Whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy a fun day out, Victoria has a wealth of old-timey historical experiences that expertly blend education and adventure.
Victoria
Best things to see, eat and do around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
Famous for its mineral springs, galleries and gardens, the quaint regional town of Daylesford is the perfect place to relax and unwind while exploring the delights of the region.
Looking for a weekend getaway in regional Victoria where you can enjoy fine wine, soak in mineral springs, enjoy luscious greenery and antique finds?
Situated just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the town of Daylesford is the perfect getaway for those looking to indulge in the senses. Located at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Daylesford and nearby Hepburn Springs are filled with plenty of activities, restaurants, natural experiences, and artistic finds. Daylesford is particularly known for its picturesque gardens, springs, lakeside views and scenic bike trails.
Originally established as a gold mining town during the Gold Rush in 1852, these days, Daylesford is now known for its art scene, antique bazaars, rich gastronomy, scenic views - and for housing over 80 per cent of Australia’s mineral springs.
Lavandula Farm is a delightful place to visit with friends or family. Image: Visit Victoria
Things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
Lake Daylesford
It’s no wonder Daylesford is known as one of the prettiest towns in Victoria, with such a lovely lake as its focal point. The man-made Lake Daylesford was originally a gold diggings site, but is now a picturesque and serene location just a short stroll from town. Swim, kayak or canoe in the beautiful blue waters, let the kids loose on the playground, and cook up a storm on the barbecue facilities.
Explore the gentle Peace Mile Walk loop, a 2.8km path and boardwalk around the lake's perimeter full of beautiful views and birdwatching opportunities. For a longer walk, follow the trail to Central Springs Reserve and taste fresh mineral water from the pumps. You can continue along the Goldfields Track to visit Hepburn Springs or Sailors Falls.
Lavandula Farm
Just ten minutes from Daylesford, the Lavandula Farm is a gorgeous 40ha property full of rural beauty. Lavender season is in full swing over January and extends into late autumn, giving you the chance to wander through the lavender fields.
Even outside lavender season, you can explore the old, European-style gardens and bring your own picnic (sans alcohol) to enjoy in the fragrant greenery. Wander through historic stone buildings, meet the friendly farm animals, and pick up aromatherapy products from the farm shop. There's even an Italian restaurant onsite: Maria's Trattoria.
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Perched on an extinct volcano, the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens were designed in the 1860s by Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller (who also established Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens).
The gardens are full of lush ferns, an acclaimed begonia collection (flowering in late summer and autumn), bluebells (in spring), cedars and elms. Make your way up to the Pioneer Memorial Tower for views of the forest and Daylesford township. On your way back, pop in to Wombat Hill House Café, which serves tea, coffee and light meals in a 1940s house.
Sailors Falls
View Sailors Falls, a lovely twin waterfall, from a picnic area just a short walk from the carpark. Local legend says the falls are named after sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during Victoria's gold rush, which started in 1851. Make sure to taste the natural mineral water from the nearby pump!
Jubilee Lake
Originally built to supply water to the local gold mines during Victoria's gold rush era, Jubilee Lake near Daylesford's town centre now has walking trails, a mineral water spring, canoe and paddle boat hire, and a kiosk. There are also barbecue facilities and a playground for the kids. The lake is full of rainbow trout, making for a family-friendly fishing location.
Walk back to Daylesford on the Goldfields Trail to end the day.
The best time to see Sailors Falls flowing powerfully is in winter or spring. Image: Visit Victoria
Convent Gallery
Dive into art, history and culture at the Convent Gallery, considered one of the best historical experiences in regional Victoria. Built as a private residence in the 1860s, it was later a convent for almost a century. The property was vacated and left to decline in the 1980s, until the new owner, artist Tina Banitska, transformed the building into seven galleries for both Australian and international artists, plus a museum and chapel.
Today guests can enjoy a café, bar and gift shop as they take in the roving exhibitions, then wander the 2.5ha of groomed gardens and take in panoramic views of Daylesford and the central highlands. It's open 10am-4pm Thursday to Monday for a small entry fee that goes towards maintaining the historic buildings and gardens.
ArtHouse
Home to exhibitions, workshops, and artist residents, ArtHouse at RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick is a space for artists, visitors, guests and the local community to engage in the creative arts and support the region's local artist scene.
ArtHouse presents four small exhibitions a year, such as the recent Big Things for a Big Country Road Trip by Australian artist Holly-Anne Buck (also known as Collagism).
