Autumn leaves: temporary management measures

Autumn leaves: temporary management measures

Published on 11 March 2022

Each year, the Macedon Ranges is a major drawcard for visitors keen to view the stunning autumn foliage along Honour Avenue in Macedon and throughout Mount Macedon’s open gardens.

In collaboration with the community, local businesses and open gardens, Council continues to make improvements to the management measures put in place during April to help mitigate the impacts of the large number of visitors, and create a safe and enjoyable environment.

The measures, endorsed by key stakeholders including Victoria Police and the Country Fire Authority, are aimed at reducing traffic congestion and the impact to local residents, and will be in place from 9am–5pm on weekends and public holidays from Saturday 2 April to Sunday 1 May.

They include:

Dedicated visitor parking close to Honour Avenue and Centennial Park. The closure of Honour Avenue to traffic between Mount Macedon Road and Waterfalls Road to maintain traffic flow along Mount Macedon Road and ensure visitor safety. A hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus service ($5 per adult) that will run from the visitor hub at Centennial Park to the open gardens, festival events, and Mount Macedon township. Additional amenities and a visitor information booth at Centennial Park. A free shuttle service between Macedon Train Station and Centennial Park.

Visitors will also be encouraged to experience other activities and events in the shire during Council’s Autumn Festival, which will run from 26 March to 25 April.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said this is the second year Council has held a shire wide Autumn Festival program to help entice the autumn visitors to explore other parts of the shire, as well as attract new visitors to support the local businesses.

“The festival has a huge program of events for all ages and interests, so we encourage everyone to join in the fun and support the community,” he said.