Driving to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges is easy from Melbourne.
It is a lovely drive and it only takes you about an hour and a half from the city.
You take the Western Ring Road and take an exit to the Western Highway.
Then it is straight ahead from there and you'll drive straight to Mt Macedon.
Daylesford
Daylesford is a beautiful and rural town located in Hepburn Shire, Victoria, Australia.
Once a gold mining town, it is nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range.
There are natural springs bordering Daylesford and these feed the renowned natural spring spas.
Lake Daylesford has provided hydro electric power to the town since 1929.
Daylesford is also known for its tantalising foods and flavourful wines, and the award winning restaurants
are a testament to this.
Head down during Labour Day weekend in March, and you will find a great festival.
You also do not want to miss the Daylesford Highland Gathering and Swiss Italian Festival.
Mt Macedon
Mt Macedon has been a wonderful distraction and getaway for many of Melbourne’s residents
since the 19th century. While in Mt Macedon, you can find enchanting gardens and
majestic mansions, many open to the public.
Do not miss meeting winemakers and tasting their delicious treats.
The views and scenery are breathtaking while driving, so why not stop at one of the cultural
and historic sites, picnic facilities, or take a stroll on one of the many walking trails.
While on your walk, visit the Camels Hump, which was formed from a steep-sided volcano,
see the famous memorial cross at Mt Macedon, and stop to smell the roses at the historic
State Nursery at Macedon.
In November you should go to Budburst, the Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Celebration.
Macedon Ranges Vineyards
The Macedon Ranges vineyards are a must-go when you visit the region.
The Macedon Ranges vineyards are located on the elevated plains and mountain ranges (Great Dividing Range and Central Victorian Highlands).
The Macedon Ranges vineyards climates are divided by the Great Dividing Range
and though separate the climate and scenery is noticeably similar.
The soils are vulcanic on each side, and at each side the wines are great and the hospitality
overwhelming.
There are a few differences, though.
The southern part is known for table wines that are made
from early-ripening grapes (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay).
The northern side is the cooler side and produces the higher quality of wines.
The northern wines are known as agricultural wines, which means made from the heart and they get
minimal intervention from the winemaker.
So close to Melbourne it is easily possible to spend a beautiful Saturday or Sunday in the area of
Daylesford, Mt Macedon and the Macedon Ranges. Wonder through Daylesford, have a coffee there and some lunch, taste a few wines, have a great meal and go home.
However, it is easy to see that you will do yourself great pleasure to go here for a relaxing and romantic (long) weekend-getaway.
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