Mount Macedon - Places to See

Mount Macedon (including Macedon and Hanging Rock)
Hugely attractive and historic area.
Mt Macedon is an extinct volcano which rises to 1010 metres above sea-level, making it the highest peak of the Macedon Ranges. The area associated with the mountain possesses immense scenic and natural values and a richly developed English cultural heritage, particularly in terms of its horticulture and architecture. At the foot of the mountain is the township of Macedon (population 1250) while, part way up the hill, 65 km north-west of Melbourne, are the lovely tree-lined streets and gardens of Mount Macedon (population 670) which has the Trading Post (a general store cum newsagency), a restaurant, a nursery or two, cottage accommodation and a pub named the Mountain Inn which is a fine English-style hotel with gardens, tennis courts and croquet lawns at the rear. Within are old-fashioned rooms and a fine restaurant.

Visitors from Melbourne would head north-west along the Calder Highway, turning right into Mt Macedon Rd just past the Gisborne exit.

Stone-grinding sites indicate that the mountain was being used by Aborigines long before it was climbed in 1836 by Thomas Mitchell. Having sighted Port Phillip from its summit he named it after Philip of Macedon.

Timbergetters were the first Europeans to occupy the area. The wood was used for some of Melbourne's early homes and in the goldmines of the 1850s. As the timber began to disappear there were calls for controls and fruit orchards were developed. Bushranger Frank McCallum (alias Captain Melville) was active in the district in the 1850s.

In the 1870s, the beauty and coolness of the slopes began to attract members of Melbourne's wealthy social elite and the government released some blocks on the south side of the mountain to the landed and business classes. Consequently a number of grand Victorian homes were established (including one for the state governor) as summer residences. At the peak of the resort's popularity in the 1890s some of these gracious residences were turned into guesthouses. However, the major legacy of the era was the establishment, around these mansions, of extensive ornamental gardens. Taken as a whole, they are considered to be one of the most important collections of 19th-century gardens in Australia (see entry on 'Gardens' under 'Things to See' for further information).

Distinguished artist Frederick McCubbin purchased the residence known as 'Fontainebleu' at Mount Macedon in 1901 and there painted and lived with his family.

In February 1983 the Ash Wednesday fires destroyed over 400 homes, burned out 30 000 hectares of forest and farmland and killed seven people. The fires raced uncontrollably up the slopes of Mt Macedon and, despite the efforts of 1000 volunteer firefighters, a number of old homes were razed. Some have been rebuilt and most of the gardens re-established.

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Things to see:

Tourist Information
Visitors looking for tourist information can phone the Mt Macedon Trading Post on Mt Macedon Rd, tel: [phone], Parks Victoria, (tel: 131 963), or the Woodend Information Centre, tel: [phone]. The Macedon Ranges Booking Service organises bookings for accommodation, tours and events and provides up-to-date information on local activities and events, tel: (free-call) 1800 244 711.

Macedon
Macedon is an attractive town of 1250 people at the foot of the mountain. If you are coming from the south there are two approaches. You can either turn off the Calder Highway into Mt Macedon Rd then turn left at Honour Ave, or continue along the highway past Mt Macedon Rd and turn right into Nursery Rd.

In Nursery Road is the Macedon Nursery which was established in 1872. It specialises in native trees, cottage plants, perennials and annuals. Terracotta and craft pottery is also available at factory prices and body products are for sale. The nursery is attractively situated overlooking a lake with lawns that are ideal for picnicking. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: [phone].

By the intersection of Mt Macedon Rd and Honour Ave is Centennial Park which has barbecues, a shelter and toilets.

Just along Honour Ave, at no.28, is Tristania Park Nurseries which has a large range of plants and shrubs, including rare and difficult to obtain plants, all in a lovely botanic setting established in 1963, tel: [phone]. It is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily.

At 86 Honour Ave is Mountside Nursery which specialises in shrubs and trees, particularly conifers, pittosporums and ornamental trees. They are open every day from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: [phone].

Waterfalls Road heads north off Honour Ave to Stanley Park where you will find the falls, barbecues, toilets and picnic shelters.

The Strawberry Patch, at 8 Victoria St, sells patchwork material and accessories, teddy-bear materials, giftware and local craft. There are also classes in teddy-bear making. They are open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. every day except Sunday and Tuesday.

