Daylesford, wineries, picturesque walks, superb farmers markets combine to create holidays with no fixed itinerary and plenty of things to do. Daylesford is hugely popular with foodie buffs and well known dining haunts need to be booked beforehand to avoid disappointment. Daylesford is a favourite getaway for Melbourne locals. Here’s a list to get you started on planning your Victoria holiday. Leave plenty of time for impulsive exploration as there are plenty of things to do in the Central Highlands.
1. CONVENT GALLERY
The Convent Gallery is an exceptional experience. Convent Gallery has a hillside garden filled with mature deciduous trees and seasonal plants. The Convent is a fascinating architectural gem home to an award winning gallery and cafe. The galleries are housed over four levels showcasing local and international artists. The beautiful interior compliments the galleries with corners and niches amplifying the visitor experience.
CONVENT GALLERY, DAYLESFORD – HIGHLIGHTS
- Climb the garden steps to the top of the Convent Gallery and enjoy panoramic views of Daylesford
- Book yourself a table at the cafe and savour farm to plate delights as you take in garden views
- Linger in The Larder, an extensive range of artisan food condiments sourced from Australian producers. A great place to pick up gifts, foodie treats and authentic souvenirs
- Spend time in the museum and chapel finding out more about the history of the 19th century building
- Daylesford and The Convent Gallery is an ideal day trip from Melbourne (90 minutes).
2. DAYLESFORD FOOD & DRINK SCENE
Daylesford is a well regarded fine dining destination with a superb traditional pub, Farmers Arms Hotel to The Lake House overlooking a picturesque lake. Daylesford is a hub for chefs who focus on seasonal produce and locally grown ingredients.
Top Places to Eat in Daylesford - The Most Delicious Victoria Region
3. COOL CLIMATE WINERIES
Join a tour or self drive Macedon Ranges cool climate wineries … pop into Kyneton to check out the Bank Museum located on Victorian era main street.
Daylesford Wine Tours – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER (free cancellation)
4. LAKE DAYLESFORD – WALKS, LEISURELY LUNCHES
A beautiful (former gold diggers excavation) lake is now home to glorious deciduous trees, dappled summer walks, a well resourced playground and picnic areas. PEACE MILE WALK (flat 2.8 km stroll) is a photographer’s delight with a jetty, lakeside views and stunning scenic outlooks.
5. CHECK OUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Combined with Macedon Ranges boutique family vineyards, nearby villages offer diverse attractions from historic woollen mills (Creswick) to Clunes with its book festival and the promise of spa wellness at Hepburn Springs.
Spend time in Lancefield browsing the main street shops or hop aboard the Talking Tram in Bendigo finding out about life on a 19th century gold field.
6. SPAS, WELLNESS AND PAMPERING THE SOUL
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has a wealth of experience pampering the soul. The heritage listed Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa (1895) has the credentials of natural, mineral-rich waters adding a touch of magic to the artfully restored bathhouse.
There is a magnesium salt therapy pool, underwater spa couches and outdoor bathing. Treat yourself to a private spa treatment, or extend your stay overnight with one of the on-site wellness villas.
7. WATERFALL BUFFS – CHECK OUT TRENTHAM FALLS
Stunning single drop falls, Trentham Falls is a must go destination in spring after winter’s rainfall. There is a carpark and short walk to the top viewing platform to snap a picture of the 32 metre drop. Make sure to check out the reserve Trentham Falls is nestled in, which is home to over 80 species of native plants and towering eucalypts. You can no longer walk to the bottom of the waterfall.
8. DAYLESFORD SHOPPING, MARKETS
Daylesford Sunday Market is a must visit shopping destination. You’ve checked out Melbourne’s shopping hot spots now it’s time to get out of town and relish countryside shopping joy in Daylesford.
- Car boot sales – imagine vintage agricultural tools to second hand map collections
- Crafty items from beautifully sewn children’s clothes to adorable household ware.
- Opportunity to hop aboard a vintage train departing from the nearby Daylesford Railway Station.
- An extensive range of vendors with over 90 registered stalls.
- Dog friendly (leash required)
- Year round Sunday attraction, arrive early
- Market offers stall location space to vendors only within a 50 km radius. Local is best.
Daylesford Main Street is a mixture of homewares, fashion, grocery and deli stores. As one of Melbourne’s weekend escape destinations Daylesford offers a big city choice in a picturesque village setting.
9. LAVANDULA SWISS ITALIAN FARM
Lavender never goes out of fashion. Wander among 100 acres of lavender rows situated among a historic building and homestead. The La Trattoria Bar & Eatery with an adjoining gift shop.
Daylesford Tours – BOOK NOW (free cancellation)
10. KOALA PARK – CRESWICK REGIONAL PARK
The breeding sanctuary for koalas was established in the 1940’s and is now open to the public. Stroll the loop track. Check Parks Vic website for the latest updates and TRAVEL PACK SECTION for Creswick Regional Park brochure.
Do you want to be a gold miner for a day?
Fossicking Panning for gold along Slaty Creek is a popular pastime in the park. All adults must hold a current Miners Right to engage in fossicking. Visit www.earthresources.vic.gov.au for Miners Right information. Remember to backfill any holes, do not dig into any creek-side banks and leave the area as you found it. Relics and vegetation must not be disturbed or removed … READ MORE TRAVEL PACK SECTION for Creswick Regional Park brochure.
11. HERITAGE TRAIN RIDE
It’s fun, a local experience riding on a 1930’s train through the attractive Victoria Central Highlands on the Daylesford Spa Country Railway, a Rail Safety Accredited tourist railway operator, offers a regular Sunday schedule or excursion trains. Your journey starts at the 1882 heritage railway station with a pile of 1930’s luggage stacked on a trolley as a decorative touch. The 10 km journey passes through native bush, farmland and small settlements finishing in Bullarto. Daylesford Railway is dog friendly.
The Daylesford Railway Station is adjacent to the Daylesford Sunday Market, 18 Raglan St, (Midland Highway). We are a dog friendly railway.
12. WOMBAT HILL RESERVE
Located at the top of Wombat Hill in the centre of Daylesford is the historic Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. The entrance is tucked behind the CONVENT GALLERY & CAFE. There is a not very well maintained road to the Lookout Tower at the top of the hill. The Botanic Gardens are home to numerous mature trees from around the world.. You will be able to catch a selfie with a wombat (of the sculptural variety).
- Picnic tables & toilets
- Steep paths and steps to the top of the Reserve
- Home to WOMBAT HILL HOUSE (cafe serving breakfast and lunch)
Location
21 Central Springs Road, Daylesford 3460
DAYLESFORD LOCATION
Daylesford Spa Country Railway is the only railway preservation group in Victoria which is an accredited museum under the Museums Accreditation Program (MAP) of Museums Australia. We are a volunteer organisation dedicated to the preservation of Victorian Railways history, with its primary focus on railmotors and branchline services.
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