When we think about the Macedon Ranges and autumn time, our hearts can’t help but fill with glee.
It’s not just the thought of the landscapes morphing into tones of auburn, yellow and tan that get us giddy, it’s also knowing that this time of year in the Ranges is synonymous with good food, good music and a festival that celebrates the best of the region.
The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival takes place every year across nine of the region’s quaint villages including Kyneton, Woodend, Malmsbury, and Lancefield – showcasing the charm of this central Victorian district while celebrating the artisans and makers that contribute to its rich cultural fabric.
Held between the 5th and 28th of April, the festival features more than 50 events including local farmers markets, artisan workshops, guided walks and presentations, and an abundance of food and drink festivities to tantalise all the senses.
Here are our recommendations for an autumn festival well spent.
Treasure Trail
A new addition to the program, the Autumn Festival Treasure Trail is held across eight locations and encourages one and all to explore some of the region’s iconic landmarks. From the Malsmbury Botanic Gardens to the Kyneton Mineral Springs, Woodend Children’s Park to Lancefield Recreation Reserve, festival-goers can pack their baskets, enjoy the lush and leafy surrounds, and gather some clues along the way for their chance to win the annual festival prize package.
Food Trails
One of the best ways to get a taste of the region’s flavours and ingredients is through the Macedon Ranges Autumn Pie and Tart Trail. More than 40 venues will be participating in this year’s trail, making it the largest known pie trail in Australia. There’s even some fancy gluten-free options available. Whether you need to sate your sweet tooth or your savoury-seeking palate, you’ll be able to curate your own trek and seek out some of the best bakeries, cafes, restaurants and cellar doors around town. While we’re keen to try the Banoffee Pie at Hanging Rock Cafe and the Mushroom Pie at Riddells Creek, we challenge you to devour all 43 treats! Because – When in Rome! (Right?).
DV Cider House will be putting on display the incredible community of farmers and artisan producers that are part of the Deep Creek Valley. The 5-course lunch is not one to miss, featuring the finest produce from Summerleigh Farm, Madaleine’s Eggs, Dreaming Goat Dairy, Wildwood Organics, Chin Chin Farm, Sourced Fungi with each course paired with a craft cider from DV Cider. Get your tickets here.
This year’s festival will also feature an Edgy Veg Trail, with select cafes, pubs and restaurants creating innovative plant-based dishes that will tickle your taste-buds and stop you in your tracks. The eateries will all be vying for the title of best plant-based dish, so make sure to cast your vote!
Tipple Trails
The festival Tipple Trails are a real highlight, showcasing some of the finest brewers, ciders, distillers and pubs of the region. Kyneton is a mecca for fine drinks, and some of the towns most legendary venues like Botanik, Piper St Wine Co and Animus Distillery will be thrilling guests with their creative concoctions!
Other Tipple Trail options include traversing the grape growing regions from Malmsbury to the Cobaw Ranges with the Autumn Red Wine Lovers Trail. Or go of piste to explore the regions quaint pubs and watering-holes with the Backcountry Tipple Trail, guaranteed to bring a few surprises.
Then after a long-day of touring the beautiful Macedon Ranges a perfect wind-down setting awaits at Big Tree Distillery for their enticing Sunset Gin Cocktails & Canapes event.
Live and Local
A festival is only as good as its live tunes, and the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival has this year taken things up a notch with its new Live and Local gigs. Performing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the Festival, a whole range of local artists will take to the historic community halls, including the likes of blues artist Jarrod Shaw and pop rock band The Whiskey Rogues, folk duo Valley Road and four-piece psychedelia band The Mods.
Arts workshops and exhibitions
What we love about this particular festival is its dedication to the arts. There is a whole series of workshops to suit a range of interests so you can unleash your inner creator and let it run wild. The program includes everything from a glass lampwork bead workshop where you can use a torch to create your own glass beads, through to eco printing and various painting workshops, and even a workshop to create your own fused glass platter and set of coasters.
The festival’s commitment to the arts continues with a number of exhibitions featuring the work of local artists. Explore some of the region’s quaint galleries and spaces as you peruse art across a range of mediums – from the bold colour palettes of Jacklyn Foster to the Poetry in Print group exhibition, there’s a display of works for all tastes.
Events galore
We’ve only given you a glimpse of the jam-packed program of events, so make sure you check out the festival website, make a list and check it twice before you plan your Macedon Ranges autumn getaway.
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival
WHEN: April 5 to 28, 2024
WHERE: Various villages across the Macedon Ranges
MORE INFO: visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival
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