Choose to explore the picturesque outdoors, follow the autumn treasure trail, get creative with art or simply relax with a fun movie night. Set against the stunning backdrop of golden autumn leaves, this festival is packed full of wonderful experiences, delicious food, and family fun. Here are our top picks for a fantastic day (or weekend) out with the kids.

The Treasure Trail – all month long

Get ready to solve the 2025 Treasure Trail, with eight secret pie recipe clues to discover within eight leafy picnic hotspots throughout the Macedon Ranges, featuring sky-high autumnal trees. Collect your Festival Map from the Woodend Visitor Information Centre and discover bountiful botanic gardens, glistening lakes, and adventurous playgrounds.

For more information: visitmacedonranges.com/events/treasuretrailcomp

Pie & Tart Trail – all month long

Explore Australia’s Biggest Pie & Tart Trail throughout April for a mouthwatering journey of all thing’s pastry, savoury, and sweet within the Macedon Ranges. The Festival Trail Map & Passport includes the complete 2025 menu of more than 50 Festival pastry-inspired treats. A short drive from Melbourne, take the opportunity to stay a few nights in the region, or consider multiple day trips to taste and enjoy everything across this year’s Trail.

For more information: visitmacedonranges.com/trail/pie-tart-trail

Camelot Open Garden – historic first opening, multiple dates, from 10am-4pm

Open to the public for the first time in its 139-year history! Camelot will open its gates to the public over three consecutive weekends, beginning on Friday, 11 April 2025, offering a rare chance to explore one of Victoria’s most magnificent private gardens. This hidden botanical treasure, boasts an extraordinary collection of over 500 rare and exotic plant species, seamlessly blending ancient Australian gum trees with a majestic grove of giant Sequoias. At the heart of Camelot lies a stunning 100-million-litre lake, designed by renowned landscape architect Paul Bangay. Steeped in history, Camelot’s timeless landscapes once inspired iconic Australian artists Frederick McCubbin and Arthur Streeton. Children under 12 enter for free (when accompanied by a paying adult).

For more information: visitmacedonranges.com/events/camelot-open-garden-historic-first-opening/

Creatures of the Night, Wednesday 16 April at 7pm

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. This annual autumn event is an important part of Council’s Biodiversity Monitoring Program and a unique opportunity to discover the creatures of the night in the Ranges.

For more information: visitmacedonranges.com/events/creatures-of-the-night

Kids Paint your Pet Class, Monday 14 April at 2pm

Get ready for an exciting 3-hour kids painting adventure filled with creativity and fun! Designed for ages 8-16, this guided class lets young artists bring their pet portraits to life using acrylic paints on a 40cm x 50cm canvas – and the best part? They get to take their masterpiece home. To boost confidence and make painting even more enjoyable, their canvas will be pre-sketched, ensuring a fantastic final piece.

For more information: visitmacedonranges.com/events/kids-paint-your-pet-class-2

Kids Easter Movie Night at Cleveland Estate, Saturday 19 April at 4pm

Experience the magic of Easter with a special screening of ‘Easter Academy’, complete with delicious candy popcorn and a surprise to take home. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to enjoy the school holidays, soaking up the crisp autumn air at Cleveland Estate in Lancefield. Suitable for kids aged 5 and up.

For more information: visitmacedonranges.com/events/free-kids-easter-movie-night-at-cleveland-estate

Malmsbury Village Fayre, Sunday 27 April, from 10am to 3pm

The Malmsbury Village Fayre is a vibrant community event filled with fun, food, and live music in the enchanting Malmsbury Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a fantastic day out with plenty of food and drink to choose from, local traders, and over 50 stalls showcasing regional arts, crafts, and produce. The main stage will host live music all day, while kids can enjoy face painting, storytelling, and performances. Bring a picnic rug, soak up the atmosphere, and explore all the Fayre has to offer. Entry is only $2 per person, and dogs on leads are welcome.  

For more information: visitmacedonranges.com/events/malmsbury-village-fayre-5-2/

Discover Citizen Science – Hanging Rock Reserve, Monday 14 April at 10am

Join a guided walk to explore the flora and fauna of the iconic Handing Rock. This walk surveys the less visited parts of Hanging Rock Reserve, through the biodiversity-rich Foothill Forests of the Rock’s lower slopes to the drier Plains Grassy Woodland on the northern slope. These areas are both rich in birdlife and flora species unique to the area. Children over the age of 8 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Tip: Parents, make sure you bring your smartphone, and learn how to contribute to Hanging Rock Reserve’s biodiversity data via the iNaturalist Australia app.

For more information: visitmacedonranges.com/events/discover-citizen-science-at-hanging-rock