Who
Primarily girls trips + hens weekends, families day tripping and a couples enjoying romantic weekends away. Primary aim = relaxation time.
Getting There
Daylesford is an easy drive from Melbourne. The Hume, Calder and Western Highways + Tullamarine freeway all lead to Daylesford. V line also operates train services to Daylesford (via Woodend, Castlemaine or Ballarat).
When to go
Ideally if you can sneak a few weekdays off then go during the week. The town is hectic +++ on a weekend but still perfectly doable. Autumn in Daylesford is a stunning time to visit as the deciduous trees are dropping their leaves.
Accomodation
We stayed 10 minutes out of Daylesford at Tarascon Ridge Estate. The Cottages are very cute in a secluded and quiet area with all your basic needs covered. The beds were really comfortable and there was free mini golf! Peter the host had some good tips and was very friendly. There are two to four bedroom cottages available. We paid $260pn which I felt was very reasonable for Daylesford.
There are many other accommodation options including the famous Lake House which is in an excellent location with stunning views. Airbnb has some good options also.
Getting ThereThings to do
There is plenty to do in Daylesford however be warned it is certainly a luxury destination and prices are generally reflective of this. Many people come to the area for the endless day spas options. Popular venues include the Lake House Spa and Peppers Day Spa.
- Mineral Springs
- Daylesford and Hepburn springs are known for their natural mineral springs.
- The easiest springs to access are by Lake Daylesford or there are some in Hepburn springs by the Hepburn Bathhouse. Check out this custom googlemap of the mineral springs in the area courthesy of daylesforddelights.com
the mineral springs - bring your water bottle and fill it up
- Lake Daylesford
- Picturesque lake Daylesford is a nice spot for a stroll and coffee. The walk around the lake is fairly flat and there are lots of ducks and geese hanging around. You can access some of the mineral spring taps from here (see map above).
- Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
- The only public bathhouse in the area, this venue is both popular and pricey! On weekends entry is $40 for adults for the basic package (an indoor pool and spa) + $87 for the specialist pools. I would personally recommend holding out and visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs another day.
- Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs. Ph: 5321 6000
- Walking + Hiking
- There are plenty of beautiful walking and hiking trails in the area.
- We hiked part of the the Tipperary trail (16km one way) which was a great walk or there is the (kind of creepy) lost Childrens walk. More info on walks here or get a detailed map and directions for the Tipperary trail here.
- Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens
- These gardens are a great spot for a picnic/ stroll or check out the Wombat Hill Cafe (see below). Free entry.
- Central Spring Road, Daylesford, Victoria
- Le Yoga
- Try yoga which comes highly recommended by friends who attended Adrian's classes in Daylesford and Melbourne.
- 67 Vincent Street North, Daylesford
- adrian@leyoga.com.au, Ph: 0431 840 788
- Daylesford Convent Gallery
- Fine art gallery, a cafe and wedding venue. Lovely views from here!
- $5 admission fee
- Corner of Hill and Daly Streets, Daylesford.
- Mount Franklin
- This volcanic crator is a great spot for short term camping and you can drive up to the top. I nicknamed it Mt Doom- would be a creepy spot at night!
- Lavendula Lavender Farm
- $4 will buy you entry to this cutesy lavender farm + homestead 10 minutes out of Daylesford. There are lovely gardens, a cafe and lots of lavender related products. There is a resident emu + ducks etc. floating around also.
- Daylesford Sunday Railway Market
- Sundays 8am- 3/4pm rain or shine.
- Fresh produce, antiques + lots of socks.
- 18 Raglan Street, Daylesford
- Daylesford Macedon Harvest Festival
- a biannual celebration of harvest
- check website for dates (was held April/May 2016)
- Shopping/ Wandering Daylesford
- The main streets of Daylesford are Vincent and Howe Streets. There are few artsy shops worth a look.
Dining
There are so many great places to eat you will be completely spoilt for choice. FYI on a weekend the town is PACKED so arrive early for dinner ie/ 5.30-6pm (most places don't take bookings) or you may miss out.
- Larder
- Modern breakfast/lunch menu - we ate here and it was excellent.
- 57A Vincent Street, Daylesford. Ph: 53484700
- The Lakehouse
- The award winning restaurant, spa and accommodation. I haven't been but it has 2 chefs hats + the reviews are excellent
- King St Daylesford, Ph: 5348 3329
- Bookbarn
- Secondhand bookshop with awesome scones and great customer service. It is nice to support a small friendly local business :)
- 1 Legatt St, Daylesford. Ph: 5348 3048
- Wombat Hill House cafe
- Breakfast and lunch, 9am-4pm
- Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens (Car Entry off Central Spring Road), Daylesford, Victoria,
- A Perfect Drop
- Highly recommended wine bar with an attached restaurant. Cocktails are $12 during happy hour + $2 oysters. Takes bookings.
- 5 Howe St, Daylesford. Ph: 5348 1100
- Farmers Arms Hotel
- Excellent pub with an impressive menu. Get there early to avoid disappointment.
- 1 East Street, Daylesford. Ph: 5348 2091
- Cliffy's Emporium
- Rustic staples (+ the cakes looked absolutely delicious)
- 28-30 Raglan St, Daylesford. Ph: 53483279
- Mercato
- Fancy restaurant just off the main street. Does take bookings.
- 32 Raglan Street, Daylesford. Ph: 5348 4488
Despite being a very popular tourist destination, there is still lots of country town charm. I was intrigued by a sign advertising a 'Goat Masterclass' - still not sure as to what the $75 paid entailed! Locals are friendly and happy to provide excellent suggestions - an excellent plan of attack for any trip away if you are looking to make the most of things.
