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Holgate Brewhouse is a family owned, 100% independent craft-brewing company, cranking out classic beer styles in their microbrewing plant in Woodend, 45 minutes north of Melbourne in the central highlands of Victoria. A visit to Holgate Brewhouse at Keatings Hotel is the best way to get intimate with the eight Holgate draught beers or even better stay the night upstairs in the fully refurbished stylish accommodation and enjoy a fabulous restaurant meal, beers and local wines. The beers are all traditionally brewed, with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They just use four ingredients, malt, hops, yeast and pure Macedon Ranges water. Their Real Ales are served from Beer Engines fully imported from England, these babies pump up the ale from the cellar in the time honoured tradition. They have a 'Tasting Paddle' available where you get a 90 millilitres sample of all the Holgate beers to try before deciding on your favourite! Or arrange a brewery tour in conjunction with an accommodation package. Relax and kick-back in the friendly atmosphere of the cosy bar and lounge and enjoy the eight Holgate draught beers, a superb local wine list, Byron Bay grown coffee, newspapers and great views across the village of Woodend and a friendly and warm atmosphere. Live music most Friday nights. Check out the restaurant and outdoor dining courtyard that offers a modern Australian menu including house-made breads, cakes and platters of local produce. Many of the dishes, including their popular Beef and Ale pie, are cooked using the Holgate beer.

Facilities

• Bar / Lounge
• Brewery on site
• Conference/Meeting facilities
• Gay friendly
• Non-smoking rooms
• Restaurant
• Wifi access
• Views
• Ensuites with baths

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.