The Macedon Ranges in Victoria’s north west is the perfect spot to enjoy walks as a family. From ferny forests and luscious lakes, to monolithic rocks and clutches of mystical bushland, the diverse landscape offers it all. Pack a backpack, get out in the fresh air and explore some well worn tracks in the country of the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung, Taungurung and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples.
Camel’s Hump
Mount Macedon
Families with children of any age can enjoy this short walk which is just 500 metres from the Camel’s Hump Car Park to the summit. At 1011 metres, it is the highest mountain in the Macedon Ranges. Although it is a dirt track leading you up, you should be able to navigate a regular pram if there hasn’t been recent rain. And the relatively steep climb is well worth the effort, with the lookout at the top providing a glorious view across the surrounding countryside. Pack your favourite snacks, have a celebratory picnic at the peak and spend some extra time enjoying the outlook.
Black Hill Reserve
Kyneton
A superb find a few kilometres from Kyneton’s town centre, this reserve features Black Hill and has a series of tracks, the Circuit Walk, Ridge Walk and re-vegetated area walk. For those with preschool aged children the re-vegetated track is an easy 1.7 km and there is a good chance you will see some kangaroos. If you have older children, we recommend the Circuit Walk’s 3.9 km which offers beautiful views of surrounding bushland. There are picnic tables at the halfway point at The Monolith rock formation. The Ridge Walk, though shorter at 2.7 km, is more challenging and as the name suggests, takes you up over the hill. Like Hanging Rock’s ascent, this particular track has spectacular outlooks at various points and many amazing rock formations to see and climb along the way.
Conglomerate Gully Walking Track
Riddells Creek
This little known circuit track is hidden away on the edge of Riddells Creek, on Wheelwrights Road. This three-kilometre track features a halfway hut, lookout, enormous conglomerate rock formations, as well as a seasonal waterfall. As you pace through the vast forest of stark white trees, you will find plenty of pebbles, rocks, hiking sticks, and hollowed trees to investigate along the way. You may also see some of the local wild and birdlife as you walk. The track is not suitable for prams and good walking shoes are a must, especially if it has been wet.
Hanging Rock
Woodend
The most iconic of all the walks in the Macedon Ranges, Hanging Rock, or Ngannelong as some local Kooris know it, is another mountain experience you must do. The walk up is around 1.8 km return, taking around 50 minutes, however most people like to spend some time exploring the endless pathways and unique rock formations at the halfway and highest points. The walk up may be challenging for young children. There is a fork in the road early on where you can choose a more winding, flatter path to the left (ideal for prams and wheelchair access), or a more challenging way with stairs. Keep an eye out for koalas in the trees on the ascent, as well as kangaroos down on the outskirts of the oval, where they love to lounge in the sun. You can really spend an entire day at The Rock. In addition to the walk up, there is a Discovery Centre, Hanging Rock Cafe, an oval, playground, lake and racecourse. The Park is open from 9 am to 5 pm each day and there is a flat $10 parking fee.
Hobbs Road
Gisborne
Once an old tip site, this circuit track is 3.8 km on the edge of Gisborne is now a biodiverse reserve which is enjoyed by walkers and mountain bike riders alike. There are several entry points off Hobbs Road into the reserve. An easy to moderate walk, we recommend it for primary aged children and older as it is not ideal to navigate with a pram. This expanse of bushland is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, despite being just a short drive from the Gisborne village centre.
Sanitorium Lake Nature Walk
Mount Macedon
The Sanitorium Lake trail is truly a joy to explore as a family. The forest has a range of plants, including Eucalypts and ferns, and other natural treasures like hollowed out trees, exquisite fallen leaves and clusters of fungi. The lake itself, though not extensive, offers a picturesque view from nearby picnic tables. The outlook is serene with the lake’s edges framed by towering gums. Whether you are short on time or have very young children, you can choose the length of the walk depending on your circumstances. If you have toddlers, head straight up to Lions Head Road Car Park and you can walk directly to the lake and take a shorter circuit around it. This will take around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can enter via Day’s Picnic Ground or from Sanitorium Lake Picnic Ground and do a larger circuit walk which also leads to the Lake, is just over 3 km and takes around an hour.
