Celebrate inclusivity at ChillOut Festival, indulge in the pie and tipple trails at the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, or take on the challenge of Run the Rock. Immerse yourself in storytelling at Clunes Booktown, soak up live music at CresFest and the Macedon Ranges Music Festival, or experience the creativity of the Castlemaine Fringe Festival. And make sure you don’t miss The Great Trentham Spudfest, which celebrates all things potato, and more.

AUTUMN EVENTS

ChillOut Festival, Daylesford

From humble beginnings in 1997, ChillOut Festival has grown to become Australia’s largest and longest-running Queer Country Pride festival. The theme this year is “Rainbow Circus Spectacular.” Expect four days of performances, music, theatre, drag, community events, and local food and wine over the Labour Day long weekend in the LGBTQIA+ capital of regional Victoria. The star-studded lineup features Marcia Hines, Spankie Jackzon, the Rogue Traders Duo, Milo Hartill, Rhys Nicholson, Joel Creasey, Geraldine Hickey, Gabriella Labucci, Joanne, Jawbreakers, Bec Sandridge, Brenda Bressed, Ziegfeld Boy, Mama Alto, DJ Du Jour, Rosie Rai and more.

When: Friday 6 – Monday 10 March 2025 (Labour Day long weekend)
Where: Multiple venues throughout Daylesford and surrounds
Tickets: ChillOut includes a range of free and ticketed events, view the full program at chilloutfestival.com.au

Hanging Rock Craft Market, Hanging Rock Reserve

Head along to the iconic Hanging Rock this March for this fabulous craft and produce market, which will feature 200 stalls. Whether you’re after a unique handmade gift, stylish home décor, or fresh gourmet treats, this market has something for everyone. After shopping, enjoy a picnic with delicious treats on offer from food stall, then explore Hanging Rock itself. The views from the summit are well worth the short, yet steep, walk.

When: Saturday 15 March, 2025
Where: Hanging Rock Reserve (South Rock Road, Woodend)
Park entry: $10 per car
craftmarkets.com.au/hanging-rock

Clunes Booktown

The Clunes Booktown Festival will return this March, marking its 19th year as one of Australia’s most cherished regional literary events. The festival will transform the picturesque main street of Clunes into a bustling haven of activity, promising a rich and immersive experience for book lovers and rookie readers of all ages. This year’s vibrant program explores the art of storytelling in all its diverse forms, with author talks on the power of the media, writing about music, sustainability, and the breakout genres of cosy crime and romantasy. Speakers include literary icons Helen Garner and Kate Grenville, gardening expert Costa Georgiadis, Back Roads Heather Ewart and more.

When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 2025
Where: Multiple venues throughout Clunes
Tickets: A range of festival passes are available, starting from $10. View the full program at ticketing options at clunesbooktown.org.au

Run the Rock, Hanging Rock Reserve

Experience the thrill of Run the Rock, challenge yourself to the Half Marathon (22K), 13.5K, 5K or inspire the next generation of runners with the Kids 2K. Push your limits and chase your goals surrounded by beautiful nature. Enjoy the fun family activities and live entertainment in the event village post-race – then spend the rest of the day exploring the Macedon Ranges.

When: Saturday 22 March 2025
Where: Hanging Rock Reserve, Woodend
solemotive.com/pages/run-the-rock-home

Castlemaine Fringe Festival

For over 30 years, Castlemaine Fringe has been a platform for independent artists, musicians, performers, and creatives, offering a space for innovation and artistic expression outside the mainstream. Fringe is rooted in inclusion, accessibility, and community participation, ensuring that local talent is supported while keeping the arts accessible to all audiences. The 2025 program features more than 160 events, spanning music, theatre, visual arts, literature, film, comedy, and workshops, with a mix of ticketed and free performances

When: 22 March – 6 April 2025
Where: Various venues throughout Castlemaine
Tickets: on sale now at castlemainefringe.org.au

Macedon Ranges Music Festival, Hanging Rock

The Macedon Ranges Music Festival (MRMF) 2025 returns with an incredible line up of live music at the iconic Hanging Rock. As one of Victoria’s premier community-driven events, MRMF promises an unforgettable day of outstanding performances, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere—all while raising funds for the Cambodian Kids Foundation. Headline acts include Emma Donovan, Steph Strings,

Hot Potato Band, Fools, Son Quba, and Joshua Balten.

