Gaze Into Nature: a 4-Day Outdoor Adventure

A great place to kick off your nature-lovers escape is at Macedon Regional Park, ideal for everyone from families to keen hikers. There are walking trails for every fitness level, with 30km of trails, including the popular Camel’s Hump Trail, which at its highest point, soars over 1km above sea level and offers unforgettable views.

A short drive away is a hidden gem, Sanatorium Lake. This beautiful, mountain top lake is stunning year round and an easy stroll for all ages and abilities. Take the time to follow the Murmuring Walk. This free audio guided walk reflects captures the environment, birdlife and natural rhythms of the lake. Download the audio guide here, then enter a contemplative space with a sublime multi-layered vocal and poetic soundtrack. The audio-guided walk is free and can be done at any time.

This world-famous site is a true icon, in its stature as one of the country’s most impressive natural phenomenon, its importance as a meeting place for indigenous groups for at least 30,000 years, and of course, the stories, books and film around it that have become folklore. Allow a couple of hours here as you follow the walking tracks to the summit, from which the view over the surrounding landscape will have your camera working overtime.

Don’t forget to pop into the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre and make sure you grab a bite to eat at Hanging Rock Café.

Reward yourself at the award-winning Hanging Rock Winery. Almost as iconic as Hanging rock itself, this winery was established back in 1983 and produces outstanding cool climate wine. Grab a cheeseboard and relax. In the warmer months, the annual ‘Art in the Vines’ sculpture exhibition is well worth exploring.

For bike riders, The Federation Trail is an easy 16km return cycle trail linking the towns of Lancefield and Romsey, travelling along a dedicated shared path for cyclists and pedestrians. As you leave Romsey’s main street, the trail becomes a well-formed granitic sand surface and the surroundings transform from classic Australian architecture to expanses of rolling farmland. Enjoy a meal in Lancefield or treat yourself post-ride with lunch at one of Romsey’s cafés or restaurants.

While in Lancefield, check out the craft brews and tasty food at the Lost Watering Hole. This family friendly brewery and restaurant pays tribute to Lancefield’s unique history, as the location of one of the richest deposits of megafauna fossils in Australia. Sip on beers such as the Big Roo, Swamp Rat and Howling Beast, all of which are 100% naturally brewed on site.

A great location for resting your weary legs after a day spent exploring is Hanging Rock Views. But first, check in to one the at Hanging Rock Views. The four, beautiful and well-appointed suites are in a prime location overlooking their namesake, with the resident kangaroos adding to the picture perfect setting.

You have no doubt worked up an appetite by now, so pop in and see the team at Holgate Brewhouse. Great food is complemented by their extensive range of quality beers, with 12 different beers on tap. If visiting during the day, tours of the adjoining taproom are recommended, and you can sample one of the 16 beers brewed onsite.

Time to head west and explore a different but equally spectacular part of our region. Drive to historic Piper Street in Kyneton, then pop in and see Damien and Bryanna at the famed Piper Street Food Co. The duo produce a range of traditional foods including pork pies, rillettes and offer excellent picnic hampers. Piper Street itself is a great spot to do some retail therapy for those need a break from all the exercise.

Trentham Falls is the ideal spot to enjoy your picnic. One of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, dramatically plunging some 32 metres over basalt columns, you enjoy amazing views of the waterfall from the viewing platforms (located a short walk from the car park). The reserve protects one of the best remnants of vegetation in the area, stands of large manna gum, stringy bark, messmate, narrow-leaved peppermint as well as seasonal wildflowers.

The historic town of Trentham is a must-visit, with pubs like Hotel Trentham, which is almost 100 years old, offering great food and drink. Their motto ‘There Are No Strangers Here – Just Friends You Haven’t Met Yet’ typifies the vibe. Galleries, cafes and more make this a great town to explore before continuing west to Daylesford.

The perfect walk (or ride) the Domino Trail sits atop an old railway line. So, it’s flat, pretty straight, and traverses some beautiful forest. This 12km return walk (approx. 3 hours) follows the railway line from Trentham Railway Station, through Wombat State Forest to Lyonville. Choose to walk all or part of it, either way you’ll be rewarded with scenic and peaceful forest views.

Wonderful dining and accommodation options abound in this beautiful small town. From renovated miners’ cottages, to modern masterpieces and grand houses, accommodation options are outstanding. Known as a foodie haven, you’re also spoilt for choice, with friendly bustling pubs or ‘hatted’ fine dining establishments like Lake House that are destinations themselves. Daylesford was voted as one of the friendliest towns on earth recently, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a massage or spa after all that exercise.

Find your feet with a stroll around Lake Daylesford. An easy walk, it’s the perfect way to connect with the town and enjoy a pre-dinner stroll. There are a number of Mineral Springs in the area, so bring a bottle and sample the health-giving properties of the various springs. Did you know that 80% of Australia’s natural mineral water in found under the ground in the region?

Avid mountain bikers must check out the world class bike park in Creswick. Named Djuwang Baring, which means ‘long track’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language, these trails cater to everyone from the hardcore ‘gravity’ crowd, to cross country riders, families and adaptive cyclists. Again, pubs and cafes abound so there are plenty of refuelling options. The trailhead at Hammon Park has excellent facilities.

For a more sedate perspective of the town, a wonderful walk is the La Gerche Forest Walk is a 2.2km self-guided loop walk through the nursery plantations. These trees are now over one hundred years old and tower over the landscape. Head back to Daylesford for the evening and enjoy either a classic pub meal or fine dining experience. Daylesford has many highly-acclaimed restaurants.

Mt Franklin, or Lalgambook is an extinct volcano about 10km north of Daylesford, towards Castlemaine. A short steep hike takes you to the crater rim, which is an easy walk, loved by families. It’s a great way to spend the morning as the early sun colours the landscape below.

Head back to Daylesford for lunch, shopping or people watching before having a good stretch, one last deep breath of fresh air, and beginning the journey home.