The Macedon Ranges, located in Central Victoria, is well-known for its famous tourist attractions and country charm, which will only be enhanced with Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s new $11.24 million Woodend to Riddells Creek Shared Trail Project. The Shared Trail plans to not only boost tourism, but create a recreation space for the true lifeblood of the region – the locals.
The Shared Trail, which will run for 24km through key towns in the region, is anticipated to deliver an increase in visitors while also providing locals with a fantastic nature-based activity right on their doorstep.
The Shared Trail will provide a space for walking, running, low-volume cycling, and commuting; as well as linking rural landscapes, towns, heritage and the community.
The trail will meander its way through the scenic towns of Woodend, Macedon, New Gisborne and Riddells Creek, with minimal vehicle interaction.
Creating this space that is without heavy traffic gives locals and visitors a safe and convenient way to take in the natural beauty of the region, and experience the local hospitality and produce on offer in each of the townships.
Visitors may opt to complete the trail in one day or break it up into sections, enjoy some hospitality in local accommodation, and experience what else the region has on offer.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson, said the shared trail will provide the perfect opportunity for local residents to get out and enjoy what is on offer in their own backyard, as well as providing a major drawcard for visitors from near and far.
“The Macedon Ranges is only around 50 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, either a short drive up the Calder Highway or a convenient train ride straight to Woodend or Riddells Creek train stations where you can connect with the trail,” Mayor Anderson said.
“Visitors could easily make a day trip to the region to enjoy the trail, or take a short getaway, stay a few nights and really experience all that the Macedon Ranges has to offer.”
Planning the Shared Trail
At the beginning of the Shared Trail journey, a feasibility study was conducted in August 2019 – providing the results of community and stakeholder consultation, analysis of socio-economic benefits, and the development of concepts for the trail.
The study identified that demand for trails is predominantly driven by tourism (nature-based and adventure), physical activity and as a way for people to commute.
Community consultation identified the key priorities of the project were the provision of an enjoyable, safe, recreation, commuting, fitness and social trail experience. The study identified that the Woodend to Riddells Creek Shared Trail Project should ensure future strong links between towns and services, such as schools and local businesses.
It also highlighted that the trail would aim to provide an opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy the local natural environment, unique landscape features and strong heritage of the region.
“The Macedon Ranges lends itself extremely well to a shared trail experience,” Mayor Anderson said.
“With an abundance of natural flora and fauna, iconic landmarks, rich heritage and amazing local produce it makes for a wonderful shared trail experience.”
Mayor Anderson explained that one difficulty in planning for the trail was deciding which areas to take the trail through, because “there are just so many to explore”.
Progress so far
Council awarded the construction contract of the 24km trail to local business Newearth Constructions in May 2022, taking the project a step closer to its realisation and creating further employment opportunities for locals.
As of October 2022, environmental assessments and designs showing the alignment of the trail are close to finalisation, bringing construction of the first phase of the trail closer – which is anticipated for early to mid-2023.
The project is currently scheduled for completion in March 2024.
More to come: Council’s potential Daylesford to Hanging Rock rail trail
A proposal is also underway for a Daylesford to Hanging Rock Rail Trail, in partnership with Hepburn Shire Council.
The trail will provide another unique experience to the region, linking rural landscapes, towns and heritage through the Macedon Ranges areas of Hanging Rock, Woodend, Kyneton, Carlsruhe and Tylden, and then on to the neighbouring town of Daylesford in Hepburn Shire.
The section of trail Macedon Ranges Shire Council will be responsible for reaches from Tylden to Carlsruhe; from Carlsruhe to Kyneton; and from Carlsruhe to Woodend and into the iconic Hanging Rock. It will comprise 37.2km of trail and is estimated to cost $18 million to deliver.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO, Bernie O’Sullivan, said efforts were currently underway to advocate for the funding required to continue planning and pre-construction activities to realise such a significant project for the region.
“When combined with the Woodend to Riddells Creek Shared Trail Project, the Daylesford to Hanging Rock Rail Trail would offer another fantastic attraction for visitors to the region,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“An increase in tourism would provide a welcome boost to our local economy with both day trippers and those taking extended stays enjoying the region’s hospitality and shopping while exploring different areas of the shire.
“We are excited to be able to provide our residents with amazing outdoor nature activities close to home for them and their families to enjoy, providing another positive reason to call the Macedon Ranges home.”
