Macedon Ranges
Known for its beautiful gardens and plantations that thrive in its rich volcanic soil, the Macedon region is a one hour drive from Melbourne. The ranges were once a haunt for some of Australia s most infamous bushrangers in the goldrush days. Many historic towns within the region have retained their early European influence, offering visitors a unique visual and culinary experience.- What's On
- More
Where is it?: 70 km north of Melbourne via Calder Highway.
Macedon: a small town part way up the mountain of the same name, Macedon is often known as the town from Picnic at Hanging Rock , the 1975 mystery movie based on the novel of the same name.
Hanging Rock: Hanging Rock (Mt. Diogenes) is a rare volcanic formation located near the townships of Woodend and Mount Macedon, that is also home of the Hanging Rock Cup and Races. The rock/mountain gained a notoriety it still enjoys today thanks to the novel and subsequent film of it - 'Picnic At Hanging Rock'. Though a fictional story, it has taken on a life of its own, and few who go there and climb it do so believing there is nothing spooky about the place.
Macedon Wine region: known for its acclaimed chardonnay and pinot noir, the Macedon Ranges has the coolest grape-growing climate of any wine region on the mainland, with more than 40 vineyards located between 350m and 700m above sea level. The native Macedon Sparkling is becoming the powerhouse of the region, with a national reputation and accolades building the strong local brand.
The southern wineries around Gisborne, Lancefield and Romsey tend to produce table wines from early ripening varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The drier, rolling hills of the north around Kyneton, Malmsbury and Baynton produce robust varieties that extend to Riesling, Merlot and full-bodied Shiraz.
Lancefield: a distinguished small town at the geoegraphical heart of Victoria. Lancefield is a growing dormitory area for those who work in Melbourne, though in a boom period in the 1880s, it was a popular summer resort for Melburnians.
Burke and Wills Track: The ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition camped at Lancefield on 23 August 1860 on the fourth night of their journey to cross Australia from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria. A marker at the site of the original town at Mustey s Bridge on Deep Creek commemorates the site of their camp.
The route of their departure northwards from the town is commemorated by the road to Mia Mia, which was named Burke and Wills Track in their honour. The Track is an unmatched scenic drive through some of the most evocative Australian bushland you will see, past cellar doors such as Granite Hills on the alternate route to Kyneton.
Dromkeen Homestead Children's Literature Museum: a museum devoted to children s literature. It is very comprehensive however, if there is an area of speciality, it is the illustration of literary characters. Most of the material pertains to Australian works though there are some international elements. The homestead itself (8km north east of Gisborne) was built for Judge Arthur Chomley in 1889.
Gisborne: an attractive settlement with street plantings consisting of European trees which are at their best in spring and autumn. Gisborne was originally an agricultural district but it is now principally a commuter suburb for Melbourne and popular stopping place for Calder Highway travellers (though the highway now bypasses the town).
Romsey: a town with a distinct English feel at the heart of the Macedon wine region. he original location for the settlement known as Five Mile Creek was approximately 2 km north of the present township. The restored Royal Mail Hotel still stands on this site although it is now a private residence.
Sunbury: now a dormitory city for Melbourne, Sunbury was a prolific wine producing area until the 1920s. In the early 1970s, Sunbury (which was then still largely rural) became famous in Australia as the site of the Sunbury Pop Festival, which was held annually from 1972 to 1975.
Woodend: a quiet country town from which to explore the surrounding area and the Macedon Ranges nearby. Woodend has numerous restaurants, cafes and galleries.
Kyneton: the goldrush era town of Kyneton has become renowned as Victoria s foremost country destination for good food, with first rate eateries dotted throughout the town.
