Chasing Sunrise & Autumn Gold: A Day Trip to Hanging Rock & Mount Macedon
There’s something quietly powerful about the promise of sunrise—especially when it’s paired with the intrigue of a dramatic rock formation. That alone was enough to tempt me out of a warm bed on a weekend morning, willingly trading sleep-in for a sunrise adventure. Fuelled by imagination and a sense of curiosity, we hit the road before dawn on an unseasonably warm April Saturday, bound for Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon.
Our plan was simple but filled with potential: catch the first light at Hanging Rock, then follow the golden hues of autumn at Mount Macedon.
Sunrise at Hanging Rock and the Enchanted Field
Just under an hour from Melbourne, Hanging Rock sits quietly in the heart of the Macedon Ranges. It’s more than a striking geological formation—it’s steeped in mystery. A chilling tale from 1901 about the unexplained disappearance of a group of schoolgirls during a picnic was immortalized in Joan Lindsay’s Picnic at Hanging Rock, and later in Peter Weir’s haunting film adaptation. Even if you’ve never heard the story, once you arrive, you can feel the otherworldly atmosphere settle around you like morning mist.
We reached Hanging Rock Park at around 6:30 AM, only to be greeted by locked gates—the park doesn’t open until 9. While initially disappointing, it turned out to be a hidden gift. I had imagined capturing the rock both from a distance at sunrise and later, walking among the formations. With the hike no longer an option, we set off in search of a good vantage point.
Though the formation isn’t visible from the entrance, we drove the quiet roads surrounding the park until we stumbled upon a spot with a full, uninterrupted view of Hanging Rock. It was fenced off, yes—but the view was there. Two small wooden posts stood on either side of a gate. They were just tall enough to climb, giving me a clear line of sight over the fence. Not perfect, but sometimes "not perfect" is just enough.
As we waited in the car for the sun—forecasted to rise at 6:42 AM—three kangaroos hopped into view, pausing briefly to inspect us before bounding away the moment we opened the door. A fleeting, magical moment. One of many to come.
At first, the photos of Hanging Rock didn’t quite capture the magic I’d hoped for. In the low light, it appeared as a dark, almost featureless mass—more like a tree-covered hill than the dramatic formation I knew it to be. The contours were lost in shadow, and the rock itself felt underwhelming. Thankfully, the sky offered a hint of color, lending a subtle mood to the frame. But then, we turned around—and everything changed. Behind us stretched a wide, open field draped in delicate morning mist. It was utterly cinematic. We wandered along the quiet street, chasing the light, searching for that perfect angle as the sky slowly began to come alive with colour.
We found ourselves caught in a rhythm—shifting our gaze between the misty field and the looming silhouette of Hanging Rock, camera shutters clicking in alternating directions. I climbed the wooden posts again, camera in hand, until we discovered a small opening in the gate—just large enough to slip a lens through, perfectly aligned with the formation.
Then, another surprise: three kangaroos had reappeared. Now grazing at the edge of the rock’s shadow, their silhouettes added a quiet grace to the frame. It was a postcard moment.
I stayed there, capturing the rock as it transformed—first a flat rock, then bathed in the warm blush of sunrise, and finally glowing in the full light of day. Behind us, the mist began to lift, revealing the field in crisp, golden detail. Together, they formed a quiet narrative of morning—one that unfolded slowly, organically, beautifully.
It wasn’t the sunrise hike we’d envisioned. But in so many ways, it was better. Full of unexpected magic, quiet surprises, and that unmistakable stillness that only comes when the world is just beginning to wake.
Travel Tip:
If you're after sunrise shots, plan to photograph Hanging Rock from afar, since the park opens later. Look for rural back roads—some offer great viewpoints. Bring a zoom lens and keep an eye out for wildlife!
A Morning Among the Autumn Gold: Macedon’s Honour Avenue
With Hanging Rock Park still closed, we decided to change the order of the day—visiting Macedon first, then returning for our planned hike later. Just 20 minutes away, the village of Macedon sits quietly at the foot of Mount Macedon’s southern slopes, and in autumn, it transforms into something extraordinary.
