What: Sanitorium Lake offers stunning bushwalks, lush grassy picnic areas and, of course, a beautiful lake to visit on the picturesque Mount Macedon. You can enter the bushwalk to the lake from various points. We started from the first carpark through the bush and then walked back along the road to our car, which ended up being a circuit walk. You could park further up the road which will mean a shorter walk to the lake, (perhaps a better option if you have preschoolers).
Where: Head up Mount Macedon and follow the signs. Go through the township of Mount Macedon. When you get to the signage for the Memorial Cross (the road that leads up the mountain), keep straight on and the Sanitorium Lake will be signposted on the right not long after. Follow the dirt road all the way along. You can enter the walk from the first carpark or you can take the road further up and enter there.
The best bit: Our kids loved the interesting plants, trees and other natural treasures they discovered on the walk to the lake. There were hollowed out trees, clusters of mushrooms, pretty leaves and rocks.
Picnic or cafe: The closest cafes are Top of the Tearooms further up the mountain, or The Trading Post on the descent. We packed a picnic for our little ones. There are barbecues available and picnic tables by the lake as well as out by the carpark on the grassed area.
Toilets: There are public toilets at the first carpark.
Make a day of it: You may like to time your visit with the Macedon Market (there are only a few each year) or visit one of the cafes already mentioned. There are many other kid-friendly walks on the mountain, including Camel’s Hump, Mount Macedon Memorial Cross and Stanley Park Waterfall, if you want to squeeze a few into one day.
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