Things you must do in Daylesford, Macedon Ranges
DAYLESFORD and the Macedon Ranges have become popular weekend away destinations for nature-deprived Melburnians. Here’s what you must do for a weekend away in the regions.
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DAYLESFORD and the Macedon Ranges have become popular weekend away destinations for nature-deprived Melburnians.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in both areas, located in Victoria’s north west.
Enjoy the culinary delights of the Lake House, find a new read during the Clunes Booktown festival and take a dip in a river crossing at Lerderderg State Park.
Just don’t forget to pick up a jar of honey from the roadside stall on the way home.
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8 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN DAYLESFORD AND MACEDON RANGES
1. HAVE YOUR OWN PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK
It’s famously eerie, but Hanging Rock near Woodend is still a beautiful part of regional Victoria. Find some produce at A Market at Hanging Rock, held twice yearly at the reserve, and enjoy your meal in new picnic shelters available for hire.
craftmarkets.com.au/markets/hanging-rock.aspx
visitmacedonranges.com/hanging-roc
2. CATCH YOUR OWN LUNCH AT TUKI TROUT FARM
Wander through Robert and Alistair Jones’ idyllic property at Smeaton, where you can enjoy the ultimate pond-to-pan experience. Go fishing for your lunch, and ask one of Tuki’s chefs to prepare it in the restaurant or have it cleaned to take home for dinner.
3. FIND A RARE BOOK AT CLUNES BOOKTOWN
The tiny town of Clunes, about 30 minutes north of Ballarat, attracts 18,000 people for its annual Booktown event. There are author talks, plus avid readers can discover the largest collection of rare, out-of-print and collectable books in the country. The festival’s on each May.
4. BATHE IN A RIVER CROSSING AT LERDERDERG STATE PARK
Bask in the sun and take a dip at O’Briens Crossing in the Lerderderg State Park, near Blackwood. While camping isn’t allowed at the crossing, you can find a cosy spot to call home for the night at the Upper Chadwick campground.
parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/lerderderg-state-park/things-to-do/obriens-crossing
5. HAVE A DEGUSTATION AT LAKE HOUSE
Daylesford’s beautiful Lake House restaurant has been preparing cutting-edge food from a select group of local suppliers since the 1980s. Acclaimed chef Alla Wolf-Tasker is the culinary director and works with executive chef David Green to create delicious lunch and dinner menus, including eight-course degustation. Best enjoyed on a window seat with a glass of wine.
6. WALK UP WOMBAT HILL TO THE CONVENT
This venue is perched on the crest of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens and has expansive views of Daylesford. The on-site gallery exhibits both contemporary and traditional Australian artwork. Test your calves and hike up the hill.
7. GRAB A JAR OF HONEY FROM DES O’TOOLE
Des O’Toole’s honey has become a household name in Daylesford. The family produces eight different types of high-quality honeys. Visit their roadside stall on Jubilee Lake Rd.
8. BAKE BREAD AT REDBEARD BAKERY, TRENTHAM
Sourdough lovers will be in heaven at RedBeard Historic Bakery in Trentham. Make the 20-minute trip from Daylesford to snare a slice of this authentic sourdough. Master the art in the bakery’s bread-baking workshop. The next one is on July 29.
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