Macedon Ranges

Daylesford area and Macedon Ranges

Malmsbury Botanic Gardens

This area includes Mount Macedon, Hanging Rock, Malmsbury, Bacchus Marsh, Kyneton, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and Kilmore.

Hanging Rock

Emu Bottom

Memorial Cross at Mount Macedon

Frederic McCubbin's famous painting, The Pioneer (see right), was painted at Mount Macedon and the growing city of Melbourne can be faintly made out in the background. The painting hangs in the Ian Potter Centre in Melbourne.

Lavendula

Some places of interest in the Macedon Ranges & spa country:

Bleak House Rose Gardens Bleak House gardens were established by rosarian Susan Irvine in the early 1980's. The gardens have now grown to fifteen acres, including groves, orchards, various water features and in roads of hedging roses . Refreshments are available in the garden conservatory. Irish donkeys love the attention of visiting children. Entrance fee $5. 10am to 4pm, Sat, Sun & Mon (Nov to April) 166 De Graves Mill Dve, Malmsbury
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Bringalbit Bringalbit is a country property near Mt. Macedon retaining some of its original remnant Peppermint Gums, Yellow Box and Manna Gums fail to break the winds. These have been supplemented confers, oaks, willow and poplar thickets, Monterey pines and Osage trees, nearly all planted in the 19th century. The large trees, together with a small creek feeding a couple of dams and the garden lake before cascading down it’s rocky falls below the spillway forms a peaceful retreat in country Victoria. There is a 60metre Quince Walk that delights in Spring and Autumn. Elsewhere in the garden swathes of roses, lavender, dianthus and gaura soak up the sun on the north facing terraces with their silver foliage context of snow-in-summer edging. There is a small entry charge per person (children free). More info >> 10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays 512 Sidonia Road, Sidonia via Kyneton, VIC
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Bulla Hill Miniature Railway A ride-on model railway. Enclosed footwear must be worn. More information at Bulla Steam Railway. noon-5pm, 1st & 3rd Sunday of month Green Street,, (Mel ref 177 B7)
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Campaspe House Campaspe Country House has a wonderful example of an early Edna Walling garden which changes character with the seasons. Spring features the colours of rhododendrons, azaleas, crab apple trees, camellias, jonquils, daffodils, Grandmother's bonnets and iris. Autumn features the colours the region with 80 year old liquidambars and maples Summer reveals the shades of greens a long established garden can produce. Winter allows the large feature trees like red cedars and the rare Macedon oak (which stays evergreen) become the chief attraction. In addition there is a kitchen garden featuring espaliered olive and pear trees and an excellent selection of herbs and vegetables. Please note: Campaspe House is a privately owned Country House Hotel and restaurant. This means that the gardens are not generally accessible to the general public. However White Hat recommends that house guests and restaurant patrons should take at least some time to wander through these special gardens. Restaurant bookings are essential and you can find details at the Campaspe House website. More info >> 10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays 29 Goldies Lane, Woodend , VIC
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Forest Glade Gardens Forest Glade Gardens is one of Australia's finest private gardens. It is short trip from Melbourne and is open to the public from September to May. It features large exotic trees, a bonsai house, a woodland section, a fern gully a blue bell patch and an impressive daffodil lawn during spring; a topiary garden, two aviaries, a laburnum arch, a peony walk highlighted with climbing roses, as well as numerous pergolas, ponds, fountains and statues. Entry $8 per head (children free); More info >> 10am to 4.30pm, daily Sept to May 816 Mt Macedon Rd, Mt Macedon, VIC
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Tieve Tara A large garden covering over 7 hectares. It reopens to the public on 8th September 2012. Full details at Tieve Tara 10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays 751 Mt. Macedon Rd, Mt. Macedon, VIC

Bleak House Rose Gardens

Bleak House gardens were established by rosarian Susan Irvine in the early 1980's. The gardens have now grown to fifteen acres, including groves, orchards, various water features and in roads of hedging roses . Refreshments are available in the garden conservatory. Irish donkeys love the attention of visiting children. Entrance fee $5.

