Loading ...Love the many places to have coffee, great food choices for all budgets, sipping wine at a local cellar doors, massages and pampering treatments, long leisurely walks around the lakes or through the Mineral Springs reserve and Hepburn Springs village and places to stay with open fires and spas. Great palces for rejuenating relationships of all kinds
Suggested by: Annie Lockyer
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Fantastic places to see and loads of things to do. What more could we wish for in our beautiful state. We have returned to this area many times and have not found a fault, only that we would like to stay longer every time.
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are delighful areas of Victoria. I still have fond memories of visiting there as a child (…a few years ago!!!) and recent stays in the area in the lovely B & Bs, only makes me keen to visit again and again. The residents of Daylesford and surrounds are truly living in an idyllic area.
There are some beautiful lakes around the town, including Jubilee Lake and Lake Daylesford, where you can hire boats to have fun on the water., I think I loved this more than the kids. Also beautiful is the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, which offer spectacular views from the top. There are also some great walks around town and the local area, and I can’t rave enough about the food.
Love the area, lots to see and do. Great places to visit like the Convent, generally the whole area has lots for all ages.
This area is just perfect for a romantic getaway, not too far from Melbourne, beautiful countryside and so much to see and do.
Inala Country Retreat in Daylesford, We had a wonderful relaxing stay in Cosy Gum Cottage which is so warm and inviting, and made of mud bricks.Sitting in the Spa pool enjoying “bubbly” was such a fantastic way to unwind and forget the stresses of the real world, (which is what we had planned our weekend away for.) There is also “Mellawood Cottage” quite different but with the same cosy feel, (will stay in this one on our next trip, as we will definately be back) What with the totally private , relaxing atmosphere, and the Pixies” that discretely visit with deliscous home made treats regularly (I found myself trying to catch a glimpse of these mystical nyphs just to say thanks, but they are very queit, and unobtrusive) You only realise some one has been when you discover the basket of treats, Would highly recommend this wonderful place, ( or should I keep it to myself, hmmm!!!!You can always feel the difference when the people who run the Cottages really care about making your stay memorable,
Beautiful countryside, fabulous shopping, wonderful restaurants, hospitable people. What more could you want?!
Every Christmas we would pack up the car, My Mum , Dad, Grandfather and two sisters for our journey to the township of Daylesford. Our residence was rented from Ms Armstrong, a very old but gracious local and we stayed right on Lake Daylesford. We walked to the mineral springs every day, rowed out on the Lake and Dad fished in the evenings. This truely was a great place for our Summer holiday!
Now some forty years on, My husband and I and my own children still love the Township of Daylesford and all it has to offer. We love this place so much, that we have brought our own property and absolutely enjoy and look forward to our times away from Melbourne. The highlight for me when we do come to Daylesford, is Lavandula. Such as wonderful tribute to the Swiss Italians.
The most relaxing place I have ever been. Great for a girly weekend away. Enjoy massages, beautiful eating places,fantastic scenery and warm friendly people
The minute I hit the town of Daylesford I can feel myself unwinding.Everything about the place breaths ambience,an alternative life style that perhaps we all crave for, a lazy lunch over a bottle of local Pinot,and long afternoons in front of a crackling open fire.
Put your car away, you can walk everywhere you want to go if you’re feeling energetic.Stroll down the main street, pop into the galleries,chat to the locals,they are all so friendly .They seem to embrace tourism not resent it.
As you have to leave for the drive back to the big smoke,you have a yearning to stay and hide for another week.
I love scouring the 2nd hand bookstores for a pile of reading to take home!
Daylesford has so much to offer and I simply love walking around the lake (particularly earlier in the day), I also look forward to a visit a day to the lakeside second-hand book barn/cafe where I can always find a great book, relax with breathtaking views over the lake and sip on a glass of wine. The restaurants are many and varied and there is plenty of places to pamper oneself with a spa, massage and other treatments. It’s not too far to drive from Melbourne for a weekend and the colour of the trees changing in Autumn / winter is just awesom.
