Mount Macedon viewscape

The project

This project is being delivered on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri People.

The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is a significant Victorian landmark. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its historic, social and visual importance to the State of Victoria.

The cross was designed to be seen from the surrounding countryside and to have sweeping views across the plains towards Melbourne.

Since the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, trees around the cross have regrown and now block many of these views.

A heritage note for the Memorial Cross Reserve requires that:

visitors can enjoy views towards Melbourne from the base of the cross
the cross remains visible from Macedon and nearby areas as a symbol of peace.

To meet these requirements, Parks Victoria will remove a small number of regrowth trees on the slope below the cross. Mid storey plants, grasses and wildflowers will remain.

The cleared viewing area will be much smaller than it was in the past, reflecting changing community and environmental expectations.

The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross in Macedon Regional Park

Project benefits

Visitors

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Macedon Regional Park and the Memorial Cross Reserve. This project will restore a partial scenic view from one of the highest points on the mountain.

Community

The local community has strong connections to the Memorial Cross. It is Victoria’s second most visited war memorial. This project will help maintain views that support the memorial’s purpose, while keeping the impact to a minimum.

Heritage

The Memorial Cross Reserve has been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register since 1994. Restoring views to and from the cross is part of the site’s heritage obligations.

Project funding

The project is funded through the Victorian Government’s Distinctive Area Landscape (DAL) program, which protects landscapes of high environmental and cultural value.

Project timeline

Subject to assessments, permits and site conditions, works are expected to take place in April 2026. Construction is expected to take one to two weeks, subject to weather and other on-site conditions.

Environment and cultural heritage management

Before works begin, Parks Victoria will complete all required environmental, heritage and cultural assessments and obtain relevant approvals.

To minimise impacts:

only tall regrowth vegetation will be removed
native shrubs, grasses, herbs and sedges will be kept where possible
tree stumps will remain in place to reduce soil disturbance and erosion
machinery will be used carefully to limit damage to the site.

Parks Victoria has completed detailed planning to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage, historic values and the natural environment.

Who we are working with

We are working with:

Department of Transport and Planning
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Committee
local community stakeholders.

Access changes during works

Before visiting, please check the Macedon Regional Park page for current conditions.

For visitor safety:

a section of the Macedon Ranges Walking Track between Bawden Road and the Memorial Cross (known locally as the Goat Track) will be closed during works
hikers are encouraged to start or finish their walk at Harbison’s Picnic Ground.

Staying updated

This page will be updated with the latest information about the project.

Related information

FAQs

What works are being planned?

Since the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires, there has been significant vegetation regrowth around and below the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, resulting in views being obscured.

Parks Victoria is undertaking work to remove re-growth vegetation to restore historical views to and from the site which is generally consistent with known historical records including the Statement of Significance - H1027 registered with Heritage Victoria.

Vegetation removal to the minimum extent necessary will be undertaken to re-instate some of the views to and from the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross in accordance with the endorsed Site Environmental Management Plan.
Why are the works important?

The Macedon Ranges are classified as a Distinctive Area and Landscape under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and are subject to the Macedon Ranges Statement of Planning Policy 2019. The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve has been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register since 1994. The area is recognised for its significant heritage values.

There is a heritage covenant over the Cross Reserve which outlines the expectation that views can be enjoyed from Melbourne and looking out from the cross. These works will reinstate these views, generally consistent, but to a lesser extent than is identified in Heritage Victoria – Statement of Significance – H1027 and the Heritage Impact Statement – Mount Macedon Memorial Cross (H1027).
How is Parks Victoria working with the Traditional Owners?

The Macedon Ranges are located on Wurundjeri Country, and Parks Victoria has engaged with the Wurundjeri People to provide them with an understanding of the Viewscape re-instatement project. Relevant Parks Victoria staff involved in the project received a Cultural Heritage induction, delivered by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Who approved the works?

Parks Victoria lodged an application under Clause 52.30 (State Projects) of the Victoria Planning Provisions. The application was assessed by the Department of Transport and Planning; a recommendation was made to approve the application. Based on this advice the Minister for Planning issued a permit subject to conditions.
How has Parks Victoria engaged?

Parks Victoria recognises that the community has strong connections to the Macedon Ranges. Consultation occurred with stakeholders and the community in 2023, and feedback provided has been considered in the development of the works to manage the vegetation, to best meet the needs of the environment and heritage views.
What is the plan for managing the vegetation?

Parks Victoria has undertaken significant environmental, historical and cultural assessments as part of the project planning. The project undertake management on selected tall regrowth trees within in an area of 0.79 hectares.

The works will be undertaken using a range of techniques aimed at minimising ground disturbance, with no excavation planned in the works area. Locally indigenous shrubs and grasses will be retained wherever possible and larger trees that are required to be removed will be cut at the base to prevent ground disturbance. The vegetation removed where suitable will be used as wildlife habitat.
How are Snow Gums being managed through the works?

A minimal amount of re-growth Snow Gums will be removed in accordance with the approved permit and endorsed plans to allow views to and from the cross and to help protect the historical Mount Macedon Memorial Cross during a bushfire. A revegetation program is also being planned to plant snow gums in and near the park.
How will Parks Victoria minimise the impacts to wildlife?

All Parks Victoria operations are carefully planned and managed to meet the strict animal welfare guidelines. A suitably qualified Fauna Spotter Catcher will be employed to identify and manage any wildlife issues during tree maintenance works.
When will the works be undertaken?

Works are expected to commence Monday 13 April 2026 and will be completed late April, subject to weather, contractor availability and other on-site conditions. Works will be occurring Monday to Friday and will not be scheduled over the weekend and Public Holidays.
What is the future maintenance plan to ensure the view is maintained?

With the way the works have been designed, it is expected that the views will require limited annual maintenance because of the vegetation types and the topography of the site.
Further information

If you require additional information contact Parks Victoria’s Area Chief Ranger, Goldfields, Karen Doyle on info@parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.