Mt Macedon walk - May 22nd 2008

Weather forecast was for fog, then clearing and so off I went to tackle Mt Macedon for the first time. Parks Victoria has a good web page on this, including a PDF that has the walk(s) and a map. It’s called “Macedon Regional Park – Walking Trails”

Beware, however that as of late May 2008 the Eastern Lookout is actually closed, so ignore references to it.

Basically I did a walk that starts right in the main street of the township of Mt Macedon, goes along Douglas Road, then it’s up up up as you ascend Mount Macedon itself via the well-marked Macedon Ranges Walking Trail (MRWT). That ascent is about 1.5 km, but can take from 40 to 60 minutes. It was steep and a bit slippery in places.

You literally pop-out right next to the famous memorial cross at the top. From there it’s a welcome cup of tea or coffee at the nearby cafe, then another 4 km of quite level walking to the Camels Hump. A final short, sharp climb and you are there. Two lookouts here; one is raw, rocks (and marked as dangerous, so take care) and the other is the official one. The latter is looking towards Hanging Rock, has a steel viewing platform and a guide to tell you what you are looking at plus how far away it is.

Use the PDF and walk back towards the Cross, but only a few km along turn left into Clyde Track and descend back to good old Douglas Road. Note: the PDF text instructions are in error – or misleading. They advise you to walk back “to” the Cross then turn into Clyde Track, it should be “towards” the Cross. I’ve done the right thing and called Parks Vic to let them know.

Rating: very good. About 7km one-way from township to Camels Hump. So start before lunch. First track is, as I said, a bit slippery, so take a walking pole and sturdy boots.