I love Daylesford! Everytime my partner and I leave the noise of the city and arrive at the edge of the wombat forest, we breeath a happy sigh, Having now spent several weekends exploring the town, I feel qualified to assure you it really is worth the trip. After the requisite sleep-ins and lazy breakfasts, mineral water tasting is a must (why does one pump taste so different to the one right next to it???) and the main shopping strip is great to explore. And then the food! I’ve become addicted to several local items such as Tuki trout, Istra smallgoods and Redbeard bread. Our favourite restaurant is Sault- gorgeous venue, warm and knowledgeable staf,f and excellent food with a much-appreciated emphasis on local produce and wine-
Everybody deserves to spoil themselves at least once a year with a visit here for a spa, massage, tarot card reading, delicious meal or just to put your feet up and relax in beautiful surroundings.
Daylesford is so quaint and quirky - i love it! It’s my favourite place to go for some much needed rest and relaxion! There are so many spa/massage places to choose from. Daylesford has great food, cute art galleries, lovely botanical gardens and a great Sunday market. Overall one of my favourite Victorian destinations!
A touch of an alternative, hippy town, close to Melbourne with great food and wine. Very relaxing
Spend another loveley weekend in Daylesford/Hepburn Springs. Went horse riding at the ‘Boomerang Holiday Ranch’ . What a great afternoon. The staff are very helpful for us beginner riders. My 7 year old had a wonderful time and so did I. Our favourite dinner place has to be ‘Sault’ Restaurant. The service is exeptional, the food wonderful and the venue very special. A walk around The Lake is a must and today we are looking forward the Herritage Train Ride and the Sunday Market. A shame the Bathhouse is under removation as we usually spend a few hours there. Looking forwards to our next visit when the redevelopment should be finished. Daylesford/Hepburn Springs, what a great place to visit.
I spent wonderful holidays in Hepburn Springs as a child and now enjoy my times in Daylesford - the perfect holiday for young and old alike. Enjoy walking around Lake Daylesford and Jubilee Lake with playgrounds for the little ones, picnic areas, always a visit to the Book Barn, interesting shops and great coffee in town, not to mention the galleries and the fabulous food, cosy cottages, wood fires and of course the Hepburn Spa. Kangaroos can be seen near the golf links and the kookaburras are a joy. Hepburn has interests for everyone.
Who couldn’t fall in love with such beautiful towns such as Daylesford & Hepburn Springs. From a stroll around Lake Daylesford or the Botanical Gardens, to a yummy afternoon tea at the Lake House. From a drink of fresh mineral water, to a Sunday roast at the Old Hepburn Hotel. Then there is my favourite Cricket Willow the only place of its kind in the world and the Tinetti Family also have the heritage behind the beautiful Lavandula. With a gorgeous atmosphere once you’ve visited these towns once you’ll be hooked for life!
First visited Daylesford/ Hepburn Springs 15 years ago, loved the choices of restaurants, massages, spas, friendly people and great range of shops with cosmopolitan atmosphere embedded in a relaxed country setting.
Loved it so much we bought a house here 10 years ago and now happily live here.
Love the shops in Daylesford. You will always be able to buy that special different gift for someone or better still I always see something I must have.
Hardest decision is where to have brekky, lunch or dinner. Chowder House in Hepburn or Muffies in Daylesford for great breakfasts, you do not need lunch then. Red Star in Hepburn, Lavendula(Lavender Farm), Kookla or Black Cauldron in Daylesford for lunch when you are hungry. Dinner Mercato in Daylesford for a special dinner that is equal to any top restaurant in Melbourne. The two book barns are great and the one on the lake you can enjoy great coffee and cake on their deck. We usually stay in a little cottage in Daylesford with beautiful relaxing gardens, open fire (central heating too) very homely but elegantly furnished. We only need 2 nights there and we destress. Of course a little pampering massage and treatment does help too.
