Mount Macedon Itinerary

Forest Glade Garden

One of Mount Macedon’s most famous features is its stunning European style gardens. Open to the public year-round is Forest Glade Gardens, which are acknowledged as some of the most beautiful gardens in Australia. At almost 100-years old, the garden covers around 6 hectares (or 14.5 acres). Embracing a mixture of landscaping styles taking inspiration from English, Italian and woodland traditions, the garden has been designed with four distinct themes. Wander through the gardens at your own leisure, taking in the huge exotic trees, beautiful woodland area, cool fern gully and delightful Japanese garden

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Mount Macedon Tours

If you’re seeking a further garden fix, join a guided tour with Mount Macedon Tours. Led by local gardening experts, these tours give you exclusive access to some of the area’s most magnificent private gardens. Learn the fascinating history of the area as you explore gardens such as Duneira Estate, which spans 38 acres and is considered to be of 'outstanding cultural significance’ by the National Trust of Australia. Another garden visited is Cameron Lodge, one of the oldest and most beautiful gardens in Australia, it dates back to the 1880’s. Tours run on select dates and include lunch at Duneira’s Stables.

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Mount Towrong

After a morning spent exploring, reward yourself with a glass of vino at Mount Towrong Vineyard. This boutique family owned and operated vineyard is nestled on the slopes of Mount Macedon, tucked away on a small country lane. Here the cellar door offers a welcoming environment, coupled with breathtaking views of the local landscapes (including of Mount Towrong). Sit back and relax as you sip on their Italian wine varietals perfectly matched with delicious Italian fare featuring fresh local produce. The Cellar Door is open from 10am-5pm every Saturday and Sunday, lunch is served from 12pm. Be sure to book ahead.

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Macedon Regional Park

Next stop is Macedon Regional Park, which boasts a walking trail for every fitness level, with 30km of trails throughout the Park, including the popular Camel’s Hump Trail. Recognised as the highest peak in the Macedon Ranges (at 1011m) the viewing platform here offers superb views of the surrounding countryside. For a walk of a more gentle nature, head to Sanatorium Lake and follow the Murmuring Walk. This multi-layered audio guided walk is a truly immersive experience, taking in the birdlife and natural rhythms of the surrounding natural environment. Download the Murmuring Walk here. From there, head to the summit of Mount Macedon. Enjoy an afternoon refreshment at Top of the Range Tea Rooms before following the short and pleasant walk along a sealed path to reach the Memorial Cross. At 21 meters high, it is considered one of Victoria’s most significant war memorials.

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Mount Macedon Winery

Make your way back down to Mount Macedon Winery, set high on the sunny western slopes of Mount Macedon, it is the ideal location to enjoy a well-earned drink as you watch the sun sink over the surrounding mountains. Boasting some of the region’s most diverse cool climate wines, Mount Macedon Winery is also home to a restaurant which celebrates the regions seasonal produce. With large windows and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto a terraced deck, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Macedon Ranges countryside from any seat in the house. The restaurant is open for lunch Thursday to Sunday from 11:30am until 4:30pm & dinner Friday & Saturday from 5.30pm. Bookings are essential.

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Overnight

Mount Macedon and the surrounding area boasts various accommodation offerings, from stylish retreats and country cottages to historic lodges. Set amongst picturesque English style gardens on 27 acres of hillside bushland, Braeside Mt Macedon is home to three uniquely designed cottages. Further down the mountain the Cottage at Bolobek is a stylish retreat set within a garden of historical significance. Lawsons Lodge Country Estate is home to a stunning 9-bedroom Californian Mountain Lodge, ideal for larger group stays, while Hanging Rock Views on the northern side of Mount Macedon boasts four purpose-built luxury suites, all featuring stunning views of Hanging Rock.

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Hanging Rock Reserve

The next day, head to Ngannelong (Hanging Rock), formed six million years ago, is said to be one of the best examples in the world of a volcanic feature known as a mamelon. Begin with breakfast at the Hanging Rock Café, before exploring the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre, which provides a fascinating background on the history, mystery and geology of the Rock. Then make your way up the famous pinnacle walk, where you will be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. Hanging Rock Reserve is open from 9am to 5pm daily, a small entry fee must be paid per vehicle when exiting the site.

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Hanging Rock Winery

End your Mount Macedon explorations with a visit to the nearby Hanging Rock Winery, which offers spectacular views back towards the mountain (from this angle you’ll soon realise where Camels Hump got its name from). Hanging Rock Winery has been creating wines of distinction for over 30 years and is rated as a coveted 5 Star Winery by James Halliday for being an ‘Outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity’. Sit back and enjoy some tasty bubbles as you toast two days well spent, exploring this beautiful part of the world. Hanging Rock Winery is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm.