A Journey Through the Macedon Ranges Gardens – Victoria’s Hidden Paradise

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges scene offers a peaceful escape shaped by cool air, rolling hills and fertile volcanic soil. Each garden here, from historic estates to tucked-away country retreats, tells a story of beauty and care.

Wandering through a Macedon Ranges garden is like stepping into a living artwork, where autumn leaves glow, spring blossoms perfume the air, and every path invites you to slow down and take it in.

This blog is your friendly guide to exploring some of the region’s most beautiful gardens, one of the best things to do in the Macedon Ranges.

Forest Glade Gardens

Address: 816 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon
Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 5 pm (closed on Total Fire Ban days)
Best for: Autumn photographers, peaceful strolls
Best time to visit: Autumn and spring

Why it’s special

• One of Australia’s best-known private gardens, spanning 14 acres of global design.
• Mixes English, Japanese and Italian styles with perfect seasonal flow.
• The Macedon climate makes the colours pop – no two visits ever look the same.

Must-do moments

• Walk the Maple Walk in late April to see the canopy glow red and gold.
• Step into the Japanese Garden for a quiet moment among bonsai and running water.
• Wander slowly – hidden sculptures and shady paths appear when you least expect them.

Forest Glade Gardens is one of Australia’s finest private gardens, and it’s easy to see why. Spanning more than 14 acres, it combines English, Italian and Japanese influences in a stunning hillside setting. Meander past maple trees glowing red in autumn, explore shaded fern gullies, or stop by the bonsai ouse for something truly unique. It’s calm, colourful and endlessly photogenic – the kind of place that invites you to slow down and take it all in.

Gardens of Tieve Tara

Address: 751 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon
Best for: Romantic walks, garden lovers
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn open days

Why it’s special

• A historic garden estate that feels like a living painting.
• Peaceful lakes, flowering lawns and tall trees reflect the charm of old Mount Macedon.

Must-do moments

• Cross the red bridge over the lake for the perfect photo spot.
• Visit in spring for vibrant camellias, or in autumn when the water mirrors fiery colours.
• Pack a picnic rug and find a shady spot by the water – you’ll want to linger.

Gardens of Tieve Tara feels like something from a fairytale. Once a grand 19th-century estate, it’s now a much-loved open garden filled with lakes, camellias, and soft lawns framed by mountain views. The little red bridge is a favourite photo spot, and in autumn the reflections across the water are simply breathtaking. On a quiet afternoon, it’s one of the most peaceful corners of Mount Macedon.

Duneira Estate

Address: Officer Ln, Mount Macedon VIC 3440
Opening hours: Seasonal, with guided tours and cultural events
Best for: Heritage enthusiasts, guided experiences
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn

Why it’s special

• A National Trust-listed hill station with manicured elegance and creativity at its core.
• Combines historic design with contemporary art and cultural events.
• Offers a genuine glimpse into the refined garden culture of old Victoria.

Must-do moments

• Take a guided tour to hear stories of the estate’s original caretakers.
• Stroll the elm-lined drive or wander through the bluebell meadow in spring.

Duneira Estate blends history and horticulture in the loveliest way. This National Trust-listed property is famous for its elm-lined drive and charming bluebell meadow that comes alive in spring. The estate often hosts concerts, art exhibitions and heritage tours, offering a chance to step back in time while surrounded by exquisite landscape design.

Malmsbury Botanic Gardens

Address: 5 Ellesmere Pl, Malmsbury VIC 3446
Best for: History buffs, relaxed picnics
Best time to visit: Year-round

Why it’s special

• One of Victoria’s oldest public gardens, designed in the 1850s.
• Showcases rare trees and a graceful bluestone fountain.
• Framed by the iconic Malmsbury Viaduct, adding a striking historic backdrop.

Must-do moments

• Find a shady spot by the ornamental lake for a quiet picnic.
• Capture the viaduct’s reflection in the water at sunset.
• Wander slowly – it’s a lovely blend of history, botany and small-town charm.