I have just returned from a girls weekend at Daylesford. We had coffee, lunches, dinners, shopping, massages and picturesque walks- what more could you ask for?
Daylesford is a picturesque little town with something for everyone. Wine, good food, relaxing walks around the lake followed by even more relaxing spa and massage facilities. A stay in Daylesford will leave you refreshed and stress free. The history of the surrounding area is fascinating, the lovely little cottages a great way to finish the day’s activities or a meal in one of the many and varied retaurants with friends. It is truly “The town for all seasons and all people!”
Friendly people , good community , beautiful scenery , a true home away from home!
The first time I visited Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area was just under 20yrs ago - new off the boat from Montreal. Boy was I impressed, having travelled extensively through out Europe , I thought i may have taken the wrong road- the beautiful old buildings , the mineral springs , the charm , the forest and of course the many cafes and eateries, I could have been in a small village over the other ocean! . One cannot go wrong , so many activities and choices for all walks of life..love it , relaxing , rejuvenating and friendly ..what else could you ask for? !
Fantastic experiences so close to Melbourne. Great food, wine, spas, massage, tarot…and lovely accommodation all in the historic Victorian goldfields.
Daylesford would have to be one of the most beautiful unique places in Victoria!
The fact that it’s so close to Melbourne gives it a big plus!
The history behind this town evident by it’s architecture is simply gorgeous, the town’s atmosphere, the food, the health retreats…. Need I go on!
A perfect place to unwind and soak in everything that Daylesford and Hepburn have to offer absolutely sublime!
As far as I’m concerned there isn’t a town like it!
I grew up in Daylesford and now live in Ballarat, I love revisiting with my partner and showing him all the delights of Daylesford & Hepburn Springs.
Gain Life Healing Health Retreat
Needing time out to relax and find the real you again. Found a little piece of heaven for the perfect retreat in Hepburn Springs Daylesford to reconnect with nature and find inner peace … plus realised just how great the whole area is … makes you want to move here. The energy is truly amazing certainly lifted my spirits. So much to see and do. I know where to come to for an Energy fix plus some great retail therapy … and only a short drive from Melbourne
after visiting this area for many years as a child and loving it, then moving here several years ago, this town has it all, its so close to the city, yet is so clean and peaceful, a brilliant place to call home. a fantastic place to come for a day or two to relax and unwind in one of the many beautiful B&B’s or visiting one of the many day spas, Acqua Viva Day Spa is one of the few that use mineral water which is what the area is most famous for.
Daylesford/Hepburn Springs, a great place to visit, a great place to call home.
happy & friendly community. where else would you want to be?
So beautiful and relaxing….a great week-end get away.
A strong sense of heritage especially the Swiss Italian influence with buildings such as the Macaroni Factory and Villa Parma makes it different from other goldfields towns . Bur also the great food!!
Victorians are blessed in having such beautiful diversity - (so close to Melbourne) in
Daylesford & Hepburn Springs. Such glorious vistas and food; friendly folk and
the abundance of unspoilt peaceful harmony abounds everywhere. Huge variety of
things to do - the place is Victoria’s best kept secret.
Central Springs Inn Daylesford
Lovely old world charm. Romantic getaway with personal spa and open fire place. Within walking distance to Daylesford’s attractions including Sunday Market on 1st Sunday in the month. Would reccommend it.
Pete Goodlet Studio Daylesford
Art gallery/studio by a local Daylesford artist, set in a historic miner’s shack on the outskirts of town. Brilliant range of vibrant happy art, also framed prints and handmade art cards.
Great destination in winter with an atmospheric interior and a roaring fire, cute glimpses of chooks grazing out the back! Well worth a visit when in Daylesford.
I stayed at Baltic Pine Retreat in Fiddlers Lane Bullarto, and had a most memorable and relaxing weekend. The retreat provided my group of 10 friends and I with a spa and wood powered sauna with traditional Russian “birch leaves”. The service and hospitality was just fantastic, especially when the hosts brought out green tea and fresh mineral water from nearby Leetches Creek Springs after the sauna. The Accommodation was really nice, with all natural pine timbers, and the main bedrooms looked out onto a beautiful lake. I will definitely be recommending Baltic Pine Retreat to my friends.
