A Guide to the Best Things to do in Daylesford - Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Shop
Looking for the best things to do in Daylesford? From the best Daylesford attractions to where to stay, eat, and shop, this guide to one of Victoria’s best weekend destinations has you covered.
UPDATED - AUGUST 2026
Daylesford is the kind of place you go when you want to slow down and enjoy the good things in life.
Set into the picturesque hills and forests of central Victoria, this rural town, just 90-minutes from Melbourne, found fame first as a wealthy gold-rush town in the 1850s, and not long after as a fashionable hub for the nearby Hepburn mineral springs.
Over the past few decades, it has enticed many a Melbournian to make the move from the big smoke to the sticks, and these days it’s home to a thriving mix of eclectic art galleries, bougie boutiques, farmers markets, and more.
Its cultural history — the region attracted Swiss-Italian migrants in the 1850s who brought unique architecture and gastronomic influences with them that still exist today — and its position in the gourmet Central Highlands means that some of Victoria’s best eateries and cafes can be found here in the old-timey stone and red brick cottages of Vincent St, the main thoroughfare through town.
Basically, it’s a dream destination for foodies, culture vultures, and outdoor lovers alike, the perfect escape from Melbourne — and truthfully, it’s probably where we’ll end up someday when we’re ready to find our ‘forever place’.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away with your other half, a cheeky girls’ getaway, or a relaxing break to unwind after a stressful week of work, this rural gem has so much to offer. In this guide, we’ve covered what to do in Daylesford and its surroundings, plus where to eat and drink, where to stay, and plenty more.
DAYLESFORD AT A GLANCE
WHERE | Daylesford, Hepburn Shire, Central Highlands, Victoria
FROM MELBOURNE | ~90 minutes' drive west (Calder or Western Freeway)
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Autumn for foliage · Summer for Lavandula bloom · Winter for spa weekends
GETTING THERE | Car recommended · V/Line train to Kyneton or Ballarat, then bus/taxi
MUST DO | Soak at Hepburn Bathhouse · Wander Lavandula · Browse Vincent Street's galleries and boutiques · Long lunch at The Daylesford Hotel or Bar Merenda · Sunday morning at the Farmers Market
WHERE TO STAY | Room + Board · Vintage House · The Stables · The Grey Goose · The Station · Hotel Frangos · The Lake House
DAY TRIP OR OVERNIGHT? Better as 2+ nights - there's far more here than a day can hold
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO DAYLESFORD
WHERE IS DAYLESFORD?
Daylesford is a quaint spa town in Hepburn Shire, about 110km northwest of Melbourne in Victoria.
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range that runs from the Grampians in western Victoria through to the east of the state, the area is known for its natural mineral springs, thriving gourmet scene, and its historic rural feel.
HOW TO GET TO DAYLESFORD
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are perfect for an epic road trip from Melbourne. If you don't own your own car, or if you're a traveller in Australia and need to hire a car, we recommend searching via Discover Cars.
BOOK |Search car rentals in Australia via Discover Cars
From Melbourne, Daylesford is a 1.5-hour drive west along any of the Hume, Calder and Western highways, or via the Tullamarine freeway (click here for a map).
The route is very well signposted so you shouldn't have any issues finding it. Once in the area, there's a great network of back roads that weave through the region to the essential areas of interest.
Alternatively, the rural train service, V/Line, has several train lines servicing the area too.
WHEN TO VISIT DAYLESFORD
The beauty of a trip to Daylesford is that it really does have something to offer in every season. In the cold winter months, there are plenty of places to cosy up by a fire with a good meal and a glass of wine and enjoy the frosty landscapes out the window. In summer, terraces open up, concerts and events spring to life and al fresco dining is the ordredu jour.
Temperatures during the day range from mid-20s Celsius to 40c + in summer, while the winter months are anywhere from 10 °C to 16 °C (with nights 2-10 °C). Peak travel time to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges is January, so expect accommodation to book up pretty far in advance
Personally, we love visiting in Autumn when the leaves are changing, the mornings crisp, and the days generally sunny and warm(ish).
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN DAYLESFORD?
Daylesford is one of those places that's technically doable as a day trip from Melbourne, and we’ve done that many times.
But honestly, it’s a slow weekend-type place, best enjoyed with at least a one-night stay (but preferably two).
