Pay It Forward in Mount Macedon

PAY IT FORWARD 

in Mount Macedon

Words by Madeleine Blake

When Mount Macedon was recently crowned ‘Victoria’s Top Tiny Town’, it’s fair to say the locals weren’t too surprised. The magic of this mountain village has long drawn enlightened visitors from near and far. Be it the ever-changing canvas throughout the seasons, the stunning heritage gardens, surrounding bushland or the vibrant food and wine scene, this is a location that impresses year-round. We chatted to some of the friendly locals to get the inside word on what makes Mount Macedon so special. Here, a few of them ‘Pay it Forward’, demonstrating what an ideal day on ‘the Mount’ looks like.

Mount Macedon Trading Post, 686 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon, 03 5426 1471, mtmacedontp.com.au (photography by KGMG Creative) Braeside Mt Macedon, 47 Taylors Road, Mount Macedon, 03 5426 1762, braesidemtmacedon.com.au (photography by Ash and Elm Studios)

STAY We start our journey at the charming Braeside Mt Macedon, which is the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Set on 27 acres of hillside bushland, this country retreat is home to three private, self-contained cottages and a historic farmhouse, all of which are surrounded by rambling English-style gardens. Of special mention is the amazing breakfast provisions, featuring fresh-out-of-the-oven bread, eggs from the resident chooks, and delicious homemade granola. It’s not hard to see why this property is recognised as one of the ‘Best of the Best’ by Trip Advisor.

Mount Towrong Vineyard, 4 Taylors Road, Mount Macedon, 0488 155 088, mounttowrong.com.au LUNCH “After a leisurely breakfast at Braeside Mt Macedon it’s time to start thinking about lunch, and the perfect spot is only a 10-minute walk away. Mount Towrong Vineyard is a small familyowned and operated vineyard specialising in cool climate Italian varietals. Their cellar door offers hearty, homestyle Italian cooking, created to pair perfectly with their wine. Enjoy a relaxing lunch before exploring the rest of the Macedon Ranges. Bookings are highly recommended” - Andrew Towner, Braeside Mt Macedon

SHOP – LOCAL PRODUCE “Following a relaxing lunch at Mount Towrong Vineyard cellar door, head to the Mount Macedon Trading Post. Right in the heart of Mount Macedon, this general store is the hub of community activity in the area. Stock up on some wonderful signature house made produce, peruse their lovely giftware on offer, and enjoy some delicious coffee and cake. The outside tables are the ideal place to catch the afternoon sun, as you overlook their nursery neighbours and surrounding leafy gardens.” - George Cremasco, Mount Towrong Vineyard

DISCOVER “Mount Macedon is famous for its gardens and nurseries. One place you can’t miss is Dicksonia Rare Plants, which is located behind us here at the Trading Post. Owned by gardening identity Stephen Ryan, this nursery specialises in rare and exotic plants, chosen specifically to match the mountain climate that surrounds us. Even if you aren’t after a plant, this is a great space for wandering and discovering plants you never knew existed, with over 2000 varieties in stock.” - Brad Eshuys, Mount Macedon Trading Post EXPLORE “Mount Macedon Tours are a fantastic new addition to the tourism offerings on Mount Macedon. For those seeking a further gardening fix, these tours give you exclusive access to some of the area’s most magnificent private gardens. Gardening experts Annie and Melina lead engaging and informative tours through historic gardens such as Duneira Estate, Cameron Lodge and Shepherd’s Bush, along with my own private garden, Tugurium.” - Stephen Ryan, Dicksonia Rare Plants

Dicksonia Rare Plants, 686 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon, 03 5426 3075, stephenryan.com.au/nursery

Mount Macedon Winery, 433 Bawden Rd, Mount Macedon, 03 5427 4172, mountmacedonwinery.com.au (photography by Jakub Fabijanski) DINNER “After a day of exploring Mount Macedon there is nothing better than sitting on the terrace at Mount Macedon Winery enjoying the sunset with a glass of their award-winning wine. Then head into the restaurant for a delicious meal of seasonal and local produce while gazing out of the large windows across the vineyard. Try the woodfire pizza with a glass of the 2020 shiraz – it’s to die for!” - Annie and Melina, Mount Macedon Tours

Mount Macedon Tours, 690 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon, 0468 570 715, mountmacedontours.com.au

Introducing, Wentworth House. Beyond the cottage façade, reveals an opulence and class unmatched in the region. Lavishly appointed and sumptuously styled, Wentworth House is in a class of its own. Three magnificent bedrooms each with a marble bathroom and own individual style and flair. A new level of luxury.

daylesfordcountryretreats.com.au/wentworth-house