Macedon Ranges Shire
Macedon Ranges Shire scores well on community services (69/100) but only 40/100 on core operations — a gap worth watching.
"Melbourne's country escape — Woodend, Kyneton, and the Macedon hill station tradition"
See where Macedon Ranges Shire ranks: Best Councils in Victoria 2026
Victoria · regional council · Pop. 53,738
Data last updated: 2024-25 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
52 out of 100
#17 of 29 regional councils in VIC
#43 in Victoria
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 55/100 |
| Community Services | 69/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 46/100 |
| Core Operations | 40/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Macedon Ranges Shire performs strongest in Community Services (scoring 69 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Core Operations (currently 40 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Melbourne's country escape — Woodend, Kyneton, and the Macedon hill station tradition
Macedon Ranges covers Woodend, Kyneton, Romsey, Gisborne, and Mount Macedon. It has a long history as Melbourne's hill station escape — a place of cool-climate gardens, heritage homes, and weekend retreats. It's now a sought-after permanent residential area for tree-changers and remote workers.
Known For
- Kyneton — one of regional Victoria's best dining and design destinations
- Hanging Rock — iconic geological formation and cultural landmark
- Mount Macedon memorial cross gardens and cool-climate autumn colour
- Woodend — bookshops, cafés, and a strong community arts scene
Living Here
Macedon Ranges offers the most refined regional lifestyle within commuting distance of Melbourne. Kyneton's food and design scene is genuinely excellent, and the landscape is beautiful year-round. Property prices reflect this — it's not a budget option. Winters are cold and fog can be persistent.
Hidden Gem
Kyneton Botanic Gardens — a hidden gem of 19th-century garden design with magnificent mature trees and river walks.