Whether you want to sightsee in Melbourne or explore the Macedon Ranges, Diggers Rest is a great base for your Victorian getaway. Spot iconic Australian animals like echidnas in nearby state parks and enjoy scenic riverside picnics. Ride the train into Melbourne to visit attractions like the National Gallery of Victoria and Royal Botanic Gardens.
Things to do in Diggers Rest
Diggers Rest is a gateway to the beautiful Macedon Ranges. The area is one of the top bushwalking destinations in Australia and offers everything from scenic lakeside trails to challenging full-day hikes. Enjoy a picnic beneath towering eucalypts at Hanging Rock and learn more about the mystery that surrounds the famous geological formation.
A deep, forested gorge cuts through Lerderderg State Park. Bushwalking trails wind through the park and take you through sun-dappled forests and wildflower-strewn grasslands. Look for wildlife like echidnas, wallabies and cockatoos. If you’re lucky, you might spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead. Stop for lunch at the shady Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area surrounded by native bushland.
Climb aboard the Bulla Hill Railway and enjoy a scenic ride on a historic steam train. The short, 1/5-kilometre track meanders through bushland and treats you to fantastic views of Mount Macedon. Bring picnic supplies and cook lunch on the coin-operated barbecues.
Ride the train into Central Melbourne and spend the day sightseeing in the Victorian capital. Explore the city’s famous laneways and discover a treasure trove of cafes, boutiques and colourful street art. Sip cocktails on a trendy rooftop bar and admire works by legendary Australian artists at the National Gallery of Victoria. Riding Melbourne’s iconic trams is a signature experience.
Getting around Diggers Rest
Diggers Rest is a one-hour drive from the Melbourne CBD and 40 minutes by train. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace, while trams are a fast and affordable way to get around the Melbourne CBD. Melbourne Airport is a 30-minute drive away.