When: Saturday 29 March 2025
Where: Hanging Rock Reserve
Tickets: $40 for adults, $15 for kids (6-17), kids under 5 are free. On sale now at macedonrangesmusicfestival.org

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Join the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival celebration throughout April. Less than an hour from Melbourne, discover moveable feasts, spectacular vistas, and leafy picnic locations aglow with seasonal colour. Revel in nature’s mindfulness, unearthing delectable farm-fresh food and drink adventures across nine charming regional villages. Savour an authentic autumnal immersion featuring mouth-watering culinary events, destination gardens, artisanal workshops, genuine farmers markets, guided walks, and gallery exhibitions. Collect a Festival Map & Passport and let your palate guide the way along Australia’s biggest Pie & Tart Trail, the Edgy Veg Trail, or the full of spirit Tipple Trail. Gather Passport stamps at participating venues to enter the Ultimate Festival competition.

When: 1-30 April 2025
Where: Across the nine villages of the Macedon Ranges
visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival

CresFest, Creswick

CresFest, the amazing roots and folk music festival, brings three days of dance and music in the beautiful heritage town of Creswick. Celebrating its fourth festival in 2025, CresFest is about the joy of live music – playing it, hearing it, watching it, dancing to it, learning it, being inspired by it. More than just concerts, you’ll have the chance to participate through a densely packed program of workshops including singing, dancing and playing. Headline acts include Neil Murray, The Maes, Joe Geia, Chris Stout & Catriona McKay (UK), Grassy Strings (India), plus many more.

When: Friday 4 to Sunday 6 April 2025
Where: Multiple venues around Creswick
Tickets: on sale now at cresfest.com.au

Mt Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service, Mount Macedon

Each Anzac Day, the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, a striking 21m high monument near the summit of Mount Macedon, provides a spectacular, evocative setting for one of the largest dawn services in Victoria. This year’s theme is ‘The Unseen Wounds of Conflict’, exploring the many impacts that war has on those who serve, from the physical injuries to the mental effects and the wider repercussions for families. The event shares the stories of local service people.

When: Friday 25 April, 2025
Where: Cameron Drive, Mount Macedon – access to the Dawn Service is via bus only. Attendees must book a seat on one of the free bus services that operates from each township across the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury. Alternatively, a continuous shuttle service operates from Tony Clarke Reserve – Waterfalls Road, Macedon from 4:15am. Bookings are not required for this shuttle service. mtmacedondawnservice.org

Malmsbury Village Fayre

Held in the Botanical Gardens of the historic town of Malmsbury, the 24th Malmsbury Village Fayre promises a fun day out for all. Enjoy a lively music program and plenty of fun for the kids, along with over 50 stalls featuring regionally produced arts, crafts, and products.

When: Sunday 28 April 2025
Where: Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, Malmsbury
malmsburyvillagefayre.org.au

The Great Trentham Spudfest, Trentham

The tiny township of Trentham celebrates its long history of potato growing with The Great Trentham Spudfest, a community-led festival bringing together local potato growers, artisans, music, food vendors, and history to showcase the region’s finest offerings across one weekend. On Saturday, join the festivities at the famous street fair. Visit four precincts packed full of delicious spud food, fresh regional produce, local artisan makers, live music, and loads of activities for kids and adults alike. Sunday is all about food and discovery—explore farm gates, join a historic tour, visit local farms, or enjoy spud-themed dishes throughout Trentham and surrounds.

When: Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 May 2025
Where: Various venues throughout Trentham and surrounds
trenthamspudfest.org.au

The Dirty Pig & Whistle, Creswick

The Dirty Pig & Whistle is a weekend of gravel, grit, and good times in Victoria’s Goldfields. Kick off Saturday with an adrenaline-pumping cyclo-cross, then tackle Sunday’s gravel rides—choose from 40km, 80km, 120km, or 160km of winding, leaf-strewn trails that will test your mettle. When the riding’s done, swap stories and warm up by the village fire pits with fellow adventurers. Based in Creswick, just 90-minutes from Melbourne, this is your chance to embrace the elements, push your limits, and experience gravel riding at its best.

When: Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 May, 2025
Where: In and around Creswick
pigandwhistle.cc

FOOD EVENTS & NEWS

Experience Lake House & nearby Dairy Flat Farm, Daylesford

During autumn, guests booking in for lunch at Lake House on Mondays are invited to make it a real farm to table experience with an optional, complimentary guided tour of Dairy Flat Farm – just minutes away – followed by a multi course a la carte lunch in Lake House’s beautiful dining room. The 45-minute tour commences at 11.30am and comprehensively covers all their regenerative practices. The farm’s vast garden now plays a major role in shaping Lake House menus, supplying a bounty of fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Guests may meet the Dairy Flat Farm baking team or run into our guinea fowl, geese, peacocks, alpacas, and British White cows.

