Macedon & Mt Macedon

Within Mount Macedon and its neighbouring town, Macedon, discover an outstanding combination of natural beauty, heritage gardens and gourmet food and wine. Originally a summer retreat for Melbourne’s elite during the 19th century, the area continues to draw people from near and far. It’s a small town – well, two small towns, really – with a village feel.

Sitting in the shadow of the eponymous mountain, Mount Macedon offers a mix of manicured gardens and native bushland, making it popular with everyone from hikers to garden lovers.

This is one of Victoria’s prettiest year-round destinations. Autumn brings a blaze of colour. Dustings of snow can fall during winter. Spring sees blooms of wisteria, daffodils and magnolias in parks and gardens. And when the temperature rises during summer, the mountain provides a cool change.

Stay at a unique holiday home, such as Norsu Cabin or The Cottage at Bolobek, or at one of the B&B options at Braeside Mount Macedon. Got a large group? Lawson Lodge sleeps up to 20 guests.

Head to the summit of the mountain to visit the 21-metre-high Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, which commemorates those who served in wars and conflicts. It’s only a short walk from the car park to the structure, and there are epic views from several points on the trail.

There are plenty of other options, too, if you want to take in the views and fresh air. In fact, Macedon Regional Park has 30 kilometres of trails, with a walk to suit every level of fitness. It is home to Camel’s Hump, popular with rock climbers, and Sanatorium Lake – download the Murmuring Walk, an immersive audio-guided walk reflecting the environment, birdlife and natural rhythms of the area.

Take time to enjoy Forest Glade Gardens, an incredible private landscape. It’s beautiful at all times of year, but anyone who loves autumnal colours should visit then, when all the maples are turning. On the first and third Sundays of the month, the 150-year-old homestead Duneira Estate and its magnificent gardens are open to the public. Book a house and garden tour to discover more of its history.

Stop at Mount Macedon Trading Post between hikes and garden visits to fuel up on breakfast dishes, sandwiches, house-made pies and sweets baked each day. There’s also the atmospheric Mount Macedon Hotel, with a sturdy selection of classic pub meals. Slow down and enjoy the views at Mount Towrong Vineyard, where, on the weekend, the cellar door serves up an enoteca-style lunch alongside its crisp, cool-climate wines, including many Italian varietals.

Right across from the Macedon Railway Station is the Macedon Village Hotel, with a bistro that overlooks Mount Macedon, a sprawling deck and a welcoming beer garden. Not far away is contemporary Mr Macedon, with its seasonally changing breakfast and lunch menus.

The best Mount Macedon events

During April, the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival highlights the best of the region, with food and wine trails, open gardens, workshops, exhibitions and farmers’ markets. Four times a year, on the fifth Saturday of the month, Macedon Village Farmers’ Market offers a fantastic range of fresh local produce, including fruits and vegetables, baked goods, eggs, honey, olives and preserves, as well as arts and crafts and food trucks. In October, when spring arrives, the Duneira Estate Bluebell Festival reveals a carpet of the glorious blooms. There are garden tours, food and wine stalls, live music and art exhibitions.

How to get to Mount Macedon

Macedon is serviced by V/Line trains from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. To explore further to Mount Macedon, which is six kilometres away, and beyond, having a car is almost non-negotiable. It’s a 50-minute drive from Melbourne to Mount Macedon.