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Macedon Regional Park
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Macedon Regional Park

The Macedon Ranges form the southern end of Victoria's Great Dividing Range and feature a diverse range of natural and cultural features. The 2,379 hectare park protects forested land along the ridge of the range and offers great opportunities for bushwalking, scenic drives and picnics. Mount Macedon is one of the highest peaks in the range and you can enjoy magnificent views from the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and the Camels Hump viewing platforms. Before you go: conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Mount Macedon VIC

4.6 km away

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Autumn at Forest Glade Gardens in the Japanese garden
Image credit: Forest Glade Gardens

Parks and Gardens

Forest Glade Gardens

Perched on the cool slopes of Mount Macedon, Forest Glade Gardens is one of Victoria's most beautiful year-round garden destinations. Sweeping lawns, mature exotic trees, vibrant flower borders and peaceful fern gullies create a landscape that changes with every season. Autumn is especially spectacular, with maples, birches and beeches glowing in rich reds, golds and amber. Originally orchards and grazing land, the gardens were transformed from the 1940s into the established landscape enjoyed today. After the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983, Forest Glade was carefully restored and continues to thrive as a much-loved public garden. Open daily with last entry at 4:30 PM, Forest Glade welcomes visitors from across Australia and around the world. Combined garden and Stokes Collection tours are available. Small picnics are welcome, and dogs on leash may accompany you. There is no on-site parking, street parking is available nearby. The gardens are closed on days of Total Fire Ban.

Mount Macedon VIC

4.7 km away

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The Stables at Duneira Estate

Entertainment Venues

Duneira Estate

Duneira Estate is an original hill station and grand garden on Mount Macedon. Duneira was first established in 1872 by pastoralist Suetonius Officer. At 820 Meters above sea level, Duneira offers visitors a unique insight into the lives and ambitions of the wealthy during colonial times in Australia. Today, Duneira's garden is spectacular with towering rhododendrons, hundreds of unique Mollis Azaleas, heritage listed trees, grand lawns, a secret garden and flower beds filled with perennials. The house built in 1875 is a Victorian Italianate Mansion which now showcases the last owner of Duneira, Stuart Stoneman's outstanding Art Collection. Duneria Estate now runs an arts program including workshops, lectures, concerts, an annual Bluebell Festival, open garden days and events.

Mount Macedon VIC

5.5 km away

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Domino Trail

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Domino Trail

The Domino Trail is a wonderful rail-trail walking and cycling track that stretches between the Central Victorian townships of Trentham and Lyonville. It will take you deep into the Wombat State Forest – home to the endangered powerful owl and many other native wildlife species. The trail is relatively flat, and suitable for walkers and cyclists. In 1880, the coming of the railway to Trentham bolstered industry across the Central Highlands. It carried all supplies in, and locally grown produce, particularly potatoes, and raw timber out. The line closed in 1978, and today a section of the route between Trentham and the neighbouring village of Lyonville has been turned into a public walking track. The Domino Trail starts at the old Trentham railway station, where you will find lots of interpretive signage about the region's rich rail heritage. From there, you can go as far as you like along the well signed and maintained trail. It covers a total distance of six kilometres each way.

Trentham VIC

21 km away

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Old Police Complex and Trentham District Story

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Old Police Complex and Trentham District Story

Managed by the Trentham and District Historical Society, Trentham's Old Police Complex is the ideal place to start your exploration of the delightful village of Trentham. The complex of five portable weatherboard buildings operated from 1866 to 1987 as Trentham's police station. The charge office, garage, stable, and single and rare double cell are all in their original location and were in use until 1987 when Trentham and District Historical Society took over their administration. The buildings now house police memorabilia and local history exhibitions relating to the Trewhella Foundry, Dr Gwen Wisewould (the town's beloved doctor for more than a quarter of a century) and the area’s important potato industry. Adjacent to the Old Police Complex is The Trentham District Story – an outdoor installation of twelve double-sided interpretive panels, retelling the Indigenous and European histories of the Trentham area. The Old Police Complex is open most weekends from November to April. Visitors are welcome at all other times by arrangement with TDHS. The Trentham District Story is accessible at any time throughout the year. The site is an easy, one-block walk south of High Street along Cosmo Road or Market Street. It has a picnic table, public toilets nearby (in Market Street), and is dog friendly.