When: every Monday during autumn
Where: Lake House + Dairy Flat Farm, Daylesford
Bookings: are essential, $210 pp for the tour and a multi-course a la carte lunch
lakehouse.com.au/restaurant

Spanish Summer Memories with El Pintxo Melbourne at Lyons Will Estate, Lancefield

Celebrate the best of Spanish bar culture and summer with El Pintxo, at Lyons Will Estate in Lancefield. Iker and Shirin of El Pintxo are passionate about food, culture, and their Spanish heritage. In 2024, they traveled 10,000km across Spain, exploring iconic dishes from Michelin-starred chefs to vibrant street food. Now, they’re bringing those flavors to Lyons Will with a special lunch series. Featuring the finest local and Spanish ingredients, their “menú del día” is a tribute to the bars, chefs, and bites they fell in love with.
When: Sunday 2 March and Sunday 9 March, 2025
Where: Lyons Will Estate, 60 Whalans Track, Lancefield
Cost: $75 pp, bookings available now via Open Table
lyonswillestate.com.au/events.html

Big Tree Distillery – autumn events

This autumn, Big Tree Distillery is turning up the fun with Sunday Sessions on the first Sunday of March and April—think woodfired pizzas, refreshing G&Ts, and live music. Plus, don’t miss the Sunset Cocktail & Canapés event on Saturday, April 26, where guests can sip expertly crafted Big Tree Gin cocktails, enjoy gourmet bites, and soak up live tunes. Tickets are available now via the Big Tree website. Big Tree Distillery is located in Newham in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, a short drive from Woodend, Kyneton or Lancefield.

When: Big Tree Distillery Sunday Sessions – Sunday 2 March and Sunday 6 April | Sunset Cocktail Canapés – Saturday 26 April
Where: Big Tree Distillery, 307 Hennerbergs Road, Newham
More information: bigtreedistillery.com.au/blogs/big-tree-events

Mount Monument – International Reisling Day + Autumn Feast of Toscana

Mount Monument winery is hosting two must-attend events during autumn.

International Reisling Day x MM – join them in the sunshine on the lawns of Mount Monument winery as you enjoy an exclusive tasting of pre-release Mount Monument Estate riesling vintages ’21, ’22, ’23, ’24. Hear about their estate grown cool-climate wines and enjoy the view of the sculpture park from the sun draped lawns while indulging in seafood canapes paired perfectly with Mount Monument wines. Happening on Sunday 16 March from 12pm to 2pm. Tickets are $50pp.

Sangiovese Serata – Autumn Feast of Toscana – celebrate Autumn with Mount Monument’s Sangiovese Serata, paired with an autumnal 3-course Tuscan inspired feast to delight the senses. Think rich and earthy dishes to complement this bold and beautiful, yet refreshingly approachable varietal. Happening on Saturday 12 April from 5pm, tickets are $150pp.

Where: Mount Monument, Romsey Road, Romsey
More information: Bookings are essential, go to mountmonument.com.au/whats-on/events

The Kyneton Hotel X Granite Hills Winery lunch

Head along to Kyneton Hotel on Friday, April 25th, for a special Fancy Friday lunch as they raise a glass to Granite Hills Winery’s 50th vintage. Nestled in the picturesque Macedon Ranges of Victoria, Granite Hills is renowned for its exceptional cool-climate wines and rich winemaking heritage. Enjoy a carefully curated 5-course meal from the Kyneton Hotel kitchen, with optional wine pairings, celebrating this iconic winery.

When: Friday 25 April, from 12:30pm
Where: Kyneton Hotel, Mollison Street, Kyneton
Cost: $80pp for food with optional wine pairings
thekynetonhotel.com.au

Hero Image: Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve, photo by Ash + Elm Studios

From cosy wine bars and fine dining restaurants, to secluded stays and sweet treats, here is a hit list of where to go when you want to spoil that special someone.

Dinner for two

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to dine in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges. Our region is home to an impressive number of chef hatted and award winning restaurants, all serving incredible cuisine, matched with exceptional service – the perfect date night combination. Hot tip: make sure you book ahead, these venues often book out well in advance.

