The Macedon Ranges comes into its own in the summer, and now is the perfect time for families to adventure locally. The region’s brilliant eateries, playgrounds and natural landmarks provide exceptional experiences to eat, play and explore.
Eat
Dining out with your children does not mean you need to skimp on quality. There are many amazing wineries, restaurants and cafes, where the adults can enjoy an exquisite tipple or meal, and the kids are catered for too. 3 Little Pigs in the heart of Gisborne has a healthy and wide range of delicious food for the whole family, as well as excellent coffee. Mount Towrong Winery in Macedon boasts plenty of space for the kids to play and celebrates local wines for the adults to try. If you head further north, Major Tom’s in Kyneton is a family friendly burger joint with an eclectic vibe, stellar beer and cider menu, and a beer garden under St Paul’s Park’s trees. Just out of Woodend, Hanging Rock Cafe offers everything for families in the one place: outstanding food, a stunning natural landmark and extensive grounds with play equipment.
Play
The Ranges has a variety of exceptional playgrounds that will impress the young and young at heart. Romsey Ecotherapy Park is a sensory playground made from natural materials with an extensive ropes course. It will delight children of all ages. Kyneton Community Park backs onto the beautiful Kyneton Botanic Gardens and is an experience in itself. With a water play area in the summer months, a table tennis table and bright tractors, the park is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. Taradale Mineral Springs Playground and Woodend Children’s Park are both nestled beside a creek and have a wide range of equipment. Both also have an expanse of shady, grassy spots to picnic.
Explore
The Ranges boasts many beautiful walking tracks, the majority of which are family friendly. Head to Conglomerate Gully Walking Track in Riddells Creek for an adventure through sheltered scrub. Stanley Park Waterfall in Macedon is a lovely, quick walk for littlies with a playground nearby, and the Black Hill Reserve Circuit and Ridge Tracks in Kyneton offer breathtaking views and more of a challenge for older children. For families who love to ride or try their hand at yabbying, Firth Park in the Wombat State Forest is ideal to disconnect from your busy lives and soak up the serenity of a quiet spot.
These just scrape the surface of activities to enjoy this summer in the Macedon Ranges. Plan a day to eat, play and explore, and support exceptional local businesses in your travels.
Main image: Kyneton Community Park
![Taradale-Mineral-Springs-Reserve 8 Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve uai](https://daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Taradale-Mineral-Springs-Reserve-uai-258x171.jpg)
About the author
![Kat Buttigieg, Macedon Ranges Mumma 1 Kat Buttigieg](https://daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Kat-Buttigieg-150x150.jpg)
Kat Buttigieg, Macedon Ranges Mumma
Kat Buttigieg is a writer and mum of three from Gisborne who loves exploring the Macedon Ranges and championing local businesses. She runs regular meetups to connect families in the region, and writes blogs about affordable family fun in the Ranges. Kat was awarded the 2020 bronze AusMumpreneur award for Making a Difference (Community). In her spare time, Kat enjoys a good book, making music and writing fiction.
- Kat Buttigieg, Macedon Ranges Mummahttps://daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/author/kat-buttigieg-macedon-ranges-mumma/February 20, 2019
- Kat Buttigieg, Macedon Ranges Mummahttps://daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/author/kat-buttigieg-macedon-ranges-mumma/May 20, 2019
- Kat Buttigieg, Macedon Ranges Mummahttps://daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/author/kat-buttigieg-macedon-ranges-mumma/June 3, 2021
Share this article
While You're Here
Catch a Train and See Where it Takes You
It is such a thrill travelling by train to an undiscovered place and the journey is half the fun.…
Preserving the General Store Charm
There is something quintessentially Australian about the local General Store. Found in small towns…
Autumn – Our Best Kept Secret
A very long time ago, in my early 20’s, I was sitting in a café in picturesque Daylesford.
Eerie ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ Book Facts
Picnic at Hanging Rock has been widely interpreted by many literary experts. Some explanations…
The Scent of Summer
To date, no master parfumier has been able to perfectly capture the summer fragrance of floral…
Hot Chocolate
That Willy Wonka bloke has nothing on the chocolate makers, confectioners and hot chocolate…