Mount Macedon Ranges

Visitors flock to the Mount Macedon region to enjoy Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs and to indulge in the award-winning food and wine for which the region is known.

Since the gold rush of the 1850s, people have been drawn to the health-giving qualities of more than 70 natural mineral springs in the region, especially around the towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, which are now famous for their spas.

Many of the region’s towns and attractions are an hour’s drive from Melbourne, making it a popular retreat and an equally popular destination for conferences. Impressive galleries, museums and antique stores abound, for this is an area which has also attracted artisans and craftspeople from all over the world.

Around Mount Macedon, the temperate climate and mineral-laden soils have resulted in ideal conditions for vines, and there are more than 30 wineries producing outstanding wines – especially pinot noir and chardonnay. Local restaurants also make the most of an abundance of top-quality local produce, from tasty meats to wild mushrooms, crisp apples and juicy berries.

Natural attractions include Hanging Rock – scene of the famous book and movie Picnic at Hanging Rock, Mount Macedon’s heritage gardens, the impressive Trentham Falls and the extinct volcano of Mount Franklin. In Macedon Regional Park, the WWI memorial cross at the summit of Mount Macedon is a local landmark, and you can also gain spectacular views of the valley and the distant city from this point. At Hepburn Regional Park, just north of Daylesford, climb the volcanic crater of Mount Franklin and see the Blowhole, a diversion tunnel on Sailors Creek created by gold miners in the mid 19th century.

Well marked trails allow visitors to explore the region’s forests and parks. The Macedon Ranges are renowned for stunning gardens, including private gardens that are open to the public at certain times of the year, particularly in spring and autumn.
Glen Erin Vineyard Retreat offers ultimate 4½ star luxury with country hospitality. Nestled in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, Glen Erin Vineyard Retreat is just four kilometres from the picturesque township of Lancefield, and has 27 luxury suites available.

The retreat also has four conference rooms, the largest of which can cater for 200 people theatre style. It is well known for its Grange Restaurant, and the Glen Erin Vineyard is renowned for its cold-climate wines.

>> Conference & meeting venues in the Macedon Ranges & Spa Country Victoria

In the quiet country town of Woodend, near Mount Macedon, The Bentinck of Woodend has a purpose-built conference centre set in manicured gardens. Two separate conference rooms, the Carlisle Room and the Lancefield Room, both offer natural light, e-mail access points, private syndicate rooms and ergonomic chairs. Conference rooms are centrally heated for chilly winter mornings and air-conditioned to keep delegates cool and comfortable on hot summer days. There is a private, fully equipped convenor’s office with computer, printer, fax, photocopier and e-mail access points available.

The property has 28 individually decorated rooms. Within the main English manor house are 16 ensuite rooms and four rooms with shared bathrooms. In a secluded part of the grounds is George’s Cottage, which accommodates up to eight couples in ensuite rooms. The cottage has a large private lounge, open fire and bar leading onto a private courtyard.