Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges

One hour north-west of Melbourne, the rolling hills and farmland of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are dotted with charming towns offering an array of health and beauty treatments, scenic surrounds and gardens, a thriving arts and crafts community and award winning food and wine.

Home to the greatest concentration of naturally occurring mineral springs in Australia and an array of wonderful spa centres, the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area is noted as a centre for relaxation, health, wellbeing and of course pampering. There are also excellent galleries, antique shops and fine restaurants.

Impressive mansions, striking landscapes and some of Victoria's finest gardens combine to create the old world ambience of the nearby Macedon Ranges. Tour Mount Macedon's heritage gardens, explore the 19th century streetscapes of Woodend and Kyneton lined with galleries, antique shops and craft outlets or visit the legendary Hanging Rock, the haunting backdrop to the Picnic at Hanging Rock book and film.

The Macedon Ranges is also a cool-climate wine region known for producing outstanding sparkling wine, pinot noir and chardonnay. There are more than 40 wineries inviting visitors to sample their product and there's also an abundance of local produce, from tasty meats to wild mushrooms, crisp apples and succulent berries. There are more great cellar doors in and around Sunbury producing excellent shiraz and cabernet.