A Long weekend in the Macedon Ranges: Our Favourite Places to Stay, Dine and Wander
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Winter is beginging to receed, yet spring has not quite warmed the evenings. It is an inviting time to leave the city behind and settle fireside in the country, preferably with a glass of local red in hand.
Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges offers a long weekend shaped by historic villages, cool-climate vineyards, memorable dining and quiet forest trails. It is also home to a flourishing creative community, where artists, growers and makers produce beautiful things with a distinctly local sensibility.
With a three day long weekend ahead, a change of pace need not take you far. Base yourself in historic Kyneton and discover some of our favourite places to stay, dine and wander, alongside a few lesser-known addresses worth seeking out.
Stay at House of Sol
A long weekend in the country calls for somewhere memorable to stay, and House of Sol offers something decidedly different.
Set within Kyneton’s historic Piper Street precinct, this adults-only house hotel brings together expressive interiors, contemporary art, creativity and wellbeing. Its rooms draw inspiration from six elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Metal and Ether - with each possessing an atmosphere entirely its own.
Immersive and original, House of Sol is designed around the increasingly rare pleasure of slowing down.
Linger over Lunch at Mount Towrong Vineyard
Set high on Mount Macedon, Mount Towrong Vineyard brings the generosity of northern Italy to the Macedon Ranges. The family-run vineyard produces cool-climate Chardonnay and Prosecco alongside Italian varieties such as Nebbiolo and Negroamaro.
Overlooking the vines, Enoteca-style dining invites guests to settle in for the afternoon over handmade pasta, locally sourced produce and seasonal Italian dishes. It is an unhurried expression of food, wine and place.
Pack a Picnic at Piper Street Food Co
Before venturing into the surrounding countryside, stop at Piper Street Food Co for provisions.
Its intimate Kyneton store is filled with handmade pork pies, pasties, terrines, pickles, salads, cheeses, dips and something sweet to finish. Select your own spread or arrange a picnic in advance, then find a quiet corner of the countryside in which to enjoy it.
Bring a rug, choose a view and allow the afternoon to unfold.
Wander Through the Forests
Part of the pleasure of leaving the city is the chance to begin the day outdoors, breathing in the crisp country air beneath a canopy of trees.
Hanging Rock Reserve rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. Its ancient volcanic formations form narrow passages, secluded spaces and unexpected vantage points across the landscape. Arrive early, before the day gathers pace, to experience its quieter corners.
For a more meditative walk, make your way to Mount Towrong, five minutes from Macedon township. The trail moves through dense woodland where moss-covered trees, ferns and fungi create an almost contemplative atmosphere. The moderate walk to the 574-metre summit takes approximately two to three hours.
Visit Fleurs de Lyonville
Beside the Wombat State Forest, Fleurs de Lyonville is a small family-run flower farm growing seasonal cottage flowers and Australian natives.
Now is a fantastic time to visit. As winter gives way to spring, the farm begins to come alive with fresh growth and new colour. Workshops, tours and flower sales are offered at selected times, making each visit feel a little more personal.
Tip: Check the farm’s upcoming dates before making the journey.
Discover Erin Malloy’s Handcrafted Workc
The Macedon Ranges has long attracted artists and makers drawn to its natural beauty and slower lifestyle. Designer and woodworker Erin Malloy handcrafts timber homewares that celebrate the individual markings and imperfections of natural materials. Thoughtful, tactile and quietly distinctive, her work reflects the region’s enduring appreciation for objects made with intention.
Eclectic Finds at Rollo Antiques & Vintage
Rollo Antiques & Vintage in Kyneton is an eclectic collection that spans furniture, art, glassware and unusual collectables sourced from Australia and further afield.
There is no telling what you might find, every corner offers the possibility of a piece with a story.
Unwind at Mana Temple
After a day spent exploring, Mana Temple offers a welcome retreat from the cool Macedon Ranges air. Its private infrared sauna experience is an invitation to pause: warmth, stillness and time without distraction. Book a session, put your phone away and embrace the luxury of doing very little for a while.
Three days is all it takes to settle into the rhythm of the Macedon Ranges, where fireside stays, vineyard lunches, forest trails and artists’ studios allow time to feel altogether more generous.