Note that the Macedon Caravan Park and Black Forest Motel are located on the highway, tel: [phone].

Marist Brothers Retreat and Conference Centre
One of the town's highlights, in terms of both architecture and gardens, is the Marist Brothers Retreat at the corner of Mt Macedon Rd and Brougham Rd (at the entry into the township). The marvellous building which forms the nucleus of the complex was originally known as 'Drusilla', built for Norman Grimwade in the early 1930s. The interior has splendid oak panelling and an intriguingly round Round Room.

The gardens predate this building, being largely designed by Madam Weigall who created dressmaking patterns. There is an ornamental lake, a sunken garden, magnificent old oaks established well over a century ago, a pond and a number of rare plants.

The retreat is open for general inspection on fund-raising open days. Visitors are welcome to peruse the gardens provided they ring first (on a weekday) to ensure that it is not inconvenient to those using the retreat, tel: [phone].

Barringo Valley Equestrian Centre
Also on Shannons Road is Barringo Valley Equestrian Centre which offers trail rides in the Macedon Ranges and a riding school. They are open Wednesday to Sunday. Bookings are essential, tel: [phone].

Nurseries
Further north along Mt Macedon Rd, to the right, at no.341, is Dicksonia Rare Plants which offers a wide range of unusual plants from cooler climates around the world. It is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Friday to Tuesday, tel: [phone].

Close by are the Mt Macedon Trading Post Cafe - which also functions as a post office, bottleshop, newsagency and grocery shop - and the Mt Macedon Hotel. Over the road is the Florigela Nursery specialising in rare bulbs and alpine and perennial plants. They are open every day but Tuesday from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., tel: [phone].

Gardens
Only the Dandenongs rival Mount Macedon as a site for European-style gardens in Victoria. The temperate conditions, fecund and varied soil types and high rainfall of the southern slopes have proven ideal for the cultivation of extensive, ornamental and exotic gardens. Since the late 19th century, wealthy professionals have established summer retreats with gardens inspired by the Romantic models then fashionable in Europe. The Romantic allusions were further enhanced by the gentle mountain rivulets which ran through the large estates, despite distinctly un-European creek names such as Willimigongong and Turritable.

The gardens combine lush floral collections with sweeping lawns, pavilions and circuitous paths. Taken as a whole they are now considered one of the most important collections of colonial gardens in Australia. They have considerable botanical and horticultural significance and are an interesting reflection of the prevailing social attitudes of the wealthy in late 19th-century Australia. Some of the individual trees and gardens are now registered with the National Estate, including 'Alton', 'Cameron Lodge', 'Duneira', Durrol' and 'Hascombe'.

Heading uphill from the Trading Post Cafe, there are several fine homes and landscaped gardens. The original 'Matlock' homestead was built in 1919 for G.W.P. Creed who founded Woolworths (Australia) and it was used to intern the Japanese consulate in the Second World War. 'Cameron Lodge', built for William Cameron (who erected the original memorial cross on the mountain's summit) has vast lawns, some fine masonry and plenty of deciduous trees. The enormous mansion of 'Sefton' (50 rooms) is set in 12 hectares of gardens profuse with oaks, poplars and elms. 'Dreamthorpe' is another popular attraction.

The only one of the gardens in the Mt Macedon area that is open on a regular basis is 'Forest Glade' which welcomes visitors every weekend from September to May. It is especially beautiful in autumn owing to the maples.

2 km north of the Trading Post Cafe, to the right, at 902 Mount Macedon Rd, is 'Tanah-Merah', an historic high garden which includes the Liza Taylor Sculpture Gallery. It is open from Friday to Sunday, tel: [phone].

'Bunyip Lodge', at 10 Governors Drive, occupies 1.25 acres. It has a number of fine trees, shrubs and perennials. It is open for groups anytime and a guide is available if required, tel: [phone].

Other gardens are opened up periodically to raise money for charities and as part of the Australian Garden Scheme. A number of the gardens are available for inspection on October 25 as part of the Legacy weekend and some gardens are opened when the Mount Macedon Horticultural Society holds its two Flower Shows in spring and autumn. Aside from these scheduled times, owners will put a board out the front of their property on a fine day if they feel like opening or they may open up by appointment.

