Around the Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges offers a variety of activities from bushwalks through native bushland to cycle tours around the beautiful countryside. Tennis, golf, lawn bowls, horse riding and horse racing can all be found in the Macedon Ranges.

• Click here to learn more about Horse Riding in the Macedon Ranges.
• Click here to learn more about other activities available in the Macedon Ranges.

Macedon Regional Park

Enjoy panoramic views, scenic drives, picnic spots, walking trails and culturally historic sites of interest. A diversity of flora and fauna can be found within the Macedon Regional Park.

• Click to learn more about Macedon Regional Park.

Hanging Rock

You can climb Hanging Rock, a volcanic formation with a labyrinth of caves, crevices and eerie rock formations – made famous though the Joan Lindsay novel and the Peter Weir movie "Picnic at Hanging Rock". You can also visit Camels Hump, a rocky outcrop formed by a small, steep-sided volcano, offering views of Hanging Rock.

• Click here to learn more about Hanging Rock.

Nearby Towns, Houses and Open Gardens

Visit the nearby historic towns and explore fine galleries, antique shops, and crafts stores. Visit other Mt. Macedon stately homes and their historic gardens.

• Click here to learn more about Mt Macedon's historic gardens.

Local Spa Centres

Enjoy the many natural therapies at Spa Centres dotted throughout the region.

• Click here to learn more about the region's spa centres.

Sanatorium Lake

Discover the hidden paradise of Sanatorium Lake.

• Click here to learn more about Sanatorium Lake.

Video of the Macedon Region

A new video has been developed for the Macedon Ranges and is now available to view on the Visit Victoria website. The video showcases the wonderful scenery, nature, food and wine, attractions and people of of the region.

• Click to view the Macedon Ranges Video.

Wineries

Enjoy local cellar door tasting and meet the winemakers at award winning local wineries such as:

• Mount Macedon Winery.
• Hanging Rock Winery.
• Mount Charlie Winery (Riddells Creek).
• Longview Creek Vineyard (Riddells Creek).

Other wineries of note in the area include:

• Zig Zag Wines (Malmsbury).
• Ellender Estate Winery (Malmsbury).
• Cobaw Ridge (Kyneton).
• Granite Hills Winery (Kyneton).
• Gisborne Peak Winery (Gisborne).
• Mount Gisborne Wines (Gisborne).
  

Golf

Six public golf courses, all within 30 minutes of each other, is a blessing that the Macedon Ranges golfers have tucked into their bags. All have particular styles of terrain and layout, and all of them possess their own challenges for the experienced golfer or weekend hack.

Below are listed a few consistently recommended by our guests:

• Woodend Golf Club.
• Romsey Golf Club.
• Lancefield Golf Club.
• Trentham Golf Club.
• Hepburn Springs Golf Club.
• Mt. Macedon Golf Club.

Markets and Regional Events

Check the official calendar and discover what's happening in the Macedon region or plan a visit to one of the regional markets when booking your stay at Mirkwood Forest.

• Click here to learn more about the region's markets and events.
• Click here to view the official calendar.

Restaurants

We have included a list of favourite restaurants recommended by our guests.

Woodend

The Victoria Hotel has a pleasant atmosphere, reasonably priced and has outdoor seating during summer.

• The Victoria Hotel

Café Colenso is located behind the antique shop in the side street next to the Holgate Brewhouse. It takes some discovering, but it's like an old farmhouse in the middle of town. Dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. Bookings are essential.

• Café Colenso

Holgate Brewhouse (Keating's Hotel) has just released a new bar menu. Beer lovers can try a six-glass degustation of the brews that are brewed on site, or get straight into a pint off the menu.

• Holgate Brewhouse

Campaspe House – the restaurant has some truly inspired French-style dining.

• Campaspe House

Maloa House Gourmet Delights does a ripper breakfast, nice lunches, great coffee, tea and cakes. Doubles as a furniture/homewares/edible produce store as well. Located on High Street, 5427 1608.

• Maloa House Gourmet Delights

The Village Larder – new in town and has developed a large following. Breakfast and lunch only. The best coffee in the village.

• The Village Larder

Kyneton

Visit historic Piper Street and try some of the finest food establishments in the Macedon Ranges.

Our top choice and that of our guests is the award winning, one hat Annie Smithers Bistro.

• Annie Smithers Bistro

Another one hat gem, known for creative dishes and outstanding bar design is the Royal George Hotel.

• Royal George Hotel

Also on Piper Street is Star Anise Bistro, small and intimate.

• Mr Carsisi

The new star on the block, Mr Carsisi ticks all the right boxes and a must for the discerning foodie.

• Dhaba at the Mill

Pizza Verde is an excellent choice for the casual diner, festive atmosphere, good food and friendly staff.

• Pizza Verde

For additional information on Kyneton and historic Piper Street:

• Click to read Epicure section of The Age on Kyneton and Piper Street in October 2009.

Trentham

• Stables at Cosmopolitan Hotel