• Lake House, Daylesford
• Kadota, Daylesford
• Sault Restaurant, Daylesford
• Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford
• Bistro Terroir, Daylesford
• The Boathouse Restaurant, Daylesford
• The Argus Dining Room, Hepburn Springs
• The Surly Goat, Hepburn Springs
• Le Bouchon at Attwoods, Glenlyon
• Passing Clouds Winery, Musk
• Marchesa, Kyneton
• Kuzu Izakaya, Woodend
• Mount Monument, Romsey
• Mount Macedon Winery, Woodend
• Mount Towrong Vineyard, Mount Macedon

Cosy wine bars and cool cocktails

Get cosy with your special someone at one of the regions many wine bars and cocktail lounges. Sip on some local sparkling wine paired with a grazing platter, or go for an expertly crafted cocktail featuring locally distilled gin.

• • Woodend Cellar & Bar, Woodend
  • Gindu Distillery Door, Woodend
  • 600 Above, Woodend
  • Botanik, Kyneton
  • Still Moon House, Trentham
  • Bar Merenda, Daylesford
  • Betel Boy, Daylesford
  • Hepburn Distillery, Daylesford
  • Winespeake Cellar + Deli, Daylesford

Outdoor Adventure

If your main squeeze happens to be adventurous, we’ve got some cool outdoor activities in the fresh, open air too:

• Hike to the summit of Hanging Rock, you’ll feel on top of the world standing atop of the rock with your love by your side.
• Go for a splash at one of the regions many waterholes, top picks include Vaughan Springs and Jubilee Lake – the latter of which you can hire out canoes and paddle boats for a romantic paddle across the water.
• Get cosy as you watch the sun sink over the surrounding hills. Check out our guide for the best spots to watch the sunset.
• Pack a picnic and take a wander through one of our historic botanic gardens. Take your pick from Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, Castlemaine Botanic Gardens or Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Grab a ready to go picnic from Daylesford Gourmet, which is full of local goodies.

Secluded Stays

The rolling hills, lush forests and verdant countryside lends itself to plenty of locations for a secluded and romantic stay. Pack your bags and leave the hustle and bustle of your busy life behind as you and your loved one settle in at one of these romantic abodes:

• Fellcroft Farmstay, Cobaw
• Acre of Roses, Trentham
• Little Wren Cottage, Romsey
• Viola, Hepburn Springs (managed by Daylesford Country Retreats)
• Braeside Mt Macedon
• Hanging Rock Views, Woodend
• Lumella, Bullarto (managed by Dayget)
• Little Hampton Farm, Little Hampton
• Norsu Cabin, Macedon (managed by Discover Daylesford)
• Malmsbury Barn House, Malmsbury

Why camp when you can glamp

Whether you want romantic sunsets, remote natural beauty or somewhere to gaze at the starlit sky with your lover by your side, you’ll find plenty of luxury romantic glamping locations around here:

• Cosy Tents, Yandoit
• Daylesford Glamping
• Garden of St Erth, Blackwood
• Lawson Lodge, Macedon 
• Big 4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, Castlemaine 
• Skyview Bubbletent, Eganstown

Something sweet

Now we couldn’t have a Valentine’s Day list without including some sweet treats. And luckily, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to locally made chocolate and decadent treats in our region. Top picks include:

• The Chocolate Mill, Mt Franklin
• Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company
• Le Peche Gourmand, Creswick
• Cabosse & Feve, Castlemaine
• Sisko Chocolate, Kyneton
• Twankey’s Café, Clunes
• Sweet Decadence at Locantro, Daylesford

Flowers

Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a beautiful floral creation. In Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, we are home to some of the best slow flower growers in the country. Some of our favourites include:

• Fleurs de Lyonville, Lyonville
• Spring Hill Peony Farm, Spring Hill
• Loganberry Farm, Korweinguboora
• Little Flower Stall, Woodend
• Woodend Flower Farm

Check out a full list of flower growers, stockists and florists here.

Come for the weekend…or longer

Make the most of our summer specials and snag yourself a Valentine’s Day deal and truly treat your loved one. Choose from bonus night stays, dining discounts, massage and bathing specials, plus lots more! Check out our Summer Deals here.

Featured image: Acre of Roses

DAY 1 – KYNETON

Start your journey in Kyneton, an easy hour’s drive north of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway. On arrival, explore Black Hill Reserve by hiking around The Monolith, one of Australia’s largest granite rocks. Then stroll along the Campaspe River Walk, a picturesque trail snaking past Kyneton’s Botanical Gardens, a sculpture park and platypus habitat.  

