HEART WARMING FAMILY FUN Katrina Buttigieg @macedonrangesmumma Don’t let the cooler weather deter you this winter, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are splendid when the air is crisp.
T
he greenery is lush, natural water features are abundant, and the food will warm you to your woollen-sock-covered toes. Escape and explore with the kids for some heart-warming family fun.
MACEDON RANGES Woodend Children’s Park caters for all ages and is an ideal first stop on a tour of the Ranges. This huge playground caters for kids of all ages with various different zones, including an enclosed play area for little ones, musical instruments, a giant spider web and a flying fox. Head to the award-winning Bourkie’s Bakehouse across the road afterwards for a warm drink, hot pie, or their famous vanilla slice. Iconic Hanging Rock similarly ticks all the boxes for family fun. You can bushwalk, climb rocks, spot wildlife and enjoy panoramic views, and the delightful Hanging Rock Café is open Thursdays to Mondays - a delicious pit stop before or after you explore. Up the road is the magnificent Mount Macedon, which is covered in beautiful sites, beginning with Stanley Park
Daylesford Macedon Life | 16
Waterfall, nestled in amongst the houses as you drive up the mountain. View the falls from the platform above, or take the short walk down a flight of stone steps to see it in all its glory at the bottom. Further up the southern slope of the Mount is Forest Glade Gardens. These 5.6 hectares of carefully crafted, magical private gardens will have the whole family strolling about in rapture.
Kyneton Community Park. Brightly coloured tractors and play equipment made from organic materials and carefully positioned flora, make for a genuine adventure playground where the children can immerse themselves.
Follow the meandering road upward to Sanatorium Lake for a wild contrast of towering trees, hollow logs, pretty leaf litter, and the mirror-like lake. Last but not least, at the summit is the majestic Memorial Cross, with breathtaking views in every direction. Top of the Range Tea Rooms offers respite from the cold after you have had your fill of this iconic local treasure. If you are lucky enough, you might catch some snow on your travels (see page 27 for more tips on locations for snow play in the region).
This side of the region also has plenty to offer. One of the many highlights is the striking Trentham Falls. The walk down to the viewing platform is manageable even for the littlest legs and whether rain, hail or shine, the falls exude magnificence amongst the backdrop of towering gums.
From here, continue up the freeway to renowned food and art hub, Kyneton. The historic gates into the Kyneton Botanic Gardens are the perfect starting point to walk through this natural museum of local and exotic trees, many listed by the National Trust. The fairytale end of the path opens up to the incomparable
DAYLESFORD AND SURROUNDS
Drive on to Daylesford for more outdoor family fun. Lake Daylesford has a path around it that is perfect for scooters, first time bike riders, or walkers looking to spot local birdlife. Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is similarly tranquil whilst sparking little imaginations. Navigate the curling paths through the beautiful blooms and greenery and recharge at the charming Wombat Hill House café at its centre. For chocolate lovers, we recommend you venture just out of town to The Chocolate Mill for a decadent hot chocolate.