10am to 4pm, Sat, Sun & Mon (Nov to April)
166 De Graves Mill Dve, Malmsbury

Bringalbit

Bringalbit is a country property near Mt. Macedon retaining some of its original remnant Peppermint Gums, Yellow Box and Manna Gums fail to break the winds. These have been supplemented confers, oaks, willow and poplar thickets, Monterey pines and Osage trees, nearly all planted in the 19th century. The large trees, together with a small creek feeding a couple of dams and the garden lake before cascading down it’s rocky falls below the spillway forms a peaceful retreat in country Victoria. There is a 60metre Quince Walk that delights in Spring and Autumn. Elsewhere in the garden swathes of roses, lavender, dianthus and gaura soak up the sun on the north facing terraces with their silver foliage context of snow-in-summer edging. There is a small entry charge per person (children free). More info >>

10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays
512 Sidonia Road, Sidonia via Kyneton, VIC

Bulla Hill Miniature Railway

A ride-on model railway. Enclosed footwear must be worn. More information at Bulla Steam Railway.

noon-5pm, 1st & 3rd Sunday of month
Green Street,,
(Mel ref 177 B7)

Campaspe House

Campaspe Country House has a wonderful example of an early Edna Walling garden which changes character with the seasons.

Spring features the colours of rhododendrons, azaleas, crab apple trees, camellias, jonquils, daffodils, Grandmother's bonnets and iris.
Autumn features the colours the region with 80 year old liquidambars and maples
Summer reveals the shades of greens a long established garden can produce.
Winter allows the large feature trees like red cedars and the rare Macedon oak (which stays evergreen) become the chief attraction.

In addition there is a kitchen garden featuring espaliered olive and pear trees and an excellent selection of herbs and vegetables.

Please note: Campaspe House is a privately owned Country House Hotel and restaurant. This means that the gardens are not generally accessible to the general public. However White Hat recommends that house guests and restaurant patrons should take at least some time to wander through these special gardens. Restaurant bookings are essential and you can find details at the Campaspe House website. More info >>

10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays
29 Goldies Lane, Woodend , VIC

Forest Glade Gardens

Forest Glade Gardens is one of Australia's finest private gardens. It is short trip from Melbourne and is open to the public from September to May. It features large exotic trees, a bonsai house, a woodland section, a fern gully a blue bell patch and an impressive daffodil lawn during spring; a topiary garden, two aviaries, a laburnum arch, a peony walk highlighted with climbing roses, as well as numerous pergolas, ponds, fountains and statues. Entry $8 per head (children free); More info >>

10am to 4.30pm, daily Sept to May
816 Mt Macedon Rd, Mt Macedon, VIC

Tieve Tara

A large garden covering over 7 hectares. It reopens to the public on 8th September 2012.

Full details at Tieve Tara

10am to 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays
751 Mt. Macedon Rd, Mt. Macedon, VIC

Some markets in the Macedon Ranges & spa country:

Naturipe Fruits - Pick Your Own and Farm Gate Sales

Naturipe Fruits has both pick your own and farm gate sales. (please note - cash only).

Pick your own

Fruit	Season	Typical price (Jan 2016)
Strawberries	Mid Oct to end of May	$10/kg*
Cherries	Mid Nov to Jan	$10/kg
Peaches	Dec & Jan	$3.50/kg
Nectarines	Dec & Jan	$3.50/kg
Apples	Feb to May	$3.50/kg

*Entry is free except for cherry picking where there is a small entry charge per person.
Apple seasons are Royal Gala (Feb); Golden Delicious (March); Early Fuji (late-Feb); Late Fuji (April); Pink Lady (late-April to May); Granny Smith (April)

Farm Gate Sales
Fruits for sale are fresh-picked daily and and are not waxed or stored or use any chemicals. As well as the fruits listed above, garlic is also available.

For current details consult the Naturipe Fruits website.

Our rating - 5 Hats

9am to 5pm daily during season (usually Oct to May)
638 Bacchus Marsh Road, Bacchus Marsh

Trentham Farmers' Market

Trentham's authentic Farmers Market has a selection of dairy and goats cheeses, fresh honey, eggs and live poultry, preserves, local potatoes and sourdough breads, organic and conventional produce, olive products, plants and fresh flowers, organic and conventional wines and an assortment of natural farm products.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Saturday of month
Trentham Town Square, Trentham

Daylesford Farmers Market

Over 40 stalls selling the best in Regional Produce. The region has the best in both organic and other fresh produce as well as all the value added produce in the Hepburn Shire. White Hat can particularly recommend the winter vegetables from Spring Creek Organics. Full details at Regional Farmers Markets.