For the latest information on which gardens are accessible, consult the Trading Post general store (tel: [phone]) or the Woodend Visitor Centre which has a list of all the gardens of the Mt Macedon Ranges and an account of their scheduled opening times, tel: [phone]. A recent book, The Grand Gardens of Mount Macedon, is indispensible for the enthusiast. The Australian Open Garden Scheme Guide Book is also an excellent source and is available from ABC bookshops. Garden Tours of Mt Macedon offer guided tours of some of the area's fine gardens. Teas and lunches are provided at a reasonable rate, tel: [phone] or [phone].

Mount Macedon Winery
Halfway between Mount Macedon and A HREF="VICWoodend.shtml">Woodend is the Mount Macedon Winery, situated high on the western slopes of Mt Macedon. Established in 1989 it produces chardonnay, pinot noir, a sparkling wine, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon and is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily. Light lunches are served in the cellar on weekends and public holidays, tel: [phone].

To get there turn west off the Mount Macedon Rd into Douglas Rd from within the township of Mt Macedon. This becomes Bawden Rd (a good gravel surface) where you will find the winery.

Camel's Hump
Follow the Mount Macedon Rd through and beyond the Mt Macedon township. After 3 km the road reaches the summit where there is an intersection. Take the signposted turnoff on the left into Cameron Drive. A short distance along is a carpark on the right-hand side of the road. There is an information board and map. This is the starting point for a short walk to the Camel's Hump (1010 m), an isolated extrusion of solidified lava which is very popular with abseilers.

Picnic Areas and Memorial Cross
Cameron Drive continues along past the McGregor Picnic Ground (which has barbecues, toilets and disabled facilities), the Cameron Picnic Ground (with barbecues) and the Mt Macedon survey cairn (1010 metres above sea-level). The road then enters a turning circle around Harrison Picnic Ground which has a carpark, shelters, an information board and map, picnic tables, toilets and disabled facilities.

A network of walking trails, outlined on the map, lead to the Kurana Memorial, the Western Lookout, the Eastern Lookout, the Mt Macedon Memorial Cross and the Major Mitchell Lookout. Thomas Mitchell climbed the mountain in 1836. Having sighted Port Phillip from its summit he named the mountain after Philip of Macedon. The spectacular views from the summit formed the basis of Arthur Streeton's painting 'Australia Felix'. They take in Port Phillip Bay, the You Yangs and Mount Dandenong.

The 21-metre Memorial Cross is a local landmark. It is set amidst trees and gardens and is distinguished by its tiled exterior and a large bronze sword. William Cameron, who lost his son in World War I, established the cross as a tribute to those Australians who died in the war. The Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 damaged the cross and ruined the gardens. The latter have been re-established and the former replaced.

Days Picnic Ground and Sanatorium Lake
Return along Cameron Drive to the intersection with Mt Macedon Road. Instead of turning right and heading back down to the township, turn left and you will see, on the right, two surfaced but unsealed roads in a Y formation. The road to the right is Barringo Rd. That on the left is Lions Head Road. Both provide access to the sites and walking trail discussed below although it is arguable that Barringo Road conveys a more accurate impression of the local terrain.

If you turn into Lions Head Rd it leads, after about 800 m, past Days Picnic Ground where there in an information board and map, barbecue and picnic facilities, toilets and disabled facilities. From this point you can embark on the Sanatorium Lake Forest Eco-Tourism Trail (for walkers or horse riders) which takes in Sanatorium Lake and Picnic Ground and a number of other sites.

Alternatively, you can continue driving along Lions Head Rd for about another 800 metres until you see a carpark on the left. Opposite is a gate from whence it is a short walk to the lake where there is an information board and map. You can, of course, continue walking to the Sanatorium Picnic Ground.

If, instead, you choose to head along Barringo Road it is about 1.5 km until you reach a turnoff on the left into a vehicular track which leads to the picnic area from whence you can also join the walking/horseriding trail.

If you are approaching these attractions from Mt Macedon township, just head up Mt Macedon Road, ignore the turnoff on the left into Cameron Drive and you will come, almost immediately, to Barringo Road and Lions Head Rd on the right.

Macedon Regional Park Walking Trail
The sites mentioned in the last three entries are all within Macedon Regional Park which incorporates the forest-clad western end of the Macedon Ranges. A 29-km walk has been completed which takes in all of the park's major natural attractions. It takes about seven hours in all but may be walked as separate sections (some parts are steep and slippery in wet weather).

