Explore The Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges have lots of places to visit & things to do.
We have taken a sampler of what’s on offer below.

You can also click the button to see what’s currently happening in and about the Macedon Ranges (external website)!

Hanging Rock

A rare volcanic formation 10 minutes outside the Woodend, The Rock is one of the best examples of a volcanic plug or mamelon in the world, it has been open to considerable weathering and erosion, resulting in a conglomeration of unusual rock formations.

The Rock is the backdrop to Joan Lindsay’s book Picnic at Hanging Rock and film. The Rock also hosts music concerts (local & international talents have included Leonard Cohen, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil all performing at this famous landmark.) The Rock is also a host to markets and the ever-popular horse races. (New Year’s Day and Australia Day Races.)

When you visit the Rock, you will get an insight as to the history of the Rock at the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre. There is lots to do Hanging Rock besides walking up the Rock. Couples, families & friends can gather in the large shady picnic grounds and play games on the lawns. Walks can be taken on the trails and paths that intertwine through the reserve past local flora and fauna.

Mount Macedon Memorial Cross

The Memorial Cross is considered the most significant War Memorial in Victoria after Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. Situated on the peak of Mt Macedon, this stately structure stands 21 meters high and honors all those who served in wars and conflicts. The grounds around the cross also accommodate picnic and BBQ areas or pop into the Top of the Range Tearooms. The Top of the Range is open for morning, and afternoon teas, lunches and great coffee! They also have the best views in the entire Macedon Ranges! A short walk along a sealed path with beautiful local flora, fauna and gardens from the tearooms takes visitors to the Memorial Cross and spectacular views south and back towards Melbourne can be enjoyed at several locations on a clear day. Port Phillip Bay can be seen on a clear day.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Memorial Cross – Every year commencing at 5.50am on 25 April at the Mt Macedon Memorial Cross, this ceremony is set against the magnificent backdrop, the Mt Macedon dawn service is one of the largest services in Victoria.

Gardens

The Macedon Ranges is best known for Hanging Rock, but we have our glorious gardens also. Garden lovers return to the Macedon Ranges and enjoy the public and private gardens. Behind the fences you will find remarkable mansions with some of the finest gardens in Victoria. Gardens are open during the year to the public, see link below to see what’s open now.

More To Explore!

Home to the Monolith Black Hill Reserve, five minutes north of Kyneton. You will find natural harmony and tranquility. Tracks are signed, meander through natural and revegetated bushland surrounded by wild flowers and local wildlife. See brilliant views and imposing rock materializations like The Monolith, one of the biggest granite features in Victoria.

Orienteering, rock climbing, picnicking are also on offer in this quiet corner of the Macedon Ranges.

While large sections of the reserve are still in a very fragile condition, visitors can witness the wonder of mother nature’s restoration and regeneration and enjoy orienteering, rock climbing and picnicking in a quiet corner of the Macedon Ranges. The area offers various walking tracks from a 1.7km walk to a 3.9km walk.

The Macedon Regional Park encompasses much of the surrounding mountain range, is also part of the Great Dividing Range, which includes Mount Macedon. The park has a diverse range of flora and fauna, with over 400 kinds of native plants and 200 kinds of birds.

Sanatorium Lake walking trail is 2.6km you will see the different vegetation zones of the stunning lake and forest surrounds.

Ardent bushwalkers can take on a 30km walking trail circuit linking Camels Hump – where there are incredible views of Hanging Rock and countryside.

Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region hold eighty-five per cent of Australia’s natural mineral springs.

To tap into this natural rejuvenation, you picnic under the rotunda at Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve and utilize the old pump (free of charge) to taste the mineral water.

The Macedon Ranges is famous for the quality handcrafted artistry found in its many unique quaint stores and eccentric galleries. Explore the many spaces, filled with limited imaginative pieces, collectables and must haves that you cannot walk away from. Wander down Piper Street in Kyneton and shop for bags, clothing, stylish hats, baskets, ceramic ware, glass, perfumes, homewares and lots, lots more. We have antiques, modern Persian and oriental rugs, handcrafted jewellery. Many of the shops can be found in the delightful old buildings.

The Macedon Ranges has nine villages which offer their own unique retail experience, so any of the villages you choose to visit you will meet our friendly locals and have some great shopping.

For an unforgettable experience, Woodend Golf Course is a must! Views to Hanging Rock and Mt Macedon on the front nine, and the sight of Woodend laid out amongst the leafy oaks below. Be amazed by the 11th hole, a true leap of faith, and use the rope pull to bring you back up the hill after navigating most of the back nine.

For a challenging mix of beautiful greens, bunkers and longer holes, and kangaroos outside the clubhouse, try Gisborne Golf Course.

For classic dry Australian bushland surrounds, make your way to the Kyneton Golf Course on Black Hill Road and its long fairways, mature trees and manicured greens.

Mount Macedon Golf Course is great for a quick nine on the way up to the mountain with its wide maintained fairways, great scenery and abundant wildlife. Romsey and Lancefield have public courses with sprawling, flatter fairways under big skies.