Great Outdoors around Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges is known for its abundance of beautiful public and private gardens. The beauty of Macedon Ranges is made up of lush forests, granite-strewn pastoral landscapes and spectacular scenery.

In this area, there are so many botanic gardens to explore. Some of the botanic gardens are located in Kyneton, Malmsbury and Gisborne that are open for public seven days a week. If you are planning for a picnic, then Macedon Ranges is the ideal option to get some perspective on your everyday life and relieve stress.

• Hanging Rock Reserve:

Hanging Rock is one of the great outdoor destinations which is scenic one hour drive from Melbourne. In the world, Hanging Rock can be considered an excellent example of a volcanic feature known as a Mamelon. A Mamelon is a stone development made by the emission of generally thick or solid magma through a limited vent in the bedrock. Hanging Rock Reserve caters lots of activities from the racecourse, ovals and tennis courts to broad expanses of lawns.

There are coin-operated barbeques and picnic areas provided for visitors’ use throughout the Reserve. There are numerous walking paths and trails which allow you to explore the Rock and the Reserve at your own pace. If you are planning to visit Hanging rock reserve this weekend, it is easily reachable by taking the route on the A79 Calder Freeway which passes by on the eastern side of Woodend.

• Mt. Macedon:

Mount Macedon, ideal weekend destination popularly known as the green heart of the Macedon Ranges. The natural wonderland of Mount Macedon is a place to escape and appreciate the thought. From Mt. Macedon, you can enjoy beautiful glimpses of magnificent mansions and the exotic European plantings. The Macedon Ranges sits right on Melbourne’s doorstep, just 45 minutes north of the CBD and only 30 minutes north of the city’s international airport.

• Macedon Regional Park:

Macedon regional park is home to over 400 species of native plants and 200 recorded bird species. The 2,379-hectare park protects forested land along the ridge of the Range and offers excellent choices for bush-walking, scenic drives and picnics. It covers most of the surrounding mountain ranges, including a part of the Great Dividing Range.

Within Macedon Regional Park there are several pleasant, shaded picnic grounds linked by the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail offering short or long walks.

• Gisborne Peak Winery:

In the Macedon Ranges, you can relax with Gisborne Peak winery. Gisborne peak winery is a facility where sustainability, relaxation and fine wine all meet up at one place. Relish Gisborne Peak wines with wood-fired foods. What could be better? Visit this boutique winery, appreciate the tasty wood-fired pizzas emphasised with a definitive taste of wines.

The four independent winery cottages have views over the vines and the lake. Cottages of Gisborne Peak Winery offer an entire bundle of relaxation, extravagance, protection and supportability. Independent and with a private deck with BBQ, the views are fabulous, and relaxation is ensured.

• Black Hills Reserve:

Black Hill Reserve is around 21 hectares and is located just over 1-kilometre north‐east of the Ballarat CBD. Black Hill Reserve, five minutes north of Kyneton, is a place to discover true peace and serenity. Appreciate eminent seen of imposing rock formations like The Monolith, one of the most significant stone highlights in Victoria. Black Hill Reserve likewise includes Black Hill Boats, numerous picnic shelters, a massive portion for dog park, volleyball courts and kid’s play area.