Here’s a little breakdown:
1-DAY | You'll get a taste of the town, with a wander down Vincent Street, maybe a meal and a quick look at the lake, but you'll leave feeling like you've only scratched the surface.
Save the day trip for somewhere closer to the city, like Kyneton or Healesville.
ONE NIGHT | Enough time to explore the town properly, get out to Lavandula, eat at a couple of the places you've been eyeing, and still fit in a soak at Hepburn Bathhouse.
TWO NIGHTS | The ideal amount, as this is how you embrace everything Daylesford stands for. You can add a hike through Hepburn Regional Park, a cellar door afternoon at Passing Clouds or the Daylesford Brewing Co, a morning at the Sunday Market, and still have time to do absolutely nothing but sit in the garden of your Airbnb with a bottle of something local.
Highly recommended.
WHERE TO STAY
We’ve really never seen such a huge collection of stunningly beautiful places to stay in one small area before!
Below are a few of our favourites, with our full guide here.
ROOM + BOARD | OPEN-PLAN BARN
Hosted by celebrated Australian stylist Lynda Gardener, this design-led open barn for two in the heart of town is as much a beautiful space to be inside as it is a comfortable place to sleep.
Reclaimed schoolhouse windows, bespoke furniture, an outdoor bath, a private glasshouse garden - it's built for exactly the kind of slow weekend Daylesford does best. Sleeps 2.
BOOK |Room + Board
VINTAGE HOUSE DAYLESFORD
A lovingly restored 1860s miner's cottage between Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, styled by Kali Cavanagh with real love - plush sofas, a claw-foot tub with valley views, a fire pit beneath the olive trees, and fresh sourdough and eggs left for your arrival. Sleeps up to 6.
BOOK | Vintage House Daylesford
THE HOUSES DAYLESFORD
A curated collection of architecturally-designed properties across Daylesford and surrounds, ranging from intimate couples' retreats to houses for 24+.
Our picks: The Stables (2), The Grey Goose (6), The Station (10).
HOTEL FRANGOS
15 individually styled rooms right on Vincent Street, with an Endota Spa on-site and Koukla restaurant downstairs. The most central hotel option in town.
BOOK | HOTEL FRANGOS
See all our picks →15+ Best Daylesford Airbnbs for a Slow Weekend Away
THINGS TO DO IN DAYLESFORD
EXPLORE THE INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL CONVENT GALLERY
Daylesford is a hub for art and design in Australia, and the Convent Gallery is where some of its finest displays can be found.
Nestled on a hill overlooking Daylesford and the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, the Convent was once a 19th-century private mansion during the Gold Rush era and has since seen lives as a convent and boarding school for girls, before its 1988 purchase and conversion into the current gallery, cafe, store, and museum.
Described as ‘the most beautiful gallery in Australia’, The Convent houses eight different exhibition spaces and features local and international artists producing art in a variety of mediums and styles. The program changes every six to eight weeks, so there’s always something new and fun to explore there.
The cafe onsite, Bad Habits, is also a treat, with high atrium ceilings and plenty of greenery to enjoy your coffee, brunch, or sweet treat amongst. One of our favourite things to do in Daylesford, however, was walking the immaculate grounds of Convent Gallery, admiring the beautiful architecture and stunning views of Daylesford.
It’s also a popular wedding venue - something we can attest to after watching two of our best friends get married here a few years ago!
THE DETAILS
Where |The Convent Gallery, 7 Daly Street Daylesford
Opening hours | Thursday to Monday 10 am to 4 pm
STROLL (AND SHOP) DAYLESFORD'S STREETS
Wandering Daylesford's eclectic main street, Vincent St, and its surrounds is, in many ways, like strolling through a living museum.
Plenty of history, both pre-colonial, colonial and more modern, has played out here, and simply taking the time to soak up the vibe of the main road, with its historic buildings and trendy cafes and galleries, is a worthwhile endeavour while you’re here.
For those interested in a bit of history, there are many historic buildings, including the Town Hall and the Post Office, both of which were built in the late 1800s during the prosperous gold rush.
If you're keen on a little shopping (and who isn't), there's an amazing range of boutique shops offering the latest artisan homewares, trendy threads, and quality goods.
