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Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Madeleine Blake

Autumn truly is one of the best times to visit the Macedon Ranges, as the leaves put on their annual display of stunning autumn colours. The aptly named Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival celebrates this, plus much more all-month long during April, across nine colourful, historic villages.

You are invited to discover vibrant farmers’ markets, explore curated trails and itineraries, wander through open gardens, feast on fresh autumn produce, join an artisan workshops, plus lots more.

Here’s a little taste of what’s happening:

For The Foodies

Autumn Pie and Tart Trail (1-30 April)

Could this be Australia’s largest Pie Trail? Well over 30 delicious pies and tarts feature on the mouthwatering Autumn Pie and Tart Trail. From classic country bakeries to cellar doors, create your own scenic foodie adventure. Dine with a glass of wine or take your pies for a picnic under the autumn leaves - whatever takes your pie fancy.

Forces of Nature Winery Lunch (Sunday 16 April)

Treat yourself to a gastronomic experience at the sublime Lyons Will Estate winery, in collaboration with chefs turned foragers, Matt Donnelly and Jo Corrigan.

Gin & Pizza Night @ Animus Distillery

(Friday 7, 14, 21 & 28 April)

Two of Kyneton’s powerhouses, Piper Street Food Co. and Animus Distillery, have teamed up to celebrate the season with a weekly gourmet autumn pizza, expertly matched with a special Animus Gin mixed drink. Happening every Friday night during April.

For A Tipple Or Two

Lancefield Triple Tipple Tour (1-30 April)

The Lancefield Triple Tipple Tour takes in three of Lancefield’s finest venues – the Lancefield Lodge, Lancefield Hotel and the newly opened Lost Watering Hole. From handcrafted cocktails to signature beers, this tour offers a variety of delicious drinks for you to savour.

Gin Tipple Trail (1-30 April)

Choose a designated driver and get a taste of local Macedon Ranges gin on this self-drive tipple trail through the stunning autumn countryside. The trail starts in New Gisborne and ends in Kyneton, visiting Mountain Distilling, Big Tree Distillery, Gindu and Animus Distillery.

Autumn Tipple Train Trail (1-30 April)

Leave the car at home and get a taste of the Macedon Ranges’ artisan and small-batch wines, cider, craft beer and gin at charming and welcoming country pubs along the train line. Hop-on-hop-off the train, wet your whistle and take in stunning scenic autumn landscapes along the way.

For The Makers

Learn Eco-Printing in the Macedon Ranges

(Saturday 15 April)

Step into the magical world of eco-printing and discover how simple spontaneous leaf prints can be created using locally gathered plants, mordants and common metals. This one day workshop takes place at The Old Auction House in Kyneton.

Country Canvas Autumn Acrylic Painting Classes (various dates throughout April)

Paint along with local artist Tia Alysse as you re-create a timeless fall fox, golden goose, red panda, amber stag or a red robin at her farm in Malmsbury. A different animal will feature at each class throughout the month – join one or join all of these artist-guided workshops.

Double Oaks Estate Wine and Clay Day (Saturday 1 & 15 April)

Back by popular demand this autumn, at this fun and immersive event, attendees are invited to tap into their creative side and enjoy a unique wine and clay day led by experienced potter Sue Chehab – paired with wines poured by Double Oaks Estate Winery

For The Nature Lovers

Autumn Leaf Colour Trail (1-30 April)

Discover the many different locations where you can see stunning autumn leaves within the Macedon

Ranges on this scenic trail – which takes in each of the nine villages within the region. Spend one day, or spend several and turn it into a mini getaway.

Creatures of the Night

(various dates throughout April)

Learn about the nocturnal creatures living in the Macedon Ranges on this educational and family friendly night walks. Animals that may be observed include Common Ringtail and Brushtail Possum, Koala and even the very rare Brush-tailed Phascogale. Six walks will take place, each in a different location within the Macedon Ranges.

For The Garden Lovers

Autumn Gardens Trail (1-30 April)

Three of Mount Macedon’s most prestigious gardens will open their gates to the public in autumn to create a trail of stunning gardens. Gardens include Forest Glade Gardens (open daily, year-round), Duneira Estate and Viewfield (both of which will be open on weekends and public holidays during April).

Garden Nursery Village Trail (1-30 April)

Follow this trail and discover where you can purchase your own stunning autumn plants. Explore wonderful boutique and specialist nurseries such as Riddells Creek Nursery, Woodend Nursery and Spring Hill Nursery. A great day out for green thumbs and plant enthusiasts.

View the full list of events taking place at visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival