Mount Macedon State Park offers a combination of lush native forest, historic gardens, and scenic lookouts, providing visitors with diverse outdoor recreation and nature experiences within a few hours of Melbourne.
Mount Macedon State Park is located in the Macedon Ranges region of Victoria, Australia, approximately 64 kilometers northwest of Melbourne. The park is situated around Mount Macedon, a prominent volcanic mountain rising to 1,001 meters (3,284 feet), which affords panoramic views over the surrounding plains towards Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline. The park’s geology features ancient volcanic remnants mixed with fertile soils supporting a range of native vegetation including towering mountain ash, eucalyptus forests, and diverse understory plants. Ecologically, the park is home to a variety of native wildlife such as lyrebirds, kangaroos, echidnas, and numerous bird species, making it a favored spot for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Historically, Mount Macedon has been appreciated for over a century for its scenic beauty and cool climate, leading to the establishment of historic gardens, lookouts, and walking tracks. The area was also significant for the local Dja Dja Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples prior to European settlement. Visitors can explore several heritage landmarks including the Memorial Cross, an iconic limestone structure honoring those lost in World War I.
Recreational opportunities abound within the park, including hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, and nature photography. Well-maintained walking trails lead through fern gullies, past waterfalls such as the deep forested Cameron Falls, and to lookout points like Camel’s Hump and the Cross lookout. The area’s mild summers and cool winters attract visitors year-round, with spring blooms and autumn colors enhancing its natural appeal. Mount Macedon State Park is a key natural attraction for visitors seeking both outdoor adventure and serene landscapes within easy reach of Victoria’s capital.
Memorial Cross – a landmark limestone World War I memorial offering extensive views
Cameron Falls – a picturesque waterfall tucked within cool temperate rainforest
Camel’s Hump Lookout – provides sweeping views of the surrounding plains and Melbourne
Historic gardens and picnic areas – featuring heritage-listed plantings and seasonal blooms
A 21-meter-high limestone cross erected in 1935 to commemorate those who served and lost their lives in World War I, offering sweeping views over the region.
A scenic 18-meter-high waterfall located within a cool temperate rainforest environment, popular for its tranquil setting and photographic appeal.
Heritage-listed formal gardens and picnic areas featuring a variety of exotic and native plant species, reflecting early 20th-century landscape design.