to discover an abundance of wild funghi over the cool autumn and winter months.

Hiking and trail running

There are many routes you can take in Macedon Regional Park. If you’re looking for a challenge, hike the short but sharp uphill walk on Camels Hump for mind-blowing views from 1011 metres above sea level.

Hoods Track, from Douglas Road to Memorial Cross, is popular for an endurance training trek.

For something a little less strenuous and family-friendly, take the Sanatorium Lake Eco-Loop or zen out on an audio-guided Murmuring Walk experience.

If you’d like to give trail running a crack, join in a regular mountain trail run with the Macedon Ranges Trail Runners Group that welcomes casual runners.

Bush Walking at Macedon Regional Park Mount Macedon

Cellar door adventures

Macedon Ranges is known for magnificent cool climate wines and is rapidly becoming a destination for locally distilled, international award-winning gin.

While on the mountain over a weekend, drop into Mount Towrong Vineyard‘s cellar door. You can even try the international award-winning locally distilled Mountain Gin while there.

Mount Macedon Winery is also popular for wine tasting and absolutely spectacular views. Open Thursday to Sunday, but best to call first to ensure they aren’t closed for a private function.

Mount Towrong Winery

Road cycling on Mount Macedon

Challenge yourself with an uphill road cycling route along Mount Macedon Road. Experienced road cyclists will love rides such as our ‘Mountain Climb Challenge’ or ‘Straws Lane Thriller’.

See our Macedon Ranges Ride Guide for ideas.

Mount Macedon Golf Club

For golf fans, hit the Mount Macedon Golf Club for a round on their 9 and 18-hole course.

Picnics on Mount Macedon

Enjoy a wood-fuelled BBQ at Days Picnic Ground or Sanatorium Lake Picnic Ground (you’ll need to bring your own wood). Make sure to check fire restrictions first, particularly in summer. Centennial Park is also popular for large family (gas) barbecues.

Memorial Cross Reserve

On the summit of Mount Macedon is Memorial Cross, a 21 metre high cross to commemorate Australia’s war fallen and one of the most significant war memorials in Victoria.

There are also short walks throughout the reserve and expansive views from Major Mitchells Lookout.

Arts, culture and shopping

Pick up something unique from the Dicksonia Rare Plants Nursery. Or add to your art collection with a visit to the Mount Macedon Gallery.

If art and antiques are your passion, get a small group together and book a private tour of The Stokes Collection at Forest Glade Gardens, the largest private art collection in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tours around Mount Macedon

Mount Macedon is home to one of only two of the largest collections of privately owned gardens of significance in the whole of Australia

Mount Macedon Tours offers small group and privately-guided experiences of these historic hill-station gardens.

Your guides will share their knowledge and experience in Mount Macedon history, horticulture and garden design. Tour options also include experiences at local wineries and cafes.

Where to eat in Mount Macedon

The Mount Macedon Trading Post is a charming café in the heart of Mount Macedon village. It’s also a great place to design your own picnic, with a selection of homemade pies, quiches, biscuits and locally-sourced cheese.

If a pub meal is more your scene, visit the Mount Macedon Hotel. Relax in the beer garden during summer and sip on a locally brewed beer, or cosy up in front of the fire in winter with a mulled wine or cider.

On the summit of Mount Macedon is Top of the Range Tea Rooms, serving delicious meals and scones with an amazing view.

Mount Towrong Vineyard is also popular on weekends for their rustic Italian-style meals and treats served at their cellar door.

While Mount Macedon Winery‘s cellar door and restaurant offer a delicious menu featuring local produce, as well as picnic boxes you can enjoy on their scenic paddocks.

Places to stay in Mount Macedon

You’ll find an abundance of sweet cottages, B&B’s and self-contained guesthouses to hibernate on the mountain.

Use our Where to Stay guide for ideas.

Attractions near Mount Macedon

The iconic Hanging Rock is only 15 minutes’ drive from Mount Macedon. It’s a similar distance to the village of Woodend, where you can enjoy live music and craft beers at Holgate Brewhouse or The Victoria Hotel. Alternatively, the historic town of Kyneton and its wonderful retail shopping and restaurant precinct is less than 25 minutes away.

You might want to try our scenic forest driving itinerary loop which you can begin at any point in the route.

Download our Mount Macedon podcast

Planning a visit? Download the Storytowns app to listen to a short Mount Macedon podcast featuring local yarns about the mountain’s history and natural environment.

storytowns mount macedon podcast