OUR TOP PICKS
MACEDON RANGES AUTUMN FESTIVAL Madeleine Blake The Macedon Ranges come alive in autumn, as leaves change colour, and villages celebrate the arrival of the season…and we’re holding a festival to celebrate! Immerse yourself in nature, taste fresh autumn produce, enjoy world-class music and entertainment, and more, across nine charming and colourful villages. Taking place from Sunday 26 March to Monday 25 April, the event will include immersive art displays, interactive light shows, live music, various food and wine events, open studios, farmers’ markets, chalk art, street activations and plenty more. Here are just some of our favourite events.
FOR MUSIC FANS Macedon Ranges Music Festival (Saturday 26 March) Live from the famous site of Hanging Rock, the Macedon Ranges Music Festival brings together some of the best local vendors and finest Australian musicians. Headlined by Ash Grunwald.
FOR EPICUREANS Macedon Ranges Autumn Pie and Tart Trail (26 March – 25 April) The inaugural Macedon Ranges Autumn Pie and Tart Trail will feature over 20 delicious pies and tarts from across the region. From rustic bakeries and cosy cafés to friendly cellar doors and pubs, there’s bound to be an autumn pie and tart to tickle your tastebuds. Force of Nature at Lyons Will Estate (Sunday 10 April) Matt Donnelly and Jo Corrigan are former chefs and restaurateurs turned foragers, producers and adventurers. Meet them at Lyons Will Estate for a fivecourse tasting menu matched to the Lyons Will range of wines. Think mushrooms and quinces, chestnuts and figs…yum.
FOR A TIPPLE OR TWO Celebration of Harvest (Sunday 24 April) Join Macedon Ranges Wine in celebrating this year’s harvest, vintage and the colours of autumn.
Enjoy live music and a beautiful autumn vibe as you meet local winemakers and feast on fabulous wines complemented with delicious foods.
FOR CULTURE LOVERS Open Studios Macedon (Weekend of 24-25 April) Artists of Macedon are opening their studios over one weekend. Nine studios set within a short drive of each other, will feature artists at work who will demonstrate and discuss how they approach their art. They will have original works on display and for sale. Mountain Writers Festival Author Lunch (Saturday 26 March) An engrossing lunch with esteemed writers Tony Birch, Evelyn Araluen and Tom Griffiths, moderated by Sophie Cunningham AM. Taking place at The Wine Collective in Macedon.
FOR THE SOUL Outdoor Sound Bowl Meditation (Sundays 27 March – 24 April) Surround yourself in the autumnal beauty of Kyneton Botanic Gardens, while experiencing a sacred sound bath meditation. Harpist in the Garden at Dromkeen (Saturday 9 April) Visit Dromkeen in Riddells Creek to witness a performance inspired by the changing seasons, performed by Michael Johnson, harpist and composer from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Follow this with a stroll through the historic gardens before enjoying one of their famous Devonshire teas.
FOR GARDENERS A Day at Duneira (multiple dates) Experience Duneira, a private historic hill-station garden on Mount Macedon with live music, fresh roasted chestnuts, Devonshire tea and guest speakers. The ultimate day out to enjoy one of Victoria’s most historic and spectacular gardens.
FOR FAMILIES The Ultimate Autumn Picnic (Sunday 27 March) Picnic amongst the autumn leaves in Gisborne's beautiful Jacksons Creek Reserve and be treated to a live show by Cassidy La Creme and Tash York. A fantastic free fun day for the whole family. A Journey (multiple dates) Be wowed by A Journey – an interactive lighting and sound experience created by local artists, that journeys through the Malmsbury Botanical Gardens, culminating in a lighting display at the Malmsbury Viaduct. The Gardeners (multiple dates and event appearances) Keep your eyes out for a pair of gentle giants known as ‘The Gardeners’ who will spread notes, gifts and messages of joy and fun at various farmers’ markets and events. View the full list of events taking place at visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival Photo: Autumn Pie and Tart Trail - Malmsbury Bakery. Photography by Chloe Smith