Trentham VIC

21 km away

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Trentham Falls
Image credit: Hepburn Spa Pavillions

Natural Attractions

Trentham Falls

Trentham Falls is situated within the traditional Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. It's one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Central Victoria and a must-see when you're visiting Trentham or Daylesford. It's a very popular destination in winter and spring, when the falls show their true power and presence. Trentham Falls is the highest single drop of any waterfall in Central Victoria. Plunging more than 32 metres down a basalt cliff, it has formed a ravine several hundred metres long. Picnic tables and fire pits are available for a barbeque or picnic under the shade of the tree canopy. If you're planning to use the fire pit, you will need to bring your own wood. Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on a lead. As waterfalls are within a natural environment, you may encounter hazards. Please read site signage carefully and remain on the formed walking tracks.

Trentham VIC

21 km away

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Come exolore our two gallerys of emerging Victorian artists

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Old Auction House Gallery

Nestled in the middle of Kyneton, which is renowned as the artistic hub of the Macedon Ranges, you will find two contemporary art galleries that have a constant rotation of emerging and mid-career artists. The Old Auction House Gallery has quickly become known for its non-traditional shows, as well as for its relaxed atmosphere and country charm. Housed in a 130-year-old building that has been transformed into an creative hub, the galleries truly come alive when all the surrounding studios are buzzing with artists and students. The exhibitions range from group shows by artisan guilds such as Buttlejorrk and the Glass Artists Support Program as well as hosting the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival's Art Prize and Queerthentic Regional LGBTQIA+ Art Prize, through to solo exhibitions by mid-career Australian artists and curated themed group shows of emerging artists. While the gallery does exhibit many traditional exhibitions from abstract paintings to landscape photography, the atmosphere of the space encourages many shows that straddle the line of Fine Art vs Craft. They vehemently believe that high-quality craft deserves a space to be seen and thrive in the art scene and are proud to regularly have the opportunity to exhibit incredible examples of this genre. From costuming, ceramics, weaving to found assemblage, glass and jewellery, you never know what you will discover in The Old Auction House Gallery.

Kyneton VIC

21 km away

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Maiaveda Holistic Health Retreat and Spa

Spas and Retreats

Maiaveda Holistic Health Retreat and Spa

Maiaveda is a boutique holistic health retreat and spa. In the heart of Kyneton, experience authentic Ayurvedic spa therapies - an ancient and holistic healing system. Leave feeling honoured and fully rejuvenated. The Maiaveda experience has been designed keeping in mind the individual’s desire to relax, rebalance and revitalise. Let us cocoon you within an oasis, a peaceful place where you can find sustenance – calm, small, sacred and nurturing. Maiaveda retreats have been developed to cater to those that seek an immersive experience to re-balance and recharge. With the attentive care of their holistic specialists, you will emerge refreshed and in harmony. They know that spa lovers will relish the opportunity to delve into the bliss of our therapies, and to this end, they invite you to consult with them directly to create your own combinations of spa ritual packages that fulfil your ultimate healing experience. Allow them the opportunity to be your personal Wellness Concierge, let them help you create a Personalised Wellness Journey with them so that you can follow your own desires to receive customised therapies to support your unique needs and goals.

Kyneton VIC

22 km away

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Collected Interiors at Kabinett in Kyneton

Shopping and Markets

Kabinett Kyneton

Kabinett is a boutique department store situated inside the Royal George Hotel- a heritage listed two story blue stone converted pub first built in 1852. Kabinett is originally known for its one-of-a-kind industrial vintage furniture. The range has grown to include a curated range of homewares, books, as well as jewelry and niche fragrances. Everything is hand-picked and sourced from small-scale producers around the globe. Kabinett is an inspirational destination for anyone who seeks the unexpected. Located on the second floor of the building is Botanik- a niche cocktail bar and liquor store specialising in Vermouth and Amari from both Australia and the rest of the world. Here customers can enjoy a cocktail and get lost in conversations about the craft of distilling and mixing botanic ingredients.

