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Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges - Regional InformationRegional Information | Accommodation | Specials | Google Map
The Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges region of Victoria provides an abundance of attractions
and experiences that be enjoyed by staying any of the
14 Bed & Breakfast
and Farmstay
accommodation options we provide.
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of Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay accommodation
Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges Region
VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES. Tourism is the lifeblood of many of Victoria's country communities. A small part, but not all, of the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Region has been affected by the bushfires in Victoria. The most effective way you can support tourism in Victorian country regions is to visit them and if you find accommodation in the this Region where you would like to stay, call the host and talk to him or her about their area.
This region contains the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia. Day spas and wellness centres are dotted all through the area, making it the perfect place for an indulgent getaway.
Here is some information on the major townships, there activities, attractions and major events;
Daylesford
Early Swiss-Italian migrants settled the area in the early 1850s during the gold rush period and many descendants of the early settlers remain, today. Later, these were joined by wealthy city dwellers who travelled to Daylesford to ‘take the waters’.
The beautifully persevered spa towns of the region are renowned for their cafés, antique, crafts and antiquarian books shops.
Activities and attractions
- Wander through the local botanic gardens, with views of the town from Wombat Hill
- Visit the award-winning Convent Gallery
- Soak yourself in a spa at any of the local day spas and natural therapy centres.
- If you enjoy walking - then try the Tipperary Walking Track and explore Hepburn Regional Park
- On Sundays, vintage railway trips operate from Daylesford Station and travel through the Wombat State Forest.
Major events
- Chill Out – March
- Anderson's Mill Food, Wine and Music Festival – April
- Swiss Italian Festa – May
- Fabulous Flower Festa – November.
Macedon & Mount Macedon
The magnificent mansions and private gardens of the townships of Macedon and Mount Macedon where once summer residences in a by-gone era. Today, many of those gardens are open to the public.
Activities and attractions
- Many of the stunning private gardens are opened to the public periodically through Australia's Open Gardens Scheme
- Sample the local "drops" at the regions many wineries
- Enjoy all that the Macedon Regional Park has to offer - scenic drives, bush walks, bird-watching and spectacular views.
- Visit Camels Hump, a rocky outcrop formed by a small steep-sided volcano
- Walk or cycle along the Forest Eco-Tourism Trail at Sanatorium Lake
- Take in the views from Mount Macedon's famous memorial cross and lookout
- Smell the roses at Macedon's historic State Nursery.
Events
- Budburst, Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Celebration - November
Kyneton
Situated on the Campaspe River Kyneton Is an historic gold rush town.
Wander through the town's . The historic Piper Street precinct presents a streetscape of historical significance
Activities and attractions
- Explore the town’s nineteenth century granite streets lined with bluestone buildings. Featuring antique shops and galleries, as well as a museum
- Dine on local food and wine in cafés and restaurants
- Visit a local cellar door to taste the wine
- Learn how local artists hand-make bone china figurines, porcelain and resin ceramics at Kyneton Fine China and Wattle Ceramics
- Stroll though local private gardens, which are periodically open to the public through the Australian Open Gardens Scheme.
Major events
- Kyneton Horticultural Show – March
- Daffodil and Arts Festival – September
- Kyneton Jazz and Heritage Festival – October
- Kyneton Cup – first Wednesday in November
- Budburst, Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Celebration – November
Woodend
After the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s and 1860s, Woodend became a renowned resort town with it's many guest-houses, large private gardens, a racecourse, golf club and hotels.
The highlight of any visit is to climb Hanging Rock, which featured in Peter Weir's film Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Activities and attractions
- Visit Hanging Rock, take a picnic!
- Wander the historic shop fronts, searching for antiques and local crafts
- Eat at one of the local cafés/ restaurants, sampling the local produce
- Play the “famous” signature hole, the par3 11th at Woodend Golf Club. With the green set 38 metres below the cliff-top tee.
Major events
- Woodend Winter Arts Festival – Queens Birthday Weekend
- Horse racing at Hanging Rock – New Years Day and Australia Day (26 January)
- Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock – February
- Macedon District Car Club Annual Picnic and Car Display at Hanging Rock – February
- Woodend Market – 3rd Sunday of the month (September to May)
Hepburn Springs
The Hepburn Springs area has numerous natural springs, enriched with health-giving minerals. It is a popular holiday and relaxation destination with many day spas.
Activities and attractions
- Explore the Hepburn Springs Mineral Springs Reserve. Drink the mineral waters from the hand pumps
- Walk the trails of the Hepburn Regional Park in spring and see beautiful wildflowers, plus an array of animals and birds.
- Indulge in the many therapies offered at the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa or one of the many other day spas close by
- Eat at the local cafés and restaurants along Main Road or a cleansing ale or local wine at an historic country pub
- Be entertained by a great music acts at the Palais
- Look for gifts, beauty products and local produce in galleries and quirky shops
- Pick up a map from the Daylesford Visitor Information Centre and take the Historic Village Walk. Visit the Old Macaroni Factory (1859), Villa Parma (1864) and restored Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco guest houses, shops, hotels, and miners’ cottages
- Play a round of golf on Hepburn Springs’ 18-hole golf course (watch for the resident wild kangaroos)
- Visit the historic Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, with lavender fields in bloom November-February, and Cricket Willow, home of the cricket bat and cricket and sporting memorabilia.
Major events
- Lavender Harvest Festival – January
- Chill Out – March
- Swiss-Italian Festa – Late April
- Fabulous Flower Festa – November.
Your host will be able to tell you more about what to see and do, where to shop and eat in the area.
One hour north-west of Melbourne, the rolling hills and farmland of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are dotted with charming towns offering an array of health and beauty treatments, scenic surrounds and gardens, a thriving arts and crafts community and award winning food and wine.
Home to the greatest concentration of naturally occurring mineral springs in Australia and an array of wonderful spa centres, the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area is noted as a centre for relaxation, health, wellbeing and of course pampering. There are also excellent galleries, antique shops and fine restaurants.
Impressive mansions, striking landscapes and some of Victoria's finest gardens combine to create the old world ambience of the nearby Macedon Ranges. Tour Mount Macedon's heritage gardens, explore the 19th century streetscapes of Woodend and Kyneton lined with galleries, antique shops and craft outlets or visit the legendary Hanging Rock, the haunting backdrop to The Picnic at Hanging Rock book and film.
The Macedon Ranges is also a cool-climate wine region known for producing outstanding sparkling wine, pinot noir and chardonnay. There are more than 40 wineries inviting visitors to sample their product and there's also an abundance of local produce, from tasty meats to wild mushrooms, crisp apples and succulent berries. There are more great cellar doors in and around Sunbury producing excellent shiraz and cabernet.
Further Information
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