Explore
Macedon Regional Park
Macedon Regional Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the the Wurundjeri Peoples. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.
The Macedon Ranges are the southern end of Victoria’s Great Dividing Range and feature many natural and cultural attractions.
At just one hour north west of Melbourne, Macedon Regional Park and the small towns and villages throughout the Macedon Ranges make for a perfect weekend day-trip or overnight stay.
Enjoy a picnic and walk from Sanatorium Picnic area or cycle a forested trail. There are countless scenic drives to spectacular lookouts to take in the view.
You can even ride a horse on some trails through the park or enjoy a bushwalk on the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail as it weaves in and out of the park.
Autumn is a real highlight of with the change of season creating spectacular colours in the surrounding towns and villages of Macedon and Woodend, where a perfect ending to the day is a visit to the Top of the Range tea rooms.
Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross
After the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross is the most significant war memorial in Victoria. An icon in the region, this imposing structure commemorates those who served in all wars.
Horse Riding
Old Scout Camp area provides a great starting point for your ride. Float parking is also available from the signposted section in Days Picnic Ground. Riders must remain on defined roads and tracks at all times. Horses are not permitted on walking tracks, closed management tracks or within picnic grounds.
Picnicking
Enjoy a leisurely picnic at one of the six picnic grounds in the Park. The Harbison Picnic Ground has free electric barbecues, shelters and toilets. Days Picnic Ground has great space for both small and larger groups while historical Sanatorium Picnic Ground offers an ideal location for smaller groups with easy access to the well defined, shady Sanatorium Lake Eco Trail.
Cycling
Multi-purpose tracks in the Old Scout Camp area provide a range of cycling options for casual and more challenging experiences. Many other, open formed roads are available to explore and enjoy some magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Rock climbing
Camel's Hump is a popular spot with climbers. Please note that rock climbing is permitted only at Camel's Hump in the area bounded by Cameron Drive, Camel's Hump Trailhead, Macedon Ranges Walk and Mount Macedon Road as indicated on this map (PDF). The site must be accessed from existing walking tracks and should only be undertaken by experienced climbers or under the guidance of skilled and qualified instructors.
Scenic Drives
A network of sealed and unsealed public roads allows you to take in the stunning scenery of the park by car. Some unsealed roads are subject to seasonal closures. All vehicles must be registered and drivers/riders licensed.
Things to do in the area
Walking in Macedon Regional Park
Top nature experiences near Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges
Guided Park Walks
Picnics
Cycling
Macedon Regional Park
Birdlife is a real drawcard to the area. The steep and dense forests are filled with small wrens and yellow robins while crimson rosellas, king parrots and gang gang cockatoos are often found in the parks picnic areas and open spaces.
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Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Macedon Regional Park
Macedon Regional Park is north west of Melbourne. From the Calder Freeway take the Mount Macedon Road exits north of Gisborne or the Woodend exit and follow the signs.
When you're there
Download the Macedon Regional Park visitor guide for more information about the park and a map.
Need to know
Macedon Regional Park
Accessibility
The sealed pathways to the Memorial Cross and the Major Mitchell lookout are suitable for the mobility impaired, however there are steps at the base of the Cross. Harbison, McGregors and Days picnic grounds all have wheelchair access and facilities. Harbisons has an all abilities BBQ that allows for wheelchair access.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
How we keep it special
The Macedon Ranges are the southern end of Victoria’s Great Dividing Range and feature many natural and cultural points of interest. The Macedon Regional Park protects forested land along the ridge of the Range and provides great outdoor opportunities including bushwalking, picnics and scenic drives. As per the Crown Land (Reserves) (Metropolitan and Regional Parks) Regulations 2023, an area of Macedon Regional Park is set aside for rock climbing in accordance with the conditions, as indicated in the Set Aside. Please refer to the Set Aside Macedon Regional Park.