Daylesford Spa Country Railway
The Daylesford Spa Country Railway is one of Victoria’s great heritage railways, running from the 1882 Daylesford railway station and through open farmland, thick forest, ancient volcanoes and tiny communities first established during Victoria's gold rush era. The line ends 9km later at Bullarto, the highest railway station in Victoria.
Trains run return trips every Sunday. On school holidays, trains also run on Wednesdays and selected Saturdays.
Daylesford Sunday Market
From 8am-3pm, the Daylesford Sunday Market runs at Daylesford Station: perfect for browsing before or after your country railway ride. Stallholders sell everything from local produce to books, clothing, collectables and more.
Head to 18 Raglan Street, Midland Highway to explore the weekly market. There's plenty of free parking, and dogs are welcome on leash.
Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides
Go for a country trail ride with Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides, located at Quirindi Stables just 10 minutes outside Daylesford. This family-run horse riding company is set among preserved historic buildings and pretty gardens, with trail rides heading out to the Wombat State Forest.
All riders are welcome, from beginner to experienced. Friends and family who don't wish to ride are welcome to relax in the Barn, a beautiful space with a fireplace and lounge chairs that's perfect for catching up on some reading.
Goldfields Bike Trail
If you love mountain biking, try the Goldfields Track: Victoria’s longest off-road cycling trail, winding 210km along the spine of the Great Dividing Range between Ballarat and Bendigo.
It's directly behind the RACV Goldfields Resort, which boasts a 4.5km mountain bike track around the golf course for a warm up or a family ride. In the nearby forest, there are more than 100km of bike trails to suit all levels. The popular 23km Wombat Loop is well-signposted.
The history of Daylesford's Convent Gallery is as intriguing as its exhibitions. Image: Visit Victoria
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
There are 65 mineral springs in the Daylesford-Hepburn region, making it the biggest spa region in Australia. The Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is a historic mineral spring bathhouse that's offered traditional wellness bathing since 1895.
As one of the most famous hot springs in Victoria, and at just a four-minute drive from Daylesford, it's no wonder that Hepburn Bathouse & Spa is perenially popular with those looking to relax, revive and unwind in mineral-rich waters. For a real pamper session, it’s hard to resist a dedicated spa treatment.
Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
The Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve was established in 1865 to save the area's numerous mineral springs from gold mining efforts. Explore the area and try to find (and taste!) all seven mineral springs: Locarno Spring, Soda Spring, Sulphur Spring, Wyuna Spring, Liberty Spring, Golden Spring, and Argyle Spring.
There are also barbecue facilities, picnic areas and a playground, plus a rotunda for scheduled live shows.
The Amazing Mill Markets
Head to The Amazing Mill Markets in Daylesford to explore an indoor bazaar filled with vintage clothes, vintage furniture, memorabilia, art, glass, jewellery, books, antiques and collectables. Take a break from fossicking at the onsite café as you debate whether you really need a vintage jukebox (you do). The Amazing Mill Markets are open 10am-6pm every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Vincent Street
Considered the main street of Daylesford, Vincent Street is home to bars, restaurants, mini art galleries, clothing shops, and plenty of antique stores. Pop into Brick Lane Bazaar to rummage through indoor stalls. There's also Paradise Bookshop, featuring 14 rooms of books, games, records and toys of times gone by.
Unwind with a spa day at the Hepburn Bathhouse. Image: Visit Victoria
Where to eat in Daylesford
Cliffy’s Emporium
Start your day with a farmer’s brunch at Cliffy’s Emporium, a rustic timber and corrugated iron café that prides itself on using locally sourced produce (available for purchase in the attached general store).
Brimming with 1950s character and charm as a nod to when it first began, diners can enjoy daily specials and staple dishes like Turkish eggs or bircher muesli.
The Boathouse Restaurant Daylesford
Head to The Boathouse Restaurant for fine dining with exquisite views of Lake Daylesford. Its light-filled interior allows the sun’s rays to shine in while you dine. À la carte and multi-course lunch is available Wednesday to Sunday, plus a multi-course dinner menu from Thursday to Saturday.
The dishes are refined, with plates like juniper-braised pork belly, hiramasa ceviche and bouillabaisse on offer. There's also an extensive wine list to pair. Bookings are required for both lunch and dinner with a minimum spend, with children under 12 welcome for lunch service only.
The Daylesford Royal Hotel
Stay in the heart of Daylesford and dine at the historic Daylesford Royal Hotel, originally built in 1856 and fully restored to its Victorian charm. The bistro is open from 11.30 to 9pm daily, serving up generous lunch and dinner plates to locals and visitors alike.