Macedon is the kind of place that feels like a secret. Hidden in the folds of the countryside, it’s all leafy lanes, graceful homes, and private gardens that occasionally open their gates to the curious. But when the leaves begin to turn, one place in particular captures all the attention: Honour Avenue.
This isn’t just a beautiful street. Lined with towering Pin Oak trees, Honour Avenue is a living memorial. Each tree was planted in remembrance of a local man or woman who served in World War I. And in autumn, the avenue becomes a fiery spectacle—leaves shifting from gold to amber to deep crimson, forming a kaleidoscopic tunnel that looks straight out of a storybook.
That’s where we were headed.
We’d learned our lesson from the year before. That Anzac Day visit had caught us off guard—we hadn’t realized how popular Macedon had become during peak autumn. From the moment we exited the highway, we were stuck in a slow-moving crawl into town. Parking was a nightmare, cafés were overflowing, and Honour Avenue was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people trying to get the photo.
But this visit felt like a whole different world.
We arrived early—early enough to beat the weekend rush and experience Macedon as it’s meant to be: peaceful, quiet, almost reverent. Only a handful of others were out, gently strolling beneath the golden canopy. Sunlight filtered through the trees in soft, painterly beams, illuminating the road ahead. The leaves glowed like fire, caught in the early morning light, and danced softly in the breeze.
This time, there was no rush. No crowds. Just time. Time to slow down. To notice how the light shifted with every step. To frame a photo carefully, or simply leave the camera behind and stand still in the moment.
Beneath our feet, the fallen leaves crunched gently. The air was cool and fresh, scented with that unmistakable earthy note of changing seasons. Nature doesn’t often hold still—but that morning, it felt as though time had paused just for us.
Travel Tip:
Visit early in the morning (8–9 AM) during mid-to-late April to avoid crowds. Honour Avenue is pedestrian-friendly and parking is easiest near Centennial Park.
Autumn at Mount Macedon: A Visit to the Memorial Cross
Next on our list was the iconic Memorial Cross. Perched at the summit of Mount Macedon, this striking monument stands tall at 21 metres and is one of Victoria’s most significant war memorials, second only to Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. It’s a powerful tribute to all who have served in war, and visiting it always brings a sense of reflection and respect.
Before reaching the Cross, we passed through a beautiful parkland that feels like it was designed with families in mind. At this early hour, it was almost empty, the silence broken only by the rustle of leaves. But we knew it wouldn’t stay quiet for long. As the day warms up, it transforms into a lively hub—kids darting across the grass, barbecues sizzling, laughter carrying through the trees. Parents lay out picnic rugs, unpacking sandwiches or firing up the grill, while others go for slow strolls through the surrounding bushland. It’s the quintessential Aussie weekend vibe, and it never gets old.
Further along the trail, we came to that familiar spot—the one you’ve probably seen countless times on Instagram. Last year, we arrived too late in the season. The trees had already let go of their colour, and the ground was a muted brown. This time, though, we struck gold—or more accurately, crimson.
The trees were still holding onto their rich red leaves, and those that had fallen created a stunning blanket of scarlet and crimson beneath our feet. Leaves drifted gently through the air like slow-motion confetti. It was exactly what I’d been hoping for. I finally managed to capture a few of those dreamy shots I’d admired online—nature's red carpet, soft light filtering through the canopy, and that perfect blend of stillness and colour that you only get in autumn.
It felt like everything just clicked into place—quiet trails, breathtaking foliage, and a few precious hours of calm. If you’ve ever considered a visit to the Memorial Cross, make it an autumn one. There's truly no better time to experience the magic of Mount Macedon.
Travel Tip:
The cross is accessible via Mount Macedon Road with parking available near the summit. Allow 30–45 minutes to explore. For best photos, visit mid-morning, when the light filters through the trees.
A Morning Surprise: Camelot Garden
Earlier in the day, while we were pausing for breakfast, I casually glanced at my phone and noticed a Facebook page I’d been browsing the night before was still open. It featured a garden that had piqued my curiosity—and to my delight, tickets were still available. Without missing a beat, we booked a visit right then and there.
