Follow the Sun

Jodi Flockhart @flockhartjodi There is something truly magical about a stunning sunset. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of joy and hope as the striking golds, pinks and yellows dissolve into the distant skyline.

On a sunny day here in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, we are blessed with plenty of places to witness this nightly show.

Perched high in the clouds and aptly named, is the stunning Sky High Mt Franklin. I’ve been lucky enough to experience a few sunsets here and they’ve all been memorable.

Standing on the vast deck that wraps around this architect-designed four bedroom retreat is the ideal place to watch the last rays dance across the sky. Or take it up a notch and enjoy the view as you enjoy an evening dip in the heated plunge pool.

Alternatively, head to the Mt Franklin campground and take a short hike up to the ridge of this extinct volcano and be rewarded with equally as impressive sunset views. Heading back down to lower ground, witness the vibrant sunset colours shimmer across the lake, paired with a glass of wine and a delicious meal, at Sault restaurant. Be sure to capture an insta-worthy snap amongst the sunflowers and lavender with the chapel nestled in the background.

Next stop on the sunset tour is the Daylesford Hotel, head to the upstairs deck and enjoy the views over town as you sip on a cocktail.

Over in Kyneton, the balcony at Piper Street’s Botanik is another must-visit location for sunset cocktails. The sunsets here are so good, they’ve even created a cocktail in their honour. Known as the Sunset on Piper, this moreish cocktail is made up with Hepburn Distillery Strawberry Gin, Marionette apricot liqueur, Cappelletti bitter, pineapple and pomegranate. Botanik is the ideal pitstop after an afternoon of shopping along Piper Street, with two favourites being Kabinett and Camilla on Piper. Our final stop is Mount Macedon Winery. Here you can tuck into the set-menu dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. Before dinner, enjoy a glass of wine on the expansive west-facing deck. Surrounded by nature, this is the perfect place to watch the sun, as it sets over nearby Woodend. Country life doesn’t get much better than this.

See you soon for a sunset in our beautiful region.

Photo (L-R): Sunset over Creswick. Photograph by Janith HettiArchchi. The wedding barn at Sault. Photograph by Donald Yip