Macedon Nature Reserve is a protected natural area in Victoria known for its diverse native forest, rich wildlife, and popular walking trails that offer scenic views and peaceful outdoor experiences near Melbourne.
Macedon Nature Reserve is located in the Macedon Ranges, about 65 kilometers northwest of Melbourne, Victoria. Covering steep forested slopes and granite outcrops, the reserve features a mix of tall eucalypt forests including Mountain Ash and Messmate Stringybark alongside heathland and fern gullies. This diverse vegetation supports a variety of wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, superb lyrebirds, and a host of bird species, making it a favored destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Historically, the area was significant both for its indigenous Wurundjeri people and later European timber harvesting; today, it is managed primarily for conservation, landscape protection, and recreation. Visitors enjoy a network of well-maintained walking trails including the popular Camel’s Hump Track, which leads to panoramic viewpoints over the forests and the distant plains. The reserve also contains several spring-fed streams and rocky outcrops that lend natural interest and opportunities for photography. Macedon Nature Reserve is a quiet, less crowded alternative to the nearby Macedon Regional Park, offering peaceful day hikes, wildlife viewing, and seasonal wildflower displays. Its proximity to several small towns and easy road access make it an accessible natural retreat ideal for casual hikers, families, and naturalists looking to experience Victoria’s native forests without leaving reasonable distance of Melbourne.
Camel’s Hump Lookout providing sweeping views of the Macedon Ranges and surrounding landscapes
Habitat for superb lyrebirds and other native bird species
Walks through towering Mountain Ash eucalyptus forests
Hidden granite rock formations and spring-fed streams
This rocky summit lookout offers expansive views across the Macedon Ranges and down to the plains, serving as a highlight for visitors after a moderate hike.
Tall stands of Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans), the tallest flowering plant in the world, dominate much of the reserve, providing critical habitat for forest wildlife.
Several small, permanent streams run through the reserve, supporting rich understoreys of ferns and mosses, a cool refuge for wildlife and an appealing spot to explore.