Woodend is a charming 19th-century town set in the Macedon Ranges. Handsome historic buildings line the streets of the town centre and house cafes, boutiques and antique stores. Venture into the Victorian countryside to visit the mysterious Hanging Rock and tour cool-climate wineries.
Things to do in Woodend
Stroll around the town centre and admire handsome heritage buildings like the Clock Tower and Holgate Brewhouse. The Gothic-style St Mary's Anglican Church features a handsome façade built with locally quarried bluestone. Enjoy breakfast at a trendy café and hunt for treasures at independent boutiques and antique stores.
Woodend is a gateway to Hanging Rock, an enormous lava tower formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. It’s a sacred site for the indigenous Wurundjeri people and a former hideout for notorious bushrangers like Mad Dog Morgan. The mysterious rock is also immortalised in books, films and TV shows. Learn about the unique geology of the area at the Discovery Centre and climb the steep trail to the 1,800-metre-high summit. The sun-dappled picnic areas below Hanging Rock are perfect for lunch.
Rent a bicycle and explore the Three Town Scenic Route. The scenic trail starts at the train station and connects Woodend with the neighbouring towns of Trentham and Kyneton. Take it slow on picturesque country lanes and tree-lined roads.
Spend the day touring boutique wineries in the Macedon Ranges. Cellar doors are small, intimate and often run by the winemakers themselves. Prefer beer? The Holgate Brewhouse in the town centre bottles some of the most popular craft beers in Australia. You’ll also find some excellent gin distilleries near Woodend.
Getting around Woodend
Woodend is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Macedon Ranges, one hour from Melbourne by car or train. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Woodend and explore local sights and attractions at your own pace. Melbourne Airport is a 45-minute drive away.