Scenic attractions – Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges

Venture beyond the urbane style of the region's town centres for landscapes interrupted by towering escarpments, fern-teased waterfalls, rolling farmland, wildlife, rows of vines and lavender fields.

From stunning views to rugged pursuits
Admire spectacular city views from the summit of Mount Macedon and reflect at the Memorial Cross, built to commemorate WW1 soldiers. Take advantage of an Open Garden Scheme open day to peek behind hedges and stone walls at manicured private gardens.

For more active pursuits, don walking boots and tramp the rugged escarpments of Wombat State Forest, the volcanic flanks of Mount Franklin or the Lerderderg State Park and its 300-metre gorge.

Nature like nowhere else
Witness the majesty of the dripping, moss-covered Trentham Falls as the waters of the Coliban River plunge down the basalt rock-face. Detour past Hepburn Springs to see the Blowhole, a diversion tunnel on Sailors Creek created by mid-nineteenth century gold miners. See the fantastic basalt columns at Organ Pipes National Park near Sunbury.

The region's landmark piece de resistance is Hanging Rock, a six million-year-old dormant volcano hiding caves, crevices and eerie rock formations like the Black Hole of Calcutta and the Cathedral. Clambering among these bizarrely-perched boulders is an absolute must.

Walking in the footsteps of history
Get out and explore the labyrinth of tracks and trails connecting neighbouring villages. Many, like the Tipperary Track near Daylesford, evolved from footpads created by gold miners going between diggings.