Holiday houses in Mount Macedon

Sitting approximately 615 metres above sea level, Mount Macedon is a short drive northwest of Melbourne, and a popular spot for bushwalking, picnics, and invigorating weekend getaways. This picturesque town boasts several heritage gardens, as well as wild and rugged bushland, with over 30 kilometres of walking paths that wind through the Macedon Regional Park, past towering eucalypts, pine trees, and tall mountain ash. If you’re a keen hiker, you can complete the full loop, which takes around seven hours and takes you up a steep incline to the renowned Camels Hump rock formation, or choose from a range of shorter walks, with options for all levels of ability. Keep an eye out for wombats, echidnas, and all kinds of bird life, including rosellas, galahs, eagles, and blue wrens.

There’s also a golf course and lots of opportunities for road cycling, with some challenging options for experienced riders. Or, after expending some energy outdoors, you can explore nearby wineries, as the area is known for its cool climate wines and locally-distilled gin.

Mount Macedon changes with the seasons and is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. In autumn, the trees are a striking blend of colours, and in spring, the mountain is decorated with a rainbow of daffodils, magnolias, wisteria, and rhododendron. Mount Macedon is also an ideal destination for a winter getaway with cool days and potentially a sprinkling of snow. You may wish to time your visit around the opening of the gardens, many of which are listed by the National Trust. Forest Glade is open all year, whereas the Gardens of Tieve Tara are usually only open during spring and autumn. The Garden Lover’s Fair is held every October in the Bolobek gardens.

Memorial Cross Reserve

At the top of Mount Macedon you’ll find the Memorial Cross Reserve, which hosts a heritage-listed memorial honouring Australians who lost their lives in war. After Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, this is considered one of the most significant war memorials in the state of Victoria. There’s a picnic and barbeque area in the reserve, as well as a tearoom where you can enjoy a cup of tea and some fresh scones with a view.

Hanging Rock Reserve

Though there’s a Pinnacle Walk to the summit, there are also several gentler, pram-friendly walks available, and a café where you can stop for refreshments. The area has plenty of areas for picnics and barbeques, and trout fishing in the dam is also popular with families.

Mushroom spotting

In winter and autumn, the national park is a renowned spot for mushroom spotting. Not many people know about the wide array of mushrooms that grow in the forests of Mount Macedon — in the dry, open woodlands on the northern and western slopes, as well as in the thicker forests and cool gullies. There’s a huge diversity to explore — but unless you have specific knowledge, or are with a guide, it’s wise to look rather than touch. Bring some firewood, picnic, and a hot thermos for a barbeque after your walk.