352. Mt Macedon-Camels Hump-Sanatorium Lake 9.7km

April 24, 2025

U3A Hike No 352

Hike Report by Sharon Moss

On a somewhat overcast, cool, drizzly morning 14 hikers set off for Mt Macedon including 2 guests , Jan’s brother, Mark & Graeme, a friend of Mark Hawley.

The Macedon Ranges are part of the Great Dividing Range.

We started our walk with an attempted visit to the Memorial Cross , which was temporarily closed off in preparation for Anzac Day. After The Shrine of Remembrance, Mt Macedon Memorial Cross is considered the most significant war memorial in Victoria. Located on the summit of the mountain the Cross stands at 21 metres & commemorates all those that served in wars & conflicts.

We then progressed to Major Mitchell lookout , by which time the sun was shining , offering superb views to the north west . Major Mitchell lookout was named after Major Thomas Mitchell, the first European to climb the 1000 metre peak in 1836.
For those interested in history, after spotting Port Phillips Bay from the southern aspect of the peak , Major Mitchell named it Mt Macedon in reference to Phillip 11 of ancient Macedonia !

We then commenced our hike through beautiful lush vegetation, a welcome change from our recent walks in dry terrain . Towering snow gums, messmate & alpine ash with prolific fern undergrowth made for a lovely walk . There were several uphill sections, which slowed conversation & we enjoyed a welcome morning tea break at Mc Gregors picnic ground .

It was then onwards & upwards to The Camels Hump , which is classified as a mamelon ! A word most of us had never heard of. Hanging Rock is also à mamelon - which is a rocky volcanic outcrop formed 6 million years ago when thick lava squeezed through a narrow vent in the earths crust . Camels Hump is the highest peak in the range, offering superb views. Well worth the climb !!

It was then a very pleasant meander down through a lovely rainforest area to Sanatorium Lake. Gordon educated us re the background of this lake . In the 19th century , the cool climate of the Macedon Ranges was thought to provide a perfect environment for patients suffering from tuberculosis. In 1899 , a sanatorium was opened a short distance down the Mount from the lake , in a building previously used as a private hospital . The lake was built to provide water to a newer larger sanatorium which was never built due to lack of funding. The original sanatorium closed in 1910.

Our day concluded with lunch in a picnic ground, where cars had been left in an earlier car shuffle. Whilst we didn’t see any pixies parasols or fairies aprons, that were spotted on a previous Mt Macedon walk, we had a most enjoyable day & judging by the number of cars & visitors in the area, Mt Macedon is a very popular place to visit.

Thanks to Andrew & Gordon for another terrific hike.