Have just had the best coffee in Daylesford at the Bookbarn Secondhand Bookstore. Great books and view of the lake. And we were able to met Sophie (the dog) and pat her.She is gorgeous. A must for any visitor.
Love the coziness and healthy feeling that the whole place makes you feel. Thanks for reminding me Coxy how wonderful Daylesford is. The perfect place for my next birthday in August as I love a good coffee and the hot chilli chocolate sounds to die for. Stayed last time at the Little Yellow Cottage with open fire and spa.
Get married and have your photography done in the beautiful Daylesford & Hepburn Region with a prize winning local photography studio:Scibelli-Brook Photography for Weddings.
Always offering the finest in world class quality for the Locals and Melburnians as well as European and Asian visitors. Providing artistic memories for many years to come from the beautiful and timeless Daylesford area. And all so close to Melbourne!
And if you marry in the mid-week, Scibelli-Brook Photography for Weddings Service will provide your photography for half price!
I love Daylesford and Hepburn Springs because it is so beautiful. I love to go in winter when you can cuddle up by the fire, head to a cafe for a coffee, cruise the shops or have a massage. Heaven.
Visit the Spa and Springs Country at Hepburn Springs and Daylesford.
Visit Peppers Spa Springs Retreat, The Lakehouse or the Convent @ Daylesford or the Chocolate Mill just outside of town.
Romantic or Family long weekend away.
Cafes, Restaurants and Antique shops.
Took a short break to Hepburn Springs last Autumn, the weather was spectacular and the smell of wood burning in open fireplaces was just magnificent. Stayed at Peppers The Springs in Hepburn Springs and boy does it have the WOW factor. Walked into my ultra modern hotel room (mind you it has been refurbished, first built in the 1930’s) and couldn’t believe it, every room is just as fantastic. The food in the restaurant at the hotel was to die for. Tried the spa the next morning, but due to lack of time didn’t indulge in a massage but have been told since it was wonderful and relaxing. After leaving Hepburn Springs went to the The Chocolate Mill, bought enough chocloate to sink a ship and still find myself daydreaming about their hot chilli chocolate drink.
I would go back there in a heartbeat.
Cliffy’s in Daylesford
Stunning cafe in dayelsford featuring local produce. Great ambience, a wonderful experience
For the ultimate getaway, particularly during the cooler months, Daylesford has every element of warmth to offer. One restaurant that is a must is SAULT. Not only does it offer a picturesque setting amongst the lavender, but SAULT’s hospitality and food are second-to-none- whether its an afternoon coffee, a delectable lunch, a romantic dinner or even one’s wedding, the staff make one feel so at home and provide a unique setting (with an open fire!) just out of Daylesford.
I really love the Daylesford Spa Country Railway, using vintage railmotors. The monthly Champagne Train (Silver Streak) passing through the Wombat Forest in the evenings is a highlight. The Sunday market at the station is daggy, but fun, and the kids can be entertained by the little old train rubmling through the bush.
What an extraordinarily wonderful and charming area. Fondly remember going to Hepburn Springs as a child to collect bottles of refreshing mineral waters. As an adult now, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs is a place of great inspiration and being not far from Melbourne, allows me to refresh my soul and spirit after the stresses of work. My many journeys over the years have all brought great pleasure and enrichment each time I visit and the locals are always hospitable and cheerful people (and I sometimes envy their way of life)!
Daylesford is close to Melb - a lovely afternoon’s drive - and so much to see and do. We have been many times, now, to Sault Restaurant at Sailor’s Falls as a special place, just a few kms on the Melb side of Daylesford. The setting is so relaxing, the food is excellent and the freindly staff make it always worth coming back. It is one of our favourite things to do.
