B AC C H U S M A R S H TO B L AC K WO O D AND SURROUNDS
Visitors are instinctively drawn to the scenic parks and cool, relativelyundisturbed forests of this part of our region, with the hope of viewing some of the admired furry creatures seen only in Australia – koalas, kangaroos and (of course) wombats. The Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park are some of the most wondrous natural locations for spotting these native darlings, along with exploring noteworthy 1860s-heritage cottages and the extinct volcano of Mt Blackwood. The historic village of Blackwood is located in the scenic Macedon Ranges between Ballan and Trentham. Blackwood was a thriving goldmining town during the 1850s when gold was discovered at nearby aptly-named Golden Point. These days, Blackwood is a peaceful village, situated on the Lerderderg River. The Blackwood Mineral Springs Reserve is located off Golden Point Road, one kilometre east of the town centre. A small entrance fee allows visitors to picnic and BBQ along the grassy banks of the Lerderderg River. The Reserve features mineral springs, and scenic walking tracks that take you to Shaws Lake via Sweets Lookout. While you’re in this neck of the woods, sample some of the freshest food in the region by stepping into the Garden St Erth cafe on Simmons Reef Road. The café’s ethos centres on seasonal, local produce dug-up from its gardens. In the style of the St Erth menu, the heirloom veges emerging from the soil are not smothered in fancy sauces, but simply seasoned to enhance the clean flavours.
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