This website uses cookies to improve your experience navigating our site. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OK, I understand

Macedon Ranges with Elizabeth Barnett

Travel

By now you may have noticed that we’ve recently begun sharing two stories with you each day. (YUP, 6.00am every morning and 2.00pm every afternoon… woah!). Expanding in this way has given us a chance to showcase even more amazing creative people and places, as well as delve into other lifestyle realms, from family to careers – stay tuned for more, when we’ll be rolling out a fresh new-look website in a couple of months time!

Today, though, we’re launching a fresh travel-focused regular column, authored by creatives you already know and love, who’ve invited us to parts of Australia that hold a special place for them.

We’re kicking off this new column today with a long standing TDF favourite – artist, Mum and passionate tree-changer Elizabeth Barnett! The ever-gracious artist gives her day-trip guide to the Macedon Ranges, which is just a one-hour drive north of Melbourne.

11th May, 2017

Elizabeth Barnett and her dog Poppy walking by the train line in Macedon. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Lizzie sketching at Mr Cafe. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Lizzie at Macedon coffee spot, Mr Café. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Dropping in to Woodend store Flowers in a Vase. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Vibrant hydrangeas thriving in Macedon’s misty mountain clime. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Blooms arranged by flower store owner Arnie Way. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Nearby, Ida Red pizzeria is a another Barnett family favourite. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Our tour comes to an end at Baringo. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

En route to Mt Macedon, for some bushwalking (there are trails to accommodate all levels). Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

The Mt Macedon Memorial Cross, with views over the vast southern plains. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

The area has its charms in every season according to Lizzie. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Last stop, Baringo. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

The New Gisborne eatery offers special menus of Southern European and Japanese cuisines. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Lizzie at Macedon Train Station. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

We moved to Macedon at the end of 2015, from Richmond in Melbourne, where it was getting increasingly busy in our street. I was dreaming of a space in the trees (fuelled by some sentimental childhood memories of the farm in Tasmania where my Dad grew up, and which we visited when I was young).

Macedon certainly wasn’t on our radar of places to move, but a lovely friend kept inviting us up to the area on little foraging trips for berries or mushrooms, and so we started looking around Kyneton. I had seen a house online, and had immediately dismissed it as being ‘much too nice’ for us, with way too much space, but a well-timed call from the estate agent convinced us to come and have a look. We feel so honoured today to be custodians of a beautiful  and a very special piece of land, which is on the outskirts of the town and edges the forest.

I don’t even know where to begin with the things I love most about Macedon… The landscape, the Mount, the community, the walking tracks, the great food and coffee spots in the area, and the friends I have made (including the estate agents who sold us the house!). I love that my kids get to grow up on the land. I’ve definitely found some quiet up here, but it is in no way lonely. I’ve got lovely neighbours who I see regularly, and a trip into the town is always met with a familiar face or two!

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Macedon and that secret has well and truly started to spread! Weekends on the Mount can get quite busy! Winter is equally as magical, with thick fog (don’t forget your winter woolies), the snow gums and winter wild flowers. There are beautifully manicured gardens, which are often open to the public on weekends. And if you’re avid bushwalker, there are endless great walks up and around the Mount, as well as the Wombat State Forest and Lerderderg State Park. Come summer, there are great waterholes to go swimming in and nurseries to visit. Year-round, the food spots up here are so great, particularly due to the warm and friendly staff.

Similar Stories

Stays

10 Retro-Inspired Motels To Book For Your Next Weekend Away!

Is there anything more nostalgic than a vintage motel with a dreamy pool? Here's some of the coolest ones to visit across Australia.
Christina Karras

Stays

This 1980s Stay In Torquay Is A Feast Of Colour + Pattern

Take a look inside this groovy new stay in Torquay, Victoria, swathed in bold wallpaper, eclectic art and references to its 1980s roots.

Stays

A Sustainable Penthouse Apartment In The Heart Of Melbourne – That You Can Stay In!

