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The White Hat Guide to

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

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Overview
Places to visit
Things to do
Markets
Places to stay

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

Overview


 


Malmsbury Botanic Gardens

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

Hanging Rock

Emu Bottom

Memorial Cross at Mount Macedon
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.

 

Scene at Lavendula
Lavendula

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Places to visit

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

Places to visit


A large private garden in Malmsbury. more info >>
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 >>


Bulla Hill Miniature Railway
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 liquid ambers 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 >>

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. A small entry fee applies (children free)

Tieve Tara
A large garden covering over 7 hectares. It reopens to the public on 8th September 2012. Entry charges apply.

Full details at Tieve Tara

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Things to do

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

Things to do


Some forthcoming events in Macedon Ranges and Spa Country:

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.



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Harcourt Applefest

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



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Macedon Ranges Music Festival

The Macedon Ranges Music Festival is a place where people come together for music, dancing, food, drinks,  friends, family, community, and for a great cause. 100% of profits have always been and will continue to be donated to the Cambodian Kids Foundation. Full details at Macedon Ranges Music Festival website



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Borealis On The Lake

BOREALIS on the Lake is bringing the Northern Lights to Lake Daylesford this winter.

The installation is designed to transport  those present to a place far away, where time slows down as their eyes look up. Through colour, movement, density of light beams and changing weather, unique auroras are projected over the lake. Set to a tranquil soundtrack, this is an immersive experience. Created by Switzerland-based Dan Acher, the installation is enjoyable by people of all ages.

Full details, price and bokkings at the official website



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Woodend Winter Arts Festival

Woodend, Victoria

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

Full details at the Festival Website



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Sunfest

SunFest has been celebrating the Sunbury community for over 40 years with a free 2-day festival full of fun and entertainment for all ages. Attractions include:

  • Battle of the Primary School Choirs
  • Sunbury Can Dance
  • Sunbury’s got Talent
  • Grand Street Parade
  • Sunfest Family Show
  • Market Stalls
  • Food Stalls
  • Amusement Rides and Carnival Games
  • Roving Entertainers
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Kyneton Music Festival
 

The Kyneton Music Festival features bands and food trucks in the historic town of Kyneton. You can either take the V-Line train or enjoy a pleasant drive. Either way it is about an hour from central Melbourne with numbers of affordable places to stay. Ticket prices and bookings at the Festival website.

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Hanging Rock Races
The traditional New Years Day races at the atmospheric racecourse at Hanging Rock. ..
Australia Day Races
The popular annual horse racing event. ..
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Markets

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

Markets


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

Hat Hat Hat Hat Hat


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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.

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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 >>



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Gisborne Olde Time Market

Gisbourne Olde Time Market

An outdoor market with over 250 stalls selling arts and crafts with no second hand goods. Offerings include handmade arts and crafts, baby, children's and ladies clothing, jewelry, plants, garden ornaments and furniture. Produce includes fresh fruit and vegetables (much of it locally grown) as well as preserves and pickles. White Hat can recommend this market as part of an easy short trip from Melbourne into the country along the Calder Highway.



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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.



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Hanging Rock Craft Market
An occasional craft market held in the beautiful suooundings of Hanging Rock. An entry fee applies ..
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 ..
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. ..
Sunbury Computer Swap Meet
A large number of stalls selling new and second hand computer equipment and related goods. A small entry fee applies. ..
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. ..
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. ..
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. ..
Malmsbury Village Market
An indoor/outdoor market in a pleasant lakeside setting selling quality goods and produce. ..
Trentham Sunday Market
Local produce and other goods. ..
Woodend Market
An outdoor market selling craft and other goods. ..
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. ..
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 ..
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. ..
Wesley Hill Market
Locally grown produce, plants, flowers, books, antiques & bric-a-brac, etc ..

Places to stay

Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

Places to stay


Selected places to stay in Macedon Ranges and Spa Country:

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