Check out Buster McGee (menswear), Gewürzhaus Spice House (spices), Creswick Natural Fibres wool store, Frances Pilley (home goods), Harry and Me (gifts), and Manteau Noir (womenswear).
THE DETAILS
Where |Vincent St, Daylesford
RELAX AT THE HEPBURN BATHHOUSE, HEPBURN SPRINGS
Around 30 minutes north of Daylesford is Hepburn Springs, famous for the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia, and the place to be for one of the best things to do in Daylesford and surrounds: a good pamper sesh!
At the centre of all the action is the famous Hepburn Bathhouse. Originally built in the late 1800s with just a timber building and a couple of baths, the bathhouse has since become a state-of-the-art bathhouse and spa facility.
The facility is split into two areas: the historic Bathhouse with a mineral bath and spa bath. The second area is the newly built Sanctuary, which offers up a truly rejuvenating spa experience, with a steam room, hammam, spa couches, and an outdoor bathing area where you can let your troubles float away while relaxing in the lush Aussie bush setting.
Most treatments last about 2 hours, and a visit here is perfect for those who want to relax, be pampered, and leave rejuvenated (don't we all?!). You can also stay overnight in a villa at the Hepburn Bathhouse and make it a proper spa retreat!
Also located in town is the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, which is the perfect place to get the blood pumping again after your pampering. It's also a great place to grab some natural spring water straight from the source, although be warned, it can be a little whiffy on the nose and somewhat... unpleasant to drink (but no one said health came easy, right?!).
THE DETAILS
Where |Hepburn Bathhouse, Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Hepburn
Opening hours | Mon - Thurs: 9 am to 6:30 pm, Fri: 9 am - 9 pm, Sat: 8 am - 9 pm, Sun: 8 am - 6:30 pm
STAY | Book your stay in a villa at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
WALK AROUND DAYLESFORD LAKE
With a reputation for quality gourmet fare, it’s safe to say that you’re likely going to be doing a fair bit of indulging during your stay in Daylesford.
A stroll around Daylesford Lake is the perfect remedy for those with full bellies, or of course, travellers looking to take some time out in fresh air and pretty surroundings.
The lake was built in 1929 after locals sought a body of water close to the main town. But being man-made hasn’t stopped Daylesford Lake from being outrageously picturesque though!
It's about a 45-minute walk around the lake, with the jetty the perfect spot to unwind and have a picnic. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Boathouse cafe, while there are also paddle boats for hire on the lake.
If you're after something more challenging to walk off those calories, there are also many hiking trails, including the Goldfields track, which snakes its way from Ballarat to Bendigo, via Daylesford and Castlemaine.
THE DETAILS
Where |Daylesford Lake, Daylesford
BROMLEY & CO
Daylesford's reputation as an arts town isn't just about the Convent, with Bromley & Co, the gallery of celebrated Australian artist David Bromley and his creative partner Yuge Bromley, right on Vincent Street.
Bromley's work is instantly recognisable: bold outlines, vivid colour, and recurring motifs of children, birds, butterflies and the female form, shown across paintings, sculpture, ceramics and homewares.
The space itself is part of the appeal - narrow and gallery-like at the front, opening into an expansive warehouse room at the rear.
Even if you're not buying, it's a worthwhile wander and a great example of the calibre of art that's made Daylesford a creative hub.
THE DETAILS
Where | 45a Vincent Street, Daylesford (second space at 39 East Street)
DAYLESFORD SUNDAY MARKET
There’s nothing like a proper Australian country market, and the Daylesford Sunday Market definitely doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
Under the shade of huge elm trees, the collection of stalls displays everything from tasty homemade treats, to quirky knick-knacks and trash-to-treasure, plus all the little handicrafts you didn’t know you needed. Have a wander, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy this insight into rural Victorian life.
For locomotive enthusiasts, the market is situated next to the heritage railway, and every Sunday, heritage trains run from the market to the town of Bullarto.
The market operates from 8 am to midday every Sunday of the year, rain or shine, with two exceptions: Christmas Day and a Code Red Fire Danger Day (the most extreme fire warning day).
There’s also the Farmers Market, which showcases exceptional local produce and products from the surrounding farms and valleys.
