Mt Macedon Loop Hike 18.8km ~ Grade 3 (Moderate) CANCELLED

This is generally considered a moderately challenging hike, that will require a good level of fitness as the walk will take up to 6 hours to complete including breaks/photo ops.

The start of the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail is an easy stroll along a bitumen road from the Mount Macedon Hotel. The proper trailhead starts just off to the right of Bawden Road. The trail then commences a slow and steady ascent of Mount Macedon. Yes there is a decent climb!

This hike route will include Memorial Cross (Mount Macedon Summit), McGregors Picnic Ground, Camels Hump, Sanatorium Lake and Mount Towrong. Prepare to be rewarded with amazing views!

Few usual boggy sections that you can walk around so good hiking shoes are needed (and poles are helpful if you have them). Expect single trail steep ascents at the beginning (60 minutes of uphill), a bit of fire trail to get between the view points, and a rocky, steep descent back into town. It can be a bit tricky to navigate as it is not a clear path.

Macedon Regional Park is a hour, north west of Melbourne. From the Calder Freeway take the Mount Macedon Road exits north of Gisborne or the Woodend exit and follow the signs. We will commence and end the loop at the Mount Macedon Hotel (694 Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon). If you wish to stick around after the walk for a drink or early dinner there is an open fire there which will be most welcome mid Winter. Let me know closer to the event as I will need to book.

From <https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/macedon-regional-park>

What to Bring: Enough water to sustain you throughout the day. Lunch, snacks, weatherproof gear, hiking shoes, hiking/walking poles recommended. Please arrive by 10:30 as we will leave at 10:45am

Carpooling can be arranged. Please state your location if you wish to drive or if you need a lift. A contribution of $10 to the driver for petrol will be required. Alternatively you could get a VLine train from Southern Cross to Macedon Station. Happy to pick you up there as long as timing coincides with the hike. It's a seven minute drive to the pub.

It would be appreciated if everyone who attends can contribute $5 to towards the costs of running the Meetup Group. Thank you. On the day is fine or my Pay ID is: vixx@up.me

As usual please check in closer to the day should the event be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.