Eat, Stay, Play: Macedon Ranges
- Written by Victorian Government
The centre of the state’s volcanic plain, the region’s dramatic landscape has been shaped by mother nature and is home to cool climate wines, breathtaking gardens and expansive forests. Prone to the occasional dusting of snow during winter, here are the best places to rug up for a cosy winter escape.
Eat
A strong focus on seasonal produce using old and modern practices ensure this Macedon café always has something delicious, along with Allpress coffee, seven days a week. All the café classics can be found at Mr., including their signature Smashed Avo, along with a range of gluten free, vegan and organic options for breakfast or lunch. The café has a second location down the road in Gisborne. 23 Victoria St, Macedon, Victoria, 3440.
Mount Macedon Hotel
Set in one of Victoria’s most picturesque areas, the historical Mount Macedon Hotel is a rustic country pub at first glance. But take a closer look and visitors will discover it’s a craft beer mecca with an emphasis on small independent breweries rotating on 12 of the 16 beer taps. Guests can drop by the front bar for a tipple or spend a cosy afternoon around the open-fires or in the famed beer-garden. 694 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon, Victoria, 3442. (03) 5426 1295.
Located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, the Macedon Railway Hotel is a watering hole, bistro, accommodation and live music venue. The spacious dining room with open fire is the perfect place for a cosy winter home-style feed while the original charm of the front bar is matched by larger back bar, or affectionately-known by locals as - the beverage bar. The pub regularly hosts live music on weekends. 33 Smith St, Macedon VIC 3440. (03) 5426 3233.
Ida Red specialises in artisan wood fire oven pizza, on an Italian style base, with modern toppings, in a fun, vibrant and casual Macedon setting. The signature artisan pizza bases are made as sourdough (dairy free and egg free), proven for 120 hours before baked in the historic wood fire oven with the freshest toppings sourced from the restaurant’s large kitchen garden. The venue has a sibling sustainable fish & chip shop Macedon Chippy and burger restaurant Super Lekker in Woodend.
Stay
After successful stints at Waratah Hills in south Gippsland and Dal Zotto Wines on the King Valley Prosecco Road, the popular Wine Down Pop Up hotel is set for its third and final destination at Mount Towrong Vineyard. The two eco-luxury converted shipping containers will be home on the slopes in Mount Macedon from June 7 to July 8. Visitors can indulge in the Italian varietals of Mount Towrong Vineyard, including the sparkling pink Vivace, warm up in the wood fire Japanese hot tub and sit round the fire pits. Limiting bookings are still available. 4 Taylors Rd, Mount Macedon, Victoria, 3441.
Sitting comfortably in the natural bush surrounds of the picturesque Macedon Ranges, Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa has 36 spacious guest rooms, a relaxing day spa, conference and function space. Each of the guest rooms offers a double spa bath for two to soak while taking in the views, along with a Day Spa where expert therapists offer an extensive range of treatments. Located on site, the Wine Collective is regional cellar door showcases 35 Macedon Ranges wineries and over 144 regional wines and the Macedon Wine Room showcases modern cuisine that reflects a range of Mediterranean influences. 652 Black Forest Dr, Macedon, Victoria, 3440.
For the ultimate group escape, Lawson Lodge Country Estate is 53 rolling acres of breathtaking scenery and all the facilities of a resort but without the strangers. The stunning nine bedroom lodge sleeps up to 20 guests, with two additional bedrooms available for larger groups (extra cost), along with self or full catering options. The outstanding property includes nine hole golf course, movie cinema, lake for fishing, eight seat spa, tennis court, basketball, petanque and sports bar with billiards. 227 Lawson Road, Macedon, Victoria, 3440.
Play
Wine Tasting
The lush elevated plains, volcanic soils, rocky outcrops and bucolic landscapes of the Macedon Ranges wine region provides the perfect canvas for cool-climate wines. Situated at 600 metres above sea level, the terracing style of vineyard allows for Mount Towrong Vineyard to use traditional methods to produce high quality, low yield wines. Along with wine tasting, visitors can taste the property’s Mountain Distilling gin, made with locally foraged ingredients, or sit down for a feed on weekend. Wine lovers can continue their regional tasting at Mount Macedon’s Curly Flat or Mount Macedon Winery; sit down for a long lunch with matched wines at Passing Clouds; enjoy wine tasting with stunning views of Hanging Rock at Hanging Rock Winery; experience a guided tasting in converted stables at Paramoor or indulge in a paddock to plate experience at Cloud 9 Farm.
Hanging Rock
This small volcano, or mamelon, was formed by an upheaval of lava millions of years ago. Hanging Rock was made famous by the classic Australian novel and later movie Picnic at Hanging Rock, the mythic tale of the Valentine's Day disappearance of a group of schoolgirls and their teacher while visiting Hanging Rock in 1901. Visitors can ascend the rock to the 105-metre summit with a 2-kilometre hike for a bird's-eye view over the surrounding flat plain and farmland, and the thickly-forested Macedon and Cobaw ranges. 139 South Rock Road, Newham, Victoria, 3442.
The 15th annual Woodend Winter Arts Festival brings together Australian and international artists, performers, authors and commentators for the Macedon Ranges premier arts festival from June 7-10. With a range of concerts, literary, community events and salons, this year's Festival will have something for all ages and interests. Free exhibitions and the opening night fireworks are enjoyed by the entire community and provide a fantastic way to support local community organisations.
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