From artisanal bread to local apple cider with plenty of tasty morsels in between, everything has been harvested or produced fresh by suppliers - most of whom are within 15km of the market, which means low food mileage and far fewer emissions than food transported cross-country for supermarkets! Shop local, save the planet. Simples.
THE DETAILS
Where | 18 Raglan St, Daylesford
RIDE THE DAYLESFORD RAILWAY TO BULLARTO
For a different kind of afternoon, the Daylesford Railway is one of those in-the-know attractions that locals love, and visitors almost always wish they'd known about sooner.
Run entirely by volunteers, this heritage railway runs from Daylesford station out to the tiny township of Bullarto, stopping along the way at Musk and Passing Clouds (yes, right at the winery, which makes for a very good excuse to hop off).
The quaint vintage carriages are a step back in time, and although it's not Puffing Billy, there's something unhurried and quietly special about trundling through the forest in a little heritage carriage.
Once you arrive at Bullarto, we suggest taking the short walk through the Bullarto Reservoir Scenic Reserve before the train heads back.
It’s a great activity for families, kids and train enthusiasts, although if you're travelling with little ones, board early to make sure you can all sit together.
THE DETAILS
WHERE | 16–18 Raglan Street, Daylesford
WHEN | Every Sunday · Wednesdays and Saturdays during school holidays
BOOK | daylesfordrailway.com.au
RELAX AT LAVANDULA SWISS-ITALIAN FARM
Ten minutes north of Daylesford in Shepherds Flat, Lavandula is a 100-acre lavender farm and heritage property that's become one of the area's most-loved days out.
Wander rows of lavender and European-style gardens, meet the resident farm animals (Highland cows, alpacas and more), settle in for lunch at Maria's Trattoria, and browse the farm store's handmade lavender products.
Under new ownership, the whole place has had a real glow-up - it’s now more polished, with more to do, especially if you have kids in tow, while keeping the historic Swiss-Italian stone buildings at its heart.
Peak lavender bloom is from January to early autumn.
THE DETAILS
Where | 350 Hepburn-Newstead Rd, Shepherds Flat
Tips | Dogs welcome on-lead; wheelchair and pram accessible; small gate fee applies
Read | Our full 2026 guide to visiting Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm →
GET OUTSIDE | WALKS NEAR DAYLESFORD
For all its brilliant food, wine and galleries, Daylesford sits in beautiful bushland, and getting out into it, even just for an hour, is one of the best things you can do here.
Here are two easy walks worth knowing about:
SAILORS FALLS LOOP
One of the most rewarding short walks in the area, the Sailors Falls Loop is a 1.4km circuit on the outskirts of Daylesford that takes about 40 minutes and punches well above its weight.
You'll descend into a deeply incised valley via a stonework staircase, pass the beautiful double waterfall with mineral spring-fed creeks below, and wind back up through tall manna gums and stringy bark forest.
There's even a hand-pump mineral spring at the trailhead if you fancy a sip, but just manage your expectations on taste. Best visited in winter, spring or early summer when the falls are in full flow.
THE DETAILS
Where | Sailors Falls, outskirts of Daylesford (short drive from town)
Distance | 1.4km loop · ~40 minutes · suitable for most fitness levels
TIPPERARY SPRINGS / TWIN BRIDGES, HEPBURN REGIONAL PARK
A slightly longer option at 4.6km (about 1.5 hours), this walk through Hepburn Regional Park traces an old gold rush-era water race through a gully of smooth white-barked eucalyptus.
You'll cross a footbridge over Sailors Creek, hop stepping stones, pass rocky outcrops, and emerge back at the Tipperary Springs picnic area.
Dog-friendly (on-lead) and a lovely way to work up an appetite before heading back into town.
THE DETAILS
Where | Tipperary Springs picnic area, Hepburn Regional Park, just outside Daylesford
Distance | 4.6km · ~1.5 hours
WANDER THE WOMBAT HILL BOTANICAL GARDENS
First planted in the 1860s using rare and unusual plants, the scenic Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens are a popular place to visit in Daylesford no matter the season.
Occupying the top of the ubiquitous Wombat Hill, an extinct volcano that can be seen from pretty much every corner of Daylesford, the gardens span 10-acres and are a lovely spot for a relaxed stroll, to take in the views of Daylesford, or to enjoy a romantic picnic in pretty natural surroundings.
