The Trails of Macedon Regional Park Offer Fungi-Filled Forest an Hour From Melbourne

The enchanting hiking trails of Macedon Regional Park and Mount Towrong are only an hour from Melbourne and are filled with moss, ferns, and fungi. Here’s how to hike three in one day!

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Macedon Regional Park Highlights

• Views across the Macedon Ranges from atop Mount Towrong
• Lush pine forests and abundance of wildflowers and mushrooms
• Sanatorium Lake

Macedon Regional Park Quick Facts

Distance: The three loops in total cover 8.5km
Duration: All three trails take around three hours, but can be completed in smaller bite-size sections
Elevation: Mount Towrong has a peak elevation of 574m. There’s a lot of flat terrain, with a number of steep ascents and descents thrown in the mix

About Macedon Regional Park

Lush, vibrant, energising;  Just like out of the pages of a fairy tale forest, Mount Towrong is located only five minutes out of Macedon town centre and is a day hiker’s dream. Set over three loops (including Camel’s Hump at Mount Macedon), you can traverse all three trails in around three hours, or cherry-pick your favourite if time or energy levels don’t permit.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

How to Get to Macedon Regional Park

Follow the Hume Highway and National Highway to Seymour-Tooborac Road in Seymour. Take the C384 exit from National Highway. Take Seymour-Pyalong Road, Lancefield-Pyalong Road, Pyalong Road, and C324 to your destination in Mount Macedon. Turn left onto Lions Head Road and park in the Lions Head Road car park.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Depending on whether all sections of the trail are completed. The Sanatorium Lake loop is easy for a beginner and can be completed with children. Mount Towrong is suitable for a more experienced hiker, with some steep climbs and a rocky ascent or descent, depending on the direction taken around the loop.

Essential Gear

• Shoes with good grip
• Food and water
• First aid kit
• A small backpack
• Hat
• Camera

What It’s Like Hiking the Trails of Macedon Regional Park

1. Sanatorium Lake

Distance: 1.6km

This is a short loop located just next to the car park and picnic area, that takes you through dense, moss-covered trees down to the Sanatorium Lake, which was purpose-built to provide a water source to a hospital specialising in the treatment of tuberculosis, but was never built. Swimming isn’t permitted in the lake, but it’s easily accessible for families and dogs are allowed.

2. Mount Towrong

Distance: 5.6km

The Mount Towrong short loop guides you down through the pine forest, a zigzag of dense vegetation, before you start your ascent to the top of the mountain. We explored on a fresh autumn morning and the ground was a bit slippery and muddy heading down, so make sure you wear suitable shoes and pack your favourite winter warmers.

The hike up is slightly strenuous but manageable for anyone of moderate fitness. You’ll wind your way up past designated camping areas and wombat holes to the summit. The view from the top is definitely worth the effort, with sweeping views back over the Macedon Valley and surrounding hills.

Take care on the steep rocky descent, especially if you’re a touch afraid of heights like me, as the steps down are narrow and can be slippery if wet. 

This trail is also a fungi-lover’s dream – we came across an endless variety of mushrooms of all shapes, colours and sizes in the lush vegetation! Once you hit the man-made dam on the other side of the peak, it’s a steep walk back up where you came from. 

The perfect adventure for when you need to escape the city to breathe in that fresh mountain air.

3. Camel’s Hump and Hanging Rock

Distance: 1.3km

There’s more to explore nearby, with Camel’s Hump just a stone’s throw away. It’s a moderate but short hike just over 1km to a picturesque view, filled with much birdlife. Head over to Hanging Rock to keep the adventure going!

Read more: Camels Hump & Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges (VIC)

@mattiejgould

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