Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1000m
Min elevation: 602m
Total Ascent: 787m
4,706 Total views
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Bacchus Marsh, Gisborne, Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Mount Macedon, Romsey, Toolern Vale, Woodend
Getting to the trailhead in Macedon Ranges.Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Macedon Ranges or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
10 Reviews on “Macedon Ranges Walking Trail (19km)”
That is a great circuit. Great views and plenty of varying scenery and bush along the way. Can get a bit busy especially around the picnic areas but it’s not long until you feel lost in the bush again. Highly recommended
Fantastic hike with a lot of variation including steep sections, open woodland, lakes and a few rocks to scramble around.
Awesome. Loved it. Very comfortable walk just over 4hrs. With a friend who trains on this track frequently. She gave me her poles for the final descent in the dark with headlamps.
Lovely trail not too far from Melbourne with a satisfying climb to the cross to start off with! Most walkers that I came across were doing sections of the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail and joined in from one of the several picnic grounds that this trail passes. The descent from Mt Towrong towards the end is a little steep and it pays to be sure-footed here as some loose rocks abound. Some brief sections on road had tight corners / potential blind spots – keep an eye out for cars if walking on public holidays / weekend.
I found the climb at the start of this one a bit too much. Granted, I was carrying a combined 20kgs of toddler and backpack, but it did me in by the time I was about 1/3 to 1/2 the way up – the height gain on each step was more than I could manage comfortably.
The first climb up to the cross completely destroyed me, i’m way less fitter than i first thought, Doing this in the wet made it slippery and twice as hard, and the climb down from Mt Towrong was also abit gnarly with its slippery rocky rapid decent, Middle part of the trail was quite enjoyable.
Stopped at the cafe at the cross was a great way to warm up and refuel for the journey ahead. Trails are easy to follow with very little other traffic to pass you by.
We did this anti clockwise, loved it. We quite liked the steep 1/3 in and 1/3 end. Still have to figure out the scenic route down from Camel Hump which joins up with the Emergency Trail but it was too wet.