The start of the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail is an easy stroll along a bitumen road from the Mount Macedon Hotel. Soon after reaching the gravel section of the road you will find the start of the main walking trail on your right. It is here that the trail commences the slow and steady ascent of Mount Macedon.
The path zig-zags, quite steeply in places, for over a kilometre. Pause to catch your breath along the way and you will rewarded with occasional views between the trees. The forest starts to thin towards the summit of Mount Macedon and the trail relents to expose Memorial Cross and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
From Memorial Cross the trail then follows the Western Face of the mount. It is fairly flat as it passes through messmate forest, some still showing the scars of the forest fires of 20 years ago.
You will pass numerous fire trails before eventually arriving at McGregors Picnic Ground, a great spot to stop for lunch. The picnic ground is large and shaded with large European Trees lining its edges.
Leaving the picnic ground turn right at the trail junction to start the climb towards the Camels Hump. From the Camels Hump carpark it is a short walk to the summit. The views from Camels Hump are well worth the climb. From here you can retrace your steps back to the earlier trail junction of follow the coordinates of this route down through the rocky outcrops to pick up the trail below. Along this section of off-trail you will be rewarded with some stunning rocky outcrops.
Follow the well-formed trail through dense forest until you reach Sanatorium Lake. The lake was created in the 1800's in order to supply water to the nearby Tuberculosis Sanatorium, but now supplies water to local wildlife such as flame robins, swamp wallabies and white-faced herons.
After enjoying the tranquility of the lake the trail descends steadily along open fire trails before ascending Mount Towrong. This is a short climb to a large rock cairn which marks the summit.
From Mount Towrong simply follow the rocky trail along a very steep and rocky descent. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views as this is quite an open forested section of the trail which exposes some amazing views of Macedon and the West. Follow the trail as it descends into the valley below. The trail is rocky in places with stairs to aid your descent. On reaching the road below turn left and follow a gravel road along residential streets and back to the trail head at the Mount Macedon Hotel.
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.
A varied hike with changing scenery. Hiking poles will be useful on ascents and descents. Carry at least 2 litres of water and food to keep your energy levels up.
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- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Public Toilets
The Macedon Ranges is a region in Central Victoria, known for its expansive native forests, vibrant arts scene, thriving food and wine industries (including weekly farmers' markets) and natural attractions such as Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon. It is in between the cities of Bendigo and Melbourne.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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4 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.