9am to 1pm, first Saturday of month
Daylesford Primary School, Vincent St, Daylesford

Daylesford Mill Markets

A large indoor market with an emphasis on antiques, retro fashion and collectables. New stallholders are welcome. White Hat recommends that the serious browser for retro and memorabilia sets aside plenty of time because there are a large amount of goods on display. More information at Daylesford Mill Markets >>

10am to 6pm, 7 days a week
105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford

Daylesford Sunday Market

Brought to you by the Daylesford Spa Country Railway, the Daylesford Sunday Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in Victoria with something for everyone. Also on offer are Vintage Train rides to the sleepy town of Bullarto on vechiles from the early to mid 20th Century Set in the historic Daylesford Railway Station, entry and car parking is free.

8am to 4pm, Sundays
Daylesford Railway Station, Midland Hwy (Raglan St), Daylesford

Gisborne Olde Time Market

An outdoor market with 220 stalls selling arts and crafts with no second hand goods.

9am to 2pm, 1st Sunday of month
Hamilton & Aitken Street, Gisborne
(Mel ref 197 F9)

Gisborne Village All Seasons Market

An indoor market with plants, crafts and bric a brac. It is run by volunteers to support The Elms and The Oaks Aged Care Facilities for Macedon Ranges Health Services.

9am - 3pm, 1st Sunday of month
Gisborne Village Shopping Centre Brantome St,,
(Mel ref 197 F9)

Glenlyon Village Market

The Glenlyon Village Market is held at the historic Glenlyon Shire Hall in picturesque Glenlyon, only minutes from Daylesford, Kyneton,Malmsbury or Woodend on the Daylesford-Malmsbury Rd. We are a friendly, local country market with lots of beautiful fresh local produce, crafts and vintage goods. For stall enquiries contact Dan Harris on (03) 5348 7662

9am to 1pm, 3rd Saturday of month
Glenlyon Shire Hall. Daylesford-Malmsbury Rd, Glenlyon

Hanging Rock Craft Market

An occasional craft market held in the beautiful suooundings of Hanging Rock. An entry fee applies

10am to 3pm, 31 Oct 2010 & 13March 2011
Hanging Rock, South Rock Road, Woodend

Kyneton Farmers' Market

A monthly farmers' market that showcases the wine and produce of the great central province - right in the heart of Piper Street Kyneton.

8am-1pm, 2nd Saturday of month
St Paul's Park, Piper Street,,

Lancefield & District Farmers Market

Community owned - authentic - farmers market. Fresh local produce - veg - fruit - meat - cheese & other provisions for a more sustainable shopping experience. Free face-painting & music from local buskers.Come down with your bags, baskets and trolleys and support local producers.

9am-1pm, 4th Saturday of the month, (3rd Sat in Dec)
Centre Plantation, High Street,,
(Mel ref 609 J10)

Malmsbury Village Market

An indoor/outdoor market in a pleasant lakeside setting selling quality goods and produce.

9am-3pm, 2nd Sun of month (Sept-May)
Gardens, Calder Highway, Malmsbury
(Mel ref 609 F8)

Riddells Creek Farmers Market

An authenic community farmers market featuring locally grown gourmet food, seasonal produce, wine, olives, honey, eggs, bread, compost, grain, plants, woolen products and much more. Free face painter for young and old and music from local buskers.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Sat of month (exc. Dec)
Riddells Creek Primary School, Riddells Creek

Sunbury Computer Swap Meet

A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies.

9am to 4pm, 4th Saturday of month
Leisure Centre - Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury

Sunbury Family Market

Over 50 indoor and outdoor stalls including jewellery, knitware, toys, scrapbooking,Asian handicrafts, aromatherapy, ceramics, soy candles, books, collectables, clothing, plants, produce, picture framing, hot food, speciality cakes, confectionary and children's activities. Proceeds to the Rotary Club of Sunbury's community projects

9am to 2pm, 1st Sat of month (except Jan)
Leisure Centre - Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury

Trentham Sunday Market

Local produce and other goods.

