Council has restricted access to popular tourist sites Hanging Rock and Macedon's autumn leaves and open gardens as it continues to discourage gatherings of large groups during the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork said anyone planning a visit to Hanging Rock or a trip to view the autumn leaves and open gardens in the near future should change their plans to avoid disappointment.
Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock Reserve is closed until further notice and will not be able to be accessed by residents or visitors over the school holidays and Easter.
Car parks have been closed, and access by foot is not allowed. Anyone who enters the reserve risks being charged by police.
Autumn leaves
Large electronic roadside signs have been installed on the Calder Freeway and elsewhere near Macedon and Mount Macedon to encourage motorists to avoid the area around the Avenue of Honour.
Each year thousands of tourists descend on the area to view the changing autumn leaves on the picturesque road.
Council will not be running free buses on the autumn leaves route or providing a visitor information booth. Traffic management will be in place to ensure any traffic flows efficiently through the area.
"The health and wellbeing of the community is the main priority at this time," Ms Stork said.
"We want everyone to stay safe.
"The Avenue of Honour is on a VicRoads-managed road so Council cannot close it to vehicle and foot traffic, however we can and will be discouraging visitors during this time.
"Normally we would welcome visitors to our beautiful shire, but in the current circumstances people should rethink their plans and look to visit when the current pandemic is over."
For the most up to date information on the closure of Hanging Rock, and other Council services and facilities, see Facility closures, service changes and COVID-19 updates
For more information, visit the Australian Government Department of Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
