There is something magical about wintery months, although we are only in Autumn which is a beautiful time of year as the weather begins to cool and the leaves change their colour. There is a lot more moisture in the air, you can see your breath as it turns to mist.
The sound of water trickling down paths and waterways as creek beds begin to fill and there is a crisp smell to the air of Eucalyptus and Pine. The summer has the sea and the sand but winter has the forests and the mountains.
Moss begins to grow on the northern side of stones and trees and mushrooms begin to grow, you can spend a day scrounging around the forest ground finding all kinds of mushrooms. But as I taught the kids, these mushrooms aren't for eating and are poisonous.
Little bloke has his legs now, although still not confident on his feet I am trying to get him to give up the pram knowing he is still young we don't go on too large of hikes. But when little miss was his age she wouldn't sit still and was always wanting to go exploring and now we are back at it.
We headed North West to Mt Macedon a monument erected in honour of the soldiers who lost their lives in the first world war and to create employment for those struggling to feed their families. It is Victoria's second most significant war memorial next to the Shrine of Remembrance.
The cross itself is 21 meters tall and sits around 2000 feet above sea level and surrounded in a beautiful garden with various plants. A short walk from the car park and with lighting the cross is accessible all year round for those who wish to visit. There are also off track hiking trails which will lead you down the base of the mountain if you choose, but for many the drive up is scenic enough.
There are viewing nests situated amongst the track which will give you an unobstructed view of the land below and on brisk morning like this as the mist settles and the air crisp, it is a beautiful view and a great place to reflect on how small we really are and how big this world is.
The path to the cross is decorated with cement pots crafted in the 1930s and showcase various different plants along a well maintained path perfect for a short walk with a beautiful view.
Although little bloke wasn't too impressed as he is used to being carted around everywhere in the pram but I was keen on letting him get those legs working. I brought the pram a long just in case he did get tired but I know this path well and it is only a short walk.
The entry to the cross is quite a special view and we can see with the golden rays of sun shining through it really brightens up the ground. I remember coming her myself as a kid then as a teen the car park was a popular destination for lovers.
The park was also a great location to drive to at night with friends and explore, the world is a different place once the sun sets. I have probably explored much of this mountain throughout my life and its hidden gems.
The perfect destination to take the kids for an outing and see mother nature in her full glory.
Do you have special places you like to take your kids on an excursion?