Victoria has some beautiful autumn and winter destinations, where you can admire the changing of the seasons and indulge in activities perfect for cooler weather. Luckily for Westwood residents, some of these sought-after places are only a day trip away.
The Macedon Ranges
The Macedon Ranges is a region covering nine historic and creative villages, located on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. Known for its natural beauty and stunning heritage gardens, it’s one of the best places to observe autumn colours. You can leisurely wander the iconic Forest Glade Gardens or get your heart pumping on the walk up Hanging Rock. For picnic lovers, head to the Sanatorium Lake Picnic Ground or the beautiful Woodend Children’s Park.
The area is known for its cool climate wines and there are 27 cellar doors to choose from, including Gisborne Peak Winery, which boasts both an outdoor deck and fireplace for all weathers, and Mt Macedon Winery, which serves delicious meals and also offers picnic baskets to enjoy on their lawns. If you’re after a classic country bakery, try Country Cob Bakery in Kyneton or The Lancefield Bakery; and for a sweet treat, head to the Top of the Range Tea Rooms or Dromkeen Tea Room & Gallery for some soul-warming scones.
Macedon is a 30-minute drive from Westwood.
Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
For a day of pampering, there’s no better place than Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. The area is abundant with spas and bathhouses, ideal for soaking in their warm waters during the cooler weather. Try The Spa at the iconic Lake House in Daylesford, The Mineral Spa at Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel or the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa.
If you’re travelling as a family, there’s still plenty to do in the region outside of spas and bathing (alternatively, the parents can tag team!). Lake Daylesford is a gorgeous setting for a stroll and a picnic, while in Hepburn Springs you can explore the forest around the Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve and taste some of the area’s famous mineral water. The Daylesford Sunday Market is always a crowd pleaser for browsing wares and having a bite to eat, and if you’re after something more substantial, there are numerous cafes, restaurants and pubs in the area, such as the Wombat Hill House Café, the Farmers Arms Hotel or the Surly Goat restaurant.
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are around a 1-hour drive from Westwood.
Ballarat
Ballarat is renowned for its Gold Rush history and Sovereign Hill, the open air museum that brings the 1850s Gold Rush to life. In late May, Sovereign Hill will play host to the Heritage Harvest Weekend, a celebration of autumnal flavours and rustic food. Expect a village market stocked with quality wares from the region, live demonstrations of traditional crafts and cooking along Main Street, and special kids’ activities.
The weekend is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival, a 10-day festival running from 17–26 May. Highlights include the nightly outdoor video installation Monuments, a celebration of traditional and contemporary artisan techniques at Craft Lab, a vintage car show and Ballarat Old Gaol tour.
There’s plenty of other things to see and do outside the festival, including the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat Tram Museum, Ballarat Wildlife Park and the family-favourite Kryal Castle, featuring interactive activities and shows that bring Medieval history to life.
Ballarat is a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Westwood.
Castlemaine
Castlemaine is another town with a rich gold rush history, along with a strong arts scene and natural beauty. To best view the changing seasons, visit the Botanical Gardens for a relaxing afternoon by the lake, or stop by Buda Historic Home and Garden to view its magnificent 19th century gardens and house.
Families will love a trip on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, an authentic steam train experience that links the historic gold mining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon. For more history and culture, pop into the eclectic Bromley Collection Museum at The Old Castlemaine Gaol, or visit the interactive Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition to learn about the Dja Dja Wurrung history of the area.
Castlemaine is a 1 hour and 10 minute drive from Westwood.