Malmsbury Botanic Gardens is a charming heritage park designed in the 1850s by Ferdinand von Mueller, the same visionary behind Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s home to an ornamental lake, old elms, and a lovely bluestone fountain, a perfect spot for a picnic. The nearby viaduct makes a stunning backdrop for photos, adding a touch of old-world grandeur to this quiet country garden.

Kyneton Botanic Gardens

Address: Mollison St, Kyneton VIC 3444
Best for: Families, relaxed strolls, nature lovers
Best time to visit: Spring and summer

Why it’s special

• Established in 1858 and full of rare global species.
• Combines heritage beauty with a relaxed feel.

Must-do moments

• Walk the riverside trail along the Campaspe River.
• Spread out a picnic under the redwoods or cedars – the shade is glorious.
• Finish your day with coffee or a glass of wine on Piper Street, just nearby.

Kyneton Botanic Gardens is the kind of place where you can spend a lazy afternoon without any rush. Established in 1858, it’s full of towering trees, open lawns and shady picnic areas beside the Campaspe River. Families love it for its easy paths and wide-open space, and it’s dog-friendly too. After your walk, wander into Kyneton’s Piper Street for coffee, local produce or a cheeky pastry – a must on any day trip from Melbourne.

Bringalbit Open Garden

Address: 512 Sidonia Road, Sidonia VIC 3444
Opening hours:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM

Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Best for: Rustic design lovers, relaxed weekends
Best time to visit: Late spring through autumn

Why it’s special

• A rustic, naturalistic garden that feels at home in the landscape.
• Famous for its dry-stone walls, free-form borders and relaxed character.
• A favourite among garden designers for its raw beauty and authenticity.

Must-do moments

• Follow the gravel paths through swaying grasses and salvias.
• Stop at the courtyard garden for a quiet cuppa or sketching break.
• Let your camera rest – this garden is best enjoyed by simply being still.

Bringalbit Garden is all about country charm. Dry-stone walls, natural plantings and meandering paths give it a relaxed, timeless feel. Unlike the grand estates of Mount Macedon, this garden embraces a softer, more naturalistic style that blends beautifully with its rural surrounds. It’s the kind of place where you can sip tea under an old oak tree and lose track of time.

Bolobek Estate

Address: 370 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon VIC 3440
Opening hours:

Check-in time: 2:00 PM

Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Best for: Garden designers, history lovers
Best time to visit: During Open Gardens Victoria events

Why it’s special

• A National Trust-listed working farm renowned for precision and poise.
• Regularly features in national garden design fairs.

Must-do moments

• Wander the formal garden rooms framed by immaculate hedges.
• Visit during Open Gardens Victoria to meet the gardeners and hear their insights.

Bolobek Estate is a true classic – a heritage-listed working farm with elegant symmetry, orchard rows and perfectly clipped hedges. It’s often featured in Open Gardens Victoria events, attracting visitors who appreciate fine garden design. Every element has purpose and precision, yet the property feels warm and welcoming.

Step Into the Heart of the Macedon Ranges – Where Gardens Meet Wine

After wandering through the gardens, it’s time to taste another side of the Macedon wine region. Here, cool mountain air and rich volcanic soils create some of Victoria’s most elegant wines, from refined Pinot Noir to vibrant Chardonnay.

At Vinetrekker, we simply love sharing the best of Victoria’s cool-climate regions through relaxed, small-group Melbourne wine tours.

Our Macedon Ranges Wine Day Tour includes:

• Visits to boutique wineries like Granite Hills, Cobaw Ridge and Hesket Estate – each with its own charm.
• A gourmet lunch at Hanging Rock Café, perfectly matched with a local drop.
• Comfortable travel with hotel pickup, expert guidance and plenty of time to unwind.
• A warm welcome into a region that blends fine wine, fresh produce and country hospitality.

Join us for a Macedon Ranges wine tour – a relaxed way to complement your Macedon Ranges garden adventure.