The Convent, Daylesford
Nestled on the crest of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, over-looking Daylesford, The former residence to the Gold Commissioner and later a Presentation Sister’s Convent, it boasts expansive views of the countryside and township below. A feast for the senses, the gallery is more than a three level haven of fine art in an historic 19th century mansion. With its decadent retail areas, Mediterranean restaurant, relaxing Altar bar and lounge, restored chapel, nuns museum, penthouse apartment and two stunning glass fronted function spaces, all surrounded by six acres of stunning gardens, this multi-award winning gallery offers endless possibilities for a unique and satisfying experience.
Bookbarn Secondhand Bookstore and Coffee Shop
The Bookbarn is situated on Lake Daylesford. You can read a secondhand book whilst sipping coffee and watching the great view of the Lake. If you are lucky “Miss Sophie” (a friendly great dane) may even stand near deck where you sit and allow a pat!!!!
Wow, what a great place, not too far from melbourne, relaxing, romantic, lots of places to have coffee and a treat, and then there the massages and pampering. Look no further!!!
Coffee at the Boat House Daylesford
This is amost relaxing and picturesque place with the best cappucinno you will find anywhere. It is situated right on the edge of Lake Daylesford and it is not to be confused with the Lake House. You can go for a brisk walk or lovely stroll around the lake and end up on the decking or inside by a cosy log fire with a beautiful view. Great any time of the year.
Daylesford & Hepburn Springs have more diverse and enjoyable attractions than anywhere else in Victoria. The experiences of health and wellness, relaxation, walking, forest, mineral springs, fresh mountain air, eating places, wineries, heritage, environmental features, and many more, make this a unique place to visit and live in. We loved it so much that we bought into it and now live in a special environment with a great community spirit. Less tha 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and 30 minutes from Ballarat’s fantastic facilities provides a wonderful balance. Nearby we continue to discover Clunes, Creswick, Trentham and many other attractions which add to our quality of living. Heard of Korweinguboora and Yandoit? Well come and discover them here.
We love to go on the Calder Highway from Melbourne to Trentham Falls, enjoy a cuppa there, then walk through the delightful town of Trentham before heading out to SAULT, just past Daylesford on the Melbourne Road. We just love the friendly service at SAULT, we are greeted like friends, and the meal is always top class. We then head home on the Ballarat Highway. It’s great to try somewhere new but when you’re on a good thing…….
I am always impressed by the lush colour of Autumn packed so luxuriously in these towns and the cosy little cottages looking so warm and welcoming. I am so looking forward for the new Spa Resort to open, almost there, which reminds me so much of places in Germany. This really is a place to regain your spirit and remember how to relax when you need to.
ChillOut Festival Daylesford
The biggest and best gay and lesbian celebration in rural and regional Australia happening in Daylesford Victoria each Labour Day long weekend. Four-days of fun in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia.
An area of fond memories that needs another visit. Beautiful during Autumn and stunning small towns and numerous coffee and food places. Remember the taste of the spring water?
Quaint town with vibrant atmosphere. Best time to visit is during the week where not so many tourists are around. Peppers Spa Resort a must
Amazing town providing a relaxed atmosphere but will all the special creature comforts.
Amazingly beautiful in Autumn. Worth a trip just to eat at the Farmers Arms Hotel - best food I’ve had in recent times! The locals are most skilled in the art of massage. Highly recommend staying at Campari - it’s cosy and gorgeous. 5 Stars!
Hepburn Springs has always brought a calming tranquility to me no matter how stressed I was before I got there. There’s something mystical about the place - perhaps it’s all the mineral water floating underneath?
I rejuvenate my Mind/Body/Soul by driving to Daylesford & Hepburn Springs. The Lakehouse is very rejuvenating just by walking through the gardens. The mineral water and mud soaps are a must!!! They’re the best and bring me back to the Spa Capital everytime I use them during my work week..
Then there’s a drive to Hepburn Springs to get some more natural spring water. Where else on the planet would you want to go when we have all this peaceful nurturing scene all around - it’s like stepping into a postcard and coming home feeling completely new and healthy!