HV.Hotel's light-filled interiors and environmentally friendly architecture invites guests to experience sustainable living firsthand!
Christina Karras

This Week

News

The Museum Of Contemporary Art Australia Has A New All-Female Display

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is giving focus to eight unique female artists in its impressive collection!
Sponsored

Interiors

A ‘Little Big House’ Designed For The Whole Family

A Melbourne family home by Maike Design where the priorities of parents and children take equal billing.

On The Market

A Luxuriously Modern Home For Sale In Sydney's Forest Lodge

This new home has everything from smart-home features to solar and an electric car charger, alongside a dreamy outdoor entertaining area!
Christina Karras

Climate

Everything You Need To Know About Creating An All-Electric Home

Switching from gas to all-electric appliances makes for a more sustainable, safe, healthy, and affordable home. Here's how to get it done!

Architecture

A Playful Renovation + Extension Of A 1910s Edwardian Weatherboard Cottage

This once lacklustre Edwardian cottage has been given new life thanks to a renovation and extension by Architect George Meek, of Studio Meek...

Studio Visit

The Sculptural Fabric + Metal Works Of Architect-Trained Artist, Annie Paxton

Melbourne based Annie Paxton creates mesmerising sculptural works made from silk, fabric, aluminium, steel and chain mail!

Sustainable Homes

A South Gippsland Home Both Protected From + Inspired By The Elements

A textured brick wall wraps around three pavilions in Fish Creek House, sheltering the home from the ferocious winds, while capturing stunni...

Creative People

The ‘Alien-esque’ Cartoon-Inspired Ceramics Of Elizabeth Lewis

Elizabeth Lewis makes surrealist-inspired ceramics… in a colour palette reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons!

On The Market

This Designer’s Family Home Hides A Rooftop Terrace, And It’s For Sale

The Melbourne house of owner-designer Dan Gayfer is on the market, but this Edwardian's sweeping extension is full of surprises.
Christina Karras

News

An Inspiring Photography Exhibition By Catherine Opie Is Coming To Heide

Heide Museum of Modern Art is hosting the first major Australian showcase of renown American photographer Catherine Opie.
Sponsored

A Day In The Life

A Day In The Life With A Rising Star In The Australian Ballet, Riley Lapham

We went behind the scenes with professional ballerina Riley Lapham as the company brings their 'Don Quixote' to the stage!
Christina Karras

Homes

Artist Gemma Leslie’s 1880s Mediterranean-Inspired Family Home

The historic home of artist Gemma Leslie and Mike Chambers is a little slice of Tuscany... in Melbourne!

Giveaway

Introducing Designer Rugs x Castle’s Colourful New Collection + Your Chance To WIN!

Brighten up your space with your pick from Designer Rugs x CASTLE's fun-filled collection - enter the giveaway here!
Christina Karras

On The Market

A Celestial House Designed To Capture The Night Sky Hits The Market

This home designed by Peter Stutchbury features an open-air skylight that allows for stargazing without leaving home - and it's for sale!
Christina Karras
  9 hours ago

Apartments

Inside A 100-Year-Old Apartment Building, In The Heart Of Melbourne’s CBD

We tour two unique apartments inside Temple Court, an elegant 1920s building nestled on Melbourne's iconic Collins Street!
Christina Karras

Similar Stories

Stays

10 Retro-Inspired Motels To Book For Your Next Weekend Away!

Is there anything more nostalgic than a vintage motel with a dreamy pool? Here's some of the coolest ones to visit across Australia.
Christina Karras

Stays

This 1980s Stay In Torquay Is A Feast Of Colour + Pattern

Take a look inside this groovy new stay in Torquay, Victoria, swathed in bold wallpaper, eclectic art and references to its 1980s roots.

Stays

A Sustainable Penthouse Apartment In The Heart Of Melbourne – That You Can Stay In!

HV.Hotel's light-filled interiors and environmentally friendly architecture invites guests to experience sustainable living firsthand!
Christina Karras

The Design Files acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

First Nations artists, designers, makers, and creative business owners are encouraged to submit their projects for coverage on The Design Files. Please email bea@thedesignfiles.net