Kyneton VIC

22 km away

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Art on Piper in Kyneton Central Victoria

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Art on Piper Gallery

Art on Piper is a not-for-profit art collective based in the touristy art hub of Piper Street in Kyneton. This picturesque central Victorian town is only a one-hour drive (85 kilometres) from Melbourne's Central Business District. The gallery consists of a dynamic group of artists showcasing a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, photography, sculpture, mosaic, glass, ceramics, origami, timber, textiles and many styles of jewellery and cards. While on duty on a roster basis, each member is happy to chat about how they create their works, as most will be making their craft on the day, utilising their tools of the trade. Artists can be commissioned to customise your special requirements based upon samples. Every month the talented artists contribute their interpretations of a new theme for the front window display expanding the impact and possibilities, sometimes linked to the town or area and other times with strong parameters. A lovely light-filled guest room expands the offerings and interest for visitors and locals alike, with exhibitions featuring artists from outside of the region, bringing in a wider range of techniques and products.

Kyneton VIC

22 km away

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Us by the Farmshop
Image credit: Chintin Botanicals

Agritourism

Chintin Botanicals

Chintin Botanicals is the only commercial botanicals and lavender farm located in the Eastern Macedon Ranges. As a family-owned business, they are dedicated to sustainable farming practices and cultivating exquisite culinary grade botanical essences and flavours. With a commitment to regenerative agriculture and the highest quality products, Chintin Botanicals offers a range of botanical-infused delights for food enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking unique flavours. Chintin Botanicals has a dedicated event space where they offer workshops and experiences from distilling workshops to farm tours and private events. Talk to them about tailoring a unique experience for corporate events, hens days or family get-togethers.

Chintin VIC

22 km away

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Lerderderg State Park
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Lerderderg State Park

The Lerderderg River has carved a deep and picturesque gorge through this rugged park located within easy reach of Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat. Picnic at Shaws Lake or O'Briens Crossing, follow an old water race and hike part of the Great Dividing Trail, or simply stroll along the river from Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area. Although this park is just an hour's drive from Melbourne, it feels truly remote in many areas. See the Lerderderg River Gorge which dominates and divides it in two from O'Briens Crossing in the north to Mackenzies Flat in the south. Experienced hikers will be rewarded with dramatic views. Bring the family and enjoy a barbecue by the river then take a gentle stroll upstream to Grahams Dam. Set up camp at Lerderderg Campground, which is a popular spot set in woodland. Before traveling, visit Parks Victoria's website to check for changes in park conditions which may impact your visit. Remember to stay bushfire ready using the Vic Emergency website while in nature.

Lerderderg VIC

24 km away

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The Historic House of St Erth

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Garden of St Erth

Nestled just a short drive from Daylesford and Ballarat, The Garden of St Erth is a historic house enveloped by enchanting gardens — the perfect retreat for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone seeking peaceful inspiration. Wander through their exquisite gardens where espaliered fruit trees, heirloom vegetables, and drought‑tolerant flowers flourish together in harmony. The gardens reflect not only traditional borders - the bush garden is alive with native birdsong, an ideal space for reflection, reconnecting with nature, and restoring calm. Visit their nursery and garden shop: where the friendly, knowledgeable team is always ready to help. Choose from an expansive selection of heirloom seeds and plants, everything you need to bring a piece of St Erth home. Their café is open daily, offering hearty meals, freshly brewed coffee, and homemade cakes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Diggers Club at St Erth leads by example in sustainable gardening. Whether you're curious about organic methods, water‑wise planting, or growing your own food, you'll find ideas, inspiration, and practical guidance to garden in a responsible way.

Blackwood VIC

24 km away

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Navan Park

Parks and Gardens

Navan Park

Navan Park is an all-abilities play space next to a lake and includes a fenced, off-lead dog park. Along with the play equipment, a path runs around the park, perfect for walking, bike riding and scooting. There are sheltered barbeque facilities as well as water fountains. Navan Park playground highlights includes the ‘Rocket Ship Playground' featuring two long twisty metal slides curling around a central climbing tower. Babies and toddlers will especially enjoy the sandpit.