9am-2pm, 4th Sunday of month
Main Street,,
(Mel ref 627 D2)

Trenthamade

Trenthamade a recently commenced market is an initiave of the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre. Intending stallholders must make the goods that they intend to sell there. Items available are Jewellery, Knitted and crocheted goods, handsewn babies and children's clothes. Gumboot socks, soy candles, greeting cards, garden ornaments, porcelain dolls and much more.

9am to 1pm, 3rd Saturday of month
Gardens of Cosmopolitan Hotel, Cnr Cosmo Rd and High St, Trentham

Wesley Hill Market

Locally grown produce, plants, flowers, books, antiques & bric-a-brac, etc

7.30am - 1pm, Saturdays
Pyrenees Hwy opposite Albion Hotel,,
(Mel ref 609 D7)

Woodend Market

An outdoor market selling craft and other goods.

9am-3pm, 3rd Sunday of month (closed June-August)
High Street,,
(Mel ref 609 G10)

What's on and things to do in the Macedon Ranges & spa country:

Australia Day Races The popular annual horse racing event. 26 January 2018 Hanging Rock
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Harcourt Applefest Harcourt Applefest The Harcourt Applefest is a community festival celebrating everything apple related. March 2018 ? Harcourt, (near Castlemaine, on the way to Bendigo) (Mel ref 609 D6)
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Woodend Winter Arts Festival The Woodend Winter Arts Festival showcases music, literature and the visual arts in intimate historical venues over three pleasurable days. 9th to 11th June 2018 (tbc)
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La Primavera Swiss Italian Festival Lavandula's La Primavera festival honours the original Swiss-Italian migrants who celebrated the coming of spring with song and dance. Rosa Voto and her troupe from the Melbourne School of Tarantella will be performing their intoxicating songs and dances. Salvatore, will share the stories of his homeland through song. Lina and Tony of Rose Creek Estate will be showcasing their quality range of Italian-style wines, olive oil and preserved olives. Mara Ripani of Village Dreaming will be putting on a special performance called Kitchen Songs. Descendants of the original Swiss-Italian family who once farmed the property, Faye and Boyd Thompson will give an authentic tour of the original farmhouse. In addition, good regional fare will be available from La Trattoria and its wood-fired oven. Several stallholders will be showcasing their wares and handicrafts. $6 per adult, $2 per school-age child October 2018 - date to be announced Lavendula, 350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat (near Daylesford)
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Hanging Rock Races The traditional New Years Day races at the atmospheric racecourse at Hanging Rock. 1st January 2019 Hanging Rock

Australia Day Races

The popular annual horse racing event.

26 January 2018
Hanging Rock

Harcourt Applefest

Harcourt Applefest The Harcourt Applefest is a community festival celebrating everything apple related.

March 2018 ?
Harcourt, (near Castlemaine, on the way to Bendigo)
(Mel ref 609 D6)

Woodend Winter Arts Festival

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival showcases music, literature and the visual arts in intimate historical venues over three pleasurable days.

9th to 11th June 2018 (tbc)

La Primavera Swiss Italian Festival

Lavandula's La Primavera festival honours the original Swiss-Italian migrants who celebrated the coming of spring with song and dance.

Rosa Voto and her troupe from the Melbourne School of Tarantella will be performing their intoxicating songs and dances. Salvatore, will share the stories of his homeland through song. Lina and Tony of Rose Creek Estate will be showcasing their quality range of Italian-style wines, olive oil and preserved olives. Mara Ripani of Village Dreaming will be putting on a special performance called Kitchen Songs. Descendants of the original Swiss-Italian family who once farmed the property, Faye and Boyd Thompson will give an authentic tour of the original farmhouse.

In addition, good regional fare will be available from La Trattoria and its wood-fired oven. Several stallholders will be showcasing their wares and handicrafts.

$6 per adult, $2 per school-age child
October 2018 - date to be announced
Lavendula, 350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat (near Daylesford)

Hanging Rock Races

The traditional New Years Day races at the atmospheric racecourse at Hanging Rock.

1st January 2019
Hanging Rock

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The White Hat Guide to Daylesford area and Macedon Ranges