Autumn 2019 improvements for visitors and residents

Autumn 2019 improvements for visitors and residents

Published on 26 February 2019

A free shuttle bus service is one of the improvements planned this year by Council as it prepares to manage the increased visitation to Macedon and Mount Macedon this autumn.

Autumn in the Macedon Ranges is an explosion of colour, with visitors particularly drawn to the autumn leaves and open gardens of Macedon and Mount Macedon.

Council continues to work with VicRoads, Victoria Police and the community to manage the increased visitation to Macedon and Mount Macedon during this time, in order to provide a safe and enjoyable environment while minimising the impact to residents.

Following community feedback, Council has invested in additional traffic management measures for peak times this autumn including the new free shuttle bus. The bus will run on weekends and public holidays between 10am and 4pm and stop at Macedon train station, Honour Avenue, Centennial Park and the Mount Macedon open gardens. 

An information booth staffed by Council officers and volunteers will be on site at Centennial Park in Macedon on weekends and public holidays to encourage visitors to use the shuttle service and showcase all the region has to offer. Food stalls run by community organisations will provide valuable fundraising opportunities for local groups.

Promotion over the autumn period will focus on encouraging visitors to catch the train to Macedon or park their cars at Centennial Park, in order to minimise traffic on Mount Macedon Road.

These changes will occur between early April to early May, depending on when the leaves change colour. Traffic management and other measures during autumn will include:

Establishing a no parking zone along Honour Avenue and Waterfalls Road from 9am–5pm. Reducing the speed limit along Honour Avenue and Waterfalls Road to 40 kilometres per hour. Directing traffic to Centennial Park, the dedicated car parking area. Introducing dedicated bus drop off and pick up areas. Providing of a free shuttle bus service on weekends and public holidays. Increasing traffic management at the intersection of Honour Avenue and Mount Macedon Road on weekends and public holidays. Increasing servicing of public toilets and adding extra street bins and collections. Increasing patrols by Council’s Local Laws officers to enforce parking restrictions. Promoting of other autumn attractions and events on visitmacedonranges.com.

Local residents, businesses and the community will be advised of the temporary changes to traffic conditions. For up-to-date information on autumn visitation and the temporary traffic management initiatives, call (03) 5422 0333 or see: Autumn Leaves.