Mount Macedon - Playground of the Privileged

author: Kath Hobson; Published on: September 3, 1999

G'day All,

This month we are going to explore the beautiful and mysterious Macedon Ranges. The natural beauty of this area is simply breathtaking. There are many beautiful private gardens as well as unusual geological formations, waterfalls, rugged mountain ranges and wild bush land reserves. There are also numerous National, State and Regional parks to explore in which many of the natural wonders of this area are protected along with their native inhabitants.

The township of Macedon is 65 kilometers or 39 miles northwest of Melbourne along the Calder Highway. It is a beautiful and very picturesque area of Victoria, which nestles around the base of the Macedon Ranges, part of the Great Dividing Range, and close to the mysterious Hanging Rock. Mt Macedon, itself, is an extinct volcano which rises to 1014 meters or 3346 feet above sea level. It was first climbed in 1836 by the explorer Thomas Mitchell. On reaching the summit and discovering that he could see Port Phillip Bay, he decided to name the mount after Phillip of Macedon. The first European settlers were timber fellers, who used the wood they cut to build most of Melbourne's grand early homes and also in the gold mines. However as the supply of trees began to disappear there was a call for control on logging and fruit orchards began to be established on the fertile volcanic soils. It wasn't until the 1870's that the government of the day began to release large blocks of land to the wealthy, social elite of Melbourne.

Macedon is renowned for its cool mountain air , magnificent gardens and grand mansions. The early European settlers of Victoria's Port Phillip area were quick to discover the beauty of this area and those who could afford to, made Macedon their summer retreat. They built imposing homes and planted stately English style gardens to complement them. Many of these beautiful gardens are now open to the public to explore. Taken as a whole these wonderful gardens are considered to be one of the finest and most important collections of 19th Century gardens in Australia. These days Macedon is truly a gardener's paradise, a quiet English style hamlet within easy distance of the bustling metropolis of Melbourne and a place to escape for the hustle and bustle of every day life.

There is much to see and do both in the Township of Macedon and within a leisurely drive of it's quiet tree lined streets. A drive to the summit of Mount Macedon will provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. From the summit you can see Hanging Rock, a rock formation which juts sharply from the surrounding plains and is shrouded in mystery and legend. You can also enjoy wonderful views of Port Phillip Bay, the Camel's Hump and the You Yangs. Crowning the Summit of Mt. Macedon is a huge cross emblazoned with a bronze sword. It was erected in 1935 by a local resident, William Cameron, in memory of his son who was killed in World War 1, as a monument to all Australians that were killed in the Great War. He was also responsible for building the road to the summit and the gardens that surround the cross.

Macedon and the surrounding area is also another major wine growing region. Some of Australia's best red and white wines are grown and produced in this area, as well as some very fine muscats and ports. To complement these wonderful Aussie wines there is also a huge variety of fresh local produce available to further tempt you taste buds. Such wonders as fresh or smoked trout, yabbies, quail, squab, pheasant, partridge, venison and duckling. As well you can sample locally grown Morello cherries, apples, pears and a wide variety of delicious berries that grow in the fertile volcanic soils.

This region is also famous for it's mineral springs, which now provide some of the most pure spa water in the world. The first springs were discovered in 1836 by Captain John Hepburn a Master mariner turned grazier. The town of Hepburn Springs is named in his honor. Soon after more mineral springs were discovered in Daylesford and there are now 72 known mineral springs in various towns through out the region.. Many people come to drink form the springs and you can freely sample these refreshing and invigorating waters. Most of the springs have a hand pump, so don't forget to bring a cup!

One place that you simply MUST visit is Hanging Rock. This rock formation is surrounded in mystery and intrigue and was made famous by Dame Joan Lindsay's novel "Picnic at Hanging Rock" which was written in 1967 and made into a film in 1975. It tells the story of three private school girls who mysteriously vanish while climbing the Rock at a school picnic on Valentine's Day in the 1800's. Debate still reigns on weather or not the book is purely a work of fiction or is based on fact. Hanging Rock is also famous as the hide out of a notorious 19th century bushranger, Daniel "Mad Dog" Morgan, who used the rock as a hide out. Morgan began his bushranging career in 1862 at the age of 32, although he was known as a petty thief prior to this, and was shot dead in 1865 when he held up Peechelba Station. He was nicknamed Mad Dog because of his brutality and was known to shoot sleeping men before robbing them. When he died he had a reward of £ 1000 on his head. No small amount in those days.

Hanging Rock is also renowned for its Picnic Race Meetings. These meetings are annual events held on New Years Day and Australia Day, January 26th, every year. The Race track is set at the base of the rock and many families attend to soak up the wonderful atmosphere as much as for the actual horse races themselves. In February the Rock is host to the Harvest Picnic, a major gourmet event which showcases locally produced foods and wines.

This beautiful region of Victoria is full of history. Early Australian explorers Hume and Hovell passed by the Macedon Ranges in 1824 and 12 years later Major Thomas Mitchell climbed and named the mount Mount Macedon. Nearby Sunbury is the home of International Cricket's most revered trophy The Ashes. The Ashes were the result of a friendly match between a visiting English team and a local cricketing side. The match was held on the lawns of Rupertswood mansion on Christmas Eve 1882. Lady Jane Clarke burnt one of the bails and placed the ashes in a tiny urn which she then presented to the captain of the victorious English side. This area also shared in some of the glory days surrounding the Victorian Gold rushes.

Here you can spend time wandering through the historic townships, visiting the many wineries and mineral springs or strolling through the magnificent gardens. There are wonderful Art Galleries to explore or antique shops to browse and you can taste the fine local produce at one of the many restaurants or cafes. What ever your taste in accommodation you are sure to find it here from four star motels to farm stay, Guest Houses to Bed and Breakfast. So next time you want to get away from it all why not visit the Macedon Ranges.