Back in town, the heritage-listed Piper Street houses galleries, boutiques and some of Victoria’s best food and drink offerings. Peruse designer wares at Kabinett, before popping upstairs to Botanik for finely crafted cocktail. Dine on delicious Italian fare at Marchesa or grab a picnic to go at Piper Street Food Co. Before leaving, make sure you pop into Cavaletti Gallery and The Old Auction House for handcrafted goods.

DAY 2 – MALMSBURY, LANCEFIELD & ROMSEY

Start day two in the enchanting hamlet of Malmsbury, with breakfast at the Malmsbury Bakery. Explore the verdant botanic gardens (keeping an eye out for the local geese) and the spectacular 1860s bluestone Malmsbury Viaduct – Victoria’s largest masonry bridge. Be sure to pop into Madame Vintage and Rathdowne Antiques to peruse the vintage wares.

Then discover some of the area’s cool climate wineries. At Parkside Estate and Farm (between Lancefield and Romsey), soak up breathtaking views while sampling award-winning sparkling and chardonnay. North of Lancefield is Curly Flat Vineyard, known for its naturally fermented wines. 

Drop in for lunch (weekends only) at Cleveland Winery where the wood-fired pizzas are perfect with a glass of sparkling pinot noir or full-bodied shiraz. Finish off at The Lost Watering Hole, where you can sip on locally crafted brews as you tuck into a hearty main. 

DAY 3 – MOUNT MACEDON & WOODEND

With its bright red door reflecting the flame-coloured leaves atop Mount Macedon during autumn, the Trading Post is the ultimate stop for house-made cakes, pies and local produce. Down the mountain is Mount Towrong vineyard, a sustainable family-owned winery serving rustic Italian fare to match their crisp wines. 

Rising from the surrounding countryside is Hanging Rock, known as Ngannelong by the Traditional Owners of the land. Hike to the summit or thread your way through the reserve on numerous paths before grabbing a bite to eat at Hanging Rock Café. Time for a tipple? Nearby, you can sample award-winning small batch gins at Big Tree Distillery. Or stop by Woodend’s Holgate Brewhouse and Taproom, where an extensive range of craft beers are brewed on site. Afterwards, head for a nightcap at either Gindu or Woodend Cellar & Bar.

DAY 4: HARCOURT, CASTLEMAINE & MALDON 

Pack your bags for a short, northern detour through charming goldfields towns. 

Have breakfast at the Harcourt Produce and General Store (try a Danish tart). A great playground is opposite, while keen mountain bikers should hit the trails at La Larr Bagauwa Park. In Castlemaine, the artisan smallgoods, boutique wines, fresh sourdough, cheese and chocolate are popular at The Mill Castlemaine. For lunch try locals favourites, Wild or Das Kaffeehaus. 

Then board the Victorian Goldfields Steam Railway, journeying through Box-Ironbark forest and the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung. Arriving in Maldon, Australia’s first notable town, noted for its 19th century appearance maintained since the gold rush era. The beautiful heritage streetscape is a treasure trove of antique shops, collectables and local galleries offering carefully curated lifestyle products for your home.

DAY 5: DAYLESFORD 

Renowned for its creative communities, it’s time to discover Daylesford’s local artists. Start at the majestic Convent Gallery where exhibitions change regularly. Then explore Black Gallery, or Clayfire Gallery. For beautiful ceramics, visit Minna Graham’s studio, where nature has a dramatic influence on her creations. For lunch, try Wombat Hill House – a darling, renovated cottage or locals’ favourite, Cliffy’s Emporium. 

There’s no better place to indulge than in Australia’s spa capital where Swiss and Italian migrants have long championed the area’s mineral springs. Bring an empty bottle for the pure waters at the Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve. 

For complete relaxation, book into Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, soaking tension away in the mineral waters before a massage. Follow up with a delicious multi course dinner menu (choose from two, three or four courses) at The Boathouse Daylesford, a delightful French influenced restaurant sitting atop Lake Daylesford.

DAY 6: CRESWICK, CLUNES & TALBOT

An easy 20-minute drive west of Daylesford, is Creswick, with its historic redbrick buildings, iconic Woollen Mill and  Djuwang Baring mountain bike park. A little further north you’ll find historic Clunes (a town for true booklovers, and the site of Clunes Booktown each March). From there, it’s a short drive to Talbot, home to a charming goldrush era streetscape. Time it right and you’ll catch the Talbot Farmers’ Market (third Sunday of every month) – recognised as one of the region’s best. 

