Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival – Our Top Picks
There is no denying it, autumn is a truly spectacular time of year in Victoria’s Heartland. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival – a month‑long celebration across the nine historic and welcoming villages of the Macedon Ranges.
Throughout the whole month of April, you can dive into foodie feasts, weekend markets, garden wanderings, twilight adventures, art, workshops, free family events and more. With over 50 events to choose from, all just an hour or so from Melbourne, it’s the perfect time to create your own autumn escape.
Here are our top picks for this month-long celebration:
Autumn Festival Pie & Tart Trail (1-30 April)
Eat your way through Australia’s largest Pie & Tart Trail, which features more than 50 savoury and sweet pastry-inspired treats. Pick up a Festival Map and start exploring dreamy choices such as the ganache chocolate tart from Hesket Estate, or the vanilla strawberry custard tart at Dromkeen Gallery & Tearoom. For something more hearty, try the slow braised duck pie from Mount Macedon Winery or Hungarian goulash pot pie from Lost Watering Hole. Or for something a little cheeky, we can’t go past the Big Tree Blueberry Thrill Gin Lattice Pie at Big Tree Distillery.
Autumn Festival Tipple Trail (1-30 April)
Assign your designated drive and explore Autumn Festival Tipple Trail. Weave your way around the Macedon Ranges enjoying bespoke cocktails, liqueurs, craft beers, gins, cool climate wines, and more, at over 35 venues. Think warming autumn ales such as the warm spiced apple cider at the Kyneton Hotel, or the refreshing Balkan Shuffle at Botanik Bar on nearby Piper Street. Or we love the sound of the pumpkin whiskey smash at Mount Monument Winery in Romsey; the maple bourbon smash at Cleveland Estate in Lancefield; or the blackberry smash at 600 Above in Woodend.
Mount Macedon Autumn Garden Trail (public holidays and weekend during April)
Exploring the gardens of Mount Macedon has never been easier, thanks to the introduction of the Mount Macedon Autumn Garden Trail - which includes access to three stunning, heritage gardens – Duneira Estate, Forest Glade Gardens and Viewfield.
Allow plenty of time to wander past spectacular European trees, vibrant perennial beds, shady fern gullies and charming garden features. Available on public holidays and weekends in April, booking ahead is highly recommended.
Individual tickets can be purchased for each garden and provide use of the included complimentary shuttle bus which is run privately by the three gardens in collaboration.
visitmacedonranges.com/events/mount-macedon-autumn-open-gardens
The Edgy Veg Awards (1-30 April)
Discover the Edgy Veg Awards - a month‑long, plant‑powered food trail celebrating veggies at their best. Thirty‑one local cafés, pubs and restaurants have each created a signature plant‑based dish for you to taste, explore and vote on. It’s a fun, delicious way to try new venues and help crown 2026’s ‘Most Vegelicious Dish’. Treat your tastebuds to standouts like the edamame peanut crunch salad at Hanging Rock Café or the potato cauliflower rosti at Holgate Brewhouse. In Kyneton, Social Foundry’s cauliflower crunch is a must try, while Fook Shing’s kung pao cauliflower stir fry has us lining up at the door.
Paranormal Investigation & Dinner (19 April)
Step inside one of Woodend’s most haunted pubs, The Victoria Hotel, for a spine‑tingling paranormal night. You’ll feast on antipasto before hearing eerie tales from the publican, then join Kyneton Paranormal to test real ghost‑hunting gear as you explore the historic, spirit‑filled hotel. Is it Isabella that turns the bar lights on and off, manifests into a mist over an unused fireplace, and follows the staff around? It’s creepy and quirky… if you dare.
visitmacedonranges.com/events/paranormal-night-at-the-victoria-hotel-autumn-festival
Ranges Art Exhibition (2-27 April)
Step into the creative world of five artists who grew up in the Macedon Ranges and still draw inspiration from its landscapes. The Ranges Art Exhibition brings together painting, photography and musical composition in a vibrant showcase at The Old Auction House, open daily from 2–27 April. A colourful, thoughtful celebration of local talent.
Mushroom Foraging in Macedon (11, 18 and 26 April)
Join expert foragers for a hands‑on autumn mushroom adventure. Across a relaxed 2.5‑hour workshop, you’ll learn how to safely identify and collect edible pine mushrooms and slippery jacks, all while exploring beautiful local bushland. It’s an engaging, educational outing perfect for curious food lovers keen to expand their fungi know‑how.
visitmacedonranges.com/events/autumn-mushroom-foraging-in-macedon
Forest Bathing & Deep Rest (24 April)
Slow down and sink into pure autumn calm at the Forest Bathing: Deep Rest experience. This gentle, guided session invites you to wander, breathe and unwind among the region’s beautiful bushland. You’ll learn simple mindfulness practices inspired by Japanese shinrin‑yoku, all designed to help you reconnect with nature and leave feeling grounded and restored. Bliss.
visitmacedonranges.com/events/forest-bathing-deep-rest-autumn-festival
Hanging Rock Autumn Guided Tour (8 & 15 April)
Enjoy a free guided ranger walk to the summit of the iconic Hanging Rock. Usually $25, these special mid‑week tours, running on Wednesday 8 and 15 April let you explore the Rock’s mystery, take in incredible views and maybe even spot a koala. Tours run 60–90 minutes, with standard reserve entry fees still applying.
Malmsbury Village Fayre (26 April)
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Malmsbury Village Fayre with a big day of live music, local food, wine, craft stalls and family fun in the stunning Malmsbury Botanic Gardens. With more than 70 stalls, kids’ entertainment and a relaxed autumn atmosphere, it’s the perfect community day out. Entry is just $2.
visitmacedonranges.com/events/malmsbury-village-fayre-autumn
Harvest – closing night event (30 April)
New in 2026, Harvest will be a colourful and fun ending to the Autumn Festival. Taking place on historic Piper Street in Kyneton, and commencing at 5.30pm on Thursday 30 April, attendees can expect plenty of live music, autumn treats roasted over coals, roving performers, and the comfort of harvest food and drink in autumn.
Farmers’ Markets
Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned farmers’ market? Here you mingle with the locals and pick up farm fresh produce directly from the farmers themselves. There is one happening every weekend throughout April. Take your pick from the Woodend Farmers’ Market (Sat 4 April); the Gisborne Olde Time Market (Sun 5 April); Kyneton Farmers’ Market (Sat 11 April); Riddells Creek Farmers’ Market (Sat 18 April); Malmsbury Village Farmers’ & Artists’ Market (Sun 19 April); or the Lancefield Farmers’ Market (Sat 25 April).
And that’s not all!
There is plenty more to enjoy, including plenty of family friendly activities such as art classes, a colouring in competition, mask making, a French Brocante Marché and a huge community celebration at the Kyneton Botanic Gardens.
The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival encompasses the villages of Gisborne/New Gisborne, Lancefield, Romsey, Riddells Creek, Macedon, Mount Macedon, Woodend, Kyneton, Malmsbury, and the surrounding Macedon Ranges countryside.
Don’t forget to collect the Autumn Festival Map & Passport, your quick guide to eating and drinking across the Macedon Ranges. View the full Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival program at visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival