Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival: Things to Do, See & Experience (2026 Guide)

Each April, the Macedon Ranges puts on one of its most beautiful displays of the year. Vineyards glow gold, country roads are framed by fiery autumn leaves and cellar doors welcome visitors for harvest season. The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival celebrates it all, with wine tastings, food trails, markets and open gardens across towns like Woodend, Kyneton and Mount Macedon. Just over an hour from Melbourne, it’s an easy escape into Victoria’s cool-climate wine country. This guide shares the best things to do in Macedon Ranges during the festival.

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival 2026 – Quick Facts

Before planning your visit, here are the key details for the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival 2026.

• Festival dates: 1–30 April 2026
• Location: Macedon Ranges region, Victoria (less than one hour north-west of Melbourne)
• Festival villages: Events are spread across nine historic towns including Woodend, Kyneton, Romsey, Malmsbury, Gisborne and Lancefield
• Festival format: There is no single venue. Events, markets and trails take place across wineries, gardens, cafés and community spaces throughout the region.
• Visitor hub: Woodend Visitor Information Centre, 119 High Street, Woodend
• Hub opening hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily during the festival

Typical event times

• Markets: Usually run between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on weekends
• Food and drink trails: Self-guided and follow individual venue opening hours
• Workshops and tastings: Scheduled events with specific session times listed in the festival program

The full 2026 program and event calendar is published closer to the festival launch on the official Macedon Ranges tourism website.

Why Autumn is the Most Magical Time to Visit the Macedon Ranges

The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival celebrates harvest season with wine tastings, food trails, markets and vibrant autumn landscapes across the region.

• Golden vineyards and autumn colours: Vineyards glow with amber and crimson leaves while scenic drives and country roads showcase some of Victoria’s most beautiful autumn foliage.
• Harvest season at local wineries: Wineries are busy picking grapes and pouring tastings, making it one of the best times for wine tasting in the Macedon Ranges.
• Festival events across charming towns: The festival runs throughout April in Woodend, Kyneton, Gisborne and Lancefield with wine tastings, artisan food trails, markets and open gardens.
• Cosy cafés and relaxed country dining: Crisp mountain air makes it the perfect season for long lunches, warm pastries and a glass of local wine beside the fire.
• An easy countryside escape from Melbourne: Just over an hour from the city, the Macedon Ranges offers a refreshing day trip filled with seasonal colour, regional food and cool-climate wines.

Follow the Autumn Tipple Trail Through the Macedon Ranges’ Best Wineries

The Autumn Tipple Trail invites visitors to explore more than 30 wineries, breweries and distilleries across the region.

One of the highlights of the macedon ranges autumn festival is the popular Tipple Trail Macedon Ranges. The trail connects a range of boutique venues across the region, each offering a signature tasting or drink created for the festival.

Many visitors begin their trail in Kyneton or Woodend before heading towards Lancefield and Gisborne, where several well-known cellar doors Macedon Ranges wineries are located.

The region is famous for cool climate wine Victoria styles. Higher elevation vineyards produce wines with vibrant acidity, elegant structure and refined aromas. Signature varieties include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and traditional method sparkling wine.

Autumn is an especially exciting time for wine tasting Macedon Ranges experiences. Vineyards are harvesting grapes, and cellar doors often offer special tasting flights paired with local cheeses or seasonal dishes.

Take time to enjoy the journey between stops. Rolling hills, vineyard views and quiet country roads are part of what makes exploring the Macedon Ranges so memorable.

Discover the Famous Pie & Tart Trail Between Winery Stops

The Pie & Tart Trail is another beloved experience during the festival, celebrating the region’s rich food culture and artisan baking traditions.

Like the Tipple Trail, this experience stretches across several Macedon Ranges towns. Bakeries, cafés and restaurants create special festival pies and desserts using regional produce Victoria farmers grow nearby.

Kyneton is one of the best places to start the trail. The town is famous for its historic streets, vibrant café scene and artisan bakeries.

Country Cob Bakery – Kyneton
Address: 130-132 Mollison St, Kyneton

Monsieur Pierre Café
Address: 143 Mollison St, Kyneton VIC

Woodend Bakery
Address:39 Urquhart St, Woodend VIC

Many visitors combine the Pie & Tart Trail with nearby winery visits, creating a relaxed food-and-wine journey through the region. A warm pastry followed by a glass of Pinot Noir perfectly captures the flavour of autumn in the Macedon Ranges.

