Our Nature Bucket List

Danielle White & Sandy McKinley – Consortium Botanicus Founding Members

There’s no doubt that 2020 has changed how we regard - and interact with - the world around us. As we move forward towards ‘COVID Normal’, it’s no surprise that people are feeling a little introspective and longing to reconnect and once again enjoy healthy, mindful, activities in the great outdoors. So, we’ve put together a list of scenic, sensory, soul-food experiences to give you the country escape you’ve been longing for.

WATER

TRENTHAM FALLS – One of Victoria’s longest-drop waterfalls and set among lush forests. Be sure to stop off in Trentham to grab a coffee and picnic supplies from one of the cafés, and fresh-baked goods from RedBeard Historic Bakery.

TURPINS FALLS - Situated along the Campaspe River, Turpins Falls is the result of the Campaspe River flowing over an expansive 20m high rock wall that surrounds a deep reflective pool.

THE CASCADES – A hidden gem; rocky cascading water at its best in winter and spring.

SANITORIUM LAKE - A beautiful treed setting for a number of self-guided, eco-tourism walking and horse-riding trails. Swimming is not permitted in the lake. NATURAL MINERAL WATER – It’s all around the region, flowing up through a vast underground network and accessible at one of the many hand pumps. Gift yourself a visit to Hepburn Bathhouse, to soak, drink and luxuriate in these curative waters.

EARTH

CAMEL’S HUMP – Like nearby Hanging Rock, Camel’s Hump is a rocky volcanic outcrop formed six million years ago. It is the highest peak in the Macedon Ranges and offers superb views of the surrounding countryside.

DOMINO TRAIL – A stretch of the old railway line that connects Lyonville with Trentham. The trail is an easy walk in either direction, as a 12km return journey or a one-way trip. For something different, join a Hanging Rock Llama trek.

WOMBAT FOREST – Try a little forest bathing - slow, mindful walking taking in the sights, sounds and smells of nature at its best. You’ll feel the stress drop away with each step.

THE DAYLESFORD MACEDON FLOWER TRAIL - Take a floral-inspired journey and experience the magic and therapy of paddock-grown, bee-friendly ‘slow’ flowers from some of the region’s best artisanal flower farms, roadside stalls.

So, whether it’s taking time out for a little forest therapy or watching a waterfall plunge from the edge of a steep rock face, you will be in awe of the beauty and restorative power of Mother Nature. This bucket list is guaranteed to blow the cobwebs away and provide a refreshed outlook to kick off the summer season and guide you into 2021.

Photo : Domino Trail Photograph by Clair Derwort

RedBeard Historic Bakery redbeardbakery.com.au Hepburn Bathhouse hepburnbathhouse.com Consortium Botanicus consortiumbotanicus.net.au/the-map

EXCITE YOUR SENSES

Enjoy a day out at Blackwood Ridge where you can soak up the elements and indulge at our highly acclaimed ‘Garden Room Restaurant’ and the award winning rare plant nursery and gardens.

GARDEN FRESH | FUN | ADVENTUROUS

BOOK NOW

812 Greenhills Road Blackwood, Vic Ph: (03) 5368 6707 Fri, Sat & Sun 10am- 4pm For lunch bookings book online at www.blackwoodridge.com.au