Supplied/Image: Chloe Smith Photography
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Staff Writer
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March 12, 2026
Autumn is a splendid time of year, and if you’re looking for a way to celebrate the season and gaze at the remarkable beauty of the autumn leaves, look no further than the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. Nine colourful and historic villages are celebrating this vibrant season with foodie trails, open gardens, bustling farmers markets and more. This celebration will last for the whole month of April.
Supplied/Image: Chloe Smith Photography
Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival 2026
Lose yourself in golden landscapes, dreamy forests and picturesque villages. These locations include: Malmsbury, Kyneton, Woodend, Macedon, Mount Macedon, Gisborne/New Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Lancefield. This year, there’s over 50 events for you to look forward to, and it’s all less than an hour’s drive away from Melbourne CBD. Many of them are free to attend, but there are some ticketed experiences too.
To make the most of your experience, collect an Autumn Festival Map & Passport. This handy guide will help you choose what to see, eat and drink around the Macedon Ranges. Collect a passport stamp at participating venues to enter a prize draw.
Supplied/Image: Chloe Smith Photography
Festival highlights include:
Pie & Tart Trail – Taste your way around the Macedon Ranges, and choose from over 50 sweet and savoury pies, tarts and buttery treats. This is the biggest known pie trail in Australia!
Autumn Tipple Trail – Choose a designated driver and quench your thirst with one of 37 signature drinks. Sip on concoctions from local brewers, distillers, wines and cocktail-makers.
Image: Shutterstock
Mount Macedon Autumn Garden Trail – With just one ticket, you’ll have access to three gorgeous heritage gardens around Mount Macedon. Available on public holidays and weekends in April, you’re welcome to explore Duneira Estate, Forest Glade Gardens and Viewfield. There will be a complimentary shuttle bus running between each venue. These gardens are extremely popular, and booking ahead is recommended.
The Edgy Veg Awards – 31 cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs will serve up innovative and delicious plant-based dishes for you to try. Then, vote for your favourite.
Harvest – This new event will celebrate the closing night on the festival. Gather on Piper Street in Kyneton, and look forward to harvest food, seasonal treats roasted over coals, roving performers, live music and more. Harvest will take place on Thursday April 30, starting at 5:30pm.
Source: Supplied
Malmsbury Village Fayre – This community event is coming back for its 25th anniversary. Bigger than ever, you’re invited to gather in the Botanic Gardens and browse through stalls bursting with arts, crafts, local produce and wine. Listen to live music and admire the beautiful autumn leaves. It will take place on Sunday April 26.
That’s just scratching the surface of all you can look forward to at the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. There’s also heaps of other cool things to see and do, like markets, forest bathing, paranormal investigations, guided walks, painting classes and more. See the full program here.
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