With winter FINALLY wrapped up for another year it’s the season to get out from under that doona, put away those uggs and head to the hills for some time out in one of Victoria’s favourite weekender destinations! This month we’re going from Melbourne to Daylesford, with a next stop in Woodend and then on to Kyneton where the sky (along with the views and amazing things to see and do) literally is the limit!
So… let’s get those Maxxis tyres pumped and ready to roll!
A few directions to get the journey started
There are a few roads that get to this destination, with Melbourne to Daylesford about one and a half hours (112 km) on the National Highway M8 and C141. Hepburn Springs (if you want to take a little detour and check it out) is just three short minutes away and an additional 35 minutes (40km) will get you to Woodend, with another quick 13-minute drive on to Kyneton.
Best tyres for the drive
When it comes to tyres for just about any vehicle, Maxxis has tyres that are built for performance and safety across a range of terrains. Perfectly suited to passenger vehicles (including SUVs), the Maxxis VS5 is renowned for its exceptional handling combined with superior performance, comfort and safety, all part of the deal! For 4x4s, the RAZR AT811 has exactly what it takes for the perfect road trip, offering excellent on-road comfort while also having all the renowned RAZR winning off-road features including puncture resistance and optimal traction in muddy and other harsh off-road conditions. If you need advice on replacement tyres for your vehicle, our network of friendly and highly professional Maxxis dealers are conveniently located to help you find the best tyres to suit your specific requirements.
Make a pit stop in Daylesford
Even if it’s somewhere you’ve not yet been, you’ll no doubt have heard that Daylesford and its surrounding area is renowned for its natural mineral springs along with great food and an awesome arts scene (amongst many other highlights!). If you’re just there for an hour or so to stretch your legs, Lake Daylesford is a stunning place to take a walk, with an easy “Peace Mile” trail going right around the lake. There are picnic and BBQ facilities if you want to DIY, otherwise there are plenty of fabulous cafes to pick up a coffee or something delicious to eat.
The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens (situated on top of an extinct volcano) has the best views of the area as well as its very own Wombat Hill House café (complete with a kitchen garden) where you can grab a coffee or settle in for breakfast, brunch or lunch! If you’re keen to get in on some of the arts action (for which Daylesford is a favourite with many visitors), the unique and award winning Convent art gallery is an experience not to be missed.
Do a walk around Woodend
Situated centrally in the Macedon Ranges area, Woodend (aptly named because it was where the Black Forest ended) is a town brimming with character, interesting shops to browse in, a family-owned brewery, great coffee and cafes, restaurants and most importantly, an award winning vanilla slice!
The Five Mile Creek Walk is a great way to see some of the area’s flora and fauna including the Eucalyptus Aggregata (black gum), which is the distinctive emblem of the town. Just eight minutes away, iconic Hanging Rock is an absolute “must do”, especially if you’re keen on a bit of exploring and are up for some sensational views (note there is a $10 entry per car). The Summit Walk is a fairly challenging trek to the top, but it’s worth the effort! While it can get so foggy you can’t see past your nose, in fine weather it really does offer the most magnificent outlook for miles and miles around! If you don’t feel like walking, what better place than Hanging Rock to just hang out for a while and get into the spring spirit, with picnic area and a café right on site. A quick drive (about 7 minutes) will get you to Hanging Rock Winery in Newham where the “Art in the Vines sculpture exhibition (featuring works by Australian sculptures), is all part of the magnificent experience!
Explore Charismatic Kyneton
Kyneton is a buzz of activity all year round, with events such as the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival coming up in early September. The festival showcases the town’s “Golden Mile of Daffodils” in celebration of spring, along with a range of vibrant open gardens, visual arts exhibitions, concerts and other activities (including a fun run and scarecrow competition!) during the 11-day event.
Along with many old heritage buildings and history to explore, Kyneton offers an abundance of interesting vintage and gift shops (among others) — with things to browse and buy that you probably won’t find anywhere else!
Kyneton’s eating scene is also a real happening place, with lots of choice of cuisines and award winning restaurants to put to the test! If you’re just passing through the town, make sure you take the time to take a walk or drive through historic Piper Street, with its range of shops, galleries, characterful buildings and hotels and even a gin distillery, all part of the mix! Kyneton is also a great starting point for a walk or cycle, with the 3.5km Campaspe River Walk the perfect way to take in some of the town’s natural scenery.
Where to stay
When it comes to accommodation in the Macedon Ranges, it really is whatever you want it to be! Whether you’re looking for a bit of luxury, a mountain retreat, bushland resort, heritage cottage, a farm stay or something pet friendly, there’s something to suit every budget and requirement. If camping is more your thing (and you’re keen to take your van along for the drive), the Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve offers free overnight parking for up to 48 hours, allowing you to get your fill of rejuvenating mineral springs water while you’re there. There are also a number of camping and caravan sites in the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges areas, which offer everything from powered and unpowered sites to glamping and cabins.
Before you go
There’s nothing better than a spontaneous road trip to make you feel in a spring holiday mood, and you may be lucky in getting a great last minute accommodation deal. If you’re planning to stay in the Macedon Ranges, however, it’s definitely advisable to book accommodation (or your camp site) before you hit the road as this is an area that does get very busy especially over long weekends and peak periods. Remember to also give those tyres a good once over before you drive and check those tyre pressures while they’re still cool, before you set off. If you do need any help with repairs or advice on a new set of Maxxis tyres that’s perfect for your vehicle and journey, a Maxxis dealer is never far away. You can use the handy dealer locator to find one that’s most convenient to wherever you happen to be!
