Just an hour northwest of Melbourne, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are the perfect nature getaway. Here you can walk through magical forests in Macedon, meander through vibrant autumn leaves in the Goldfields, all while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of Dja Dja Wurrung and Wurundjeri Country.

Read on to discover the top nature experiences near Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges.

The best time to visit Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges

No matter what time of year you choose to visit the region, you’ll have the best experience mid-week or early morning (before 10 am) or later in the day (after 3 pm) on weekends by avoiding peak times.

In autumn (March – May), changing autumn colours are a real highlight in the region. 

Visit in winter (June – August) to enjoy a brisk walk through damp and misty forests – remember to rug up as it gets chilly, and snow is a possibility this time of year. 

Spring (September – November) brings longer days and spectacular wildflowers and scenic views from the lookouts.  

In summer (December – February), the region, at an elevation of up to 615m above sea level, is a great place to escape the heat and enjoy cooler mountain air with a walk or picnic.

Vaughan Springs during autumn, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

Macedon Regional Park nature experiences

Macedon Regional Park is at the southern end of Victoria’s Great Dividing Range and provides great outdoor opportunities including bushwalking, picnics and scenic drives. It’s part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri Peoples.   

Days Picnic Area

Make your first stop at Days Picnic Ground, one of the best picnic spots near Melbourne. Here you’ll find toilets, plenty of parking and room for a family day out. 

This often-misty rest stop is located along the 19km Macedon Ranges Walking Trail - for those feeling ambitious, this will take you on an all-day loop around Macedon Regional Park.  

If you’re after something shorter, the Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail (below) is a great option.

Days Picnic Ground, Macedon Regional Park. Image: Visit Macedon Ranges.

Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail

Distance: 2.5km, loop 
Time: 30mins

From Days Picnic Ground, cross Lions Head Road and walk towards the picnic area to the start of the Sanatorium Lake Eco Tourism Trail. As you wander this flat, gentle trail, keep an eye out for the many kookaburras and robins that live around here.  

Follow the signs to Sanatorium Lake. Take a stroll around the lake or follow the signs to Sanatorium Picnic Ground. The lake is surrounded by tall eucalypts, silver wattle, and blackwood and is a great spot to pause and reflect.

The history of Sanatorium Lake dates to the early 1900s when it was built to provide a water supply to a planned hospital that was never constructed. Although you can’t swim in Sanatorium Lake, the serene surroundings make it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. 

Dogs are allowed at Sanatorium Lake, but they must be on-leash to ensure everyone enjoys the park safely.

Sanatorium Lake, Macedon Regional Park. Image: Visit Macedon Ranges.

Camel’s Hump

Distance: 1.8km, one way 
Time: 1.5 hours, return 

From Days Picnic Area, you can also reach the highest point in the Macedon Ranges by following the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail to Camel's Hump. The stunning vistas from 1,011 meters above sea level are well worth the hike.  

For the best experience, visit early in the morning to spot local wombats and swamp wallabies. Help us protect wildlife by not bringing your dog on this walk.

Camel’s Hump, Macedon Regional Park. Image: Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park nature experiences

Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park is located at the heart of the central Victorian goldfields, part of the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung People.

Vaughan Mineral Springs

Just 15 minutes from Castlemaine, Vaughan Mineral Springs is filled with deciduous trees, making it a picturesque picnic spot year-round. 

After your picnic, enjoy a stroll along the Loddon River, pump some local mineral water, or fly down the giant slide to splash in the river on a hot summer’s day.  

There are no rubbish bins on site, so remember to bring an extra bag with you and leave no trace to protect this place for future visitors and the local wildlife. 

Near the visitor day area, at the top of the slide, you'll find the beginning of the Central Springs Walk (2km return, 45mins) – a short, gentle stroll great for wildlife and birdwatching. 

If you love this park and want to stay longer, camping is available at Vaughan Mineral Springs with access to the toilets, picnic tables, shelter and electric barbecues at the day visitor area. All sites are unpowered and there are no fees or bookings required. Please note, dogs are not permitted.

Fly down the giant slide at Vaughan Springs. Image: Visit Victoria.

Hepburn Regional Park nature experiences

Jointly managed by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria, Hepburn Regional Park is rich with picturesque waterfalls, spectacular views, natural springs and relics from the Gold Rush era. 

Lalgambuk/Mount Franklin

Lalgambuk is an extinct volcano that erupted around 470,000 years ago. This unique day trip experience is only 10 minutes outside of Daylesford and is a significant place for the Djaara people. 

Here, the 1.7km Lalgambuk/Mount Franklin Loop Walk takes you up and around the rim of an extinct volcano and is surrounded by grassland forest, majestic pines, and spectacular foliage. Along the loop walk, there are breaks in the canopy where you can see out high above the rural landscape.  

Check out all of the easy grade walking tracks throughout the park. 

If you’d like to turn your day trip into an overnight experience, camping inside the volcanic crater is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lalgambuk, Hepburn Regional Park.

Whether you’re walking, picnicking, hiking, or enjoying a scenic drive, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure in nature around Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges on Dja Dja Wurrung and Wurundjeri Country. 

Before you head out, search the Parks Victoria website for the latest conditions to ensure your journey is safe and enjoyable.  

Watch the video below to get inspiration for your visit to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges.

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