Macedon Ranges Mumma

What: This is hands-down one of the best parks in the Macedon Ranges. There are so many different parts to this park that caters for all ages. There is an enclosed area which is ideal for younger children, a lookout in the middle of the park, a musical area with drums and pipes, a climbing frame, an awesome flying fox, and another area for older kids. If you’re keen to stay there for a while, there are two undercover barbecue areas.

Where: The park is on the opposite side of the main street from the Woodend Library behind the service road. There is a carpark as you enter. From there, take the meandering path that winds it way through the park.

The best bit: The musical instruments are unique to this park. Children of every age will enjoy dragging the attached mallet across the steel chimes or creating a tune by pounding the individual pipes. The varying sized colourful drums are also immensely fun to beat, especially with a willing partner.

Picnic or cafe: The Woodend Children’s Park has plenty of tables under cover barbecue area, park benches, as well as an expanse of grassy lawn for picnics. The lookout with views across the park is also a lovely place to sit and snack if there isn’t too much foot traffic there. If you forgot to bring a packed lunch, there are many local cafes, including the delightful The Milko, just a short walk away.

Toilets: The toilets are located across the creek which is a few minutes walk away from the carpark.

Make a day of it: If you happen to visit Woodend on the first Saturday of the month, there is a lovely farmers’ market in front of the local library.