Harkness VIC

28 km away

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Bald Hill at Sunrise
Image credit: Danielle McGrath

Natural Attractions

Bacchus Marsh 1000 Plus Steps

This iconic trail is more than a walk—it's a journey to the top. Whether you're chasing fitness goals or craving fresh air and panoramic views, the Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps offers a perfect blend of challenge and charm. Walk or run at your own pace, then reward yourself with a coffee or bite in town. Starting at Ramsay Crescent in Darley, the trail climbs Bald Hill with a 300 metres elevation gain. Spanning 1.9 kilometres one-way and over 1000 steps, it takes 30–60 minutes to complete. Rest stops, benches, and a water fountain halfway help you recharge. Step markers every 100 steps keep motivation high. Dogs are welcome on leash—just watch for snakes in warmer months. Summit All Abilities Sculpture Trail is accessible via Swans Road and this trail features smoother paths, gentle gradients, and facilities for prams, wheelchairs, and limited mobility. Sculptures and panoramic views enhance the experience. James Voller's Changing Lands sculptures explores transformation through industry and growth. Cara Johnson's Grey box I–V highlights native flora and supports local wildlife. The trail also links to the Telford Park All Abilities Trail, offering a seamless transition to a gentler, inclusive path. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and use sun protection. Project Partners -Co-funded by Regional Development Victoria and Moorabool Shire Council.

Darley VIC

28 km away

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Telford Park All Abilities Trail

Natural Attractions

Telford Park All Abilities Sculpture Trail

The Telford Park All Abilities Sculpture Trail is located in Bacchus Marsh. 1.8km of all abilities trail winds its way up the slop of Telford Park to a indigenous sculpture, Binak Biik. The trail circles around Telford Park with spots to sit and relax and provides options for longer or shorter loops, that lead to a lookout mound in the centre of the park. The trail is suitable for wheelchair users and people using walking aids. Please ensure you are fully prepared before you go, including sturdy walking shoes, drinking water and sun protection. The distance to the lookout one way is 615 metres, while the circuit is approximately 1250 metres. The elevation of this walk is between 168 metres to 182 metres, with a total climb of 14 metres. It has been assigned Grade 1 (easy) difficulty.

Darley VIC

28 km away

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Pony Ride at Animal land
Image credit: Animal land

Amusement and Theme Parks

Animal Land Children's Farm

Animal Land Children's Farm - the ultimate family experience. What makes Animal Land so popular with families is that you can get to actively hold, pat, feed, ride, milk and truly experience what farm life is like. This unique country life experience allows you to meet, greet and interact with all of your favourite farmyard animals including cows, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, chooks, ponies, alpacas, donkeys, deer, turkeys, peacocks, rabbits, guinea pigs and more. You will enjoy non stop entertainment as you participate in all the farm's fun filled activities including a hand led pony ride, a stroll around the farm to feed the animals and nursing the baby animals too. Collect the eggs from the chooks, feed the ducks on the dam, go ponding, plant a tree and have a go at growing some seedlings. Even try your luck at farm sports such as poopa scooping. Located just 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, this unrivalled day of family fun is in easy reach. Animal Land Children's Farm is famous for the sensory experience it offers visitors of all ages and a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with cute farm animals. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to the public from 10:00am to 3:00pm (last admission 12:30pm)

Diggers Rest VIC

29 km away

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Hannah Watts Park

Parks and Gardens

Hannah Watts Park

Hannah Watts Park boasts many fun attractions, including in-ground trampolines, a tower with giant slide and climbing elements, flying fox, swings, including a parent and child swing, a nest swing and an all abilities swing with back and neck support and a whirly go-round (includes space and access for a wheelchair). There are natural play features including a dry creek bed for tactile and imaginative play. There's also a course of stepping stones, log steppers and balance logs, accessible play panels at the base of the large tower, including a shop front and musical play, sensory play and natural hideout areas. There are generous picnic shelters with wheelchair accessible barbecues, tables and drinking fountain, as well as an accessible toilet block.

Melton VIC

29 km away

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Melton Library and Learning Hub

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Melton Library and Learning Hub

Melton Library and Learning Hub is a state-of-the art community hub in the heart of Melton. It is the first library in Australia to be awarded a five Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). With two spacious floors featuring plenty of communal study and lounge spaces, it is the perfect place for relaxation, learning and family-friendly entertainment. The library also features a large local and family history collection, as well as community art and exhibition spaces.

