Macedon Ranges, Victoria, travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights

Hanging Rock. Credit: Rob Blackburn/Visit Victoria

THE ONE CELLAR DOOR

What do you get when you combine the award-winning architect of buildings such as MONA and the Eureka Tower with a 44 hectare vineyard punctuated by an ancient volcanic outcrop? The answer is Mount Monument – a striking cellar door and sculpture space that makes the most of its Romsey location. It's been a labour of love for Nonda Katsalidis and partner Jane Collins, who are just as passionate about regenerating the environment and creating a connection to the landscape, as they are about producing exceptional wines. See mountmonument.com.au

THE ONE GARDEN

The Macedon Ranges are renowned for their heritage gardens and the tree-lined streets that glow gold, red and amber in autumn. If you're picking just one garden to visit, head to the five hectare Forest Glade Gardens. The serene Japanese section is popular for its bonsai, maples and stepping stones set over water; and spring is the perfect time to see the daffodil lawn in full bloom looking radiant in the sunshine. But if you're with children, make a beeline for the topiary garden where a leafy Loch Ness monster awaits. See forestgladegardens.com.au

THE ONE RESTAURANT

Dietary requirements are no problem at Woodend's Kuzu Izakaya; a venue where co-owners head chef Eriko Pannam and front of house manager Gareth Rowlands treat diners like friends and family. The menu features "Japanese pub food" and the hot, crispy JFC (Japanese fried chicken, or Japanese fried cauliflower for vegans) is a standout. Regulars love the succulent wagyu beef bao with spicy barbecue sauce served in a pillowy steamed bun, and the hamachi nuta, where fresh diced kingfish is accompanied by a piquant citrus miso, fish roe and crispy lotus root. See kuzu.com.au

THE ONE COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Tucked inside a charming cottage in Kyneton is Miss M's Lounge — a cosmopolitan cocktail and wine bar, and restaurant. One of the signature drinks is the Baton Rouge made with spiced rum, cognac, French pear syrup and fresh lime. It's presented with a caramel-hued toffee shard and lit cinnamon stick. Extinguish the glowing cinnamon into the cocktail and almost instantly, the aroma of the warm spice fills the air. Theatrical? Undoubtedly, but it's also a beautifully balanced drink. See missmslounge.com.au

THE ONE INDULGENCE

Guided by ayurvedic principles, Maiaveda is much more than a nice spot for a relaxing massage. The signature treatment at this Kyneton spa feels more like a sacred ritual. First, your feet are bathed in warm water, then you're draped in soft fabric before sinking onto the massage bed and succumbing to a herbal oil massage that leaves you feeling utterly rejuvenated. Afterwards, there's an offer of hand-made chai tea to slowly bring you back to earth. See maiaveda.com.au

THE ONE ICONIC SITE

Located near the traditional boundary between the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung tribal groups, Hanging Rock looms over the plains between Newham and Hesket. The spot is also regarded as mysterious because of its role in Joan Lindsay's eerie story and Peter Weir's haunting film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, about the unexplained disappearance of a group of schoolgirls. Many people do take picnics and lunch below the weathered rock, but taking the wide, sealed path to the summit, through tall eucalypts and boulder fields is the best way to experience the mystery and magic of the place. See visitmacedonranges.com/tourism-listing/hanging-rock

THE ONE ART SPACE

Housed in an 1850s butter factory on Kyneton's historic Piper Street is regional Victoria's largest privately-owned contemporary art space. Inside the Stockroom are striking collections featuring contemporary international and Australian artists and makers. At any given time, there may be exhibitions from painters, ceramicists, or sculptors, like Jane McKenzie, a Castlemaine-based architect-turned ceramic artist. From figurative to abstract works, this is a vibrant arts hub where you can also pick up hand-made shoes, jewellery and one-of-a-kind vases. See stockroomspace.com

THE ONE WALK

Plug into nature on a multi-layered audio guided walk around Sanatorium Lake in Mount Macedon. Download the audio tour for free on your mobile phone and slowly set off on an easy one-hour loop around the lake. The immersive vocal and musical soundtrack only serves to heighten the experience of walking through pockets of old-growth forest and towering mountain ash. It's a unique, contemplative experience that manages to be moving, evocative and educational. See mrsc.vic.gov.au/murmuring-walk

THE ONE PLACE TO STAY

To stay at a place as sweet as its name, check into Honeysuckle Barn on Woodbine Estate on the outskirts of Kyneton. Set among a European-style garden (think water features, sharply trimmed hedges, lavender and climbing roses), the two-bedroom bluestone barn has been meticulously renovated. Inside it's charmingly rustic, with the reclaimed timbers used throughout lending an escape-to-the-country kind of charm. The wood-burning fire is perfect for cosy evenings in, and the barbecue under the shade of a tree is the ideal way to enjoy long and lazy afternoons. See flophouse.com.au/honeysuckle-barn

ONE MORE THING …

There's any number of small batch craft distilleries making exceptional spirits in Australia, but Animus in Kyneton is a standout. The founders of the distillery grow many of the botanicals used in the gin including strawberry gum and kaffir lime leaves. The best way to sample the range is at the welcoming distillery door and cocktail bar. The arboretum gin is especially worth a try, as the strawberry gum and lemon thyme are harvested on the day of production giving the spirit an intense but balanced vitality. See animusdistillery.com

Lindy Alexander travelled at her own expense. See visitmacedonranges.com