Visitors can also climb the Pioneers Memorial Lookout Tower for the best views of the surroundings, and walk or drive around the scenic drive track (originally built for horse and carts, and now open to our more modern ‘steeds’).
If all that exploring has worked up an appetite, head for the Wombat Hill House Cafe on site, the small house built in 1948 for the head gardener, recently converted to a trendy cafe (more on this in our ‘where to eat’ section below!)
THE DETAILS
Where | Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Opening hours | dawn till dusk every day
Cost | Free admission
Tips | Dogs permitted on a leash
GO ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE HUNTING
Daylesford is known for its incredible array of antique and vintage stores, and you could lose hours, if not days, making your way through them all.
First, there’s the Brick Lane Bazaar and Artedeco, both located just off the main Vincent Street. Both have brilliant ranges of vintage furniture, clothes, collectables, memorabilia, fine china, and books — most of which definitely caught Mim's eye!
Other highlights also include Found, which stocks an eclectic (albeit reasonably pricey) collection of French and Australian antiques, and the Amazing Mill Market on Central Springs Road is also a great place to hunt for vintage clothes, furniture, collectables, homewares, and so much more.
If books are your thing, Paradise Books on Vincent St. is another mainstay.
And if the above hasn’t satiated your antique hunting, the Sunday Market also has a number of stores selling vintage and trash-to-treasure items, and is definitely worth a browse!
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN DAYLESFORD
WINESPEAKE | WINE BAR + CELLAR
Winespeake is exactly the kind of place Daylesford does so well: part bottle shop, part wine bar, part deli, all quality.
Run by Jen and Owen Latta, the couple behind the Eastern Peake winery, it's built around minimal-intervention and sustainable producers, with a cellar that spans local drops and hard-to-find international bottles.
Pull up a stool along the window facing Vincent Street and graze a cheese-and-charcuterie board with a glass of something local, or grab a bottle to take back to your accommodation.
Either way, it's become one of the town's genuine must-visits for anyone who takes their wine and cheese seriously.
THE DETAILS
Where | Shop 4, 26 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Website | winespeake.com.au
BOOK | Explore more of the surrounding wine country on this excellent day tour
BAR MERENDA
If you're after somewhere for a lingering, wine-led dinner, Bar Merenda is a small and much-loved spot tucked just off the main drag.
Named after the Italian tradition of an afternoon graze with wine, it pairs a weekly-changing, produce-driven menu of shared plates with a deep, thoughtfully curated wine list that runs from classic Victorian producers to cult international drops.
It's intimate - a wine bar downstairs, a little bistro upstairs - and books out fast on weekends, so reserve ahead. Consistently rated among the best eating and drinking in town.
THE DETAILS
Where | Shop 3, 22–24 Howe Street, Daylesford
Open | Fri–Tue, midday–late
Website | barmerenda.com.au
COFFEE + PASTRY AT WOMBAT HILL HOUSE CAFE
Owned by Alla Wolf-Tasker of Lake House fame, and set in the renovated 1940s caretaker’s house in the gardens of the same name, the Wombat Hill House Cafe is a must-visit cafe during your Daylesford weekend trip.
The interior is eclectic and welcoming, with plenty of art to feast your eyes upon as you, well, feast. Cosy up with the day’s paper and a good coffee in one of the armchairs by the fireplace, or take your tea in the glass summer house surrounded by lush greenery instead.
Food-wise, the focus here is on delicious, locally sourced food and the menu changes often to keep seasonal produce at its core. With coffee from Allpress, you know you’re in for a good cup of joe - best enjoyed with fluffy, sugary pastries from the Dairy Flat Bakery.
THE DETAILS
Where |Wombat Hill House Cafe
#11 OLD-FASHIONED GOODIES AT CLIFFY’S EMPORIUM
Cliffy’s Emporium is somewhat of a central Victorian institution, a former general store (owned, of course, by Cliffy), turned bike shop, then antique store, and finally transformed back into this nostalgic, homey cafe and gourmet deli shop
One step through the rustic green door and you’re transported to a character-filled world from long ago; high ceilings stacked to the top with shelving, the original timber benches where many a transaction was made now overflowing with baskets of fresh fruit and vegetables, pendant lights hanging atmospherically over the counters.
