4 minute read
Spring From the Storm
Narelle Groenhout On one wild winter night in June this year, the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region experienced an extraordinary storm that wreaked devastation across the district.
Unusual south-easterly winds blew at over 90 kilometres per hour for more than 12 hours, flattening large tracts of forest, with enormous, downed trees keeping some towns isolated and without power for days.
But we are resilient and have rebounded quickly, and our communities welcome visitors as we emerge from the fog of winter and embrace the beauty that spring has to offer. Gardens start to bud and daffodils, the symbol of rebirth and hope, bloom in fields and gardens around the region, proving that weathering the storm is possible.
There are so many beautiful sights to see and memories to be made. Only a short drive from Melbourne, visits are perfect for smelling the roses - literally. The Spring Hill Peony Farm opens its peony paddock gates for ten days in November. To access the paddock, there is a 2 km return walk along tree-lined farm laneways which brings you to a field of magnificent blooms, beautifully cared for by owners Mac and Nicky Barry. Once there, you get to admire and pick the peonies. Bookings are essential and you'll need to bring your own bucket and secateurs. Check the website for dates on the 1st of November each year.
Across in Drummond, Lee Dingles’ Belle âme (beautiful soul) Flower Farm specialises in old-fashioned blooms reminiscent of yesteryear, when it was unheard of to put wild flowers and vegetables in a bouquet. Set on 12 acres, flowers are picked and available at the farm gate stall open most weekends from October to May with an honesty box in place. We recommend having some coins at the ready, as there are so many delightful treats and produce available when you drive across the region. Perched in roadside boxes around the district, you'll find eggs, flowers, organic veggies and even the occasional bag of organic, veggie patch horse poo!
While in Drummond North, experience the incredible healing power of horses. Imagine sitting in a beautiful paddock with rolling hills to look over, sipping chai tea around a crackling fire surrounded by a majestic herd of horses. Two hours spent quietly in nature exploring mindfulness and meditation techniques whilst alongside the horses. The sessions are led by Rachel Gibson from Heart of the Horse and are pure bliss.
Combine a love of horses with a country carriage ride across the rolling hills of Macedon with Rose Latimer and her exquisite horses Patrick and Laura. Yesteryear Today Carriages is a unique experience taking in amazing scenery across the ranges.
If meandering across the region and finding treasures in local markets is your thing, our area has you covered. We boast more than sixteen Farmers’ Markets run across the month, all unique and all offering oldfashioned country hospitality. Leonard's Hill Market, set in the community hall, is famous for its Devonshire teas and local characters.
The picturesque 155-year-old Daylesford Primary School plays host to the Daylesford Farmers' Market every fourth Saturday, while the Wesley Hill Market in Castlemaine is a weekly Saturday event. There are more markets to be experienced in Creswick, Woodend and across the region. Harking back to days gone by, Maze House and Carnival Garden in Newlyn North shows off a 28-year-old hedge set amongst a five-acre carnival garden full of wonder and enchanting sights. Enjoy their country carnival garden that features a vegetation patch, orchards, firewood lot, flower cutting garden, and creek. Perfect for a spring visit.
A few minutes up the road is the Newlyn Reservoir. Ask locals, and most will tell you it's one of the best fishing spots in the area (3-kilogram Rainbow Trout are often caught!). It’s a fabulous family-friendly spot even if fishing isn't on the agenda.
Our wineries and distilleries are world-renowned, and you can experience personalised wine tours with Daylesford Wine Tours' Clay Watson and his team. Tours can be tailored to your needs and it's a great way to safely experience the sights and landscape of the region while enjoying local wineries. Pair wine tasting with art as you wander around the Hanging Rock Winery, where leading artists showcase their contemporary sculptures placed around the vineyard, or simply picnic on the manicured gardens at the Daylesford Cider Company.
We've weathered the storm, and part of the recovery process is welcoming visitors back to support an area loved and treasured by locals and visitors alike.
Photos (opposite page) Clockwise from left: Maze House, photo by Chris Turner. Yesteryear Today Carriages, photo by Chloe Smith. Jonathan Mackie of Daylesford Cidery, photo by Katie Wilton. Daylesford Wine Tours.
Bistro Terroir, Daylesford
800 X $50 DINING VOUCHERS UP FOR GRABS
Competition closes 10/9/21. See website for terms and conditions. Our beautiful region is known for its outstanding food, with hatted restaurants, goldrush era pubs, charming cafes and boutique wineries serving incredible local produce. For thirty years, we have led the way in the ‘farm to table’ ethos.
In line with the Victorian State Government’s outdoor dining initiative, we have eight hundred $50 vouchers to be won, so you can experience our amazing cuisine yourself.
DAYLESFORD - HEPBURN SPRINGS- TRENTHAM - CRESWICK - GLENLYON - CLUNES
