This month we are going to explore the beautiful and mysterious Macedon Ranges. The natural beauty of this area is simply breathtaking. There are many beautiful private gardens as well as unusual geological formations, waterfalls, rugged mountain ranges and wild bush land reserves. There are also numerous National, State and Regional parks to explore in which many of the natural wonders of this area are protected along with their native inhabitants.
The township of Macedon is 65 kilometers or 39 miles northwest of Melbourne along the Calder Highway. It is a beautiful and very picturesque area of Victoria, which nestles around the base of the Macedon Ranges, part of the Great Dividing Range, and close to the mysterious Hanging Rock. Mt Macedon, itself, is an extinct volcano which rises to 1014 meters or 3346 feet above sea level. It was first climbed in 1836 by the explorer Thomas Mitchell. On reaching the summit and discovering that he could see Port Phillip Bay, he decided to name the mount after Phillip of Macedon.
The first European settlers were timber fellers, who used the wood they cut to build most of Melbourne's grand early homes and also in the gold mines. However as the supply of trees began to disappear there was a call for control on logging and fruit orchards began to be established on the fertile volcanic soils.It wasn't until the 1870's that the government of the day began to realease large blocks of land to the wealthy, social elite of Melbourne.
Macedon is renowned for its cool mountain air , magnificent gardens and grand mansions. The early European settlers of Victoria's Port Phillip area were quick to discover the beauty of this area and those who could afford to, made Macedon their summer retreat. They built imposing homes and planted stately English style gardens to complement them. Many of these beautiful gardens are now open to the public to explore. Taken as a whole these wonderful gardens are considered to be one of the finest and most important collections of 19th Century gardens in Australia. These days Macedon is truly a gardener's paradise, a quiet English style hamlet within easy distance of the bustling metropolis of Melbourne and a place to escape for the hustle and bustle of every day life.
There is much to see and do both in the Township of Macedon and within a leisurely drive of it's quiet tree lined streets. A drive to the summit of Mount Macedon will provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. From the summit you can see Hanging Rock, a rock formation which juts sharply from the surrounding plains and is shrouded in mystery and legend. You can also enjoy wonderful views of Port Phillip Bay, the Camel's Hump and the You Yangs. Crowning the Summit of Mt. Macedon is a huge cross emblazoned with a bronze sword. It was erected in 1935 by a local resident, William Cameron, in memory of his son who was killed in World War 1, as a monument to all Australians that were killed in the Great War. He was also responsible for building the road to the summit and the gardens that surround the cross.
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