Pull up a stool at the long bench and enjoy some good old-fashioned favourites with a twist, like eggs Benedict with pickled beans and dijon mustard hollandaise and sticky date hotcakes with mascarpone and rich butterscotch sauce, or new favourites like Turkish eggs with garlic and cardamom yoghurt.
Cliffy’s also stays true to its emporium roots too; on the wooden shelves, you’ll find any manner of gourmet treats, from deli smallgoods produced in the Ballarat area to locally made jams and relishes, gourmet crackers to organic produce grown sustainably on surrounding farms.
For discerning foodies and those who simply love to eat alike, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without a full belly and an armful of goodies to take home and enjoy later.
THE DETAILS
Where | 30 Raglan St, Daylesford
DAYLESFORD BREWING CO
For a change of pace from the region's wine and cider, Daylesford Brewing Co is the town's local craft brewery, now operating as a full taproom and restaurant right on Vincent Street.
Expect a rotating range of house-brewed beers - pale ales, golden ales, a crisp draught - paired with a solid food menu that's grown well beyond bar snacks.
It's a relaxed, welcoming spot to sink a tasting paddle and a burger after a day of exploring, and a good option for anyone in your group who'd rather a cold beer than another cellar door.
THE DETAILS
Where | 97 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Website | daylesfordbrewingco.com.au
THE DAYLESFORD HOTEL
The Daylesford Hotel has been a fixture of town since the 1800s, but a change of ownership and a 2024 refurbishment have given the old pub a serious glow-up, and importantly, the food's now excellent.
It's run by the same team behind the much-loved Cliffy's Emporium, and the kitchen is led by chef Rob Kabboord (previously of hatted restaurants including Quay and Merricote).
There are two distinct experiences under one roof: a lively public bar for a pint, a pub feed and a spot by the fire, and a more intimate upstairs Bistro with linen-set tables, candlelight and a seasonal, produce-driven menu that's well worth booking for.
Add wood-fired pizzas, a dog-friendly beer garden and sunset views from the balcony, and it's earned its place as one of the best all-round feeds in town.
THE DETAILS
Where | Daylesford Hotel, Vincent Street, Daylesford
Website | daylesfordhotel.com.au
BREAKY DATES AT THE LARDER
We came across The Larder the morning after the wedding we attended at the Convent the night before.
Desperately in need of a good coffee and some hangover-friendly nosh, it was the line of locals hanging out the front of this very hipster Vincent st establishment that first caught our eye, and their mouthwatering menu that convinced us this was the place that would cure-all.
And cure us it did. Every plate at The Larder Daylesford is designed as a celebration and showcase of the incredible local produce of the region, with a focus on seasonal, free-range and organic ingredients wherever possible, and the food is damn good.
We opted for the big breakfast, a delicious and filling plate of eggs, veggies, and ham
The coffee here was fab, and they also offer almond or soy alternative milks too.
THE DETAILS
FEAST AT THE FARMERS’ ARMS
Dating all the way back to 1857, The Farmers Arms feels like a true Aussie country pub; locals sit at the bar talking footy over a cold pint while the fireplace crackles, warming those entering from the brisk outside temperatures. Their slogan, after all is 'Eat, drink, and be local'.
Before our visit, we'd heard from multiple people that the Farmer's Arms was the best meal in town, and we can now confirm that this is true. We last visited during our meat-eating days, and had the Pork Belly and Fillet Mignon — both of which we vouched for being delicious at the time. But fellow veggies don’t stress, there are dishes like vegan stroganoff on the menu to keep you/us happy.
The pub and its staff all have the kind of warm hospitality only a country pub can provide, a hospitality that also extends to its stylish Art Motel across the street, where you can also base yourself during your weekend away (check prices and availability for the Art Motel here).
If you're looking for an authentic must-do in Daylesford, a meal or a beer at The Farmers Arms is a brilliant idea!
THE DETAILS
Where |The Farmers Arms, Daylesford
Stay |Farmers Arms Hotel
SIP CIDER AT DAYLESFORD CIDER CO.
Daylesford Cider Co brings the rolling green hills of England to central Victoria, with craft cider produced from English heritage-listed cider apples and an English-style cellar door.
