What to do in the Macedon Ranges
You can easily fill a day or a week-long stay in the Macedon Ranges. In under an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, you will be surrounded by nature, taste great food, and experience historic charm, friendly folk and a creative buzz.
See our directory below for a guide to things to experience in the Macedon Ranges.
Key attractions
Nature-based experiences are top of the list for many visitors to the Macedon Ranges. Hanging Rock Reserve is one of our key attractions, however many visitors also flock to Macedon Regional Park for bushwalking and wildlife spotting.
Avid foodies love our fabulous cafes, restaurants, bars and friendly cellar doors. While folk come in droves to experience our wonderful country farmers markets on each weekend.
Whether you’re after beautiful gardens, art and shopping or the great outdoors, mouthwatering produce and delicious wine – you’re bound to find your happy space in the Macedon Ranges.
Find out more about key attractions
Hanging Rock Reserve
Outdoors and nature
Immerse yourself in nature and breathe fresh crisp air. Go for a bushwalk or family picnic. Challenge yourself to a backcountry gravel ride. Take a tranquil stroll in our botanic gardens or go horse riding. The Macedon Ranges is a paradise for anyone who loves the great outdoors, cycling, hiking, freshwater fishing and more.
Sanatorium Lake in Macedon Regional Park
Markets and farm gates
The Macedon Ranges is well-known for its wonderful accredited farmers markets on each weekend in a different village. There are also a number of artisan markets to discover, including the well-known Gisborne Old Time Market and Hanging Rock Craft Market.
In addition to wine cellar doors and gin distilleries, visitors can pick up fresh produce from farm gates selling everything from eggs and honey, to cherries and fresh flowers.
Find out more about farm gates
Kyneton Farmers Market
Gardens and nurseries
Garden lovers are absolutely spoilt for choice in the Macedon Ranges. From open garden to an abundance of boutique garden nurseries, botanic gardens to the Annual Garden Lovers Fair in Macedon – your green thumbs will be tingling with joy!
Find out more about Open Gardens
Forest Glade Garden
Lookouts, barbecues and picnic spots
Pack your picnic basket or stock up on treats from a local providore and enjoy a day with family and friends. The Macedon Ranges is perfect for a laid-back barbie in a forest setting or picnic under historic oak trees. Hanging Rock and Macedon Regional Park are some of the top spots for picnics, however the region also boasts a number of picturesque botanic gardens and children’s parks.
Family-friendly things to do
Get your kids outdoors in the Macedon Ranges. Visit our beautiful parks and playgrounds, go hiking at Hanging Rock and dine in family-friendly cafes and pubs. Cycle the Federation Trail between Romsey and Lancefield or go fishing and kayaking at Lauriston Reservoir. In less than an hour from Melbourne’s CBD your kids will be roaming wild and free surrounded by nature!
Kyneton Botanic Gardens in spring
Arts, history and culture
An abundance of boutique independent art galleries. Villages oozing historic architecture and charm. Bluestone viaduct railway bridges. Music festivals, amateur theatre and box office events at Kyneton Town Hall.
The Macedon Ranges has a thriving art and cultural scene to enjoy on a day trip or long stay visit. Pay a visit to the Kyneton Museum to learn about the region’s fascinating past. Enjoy a concert at Hanging Rock with world-class acts such as Elton John. Book a comedy show or purchase original art.
Local tours
Explore the Macedon Ranges with a local guide. The region offers a number of different special interest tours, including wine tasting, ghost hunting and alpaca-led hikes to Hanging Rock Reserve. Take your pick for whatever tickles your fancy.
Find out more about Macedon Ranges tours
Hanging Rock Llama Tours
Shop and pamper
It doesn’t all have to be about outdoor activities and nature. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy retail therapy and a spot of pampering in the Macedon Ranges. Kyneton’s Piper Street Precinct and Woodend’s High Street are the two village highlights when it comes to a day of shopping.
Find out more about Kyneton’s Piper Street Precinct
Piper Street Kyneton
Workshops and retreats
Plan a day trip or long stay around our diverse year-round workshops and retreats. Tap into your inner creative with artistic pursuits or treat yourself to a cooking class. Experience healing with horses or indulge in a zen wellness retreat with like-minded folk.
Old Auction House Kyneton Arts Precinct
Key events
The Macedon Ranges hosts a number of brilliant events and festivals not to be missed. Keep an eye out for the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, concerts at Hanging Rock, Macedon Ranges Budburst Food & Wine Festival, Woodend Winter Arts Festival and the Garden Lovers Fair. Just to name a few!
Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival
Plan a visit to Hanging Rock
Plan a trip to Hanging Rock Reserve. Get information on walks, picnic areas, barbecue facilities, events and more.
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Check out our events calendar!
Visit a farmers market. Enjoy a festival. Book an art class or theatre performance. There’s so much to see and do in the Macedon Ranges.
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Eat, drink and shop in Kyneton
An historic street in the heart of Kyneton bustling with cafes, French bistros and burger joints, gin bars, boutique clothing and homeware stores, art galleries and garden nurseries.
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Visit Mount Macedon
Immerse yourself in nature and breath fresh mountain air. Go hiking and wildlife spotting in Macedon Regional Park, find a cosy cafe or enjoy wine tasting at a cellar door.
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Historic village driving itinerary
Go on a 75 minute scenic village drive from Woodend to Malmsbury taking in five historic villages along the way.
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Places to stay
Get inspired for a Macedon Ranges escape with our featured accommodation across nine unique villages.
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Macedon Ranges Ride Guide
Discover 18 road, gravel and mountain bike routes that get you off-the-beaten track. It’s more than just a ride in the Macedon Ranges, it’s an experience.
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Travel by train to Woodend
The Woodend Railway Station is in the heart of Woodend and an easy walk to fantastic cafes, pubs and shops. Enjoy a drink at Holgate Brewhouse Taproom or the Victoria Hotel’s Rock and Wombat Bar before heading home.
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Discover our Pinot Trail!
Here’s a short and sweet half day Pinot Trail to give you a taste of what to expect (and keep you coming back for more).
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Six ripper country pies for pastry buffs
From Kyneton to Malmsbury, Lancefield to Woodend – it’s time to embark on a tasty journey down pastry lane. Here are six top spots for pastry buffs to get your happy pie endorphins buzzing.
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Kyneton bushwalk & wine tasting itinerary
Stock up on pastries from one of Kyneton’s fantastic country bakeries and enjoy a bushwalk and picnic at Black Hill Reserve, followed by wine tasting at a local cellar door.
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Travel by train to Malmsbury
Catch the V/Line train to the quaint station of Malmsbury, only a short walk to the beautiful Malmsbury Botanic Gardens and old bluestone viaduct. Enjoy a picnic and a visit to the local pub.
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Mountain biking and country pub session
Go mountain biking in the Wombat State Forest followed by burgers and beer in the nearby village of Woodend. Organised small group guided bike tours including equipment are available.
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