Mount Macedon Memorial Cross — Attraction in Mount Macedon

Macedon Ranges is located on the Country of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples. These three groups are the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land, and along with the Wathaurung and Boon Wurrung, make up the federation of the Kulin Nation. The view from the top of this mountain is more interesting than the Memorial Cross. It's a great road for motorcycles getting to the top of the mountain, but be prepared for the temperature to drop a few degrees as you ascend. Windy mountain road, lots of trees, clean air, just be careful not to crank it too much through the bends. The original cross was built in the 1930s as a memorial to those who died in WWI. It was a steel frame covered in tiles that got damaged by lightning in the 1970s, then by the massive Ash Wednesday bushfires in the 80s. In the 90s it was replaced in concrete by a very wealthy and connected family, who took the opportunity to literally set their name in stone. It's more a monument to their empire than to soldiers now. It would spoil the horizon except you can't really see it from anywhere on the ground. There's some great short walks located along the road to the summit, and a few picnic areas among the trees, and there's a parking lot, a gift shop cafe and a picnic ground at the memorial. A fairly tame fox was scrounging food when I was there - but please don't feed the foxes, they're an invasive species that hunt and decimate populations of native animals. There's also a series of communications towers around the summit, so if you're a 5G conspiracy nut probably best to give it a miss. Good bike ride, and if you keep on going down the other side you can make it to Hanging Rock which is...

After the Shrine of Remembrance, Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is considered to be the most significant war memorial in Victoria. Located on the summit of the mountain within the War Memorial Cross Reserve, this imposing structure stands 21 meters high and commemorates all those who served in wars and conflicts.

The sealed pathways to the Memorial Cross and the Major Mitchell lookout are suitable for the mobility impaired, however there are steps at the base of the Cross. All-access toilets are located at Harbison and Days picnic grounds. You will find fireplaces, picnic tables and all-access toilets at Days picnic ground. Harbison Picnic Area offers gas barbecues, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and all-access toilets. McGregors Picnic area also provides fireplaces, picnic tables and toilets. Enjoy a leisurely picnic at one of six picnic grounds spread along the ridge of the range. There is ample opportunity to explore the park on foot via a series of walks of varied levels, that make up the Macedon Ranges Walking Track.

A number of multi-purpose tracks below Bawden – Douglas Road and other specified roads and tracks within the park provide cyclists with a variety of terrain and landscape to explore. Horse riding is also permitted in the park, and riders should remain on defined roads and tracks.

A network of sealed and unsealed roads allow you to take in the stunning scenery of the park by car. After the Shrine of Remembrance, Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is considered to be the most significant war memorial in Victoria.

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Mount Macedon Memorial Cross has Great views, Historical significance, Relaxing parks and above all shows the will of William Cameron ESQ, to ensure the next generations remember the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during World War II.

Getting there: About 45 minutes journey from Melbourne, depending on where you reside. You will drive through reserve parks, light snow depending on the day and season into this place that is so awesome yet so close to a major city.

What to do here: You can have trail walks, watch wallabies, have a barbeque going or simply watch the beauty of nature in a serene environment.

Key attractions: Camels hump walk, Cameron picnic ground, Memorial cross and Major Mitchel's Lookout.

Tips: Restaurant at memorial cross closes at 3pm. Bikes are not allowed on the trails. No camping permitted. It can get pretty windy and cold during winters so ensure you have apt gear for the cold. Carry water along as there aren't many...