There are numerous pizza and parmigiana options, a long list of pub favourites like fish and chips, and some more unusual (but welcome) surprises, like the cajun chicken and prawn linguine. Kids are welcome, with a dedicated menu for the little ones.
The Farmers Arms
The Farmers Arms is Daylesford's oldest pub. It's a gorgeous building that's open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from noon until late. Book a table in the dining room or walk in to the pretty beer garden: the choice is yours. There's often something on, from the regular Friday night community raffle to special seasonal events.
The menu has products from local farmers such as Black Cat Truffles and Daylesford Meat Co. Think classic pub grub elevated and refined, like beer-battered gummy shark, spiced duck sausages, or pork and red wine ragu tagliatelle. Treat yourself to a tasty signature cocktail or a frosty glass of your favourite on the side.
Lake House
Lake House is Daylesford's luxury hotel, with 2.5ha of country gardens up to the lake's edge. It's best known for its acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, which has won awards from the likes of the Good Food Guide and Gourmet Traveller. Its seasonal menu showcases produce sourced from Lake House's own purpose-built regenerative farm, plus an award-winning wine list.
Book for dinner any evening, or lunch from Friday to Monday. A reservations may be difficult to secure, so place yourself on the waitlist and cross your fingers.
Maria's Trattoria
Dine onsite at Lavandula Farm's gorgeous cafe, Maria's Trattoria. Beautiful breakfast dishes like an Italian breakfast roll or risotto bircher are served until 11.30am daily. For lunch, feast on a woodfired pizza, a grazing platter, or a selection of mains and sides such as penne rustica, carpaccio di manzo or polenta chips.
The standout is the trattoria's 'Lavander Menu', which features lavender scones, lavender affogato, lavender ice cream, lavender soda and much more. The lavender is sourced direcly from the farm.
winespeake cellar + deli
Looking for a mid-afternoon wine and cheese session? The winespeake cellar + deli is a corner delicatessen on the edge of Vincent St, pairing wine, cheese and grazing boards to enjoy at a bar seating overlooking the town. It also features an impressive in-store deli with charcuterie, desserts, oils and a French pantry.
The cheese servings are generous and the staff are knowledgeable, so consider choosing an item and allowing them to pair it with a wine for you.
Daylesford Cider
Drive out to Daylesford Cider to taste more than 12 styles of cider, including unique seasonal batches. The cidery uses fresh juice, with no concentrates, sugar or unnecessary dilution. Visit the cellar door from 10am-5pm daily for cider tastings and take-home cider.
There's also a casual onsite restaurant, serving woodfired pizza, cheese and charcuterie boars, share plates and desserts daily from 11.15am. Wander through the landscaped gardens afterward and feel free to bring your dog to the large marquee-covered courtyard, where you can indulge in a tipple.
The Chocolate Mill
Standing for more than 25 years, The Chocolate Mill is Daylesford’s home for chocolate lovers. Stocking fair-trade Belgian chocolate that can be store-bought or enjoyed in numerous dishes at the Hot Chocolate Café, the sustainable Mill is an enjoyable stop for travellers and families alike.
Both the chocolate shop and cafe are open six days a week (closed Wednesdays). Kids can play in the garden fort outside while you enjoy a delectable hot chocolate, coffee, cake, tart or other treat. The popular Goldfields Track is also nearby.
RACV Members save 10 per cent on chocolate purchases at The Chocolate Mill.
The Farmers Arms is Daylesford's oldest pub. Image: Visit Victoria
Where to stay in Daylesford
RACV Goldfields Resort is just 30 minutes from Daylesford. It's perfectly situated to explore the Creswick, Ballarat, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs region. Surround yourself with serene Australian bush, punctuated by an 18-hole golf course, walking tracks and mountain bike trails. There's an onsite pool, fitness centre, tennis courts and two restaurants.
The best day trips from Daylesford
If you’re in the Daylesford region for a while, take a day trip to the magnificent Macedon Ranges and have a picnic at Hanging Rock, explore Colbrook Reservoir or climb Camels Hump. If you have more time, wind your way through towns such as Kyneton, Trentham, Castlemaine and Creswick for gorgeous bushland reserves, mineral springs, farmers markets and more.
You can even add a day trip or experience in nearby Ballarat, from panning for gold at Sovereign Hill to enjoying the wildlife park and local nightlife. RACV Members save on tickets at Sovereign Hill and other top attractions across Victoria.
