Murmuring Walk
A multi-layered audio guided walk on Mount Macedon
Created by Ria Soemardjo, Charlotte Roberts and Sandra Fiona Long.
Murmuring Walk is an audio-guided walk reflecting the environment, birdlife and natural rhythms of Sanatorium lake, Mount Macedon, which is on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land. Participants are invited to wear headphones connected to their personal device and enter a contemplative space as they are led by a sublime multilayered vocal and poetic sound track. The birds, grasses, ferns, trees and all the abundant life join with the audio track to become one sublime experience. A truly blissful way to experience the nature of Mount Macedon.
The self guided walk is waiting for you!
The audio guided walk is free and can be done at any time. The audio files covers two sections of Sanatorium Lake. We recommend allowing approximately one hour for the whole experience, though you are welcome to pause and take your time along the way.
Before you set out on your walk check Parks Victoria for advice regarding weather conditions, alerts or closures.
Instructions to download Murmuring Walk audio
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Download the two audio files below (Click on the down arrow icon for each file part below. Note: on some mobile devices you may need to select 'Listen in browser' before downloading) onto your device before heading to the lake, as internet is unreliable on location.
- Download or print out Murmuring walk map(JPG, 584KB)
- Head to Sanatorium Lake, connect your headphones.
- The starting point is at the Lions Head Road car park, at the beginning of the path to Sanatorium Lake. Press play on part 1 of the audio, and listen to the introduction here. At the end of the introduction you will be instructed to start walking.
Transcripts of the audio files
How to get there and what to bring
From Mount Macedon Rd turn onto Lions Head Rd, continue 1.9km past Days Picnic Ground (the closest toilets), to the Lions Head Road Carpark.
Don't forget to bring headphones, water, wear warm clothing, and suitable footwear. Conditions at Mt Macedon can be cold and wet.
Sanatorium Lake, Mount Macedon, Lions Head Road, Mount Macedon 3441 View Map
About the artists
Ria Soemardjo, Sandra Fiona Long and Charlotte Roberts are passionate about inviting audiences to reconnect deeply with natural environments, by creating a space of heightened listening and contemplation.
Sandra and Ria are long term collaborators creating immersive performances around Australia and Asia and Charlotte is a Macedon Ranges musician and vocal artist. Together they draw on expertise in writing, performance making, facilitation, vocal improvisation and sound design.
About the lake
This area is a mixture of regrowth forest after the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, and pockets of old growth with ancient majestic trees and incredible understory. It is said that the Mountain Ash in this area have an unusual resistance to fire, unlike Mountain Ash in other areas. Perhaps because fires came through this area more frequently in pre-colonial times.
The lake, known as Sanatorium Lake was built as a dam in 1923 to provide water for a sanatorium down the hill, built for tuberculosis patients, who were moved on to Echuca where the climate was warmer. We hope you will enjoy the beauty of this area and the sweet fresh air as you experience the audio walk.
Reviews
“A truly immersive and mindful experience that encourages you to take a moment to fully appreciate the beautiful natural environment of Sanatorium Lake and its surrounds.” Madeleine Blake, Daylesford Macedon Tourism
"It was a Fantastic experience that I would highly recommend and have already done so. The audio helps you experience the environment and natural beauty such as 500-year-old magnificent trees." Cr Rob Guthrie, South Ward, Macedon Ranges Shire Council
"A few of us noted at the end of the walk that it’s the most ‘mindful’ thing any of us have done for a long time. If you want to really unwind and connect with nature, get up there and give it a go!" Will Rayner, Acting Manager, Community and Economic Development Arts and Events, Council.
Acknowledgements and credits
- The Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people who are the traditional custodians of this land.
- Stephen Ryan, Penny Roberts and Skye Stewart (VACCHO) for consulting with us.
- Cameron Forbes, Adam Forbes, Nathaniel Muller and Erin Tappé.
- Photographer and designer of the haunting image Nichole Adler