Located on Melbourne’s doorstep, the Macedon Ranges is a diverse collection of unique villages and natural landscapes.
Less than an hour northwest of Melbourne, Macedon Ranges takes its name from the rocky volcanic outcrop that sees Australia’s Great Dividing Range split the region into two halves.
Touring through you’ll pass sights that are signatures of the region – historic stone buildings, glimpses of Mount Macedon at every corner, signposts to cellar doors and fresh farm produce, and boutique shops with windows full of treats.
The Macedon Ranges is less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne along the Calder Freeway, and only half that time from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport.
Wander the streets of rural villages to look for some bargains, be taken by the natural beauty of the Macedon Ranges Regional Park and Hanging Rock, eat and drink your way around the region, or feast your eyes on the floral wonderlands of world class nurseries and private gardens that are open to the public.
Mystical Hanging Rock – made famous by author Joan Lindsay and director Peter Weir – looms large within the visitor’s head space.
In the 19th century, Melbourne’s wealthiest residents escaped the summer heat at Mount Macedon. Five and six generations on, visitors to the region are still captivated by the chill beauty of its mysterious Hanging Rock – the landform that once played host to picnicking schoolgirls in crinoline and white lace.
The Macedon Ranges region continues to grow far more quickly than one would imagine. The beauty and lifestyle of the area, together with its proximity to Melbourne, are all factors contributing to its success.
This is the land of fine wool and even finer wine. Heritage buildings with spectacular views can be found in abundance. Keep an eye out for roadside stalls, farm gate sales and inviting vineyard cellar doors as you travel historic highways and byways like the Burke and Wills Track.
Visit the State’s vast array of mining sites to the north of the Macedon Ranges. Who’d start a gold rush when there’s so much rich history to explore here at leisure?
In the context of much of mainland Australia, this is a totally atypical wine region; downright chilly in its windswept south-east and only marginally warmer in its north-west.
The Macedon Ranges region is Australia’s coolest wine area. Uniquely suited to the production of ultra premium sparkling wine, it also manages to produce table wines from Riesling, through Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, to Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The size of the wineries is small and is likely to remain so.
Spa or sparkling? Macedon boasts the largest concentration of naturally occurring mineral springs in Australia. There are more than 70 around Daylesford alone. Seventeen producers market 50 different forms of Macedon bubbly. What will you choose when you’re chilling out?