A pamphlet available from Parks Victoria breaks the walking trail into 14 sections, starting at Macedon railway station. It takes in numerous excellent viewing areas, an old stone railway bridge, the old scout camp site and a range of vegetation including kangaroo grass, native orchid species, wet and dry messmate forest, wattle, snow gum, alpine ash, broad-leaved peppermint, long-leaved box and an understorey of ferns, prickly moses, wiregrass etc. There are plenty of birds, wallabies and wombats in the park. To obtain the pamphlet, which outlines the walk and its attractions in detail, contact Parks Victoria (tel: 131 963) or the Woodend Visitors' Centre, tel: [phone].

Hanging Rock Reserve
If you wish to visit Hanging Rock Reserve, follow Mt Macedon Road up past the turnoffs into Cameron Drive, Lions Head Rd and Barringo Rd. After a couple of hairpin bends there is a turnoff to the right into Straws Lane (it is the first bitumen road on the right) which is signposted for Hanging Rock. After about 3 km there is a signposted turnoff to the left into South Rock Road then, after 500 m, you will see the gate which leads into the reserve. This route is less direct than the turnoff from the Calder Highway, north of Woodend, but much more scenic.

Hanging Rock is part of a small extinct volcano which rises to 105 metres above the surrounding plain. It was formed by lava emerging from a vent in the earth about six million years ago. The lava had an unusually high soda content and solidified into soda trachyte which also formed the Camel's Hump on Mount Macedon.

The rock has been a popular picnicking spot since late in the 19th century. Its usage as the setting for Joan Lindsay's novel Picnic at Hanging Rock is based upon the St Valentine's Day picnic attended by the students of Clyde School (see entry on Woodend) in the 1930s and 1940s. The story was later made into a lyrical film by Peter Weir. The Rock was also reputed to have been a hideout for bushrangers in the goldrush era.

The surrounding reserve, open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day, has over 100 indigenous flora species which are particularly evident in spring and summer. There are also over 40 bird species, goannas and nine mammals including the greater glider, koala, kangaroo, wallaby and echidna.

The Hanging Rock Discovery Centre will open in the year 2000. It will focus on the Aboriginal connection with the area, , the flora and fauna of the reserve, its geological history and the mythology which surrounds the rock. There will be hands-on interpretive and walk-through displays.

The reserve has tennis courts, two ovals (available for hire), wide expanses of lawn and picnic-barbecue facilities. The Hanging Rock Picnic Cafe, at the base of the rock, sells Devonshire teas, lunches, local crafts and souvenirs. The dam in the middle of the racecourse is well-stocked with fish (you must bring your own bait and tackle and there is a bag limit of two fish per child).

Numerous walking paths criss-cross the reserve. Some will take you to the summit of the rock from whence there are fine views, taking in Mt Macedon to the south and the Cobaw Ranges to the north. Two-hour evening walks, conducted by a ranger, contemplate the fauna and geological history of the area. Bookings are essential, tel: [phone].

Well-attended race meetings have been held here on New Year's Day since 1880. There are also meetings on Australia Day and on a Sunday in March (the next is 19 March 2000). The annual Harvest Picnic is a day for sampling Victorian wines and food. It is held late in February each year (the next is 27 February 2000), tel: [phone]. A vintage car rally is held each February (the next is 13 February 2000). Bookings are essential for The Longest Lunch (March 17 2000). The Senior Citizens' Picnic will be held on 24 March 2000.

Coaches and large groups are welcome but it is necessary for such congregations to contact the ranger first on (1800) 244 711 or [phone]. For further information and bookings ring (1800) 244 711. There is an admission fee as no financial assistance is provided by state or federal government. These fees are higher on special events days, such as the Car Rally and the Harvest Picnic. For internet information go to http://www.macedon-ranges.com.au

Hanging Rock Winery
The Hanging Rock Winery is located just to the north of Hanging Rock Reserve in Jim Road at Newham. The largest winery of the region, it is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily and offers a range of cool-climate wines, including the award-winning Sparkling 'Macedon' and the Jim Jim Sauvignon Blanc, tel: [phone].

Horseriding
Nearby is Barringo Valley Trail Rides which facilitates trail rides through the forests and scenic valleys of the beautiful and rugged countryside, tel: [phone].