Macedon Ranges: What to Do in a Perfect Weekend

If you are after a proper weekend escape from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges should be right at the top of your list. We recently spent a weekend exploring the Macedon Ranges. From a misty walk at Hanging Rock to a cosy night camping under the pines, I am sharing exactly how we did it. That way you can plan your own Macedon Ranges trip with confidence. This is a real weekend we spent in the Macedon Ranges, with the costs, timing and tips we picked up along the way.

Where Are the Macedon Ranges?

The Macedon Ranges sit around an hour to an hour and a half northwest of Melbourne. That makes them one of the easiest regional escapes in Victoria. The Macedon Ranges region covers a string of small towns, including Woodend, Kyneton and Mount Macedon, along with Hanging Rock and Wombat State Forest. Because the Macedon Ranges are so close to the city, they work well as either a day trip or a full weekend away.

Hanging Rock: A Misty Start to the Macedon Ranges

Our Macedon Ranges weekend started at Hanging Rock, arguably the most recognisable spot in the whole region. Entry cost us fifteen dollars per car. There is plenty of space to park up and have a picnic before or after your walk.

There are several walking tracks around the reserve. We chose to walk up the steep way up hanging rock and come back down the gentler path. On the way up, you gradually start to notice more interesting grey rock formations and moss covered boulders. The view opens up behind you the higher you climb. The further we climbed, the further we could see across miles of rolling Victorian countryside.

We visited on a particularly misty day. It only added to the mysterious atmosphere that Hanging Rock is famous for. If you can catch the Macedon Ranges on a foggy morning, do it.

Woodend: Farmers Market and Town Centre

From Hanging Rock, we drove into Woodend and parked near the Woodend farmers market. This was a genuinely lovely surprise, since we had not planned around it. On the first Saturday of each month, the market fills with food and craft stalls. It has a really community driven feel to it. Expect plenty of tasters and a queue or two for the popular stalls. We picked up olives and an olive tapenade from a local olive farm stand. The market is a great opportunity to grab some items and support local businesses.

After the market, we carried on into the town centre, a compact strip of shops, cafes and eateries. Woodend is a super cute regional Victorian town with a lot of character. It is a great base if you are exploring the Macedon Ranges over a weekend.

You can either join the queue for a toastie and coffee at the popular Fox in the Chamber, or get cosy inside the Holgate Brewery. There are plenty of food and drink options in town, depending on the time of day and the vibe you are after. There are also a few op shops worth a browse if you like a rummage.

Exploring regional Victoria and looking for locations within a short drive from Melbourne?Alongside Macedon, I recommend the popular town of Daylesford, you can check out my things to do in Daylesford blog here.

Visit a Winery in the Macedon Ranges ranges

Victoria is known for its wineries. Honestly, before living here I had no idea how many small wine regions were tucked across the state, including several right through the Macedon Ranges. We stopped at Mount Macedon Winery for a tasting and to pick up a bottle for the evening.

We arrived a little too late, around two on a Saturday afternoon and therefore missed the tasting because the winery had a wedding booked in for that afternoon. Even so, we still managed to try two reds and chose a bottle of local shiraz to take with us.

When we first pulled up, the setting ticked every cosy winter box. Mist hung in the trees, the sun tried to peek through, and highland cows grazed nearby with views rolling out across the hills. If we had more time, I would have loved to sit out on the terrace at their UMM restaurant with a stone baked pizza.

One thing worth noting if you are planning your own Macedon Ranges wine stop is to call ahead and check their current tasting list. They often pour wines from other local wineries too, not always their own.

Camping in Wombat State Forest: Firth Park Campground

To finish the day, we drove to our chosen campsite for the night, Firth Park Campground in Wombat State Forest. It is a short drive from the nearby towns. Yet it feels like a lot more than an hour and a half from Melbourne once you’re there. Campsites are set out in a loop around a central grassed, tents only area, surrounded by pine trees.

We parked up for the evening near the water. We got a pot of chilli going over the fire and opened the bottle of red we had picked up earlier that day. It was the perfect way to end a big day exploring the Macedon Ranges.

The next morning, we walked part of the Andersons Mill track straight from the campground, no driving required. That is one of the things I love most about camping in this part of the Macedon Ranges.

Tip: if you have time, pop into the Pig and Whistle pub on your way to the campsite. They have log burners inside and fire pits outside. It might be one of the cosiest pubs I have visited anywhere in Victoria. It’s also a great option for a meal if you would rather skip cooking at the campsite.

Practical Info for Your Macedon Ranges Weekend

Here is a quick checklist to help you plan the practical side of a Macedon Ranges weekend.

Costs

• Hanging Rock entry is fifteen dollars per car
• Camping at Firth Park is listed as a free camp, though it is worth double checking current fees and conditions before you go
• Winery tastings vary by venue, so budget a small amount per stop

Timing

• Allow an hour to an hour and a half to drive from Melbourne into the Macedon Ranges
• A single weekend is enough time to cover Hanging Rock, Woodend, a winery stop and one night of camping
• Book winery tastings ahead if you can, weekends often fill with private events like weddings

Seasonality

• We visited in the cooler months and the mist made Hanging Rock feel even more atmospheric
• Farmers markets run on the first Saturday of the month in Woodend, so time your visit around that if you want to catch it, but you can check the official website for Macedon Ranges here
• Campsite conditions can change with the seasons, so check current access and fire restrictions before heading into Wombat State Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Macedon Ranges?

The Macedon Ranges are located in central Victoria. They sit around an hour to an hour and a half northwest of Melbourne by car, making them an easy weekend or day trip destination.

What is the Macedon Ranges famous for?

The Macedon Ranges are best known for Hanging Rock, cool climate wineries, historic towns like Woodend and Kyneton, and the surrounding forest and bushwalking trails.

What is on in the Macedon Ranges?

Throughout the year, the Macedon Ranges host farmers markets, wine tastings, seasonal festivals and plenty of walking and camping opportunities across Wombat State Forest and Hanging Rock.

Final Thoughts on Your Macedon Ranges Weekend

A weekend in the Macedon Ranges gives you a genuine mix of history, food, wine and the outdoors, all within easy reach of Melbourne. Whether you follow our route exactly or use it as a starting point for your own version, the Macedon Ranges are well worth the drive.

Looking for more day trips from Melbourne? Check out my things to do in Daylesford blog.

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