DAY 7: MUSK, BULLARTO AND LYONVILLE

Stock up on European-style meats from Istra Smallgoods’ farmgate in Musk. While in the area, visit Stonewalls at Musk – artist Andrew O’Brien’s stunning vision to combine art, hospitality and design. Then stop at the estate vineyard of Passing Clouds, renowned for its complex pinot noir and crisp chardonnay. And art lovers – don’t miss Bullarto Gallery, which exhibits the visceral art of painter Phillip Edwards. 

Have lunch or dinner at the quirky, yet charming Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville, where the European leaning menu features fresh, seasonal dishes.

DAY 8: TRENTHAM & BLACKWOOD

Trentham a mini-but-mighty town with excellent dining options, such the iconic Cosmopolitan Hotel. or the welcoming Hotel Trentham. A short drive away you’ll also find the newly reopened Pig and Whistle Hotel, which offers an elevated pub experience on a quiet, back country road. Minutes from Trentham’s town centre is Trentham Falls, Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall. If there’s time on the clock for a spectacular garden, drop into The Garden of St Erth in the picturesque village of Blackwood, tucked in between the Wombat and Lerderderg State Park.   

A short drive from Blackwood gets you to the Western Highway, 45 minutes from Melbourne.

Return home sated, relaxed and with the knowledge that whatever you didn’t manage this time, there’s always next time in the Daylesford Macedon Ranges Region.

Thinking of bringing your furry friend along with you? Here are some pet friendly options: 

Stay

• Birch House, Daylesford
• Jubilee Lake Park, Daylesford
• Matilda Cottage, Gisborne
• East Wing, Kyneton

Eat & Drink

• Wombat Hill House, Daylesford
• Cliffy’s Emporium, Daylesford
• Pancho Café, Daylesford
• Daylesford Cider
• Mount Towrong Vineyard, Mount Macedon
• Mount Macedon Winery
• The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham

Hero image: Mount Towrong Cellar Door

Over the decades, the outstanding scenery of the Macedon Ranges and the unique topography of the Hepburn Shire have featured in local and international films and international series since the 1960s, when the kids fantasy drama Boomerang was filmed in Mount Macedon and Australian soap opera Bellbird opened with scenes filmed around Daylesford.

Sixty years later and Beneath the Storm, a shark thriller movie, filmed scenes around the Macedon Ranges. Starring Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor and Gladiator’s Djimon Hounsou, it will be released in 2025. Hepburn Shire featured in the recently released horror movie Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism with many locals used as extras, while Glenlyon and the Wombat State Forest feature in 2023 film The Rooster. Featuring Hugo Weaving and Phoenix Raei, the film was shot on the bush property of director Mark Leonard Winter and actor Geraldine Hakewill (who also stars in the film).

Other acting greats our region has hosted include Mel Gibson, Eric Banner, Kate Winslet and everyone’s favourite pig Babe.

The tiny goldrush town of Clunes has become a magnet for many artists, film and television folk. It originally came to fame as the first Victorian town to strike gold in 1850. In 1979 Clunes struck gold again, as one of the locations for Mad Max. Long time Clunes locals all have a story about when Mad Max was filmed in the main street, the railway station and a private residence. Other more recent shows include Australian miniseries Bloom (Jackie Weaver and Bryan Brown), Tomorrow When the War Began, and The Dry (Eric Bana and Miranda Tapsell).

Ned Kelly has had a good run in the region, with the 2003 biopic (called Ned Kelly) starring Naomi Watts, Geoffrey Rush, Rachel Griffiths, the late Heath Ledger and English actor Orlando Bloom and more recently, the True History of the Kelly Gang, released in 2020.

Then there’s the Australian classic story, Picnic at Hanging Rock, based on the novel set in the Macedon Ranges, which has been filmed as both a movie and a series. Charlotte’s Web (Julia Roberts, 2006) is set in Maine but was actually filmed in Heidelberg and on the ‘Morrocdong’ sheep farm, near the old mining town of Greendale.

Nicolas Cage and Australia’s Rose Byrne filmed Knowing in the Macedon Ranges in 2009, while Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth and Hugo Weaving filmed parts of 2015 movie, The Dressmaker in the region. Muckleford Railway Station even featured in its publicity posters. A scene from action thriller Backlight (2022), was filmed at a popular swimming hole in Macedon. The film stars Liam Neeson (who is on the record as a fan of the region).