Melton VIC

30 km away

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Willows historic homestead

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Willows Historical Park and Homestead

The Willows Historical Park is a picturesque public open space located in the heart of the Melton Township showcasing the history of Melton from its establishment to the present day. Features of the Willows include: Willows Historical homestead tours available from Melton District Historical Society (MDHS) on Wednesday and Sundays between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM or by appointment. Historical walking trail, native garden, barbeque and undercover picnic area, public amenities, Melton Men's Shed. Dunvegan Cottage which is a historically significant bluestone cottage located within the grounds of The Willows Historical Park. The Victorian style house with gable roof, verandah and coarse, square rubble bluestone walls served as the town's first police station. The Willows Historical Park is open every day, during daylight hours.

Melton VIC

30 km away

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The Woods Daylesford - Studio
Image credit: Colin Doswell

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Woods Daylesford

Located in the central highlands of Victoria, a stone's throw from Daylesford and just over an hour from Melbourne, The Woods Daylesford is a creative studio offering a range of inspiring workshops, classes and events. Here, you can join an intimate circle of creatives for an extraordinary experience. An opportunity to step into a curated creative space, connect with like-minded people, share in a wealth of knowledge, trade secrets and sources and, through instruction, example and hands-on experience, leave with a wealth of new-found knowledge and skills. Through nature-led creative workshops and thoughtful food experiences, they celebrate slow living, playful creativity and the quiet magic found in making and cooking together, guided by the seasons and inspired by the natural world. Visitors can visit The Woods Daylesford by participating in one of their workshops.

Bullarto VIC

30 km away

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Picnic Shelter
Image credit: Melton City Council

Parks and Gardens

Melton Botanic Garden

The Melton Botanic Garden is a great place to visit, with plants that tolerate a dry climate and low water conditions. An outstanding feature of the garden is the internationally accredited Dryland Eucalyptus Arboretum, holding a nationally registered collection of more than 100 species of Eucalypt with many understorey native plant species. There are Indigenous plantings, including creek and lake rehabilitation, Indigenous Grassland and the Koori Student Garden. Marvel at the magnificent old River Red Gums. explore the Victorian Volcanic Plains, Bushfoods , Sensory, West Australian/South Australian , Eastern Australian Dryland, Southern African, Mediterranean Region and the Californian, Central and South American Gardens. There are many more accessible paths covering the site. Come along and explore nature. An award winning nature play space featuring natural play equipment, sand and water play, climbing opportunities, artistic sculptures inspired by nature, seating, a central pathway, new plants and trees and turfed areas will delight the young and young at heart. Facilities include amphitheatre suitable for holding weddings and other events, barbeques and public toilets nearby, seating and picnic tables throughout. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, doggy doo collection bags must be carried and used. The Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden hold plants sales at the nursery. For more information, please visit the website.

Melton VIC

30 km away

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Small group sessions and retreats are our specialty
Image credit: Heart of the Horser

Natural Attractions

Heart of the Horse

At Heart of the Horse, they offer heart-led healing experiences through connection with horses in the most beautiful peaceful natural setting in Drummond North in Central Victoria. Guests can enjoy individual two hour sessions, small group experiences curated to your requirements, and unique immersive wellness retreats designed to support relaxation, self-discovery, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. Currently Heart of the Horse is the only residential healing retreat with horses in Australia. Individual and small group sessions can be booked directly via email. One, three and five-day retreats are available to book online through the Whats On calendar on the front page of the Heart of the Horse website. Heart of the Horse is on the outskirts of Malmsbury and 20 minutes from many wonderful towns in Victoria's Heartland - Daylesford, Kyneton and Castlemaine.

Drummond North VIC

31 km away

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Werribee Gorge
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Werribee Gorge State Park

Werribee Gorge retains a wild, rugged natural beauty. The park offers spectacular views and great opportunities for bushwalking and rock climbing. There are a variety of walks in the park. A popular walk follows the Werribee River from Meikles Point picnic area, offering an impressive view of both the river and the cliff faces of the gorge. It leads to popular swimming holes, historic sites and other park features. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Pentland Hills VIC

31 km away

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