Macedon Ranges Walking Trail (18.8km)

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 Mt. Towrong. This is a short climb to a large rock cairn which marks the summit.

From Mt. 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.

Tips

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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