There’s a charming garden with plenty of space to enjoy some sun or let the kids and pups run free. Although personally, we’re all about visiting in the colder months when a mulled cider by the cosy fireplace is the perfect remedy to the changing leaves and brisk air outside.
Grab a tasting flight to sample the best of the ciders on offer, best accompanied by a wood-fired pizza, hearty toastie, or delicious apple crumble.
THE DETAILS
Where | 155 Dairy Flat Road, Musk
DRINK WINE AT PASSING CLOUDS WINERY
No trip to a rural gourmet hub is complete without spending an afternoon amongst the vineyards, and just a few minutes from Daylesford centre, Passing Clouds Winery is a great place to do just that.
A second-generation winery, Passing Clouds is a family affair, and this rings true throughout their offerings, especially in the dining room, where the idea of sharing a rustic communal meal with loved ones comes to life with their spit-roasted meats and fresh veggies, bread, and salads.
With a small, mostly handcrafted approach to their winemaking, Passing Clouds is all about preserving the flavours of the landscapes around them - the fruits of which you can taste during a wine tasting at their Cellar Door!
THE DETAILS
Where | 30 Rodda’s Lane, Musk
MORE THINGS TO DO IN DAYLESFORD AND SURROUNDS
While the above list of things to do in Daylesford will get you started with planning your weekend getaway, it’s obviously by no means exhaustive!
If you’ve got a little more time up your sleeve, or if you’re just looking for more outdoor adventure, a fun day trip, or a full gourmet tour of the region, here are a few more suggestions for your travel planning:
TAKE A DAY TRIP | The quaint rural towns of Trentham, Castlemaine, and Kyneton really pack a punch in this part of the world, with stacks of cool cafes, bakeries, galleries, and more to explore.
If you’ve got extra time in the region, we definitely recommend taking a drive and spending some time in one of these hubs too.
BALLOON FLIGHT OVER THE SPA COUNTRY | The perfect special occasion splurge, a hot air balloon flight over the rolling green landscape of the Spa country is an epic experience. More information here
WINE TOURS | There are plenty of wineries to explore in Daylesford and its surrounds, but if you’re keen to enjoy them fully without the stress of having to plan it all yourself, take a boutique cellar door winery tour with a knowledgeable local instead.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DAYLESFORD
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN DAYLESFORD?
Two nights is the sweet spot for a first visit — enough time to explore Vincent Street, get out to Lavandula, eat well, and still squeeze in a soak at Hepburn Bathhouse without feeling rushed. Three nights giveS you room to slow down properly, add a hike, a cellar door or two, and really settle into the pace of the place. It's the kind of town that rewards lingering.
IS DAYLESFORD WORTH VISITING?
Yep. Daylesford punches well above its weight for a town of its size, and the food and wine scene is excellent, the accommodation is some of the most beautiful in regional Victoria, and the combination of mineral springs, Swiss-Italian heritage, galleries and bushland gives it a character you won't find anywhere else.
WHAT IS DAYLESFORD KNOW FOR?
Daylesford is best known as Victoria's spa country capital, sitting above the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia. Beyond the bathhouses, it's celebrated for its gourmet food and wine scene, its Swiss-Italian heritage (brought by migrants during the 1850s gold rush), its thriving arts community, and its beautiful boutique accommodation. Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is one of its most iconic attractions.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DAYLESFORD?
Daylesford is worth visiting year-round. Summer (December–February) brings warm days, peak lavender bloom at Lavandula, and al fresco dining. Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season, with crisp mornings, golden leaves, and a cosiness that suits the town perfectly.
Winter is ideal for spa weekends, open fires, and long lunches. Spring brings wildflowers and a quieter pace before the summer crowds arrive.
EXPLORE VICTORIA WITH THE COMMON WANDERER
DAYLESFORD & HEPBURN SPRINGS
YARRA VALLEY | HEALESVILLE, WARBURTON & BEYOND
PHILLIP ISLAND & GIPPSLAND
GREAT OCEAN ROAD & THE OTWAYS
PLAN YOUR VICTORIA ROAD TRIP
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That, and you're officially a legend.
15+ hand-picked Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Airbnbs, from romantic cottages with fireplaces and spa baths to architectural stunners in the bush. Victoria's best weekend, sorted.