Mount Macedon, Victoria

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Mount Macedon Victoria
Mount Macedon village from nearby Mount Towrong
Population:	1183 (2001 census)
Postcode:	3441
Elevation:	615 m
Location:	64 km from Melbourne 7 km from Macedon
LGA:	Macedon Ranges Shire
State District:	Macedon
Federal Division:	McEwen

Mount Macedon is a small town located 60 kilometres northwest of Melbourne in the Australian state of Victoria. It is situated on the side of the mountain of the same name which rises to 1001 metres above sea level. Mount Macedon is best known for its collection of 19th century gardens and associated extravagant large homes which is considered to be one of the most important such collections in Australia.

Mount Macedon township was largely established by Melbourne's wealthy elite in the post gold rush era of the mid to late 19th century who used it as a summer retreat.

Due to its relatively high elevation, (Mount Macedon village is around 620 metres above sea level), the area experiences much cooler temperatures on average relative to nearby Melbourne. The area also receives high rainfall relative to the surrounding plains and much of the Melbourne area. This combination of geographic factors have contributed to the town's reputation as a resort town. The gardens and homes of Mount Macedon are well known for their lavish size and scale. Many of these gardens contain collections of exotic plants that are rare in cultivation.

One of the major attractions of Mount Macedon is the 21 metre high memorial cross which stands near the summit of the mountain. This structure was established by early resident William Cameron in 1935 as a memorial to those who died in World War 1. The view from the summit of Mount Macedon is spectacular and takes in Melbourne city, the Dandenong Ranges and the You Yangs near Geelong.

Another attraction of the Mount Macedon area is the extensive native forests which cover the mountain and surround the town. Much of the forest on Mount Macedon consists of wet sclerophyll communities which are more commonly associated with areas east of Melbourne. Alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) occurs here at the western extent of its range and Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) at the northwestern extent of its range.

The area was devestated by the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983, but the forests and gardens have since regrown.

The Mount Macedon area also comprises a second important peak, The Camels Hump, rising to 1011m in altitude. The volcanic trachyte rock of the crag is favoured by rock climbers and the mountain has become a popular sport climbing venue due to its proximity to Melbourne.