Other recent shows include: Scrublands, a murder thriller series, filmed in Maldon; Glitch, a series about six people who return from the dead in the fictional town of Yoorana, filmed around historic Castlemaine; Down to Earth, a global sustainable living documentary, featuring Zac Efron and Mount Macedon; NBC’s La Brea, an action-packed mini-series set in Los Angeles and 10,000 BC, filmed mainly the Macedon Ranges – in 2021.

And Australian renovation show The Block will film in Daylesford in 2025 where the countdown to novice building and personality clashes collide to make some great television viewing. The Block also filmed a series in Gisborne in the Macedon Ranges in 2023.

Tax rebates for international productions mean our region will likely continue to feature on the big screen. Daylesford local Jacqui Walter has worked internationally in music and film for 30 years. In her role as Head of Sales for Stage and Screen Travel she believes location scouts will be heading our way.

“I recently attended the AusFilm Week in the US where at least seven or eight major films have been slated for Australia. That’s great news for the local film industry in Victoria and there will be more opportunities for location work in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges.”

Hero Image: Kate Winslet, in The Dressmaker 2015.

Escape the heat this summer and enjoy the fresh mountain air in Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges. We have plenty happening all summer long. Hit the bike tracks at the all new Djuwang Baring, sip on a craft brew at Shedshaker’s impressive new Taproom or pop into the soon to open Macedon Village Hotel.

Gather the clan for the Daylesford Highland Gathering, sip on cool-climate wines at the annual Summertime Fling Festival or celebrate the arrival of 2025 at the Daylesford New Year’s Eve Parade and Gala. We also have cooking classes, a new distillery, Sunday gin sessions and more.

Here’s a list of what’s new and what’s happening this summer.

What’s New

The region’s fertile volcanic soils and cool climate lend themselves to ideal gardening conditions. This, along with its proximity to Melbourne, have made the area a drawcard for garden lovers’ for over 150 years.

Start planning your visit now and make the most of the many gardening festivals and open gardens happening this spring.

We’re generalising (slightly) here, but there are two kinds of wine regions: the big, well-known ones, with huge estates that produce gigalitres of wine and have cellar doors that churn visitors in and out…and the small, lesser-known regions that are home to boutique, family-run vineyards, with low volumes, high quality and unpretentious cellar doors.

The Macedon Ranges wine region is the latter, where the cool climate wines have won swags of awards, all only an hour or so from Melbourne.

You can visit these wineries at any time (noting cellar door opening hours vary), or another great option is our region’s annual wine festival, Budburst. Held over the weekend of 16-17 November, the event offers an opportunity to venture behind the scenes and meet the winemakers at over 20 wineries, enjoy matched local food parings, music, art, and more. It’s a great weekend for those who truly appreciate wine, rather than a big, crowded booze-fest. Very much in line with the region’s ethos of quality, immersive interactions with world-class vignerons.

MOUNT TOWRONG VINEYARD, MOUNT MACEDON

The remarkable cellar door at Mount Towrong was designed by architect Paul Couch. Visitors sigh in appreciation when they first see the sliding reclaimed timber front door, and the uber cool style continues from there. This winery is dedicated to producing Italian wine varietals such as prosecco, ribolla gialla, vermentino, nebbiolo, negroamaro and lagrein. These exciting varietals complement the carefully curated Italian lunch and the friendly pooches just add to the welcoming vibe. Open: Saturday and Sunday

MOUNT MONUMENT, ROMSEY

True to its name, Mount Monument is truly monumental in both vision and execution, with sculptures scattered over the expansive landscape. Created by Nonda Katsalidis, the architect behind MONA and Eureka Tower, the style and sculptures flow inside, and the cellar door and adjoining restaurant is extraordinary. Better yet the wine is made by 2021 ‘Young Gun of Wine’ winner, Ben Rankin.
Open: Friday to Sunday

PARAMOOR WINERY, CARLSRUHE

Paramoor Winery is a hidden jewel, thriving in a cool climate that nurtures the slow ripening of its 20-year-old pinot noir, riesling and pinot gris vines. An original Clydesdale barn serves as the tasting room, providing a rustic and nostalgic setting, which is extra cosy in winter when the fireplace is roaring.
Open: Friday to Monday

MOUNT MACEDON WINERY, WOODEND

Follow a narrow forest trail and into a clearing to find this high-altitude cellar door and restaurant. Sitting at almost 700m above sea level, Mount Macedon Winery offers the signature styles of the region: sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir. Food options include wood- fired pizza in the cellar door or set-course dining in UUMM Restaurant. The views are amazing, enhanced by the highland cows that call the verdant slopes home.
Open: Thursday to Sunday (lunch)
Friday & Saturday (dinner)

HANGING ROCK WINERY, NEWHAM

John and Ann Ellis bought the property in 1982, chosen because of the cool-climate conditions that are perfect for making sparkling wine, a passion of theirs (read more about John Ellis on page 23). Ruth and Rob Ellis have now taken over custodianship of the winery, and Hanging Rock has become one of the great pillars of the region. Here you can sip on their range of sparkling wine, riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz as you take in spectacular views of Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon.
Open: 7 days

HOT DEAL: Enjoy 20% off all Hanging Rock wines online and at the cellar door. Click for info.

