NATURE ATTRACTIONS HESKET

Hanging Rock Winery was established in1983 in the beautiful Macedon Ranges. The Hanging Rock region is full of scenic splendours, none better than the Rock itself. From the Hanging Rock Winery's hillside tasting room there's a great view of this geological curiosity in the forest, with the imposing hillside of Mount Macedon behind it. Hanging Rock Winery have a picnic area on their lawns in front of the cellar door, great for couples and families. "Hanging Rock's wines include the Macedon sparkling wine, uncompromisingly made with an eye to the great traditional Champagne houses of France, the brisk Jim Jim Sauvignon Blanc, and the outstanding Heathcote Shiraz." Review by Ralph Kyte-Powell.

The Gallery Mt Macedon is an arts collective of local artists showing paintings, ceramics, textiles, wood, photography, glass and jewellery. In addition to original art works and focus exhibitions bimonthly, the gallery offers special events, Artists at work at Woodend Winter Arts Festival and unique wearables parade in Spring. The gallery represents a creative gem in the hub of Mt Macedon Village. Members encourage visitors and bus groups.

The Macedon Ranges form the southern end of Victoria's Great Dividing Range and feature a diverse range of natural and cultural features. The 2,379 hectare park protects forested land along the ridge of the range and offers great opportunities for bushwalking, scenic drives and picnics. Mount Macedon is one of the highest peaks in the range and you can enjoy magnificent views from the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and the Camels Hump viewing platforms. Things to do - A weekday visit should begin at the Visitor Information Centre, Nursery Road, Macedon - There are a number of scenic drives, including the road to the summit, memorial cross and to Hanging Rock - Hanging Rock was the setting for the novel and film "Picnic At Hanging Rock" and the annual New Year's Day picnic horse races have been held at its racecourse since 1880 - The towns of Macedon and Mount Macedon are worth exploring for their exotic trees, gracious homes and gardens. Information on guided garden tours is available through the local Tourist Information Centre at Woodend - Within Macedon Regional Park there are a number of pleasant, shaded picnic grounds linked by the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail offering short or long walks - The recently constructed Forest Eco-tourism trail leads visitors to Sanatorium Lake, named after the former tuberculosis Sanatorium built in 1899, and closed in 1910 after it was destroyed by fire Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.