The garden opened at 10 AM, with a free shuttle bus pickup from Honour Avenue. This shuttle runs on weekends and public holidays, ferrying visitors between Macedon train station, Centennial Park, and the open gardens. So, we made our way back to Honour Avenue early to snag a parking spot before the crowds descended.
Sure enough, as we neared the area, traffic had picked up noticeably. The parking lot at Centennial Park—which we’d used earlier—was now closed off. Thankfully, we found a spot just a bit further down the road. We sat in the car for a few minutes, and at 9:45, we made our way to the shuttle stop. Our timing was spot on—a bus was loading passengers as we walked up.
The shuttle dropped us off right at the gates of Camelot Garden, and today just happened to be its very first public opening. We were among the first visitors to step through the gates—an unexpected little adventure!
At the entrance, we were handed a map and a survey card and encouraged to follow the mapped path to make the most of the garden’s layout. Despite our best efforts to stay on course, we did manage to wander off the path a few times (classic us), which actually added to the charm.
The first thing that caught our eye was the lake—a sleek, modern feature designed by renowned landscape architect Paul Bangay. Its perfectly still surface reflected the trees like a mirror. It was stunning, and instantly set the tone for the rest of the visit.
The garden itself is a dreamscape of old and new. Towering ancient gum trees and majestic giant sequoias gave it a sense of timelessness, while over 500 species of rare and exotic plants added bursts of vibrant colour and texture throughout. Toward the back of the property stood a grand white mansion that looked like it belonged in a fairy tale. It was all effortlessly elegant.
For passionate botanists, this place is a slice of paradise. As for us, we were there to take in the rich autumn palette, the crisp air, and the quiet wonder of wandering through blooming pathways.
By midday, the sun was high and the weather had warmed up a little more than we expected. We’d originally planned to hike up Hanging Rock after exploring Macedon, but decided to save that for another day when it’s cooler and the trek would be more enjoyable.
Travel Tip:
Check the Macedon Ranges Autumn Garden Program online for open dates and ticket availability. Bring walking shoes—some paths are uneven—and a camera for the stunning lake views.
Bonus Stop: A Rare Plant Nursery
On the way back, we passed a sign for a nursery we’d noticed earlier but couldn’t quite place. Now we knew exactly where it was—and we weren’t going to miss it again.
After getting dropped off and retrieving the car, we drove straight there. Turns out, this wasn’t just any nursery. It specialized in rare and exotic plants, the kind of place I live for. I always keep an eye out for hidden gems like this at nurseries or weekend markets, and I knew right away I would enjoy this nursery.
There were several plants that caught my eye, but I settled on three that were reasonably priced—and one of them was a real prize: an ornamental ginger plant I’ve been hunting for ages! Another surprise finding, tucked just at the corner, a little hut that showcasing some artworks by the talented local artist. Happy with our finds and a full day of spontaneous exploring, we packed up and headed home.
Plant Lover’s Tip:
Ask locals about nearby boutique nurseries. These often aren’t well-advertised but are full of unique finds. Bring cash, just in case.
Final Thoughts
What started as a quest for a sunrise hike turned into something so much richer—unexpected detours, vibrant autumn colour, peaceful trails, and plant discoveries. This day trip had everything I love about travel: beauty, surprise, and a little bit of magic.
If you’re planning your own visit to the Macedon Ranges, autumn is undeniably the best time. Just remember to start early, be flexible, and leave space for spontaneity—you never know what you might stumble across.
Quick Travel Guide: Hanging Rock & Mount Macedon
Spot Best To Visit Highlights Entry/Tips
Hanging Rock Sunrise (off site) Geological formation, sunrise , $10/vehicle entry; gates
or 9 AM+ wildlife open at 9AM
Honour Avenue Mid-to-late April Autumn foliage, war memorial Free; limited parking on
8-9 AM trees weekends
Memorial Cross Mid-morning War memorial, forest walk, views Free; family-friendly picnic
spots
Camelot Garden Check dates in April Lake, rare plants, sequoias, Ticketed; free weekend
mansion shuttle
Rare Plant Nursery Mid-day Uncommon plants, garden gifts Bring cash and an open
mind