The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival has continued its award-winning run, claiming silver in the Festivals and Events category at the 2022 Australian Tourism Awards on Friday night.
Building on an earlier state-wide win at the 2022 Victorian Tourism Awards late last year, the festival edged out five other award-winning contenders from around Australia to reach second on the podium at the national event – one of a haul of eleven medals for Victoria on the night.
The annual Autumn Festival takes place across nine historic villages in the shire and provides a platform to showcase the region's makers, producers, artisans and attractions.
Council's Deputy Mayor Jennifer Anderson was excited to see the festival, which only made its debut in 2021, acknowledged as one of Australia's top events.
"This is a relatively new festival for the region that has just continued to go from strength to strength," she said. "We are just about to kick off the 2023 Autumn Festival, so to get this recognition now is really timely.
"Each year the festival is getting bigger and better, with more local community groups and businesses getting involved encouraging visitors to explore our beautiful region. It truly is an amazing area to visit at this time of year."
In 2022, the festival delivered an estimated $1.6 million to the visitor economy, providing a welcome boost to the region.
"I'd like to thank everybody who has worked hard behind the scenes each year to make the festival so successful, especially our community groups, local businesses, sponsors and visitors who have truly embraced the concept," Cr Anderson said. This year's Autumn Festival will run from 1-30 April, kicking off with three First Nations Events where participants can learn about Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in which the Macedon Ranges resides.
A new addition to the itinerary this year are the Tipple Trails, which put a spotlight on the region's wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries. There is also the return of the popular Edgy Vege Trail and the Pie and Tart Trail, which has grown into one of the biggest of its kind in Australia.
Farmers markets, autumn gardens, artisan workshops and plenty more fill out a jam-packed festival program. To find out what's on offer, visit the official Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival website
Photo credit: Belinda Rolland Photography