WOMBAT FOREST VINEYARD & WINERY, DENVER

Located halfway between Daylesford and Kyneton, and immersed in the Wombat State Forest, is Wombat Forest Winery. Enjoy outstanding service, friendly chats and cheese plates while you enjoy the views of a thriving wombat habitat amongst ancient gum trees. As for the wine, choose from NV blanc de noir, chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.
Open: Friday to Sunday

HESKET ESTATE, HESKET

The rustic and welcoming cellar door at Hesket Estate is located in what was once a shearing shed. Nowadays, this cleverly transformed space is the ideal spot for tasting their distinctive small batch wines including sparkling, gewürztraminer, riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir. Cosy up beside the double-sided fireplace with a cheese platter in winter. Or sit outside under the gorgeous liquid ambers and ash trees on warmer days taking in the stunning Macedon Ranges views (with Hanging Rock Reserve a short 4-minute drive away).
Open: Saturday and Sunday

GRANITE HILLS WINERY, BAYNTON

Granite Hills is an icon of the region, with vines planted back in the 1970s. A host of compelling wines are on offer; there’s pinot blanc, gruner veltliner, riesling, gamay, pinot noir and blended heavier reds. A regional pioneer, their wines have won countless awards and are held in the highest esteem amongst those in the know. Conoisseurs will love the experience, along with the beautiful scenery.
Open: 7 days

PASSING CLOUDS WINERY, MUSK

Just outside Daylesford is Passing Clouds Winery. Here, second generation winemaker Cameron Leith and his team produce cool climate wines, including pinot noir and chardonnay. Taste their range at the welcoming cellar door, before moving on to the recently renovated dining room for a three-course shared La Famiglia lunch.
Open: Thursday to Monday (cellar door)
Friday to Monday (lunch)

LYONS WILL ESTATE, LANCEFIELD

Lyons Will Estate specialises in cool climate signature varietals: pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling and gamay. Vignerons and owners, Ollie and Renata, have recently opened a stunning new light-filled tasting room, which overlooks the surrounding vines. Expect a friendly and lively welcome, and if you’re into wine talk, a granular, knowledgeable conversation on their favourite topic.
Open: Friday to Sunday

CLEVELAND ESTATE, LANCEFIELD

Stepping down into Cleveland Winery’s underground cellar door is reminiscent of visiting a Burgundian winery, and the team here backs it up with quality pinot noir and chardonnay – two grapes one associates with Burgundy. You can also choose to stay on, taking advantage of the newly refurbished accommodation, restaurant and outstanding views.
Open: Friday to Sunday

ATTWOODS WINES, GLENLYON

Attwoods Wines is home to a beautifully renovated cellar door, overlooking rolling vineyards and leafy gardens. The French-inspired restaurant Le Bouchon, which offers a seasonal menu of four or five courses, has a terraced deck from which you can enjoy exceptional pet nat, chardonnay, rosé, pinot noir or shiraz, produced by winemaker Troy Walsh.
Open: Friday to Monday

Opening hours are subject to change.
Please contact the winery directly to confirm before making the trip.

Other must visit cellar doors:

Captains Creek Organic Wines, Blampied
Gisborne Peak Winery & Cottages, Gisborne
Kyneton Ridge Estate, Kyneton
Parkside Winery & Farm, Lancefield
Panacea Estate, Welshman’s Reef
Red Poppy Estate, Romsey

Hero image: Wombat Forest Winery. Photography by Chloe Smith

Spring truly is a feast for the senses in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges. Visit gorgeous open gardens, popping with spring colour, or head along to one of our many flower and garden festivals. Explore cool-climate wineries at Budburst, discover talented local artists at art exhibitions or join the fun at a new mountain biking festival, plus lots more.

It’s all about rejuvenation, discovery and time spent outdoors this spring – with an added touch of indulgence