There is something about autumn, when the leaves catch fire with colour. The oppressive hot days have passed but the weather is still temperate. Autumn is the perfect time for day trips in Victoria (our home state). We often find ourselves venturing around the state in Victoria, having been down to the Great Ocean Road, country Victoria, Mornington Peninsula and Wilsons Promontory over recent autumn periods.
Our recent day trip was to the charming country region of Mount Macedon. The delightful little town is filled with many of the great things a country day trip should offer, including views, things to do, picturesque locations, and of course.. great country bakeries! Take a look at some photo highlights from our day trip visit to the charming Mount Macedon, including recommendations, things to do and more!
A few things to consider when visiting Mt Macedon in autumn:
What is the best time to visit Mt Macedon?
Peak season in the area is autumn, where the trees burst with colour, the pinnacle of these being the famous Honour Avenue in the heart of the town. The best months to visit Mt Macedon are mid-March to April. We visited on the 3rd week of April, and the trees were still vibrant and leaves plentiful, however there were some signs that the trees were thinning out a little.
How long is the trip to Mt Macedon from Melbourne?
Mount Macedon is the perfect day trip distance from Melbourne. It is around 65-75kms of mostly freeway driving, or a 1 hour drive (1-1hr and 20mins pending traffic). Put on your road trip playlist and you’ll be there in no time!
What is there to see in Mt Macedon?
- Honour Avenue: This is iconic, and definitely the jewel in Mount Macedon’s crown. Think over 150 oak trees lining the road all blooming in fiery autumn colours. It is definitely a sight to see, but be prepared for the crowds. Parking may be a challenge. See below for our tips.
- Mt Macedon summit: Sitting around 1km above sea level, the summit is a great spot for a walk, picnic and to see great views (pending visibility of the day). There is the iconic ‘Top of the Range’ tea rooms at the summit serving up drinks and snacks.
- Check out the Viewfield Gardens and Forest Glade gardens in Mount Macedon. These a picturesque gardens that charge a small entry fee for visitors.
- The Trading Post Cafe: This is iconic Mount Macedon. Located a few kms past Honour Avenue, and a few kms below the summit, it’s the ideal stopping point for many. Be prepared for it to get busy on weekends, so book in advance, or grab some take-away food. We loved our take-away salmon quiches! Also don’t miss the stunning old ivy covered church located just next to the trading post cafe!
- Hanging Rock: Located around 15minutes past the Trading Post Cafe is Hanging Rock. This national park has an iconic rock that sits around 700m above sea level. The walk is around 2kms and offers great views. Entry for cars it $10 and the park closes around 4-5pm.
- Mt Macedon Winery: Situated around 15minutes out out of town is the picturesque Mount Macedon Winery. A great stop for wine tastings or a feed, be prepared for busy crowds, and events on weekends (e.g. weddings). Considering booking in advance (or checking for events).
- Centennial Park: Located at the end of Honour Avenue, this little park is great for picnics and is also filled with beautiful flowering trees.
- Sanatorium Lake: Located in one of the national parks, this lake is a calm walk to add onto your day trip visit.
- The whole area is filled with beautiful trees and streets, including the main road just up from the Trading Post cafe.
- Day trips nearby.. see below!
What nearby areas should I visit for extending the day trip?
- Woodend: The nearby town is quintessential ‘country town’, with bakeries, pubs, gift shops and sometimes markets running. We visited to check out the famous Bourkies Bakehouse, a popular bakery offering damn tasty pies (we tried 3!).
- Kyenton: another great spot to visit for country bakeries that is situated not far from Mount Macedon!
- Trentham: this charming country town is only a short drive away, and a perfect addition to your visit to Mt Macedon. See our Trentham day trip guide here.
- Organ Pipes National Park is located on the way to Mt Macedon, and is a fun addition to your day trip.
Should I get to mt macedon early to beat the crowds?
Ideally, yes. In peak season on weekends, March-April, Honour Avenue will start to get busy after around 9am. We drove past initially around 10am and there was a moderate amount of people, however when we walked along at around 11.30am, there was huge numbers of tourists. It was a case of “instagram vs reality”. While it is still very picturesque, it definitely is something we think you should know before you consider visiting.
If you are looking to get the ‘insta shot’ without people, we would highly encourage you to visit early, or stay the night and get up to beat the crowds. Otherwise, consider a mid-week day trip.
Where to get food?
- The Trading Post: Good bakery options and brunch menu! Book in advance or be prepared for take-away only as it gets busy! Also offers some deli style options for picnics or taking back to your accommodation.
- A country bakery! We visited the nearby Woodend to try the famous Bourkies Bakehouse, but there’s many more good bakeries around like Redbeard (Trentham), Country Cob Bakery (Kyneton) and more (see a list here).
- Mount Macedon Winery: Offering stunning views, good wines and food, it’s a top addition to your day trip. Check in advance re weddings, and consider booking on peak season weekends. The other winery to check out is Mount Towrong Vineyard.
- Mt Macedon Hotel: Another popular venue in town to consider offering pub grub. We didn’t visit so can’t comment on it’s quality.
- Holgate Brewhouse: Located in Woodend, this is a great stop for an iconic country pub feel with good food and brews!
Where should I stay in Mt Macedon?
Mount Macedon is the perfect day trip from Melbourne, but if you’re considering staying a night or 2, check out some great options below that we have curated for you. There’s something nice about a country stay, and a night visit would allow you to get to the iconic Honour Avenue early before the crowds (think of the photos!).
Want to see some more Victoria guides?
- Check out our guides to day trips and hidden gems in Victoria!
- See our travel guide to Wilsons Promontory here!
- The Mornington Peninsula is our favourite! See our Peninsula itineraries here!
- A guide to excellent accommodation for short stays around Victoria!
- The Redwood Forests of Victoria are some of the best outdoor day trips!
- See our day trip guide to the country town of Trentham!
- See more great Mornington Peninsula accommodation options here!
- See our detailed guide to Melbourne with local tips, tricks and advice!
- Bushrangers Bay is a great hike on the Mornington Peninsula!
- See our pick for the best beach in Victoria!
- Don’t miss the Big Drift when you visit Wilsons Prom!
- Loch Arch Gorge is the pick of the Great Ocean Road!
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