If you’re interested in exploring more local food producers and markets during your trip, this Macedon Ranges farmers market highlights some of the best places to discover regional produce.

Spend a Relaxed Afternoon at the Macedon Ranges’ Most Beautiful Wineries

While the festival offers plenty of events, spending an afternoon at a local winery remains one of the most memorable ways to experience the Macedon Ranges wine region.

Known for its high elevation vineyards and cool climate, the region produces elegant wines with vibrant acidity and refined flavours. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and traditional method sparkling wines are the standout varieties.

Several wineries are particularly popular with visitors.

Hanging Rock Winery
Address: 88 Jim Rd, Newham VIC 3442
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Located near the famous Hanging Rock landmark, this winery produces elegant sparkling wines and expressive Pinot Noir. The cellar door overlooks rolling vineyards that glow gold during autumn.

Mount Macedon Winery
Address: 433 Bawden Rd, Woodend North VIC 3442
Opening hours: Thu – Sun, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

One of the highest vineyards in the region, Mount Macedon Winery is known for its refined Chardonnay and premium sparkling wine Victoria.

Curly Flat Vineyard
Address: 263 Colliers Ln, Lancefield VIC 3435
Opening hours: Fri – Sun, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Curly Flat has built an international reputation for producing outstanding Pinot Noir Macedon Ranges wines that reflect the region’s cool climate.

For visitors who prefer a curated experience, joining a guided Macedon Ranges wine tour is an easy way to explore several wineries in one day while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions.

These tours depart from Melbourne and are hosted by Vinetrekker Wine Tours, allowing guests to enjoy tastings and scenic vineyard visits without worrying about driving.

Where to See the Most Spectacular Autumn Colours in Mount Macedon

Mount Macedon offers some of Victoria’s most famous autumn foliage.

Beyond wine and food, the festival highlights the natural beauty of the region. The mount macedon autumn colours attract photographers and travellers each April.

One of the most iconic sights is Honour Avenue, a grand avenue lined with oak trees that turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold.

Other scenic locations include:

Forest Glade Gardens
Address: 816 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon VIC 3441
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Lookout
Address: Cameron Dr, Mount Macedon VIC 3441
Opening Hours: Sunrise – Sunset

These spots showcase some of the most beautiful autumn leaves Victoria offers. Many visitors combine a morning winery tasting with an afternoon walk through the gardens or forest trails.

Explore Farmers Markets and Artisan Producers Across the Macedon Ranges

Local markets reveal the region’s vibrant community of farmers and artisan producers.

During the macedon ranges autumn festival, towns across the region host markets showcasing local produce and handcrafted goods.

One of the most popular is the Woodend Farmers Market.

• Address: High St, Woodend VIC 3442
• Opening Hours: First Saturday of each month, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Visitors can sample fresh bread, cheeses, pastries, honey and locally roasted coffee while meeting the farmers and producers behind the products.

If you’re planning to explore more markets during your trip, this Macedon Ranges farmers market guide highlights some of the best spots to discover local produce and artisan makers.

These markets offer a deeper connection to the region’s food culture and showcase the quality of local produce Macedon Ranges farmers grow.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

When is the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival held?

The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival usually takes place throughout April. Events run across multiple towns and include wine tastings, food trails, markets and open gardens.

How far is the Macedon Ranges from Melbourne?

The Macedon Ranges is about 70 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, roughly a one-hour drive, making it a popular destination for day trips.

What wines is the Macedon Ranges known for?

The region is famous for cool-climate wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine.

What is the Autumn Tipple Trail?

The Tipple Trail is a festival tasting route connecting wineries, breweries and distilleries across the Macedon Ranges.

Is the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival worth visiting?

Yes. The festival combines stunning autumn landscapes with exceptional wine, regional food and relaxed countryside hospitality.

Turn Your Autumn Festival Visit into a Memorable Wine Journey

After a day exploring autumn colours, cellar doors and artisan markets, the best way to experience the region’s wines is on a guided tour. Vinetrekker Wine Tours offers curated experiences designed to showcase the very best of the Macedon Ranges wine region.

Their premium Macedon Ranges wine tour takes guests to boutique wineries, scenic vineyards and welcoming cellar doors without the hassle of driving. Along the way, you’ll enjoy guided tastings, meet passionate winemakers and discover the flavours that define Victoria’s cool-climate wines. For travellers visiting during the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, it’s the perfect way to relax and fully experience the region’s wine culture.