Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Autumn truly is one of the best times to visit the Macedon Ranges, as the region puts on its annual display of stunning autumn colours. The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival celebrates this, plus much more from Friday 5 to Sunday 28 April, across nine colourful, historic villages.

Whether it’s food, tipple trails, markets, music, autumn picnic locations, places to stay or the Treasure Trail that piques your interest, there are plenty of reasons to unearth autumn in the Macedon Ranges.

Here’s a little taste of what’s happening:

FOR THE TREASURE HUNTERS

Autumn Festival Treasure Trail (new for 2024)
Follow the new Autumn Festival Treasure Trail to discover eight stunning locations across the Macedon Ranges where you can picnic under the autumn leaves. Pick up your map from the Festival Hub at the Woodend Visitor Centre and visit all eight Treasure Trail locations, discovering clues along the way to solve the puzzle.

FOR THE MUSIC LOVERS

Live and Local in Country Halls (new for 2024)
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during April, over twenty artists will perform at community halls throughout the Macedon Ranges. Enjoy a cheeky tipple, great tunes and local food whilst appreciating uniquely vintage performance spaces. Headliners include Tim Rogers; The Vintage Blues Machine; The Martini Set; Jarrod Shaw; and Shout Out to the Girls.

FOR THE FOODIES

Autumn Pie and Tart Trail
Could this be Australia’s largest Pie Trail? Over 40 delicious pies and tarts feature on the mouth-watering Autumn Pie and Tart Trail. From classic country bakeries to cellar doors, choose from options such as a beef brisket pie, pear tarte tan, chocolate pecan tart, mushroom stroganoff and more.

Edgy Veg Trail
Celebrate local food innovation, mouth-watering regional flavours and meals that give back to the planet on the Edgy Veg Trail. Edgy cafes and restaurants in the Macedon Ranges are pulling out all stops to create innovative plant-based dishes to wow your taste-buds during the Autumn Festival.

Farmers Markets
Drop into a farmers’ market and be rewarded with tasty regional specialities. Gather up goodies for a picnic, then hit a scenic spot on the Autumn Treasure Trail. Options include, Woodend Farmers’ Market (6 April); Kyneton Farmers’ Market (13 April); Riddells Creek Farmers’ Market (20 April); Malmsbury Farmers’ Market (21 April) and Lancefield & District Farmers’ Market (27 April).

FOR A TIPPLE OR TWO

Wander Woodend Trail
Wander around Woodend, discovering an exciting collection of new venues as you do. Enjoy local drops at Woodend Cellar & Bar and 600 Above, or try award- winning gin at the Gindu Distillery door. Finish off with a refreshing beer at the Victoria Hotel or try a tasting paddle at Holgate Brewhouse.

Kyneton Quaff Trail
Spend a day exploring the food and drink delights of Kyneton. Sip on local drops, tuck into delicious food and admire the historic streetscape along the way. This trail visits Miss M’s Lounge, Botanik, Piper Street Wine Company, Musk Lane Wine, Kyneton Hotel and The Albion Hotel.

Lancefield Triple Tipple Tour
The Lancefield Triple Tipple Tour takes in three of Lancefield’s finest venues – the Lancefield Lodge, Lancefield Hotel and the Lost Watering Hole. From handcrafted cocktails to signature beers, this tour offers a variety of delicious drinks for you to savour.

FOR THE CREATIVES

Country Canvases Painting Workshops (6, 7, 14 & 27 April)
Join local artist Tia Alyse for a 4-hour guided painting class and unleash in beautiful Malmsbury. All skill levels are welcome as you work on a canvas that has been pre-sketched by Tia. Each class will focus on a different creature, options include a robin, mini bee, fox and squirrel.

FOR THE FAMILIES

Creatures of the Night (11, 18 & 24 April)
Join the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Environment team for an exciting night walk and learn about the nocturnal creatures living in the Macedon Ranges. Animals that may be observed include common ringtail and brushtail possum, koala and even the very rare brush-tailed phascogale.

Malmsbury Village Fayre (Sunday 28 April)
Held in the Botanical Gardens of the historical town of Malmsbury, the 23rd Malmsbury Village Fayre promises a fun day out for all. Enjoy a lively music program and plenty of fun for the kids, along with over 50 stalls featuring regionally produced arts, crafts and products.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS

Run the Rock (Saturday 20 April)
Take in the stunning natural scenery of Hanging Rock as you challenge yourself to a 22km, 13.5km, 5km (or 2km kids) run. A fun day out for the whole family at one of Victoria’s most iconic natural attractions.

View the full list of events taking place at visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival