Sanatorium Lake Eco-Trail (2.5km)

Just an hour north-west of Melbourne, Macedon Regional Park offers a peaceful and easily accessible escape into nature. Nestled within the southern reaches of Victoria’s Great Dividing Range, the park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri Peoples. It’s important to acknowledge the enduring relationship that Traditional Owners have with these lands and waters, and their role in caring for Country across generations.

The park’s rich blend of forested trails, historic landmarks and quiet picnic grounds makes it ideal for day-trippers or those looking to stay a little longer in the nearby towns and villages of Macedon and Woodend. Whether you’re drawn to walking tracks that wind through tall eucalypt forests, or scenic drives leading to sweeping viewpoints, there’s a gentle rhythm to exploring this region that invites you to slow down and take it all in.

A great starting point is the Sanatorium Picnic Ground, where you can enjoy a relaxed meal beneath the canopy before setting off on the shady loop around Sanatorium Lake. The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail threads its way through parts of the park, offering longer bushwalks for those keen to stretch their legs and spend more time immersed in the landscape. Autumn brings a special kind of magic here—the air crisp and cool, the surrounding hills alive with gold and crimson leaves. It’s worth finishing the day with a warm drink at the Top of the Range tea rooms, where the view and atmosphere offer a quiet moment to reflect.

The Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross is a powerful and prominent feature of the park. Standing at 21 metres high, it commemorates those who served in all wars and is the second most significant war memorial in Victoria after Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. It draws visitors not only for its meaning, but also for the views across the plains below.

For those exploring on horseback, the Old Scout Camp area offers a good starting point, with float parking available nearby at the Days Picnic Ground. Riders need to stick to defined roads and tracks, as horses are not permitted on walking trails or within picnic areas. Cyclists will also find opportunities to explore—multi-use trails in the Old Scout Camp area range from gentle routes to more challenging terrain, while a network of open roads allows for broader discovery of the park and its surrounding countryside.

Camel’s Hump is the highest point in the Macedon Ranges and a favourite among experienced rock climbers. The volcanic plug rises sharply from the forest, offering impressive views and a range of climbing routes. Rock climbing is permitted only within a designated area and should be approached with care, using the proper access tracks and equipment, ideally under the guidance of qualified instructors.

For those preferring a more relaxed pace, the park’s scenic drives meander through tall forests, past picnic spots and up to elevated lookouts. Both sealed and unsealed roads provide access to many parts of the park, though some of the latter may be closed seasonally. It’s a lovely way to take in the natural beauty of the region without straying too far from the car.

Whether you're walking, riding, cycling or simply enjoying the stillness of a forest picnic, Macedon Regional Park has something to offer in every season. It’s a place where nature, history and culture sit side by side—welcoming visitors into a landscape shaped by both time and tradition.