Day 1 - Mount Macedon and Woodend
There are two main ways to get to Trentham from Melbourne. Today, drive along the quickest route, the Calder Freeway. Don’t worry; you’ll be able to make the most of your trip and slowly wind your way home, surrounded by the dense Blackwood Forest.
Take the exit after Gisborne, toward Mount Macedon. This is the large, heavily treed mountain to your right. It has a small population and is best known for its Honour Avenue and collection of 19th century gardens with extravagant homes. Pass by, or visit gardens such as Forest Glade and Stephen Ryan’s Dicksonia Rare Plants Nursery. You can also take a slight detour to Mount Towrong Vineyard, who have some interesting Italian varietals and offer a hearty, homestyle Italian cooking intentionally created to pair perfectly with their wine.
Continue to the top of the mount and take the short stroll to historic Memorial Cross. The views from Major Mitchell lookout are breathtaking and you can see for miles on a clear day. Facing out to your west, you will see Woodend village, a great spot to stop for a bite to eat. Woodend, with its mix of cafés, stores and pubs, warrants its own three day stay. Take some time to stroll along High Street. You’re likely to pass the Woodend General which is a great store to collect a memento. Sample some craft beer at Holgate Brewhouse and grab one of the best burgers in country Victoria at Super Lekker.
It’s now time to head toward Trentham, less than 20 minutes away, to check in at Acre of Roses luxury accommodation. Acre of Roses is a micro flower farm and the perfect base to either retreat entirely or from which to explore further. Wander through the heady rose bushes, chill in their hanging chairs or even take a soak in their heated cedar hot tub.