Spa Country & Macedon Ranges

TAKE TO THE MOUNTAINS

Why tolerate the security checks, queues and delays of modern air travel when you can get in the car and discover a region of the quality and diversity of Country Victoria?

When Melbourne’s wealthiest wanted to escape the summer heat in the late 19th century, they headed north west to Mount Macedon, Daylesford and other parts of what would become known as “Spa Country”. Their legacy, which is still enjoyed today, has been some fine homes and gardens now accessible as parks, guesthouses and small hotels.

>> If you are looking for accommodation in the Macedon Ranges or accommodation in Spa Country Victoria the Dawsons website has many options of bed and breakfasts, self-contained accommodation and holiday houses for you to choose from.

Why not use as your base one of the excellent places to stay profiled in the next few pages? Discover and explore the delights of this beautiful slice of Victoria.

Visitors have been enjoying the mineral springs at Hepburn Springs for more than a century, with many Europeans swearing by the curative powers of the pure waters welling from the bowels of the earth – not to mention the wonderful massage that so often accompanies a session in the waters!

Daylesford, a popular weekend retreat for Melburnians, has long read the interests of its visitors and provides a suitable range of activities and shopping. The local fresh produce is evident in the restaurants and cafes that dot the town, while there’s no shortage of galleries or antique stores to browse.

The Swiss Italian Lavandula Lavender Farm, with its trattoria, olive grove, grapes and shop bursting with body products, is just 10 minutes north of Daylesford and well worth a visit. Sample the lavender scones at the trattoria and browse the homemade jams, preserves, cordial and mustard that are for sale.

Head on through some of the smaller townships, such as Malmsbury on the Coliban River. There’s fishing for trout at the local dam, as well as horse riding if you’d like to get a closer look at the rolling countryside. The distinctive stone for many bluestone homes and public buildings in the Spa Country has come from the bluestone quarry at Malmsbury.

The Stables Restaurant behind the Malmsbury Bakery is open on Friday and Saturday nights and features a wood-fired oven that those in the know say produces the best pizza in Australia.

One of the landmarks of the region is the Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross Reserve, which dates from the 1930s and commemorates the Australian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1914 to 1918 Great War. It is considered Victoria’s most significant war memorial after the Shrine in Melbourne, and today the reserve commemorates all those who have served in wars and conflicts on behalf of Australia.

For those with spare energy, there’s the Camel’s Hump on Mount Macedon, a steep and solid lump of rock much beloved by the rock-climbing fraternity, who warn that the weather is prone to sudden changes and it’s best to dress accordingly. The area is forested and there are numerous trails available to bushwalkers. From here, you can get a good view of the notorious Hanging Rock – best known as the backdrop to Joan Lindsay’s novel Picnic at Hanging Rock. The book – which was also made into a celebrated film by Peter Weir – highlighted the rock’s aura of mystery by describing the disappearance of a group of schoolgirls in the early 1900s.

Sign-posted off Mount Macedon Road, Barringo Wildlife Reserve is a nature reserve with Canadian elk and other deer species; ostriches, emus, peacocks and other birds; alpacas; Scottish highland cattle; kangaroos and wallabies; and koalas roaming at large.

You can see wetland flora and fauna at Barringo Lake. There’s a walking trail, adventure playground, barbeque, picnic facilities and a kiosk open daily. There are also pony rides available on public holidays.

This is but a small snapshot of the attractions and activities in Victoria’s Spa Country – it’s hard to believe it’s little more than an hour away from Melbourne.