Ideal getaway to escape and restore balance in the beauty of the Central Victorian spa region. Clean fresh air, tranquility of nature, sophiticated restaurants, cosy cafes and great coffee and shopping. Select from a wide range of pampering, nurturing and healing massage centres to indulge your senses and relax and rejuvenate tired body and soul. At a little over an hour from Melbourne I find Dayelsford a worthwhile day trip, weekend break or a week or two retreat.
Crisp clean air, crackling fires, views of lakes reflecting peaceful gums. . . Then there’s the flash and fizz of the main street, with treasure trove shops and scrumptious food - what more could you want?
Just a short drive up the Western Highway, or the pretty meandering trip via Woodend and Trentham - not really longer, but full of unexpected vistas round the next curve, then through the cathedral of the Wombat Forest as you get close to Daylesford.
Stunning!
Hang out with the locals who will share ‘hot
spots’ in Daylesford Hepburn Springs.
I love staying at 65 Main, a funky B&B with the BEST COOKED BREKKIS of
LOCAL PRODUCE. Recomend booking a package that includes a gourmet Lake
House lunch, Peppers Mineral Spa, massage, tickets to Convent Gallery,
Daylesford Market plus your inside guide on best place for latte,
cocktails, wine tasting and more… Perfect for those who believe they
should play hard coz they work hard!
This is the most peaceful place to visit and perfect weekend getaway destination because it is so close to Melbourne. With lots of beautiful day spas, the natural mineral springs and so many cafes and restaurants along Main Road it is just the place to visit to relax and forgot your worries.
Spa country
Health/Wellbeing Resorts, great bushwalks, varied and wonderful accomodation, visits to natural mineral water springs, terrific galleries/ cafes/restaurants/regional produce, peaceful and relaxing and in close proximity to Melbourne
It’s that time of year, when I make a trip to Hepburn to rejuvenate, refresh and relax by open fires, feasting on gourmet delights and “taking the waters”. Can highly recommend Peppers Springs Retreat. Very lush. Have yet to try the newly renovated Hepburn Resort, however will feature on my next trip. The Hepburn pub is fantastic. Great meals at fab prices, and Jason makes you feel very welcome. I f I were to make a tree change, this would be my ideal location . Love it!
Daylesford in winter
Fantastic range of health and wellbeing therapies, gourmet food, galleries and a great feeling of welcome.
Folks, I have been visiting for over 40 years. But I also seek out THE mineral water to drink. It leaves the stuff in the super market far behind. These places are amazing but if you have never been then you will not understand why Parisians come for a visit
Hepburn Springs looks like it belongs in the Dandenong Ranges…before the bumper-to-bumper tourists ruined the ambience. It has an arty character, quite unique and of course there are the fantastic hot springs and day spas. If you venture there you MUST eat at the Old Macaroni Factory, I won’t spoil the surprises there by telling, but I promise no one who ever goes there would ever be disappointed, what a night!!
The place to go and indulge as a couple. The range of luxury accommodation is fantastic. Convent gallery has some great views and a wonderful spot for a drink. Some great walks around the lake and hepburn springs spa. Aim to come back many times over.
Daylesford/Hepburn history will go back to the 1840’s and gold discoveries that followed, geographicly it is placed well , massage, markets, restaurants, fishing, wineries, adventure, best country night time entertainment centre ourtside Melbourne, two golf courses to choose from, waterfalls, bottling up mineral spa-water from deep underground springs, postcard like setting, a large vartiety of accommodation a short distance from Daylesfords main shopping centre and within a short drive from Victoria’s 4 biggest cities. Access is congestion free from Geelong and or Benalla via Bendigo along the Midland Highway or from Melbourne along either the Western freeway going to or from Adelaide or yet another alternative via the Calder freeway toward Mildura turning off at Woodend. All under 1.5 hours drive from the cities mentioned. Bonus! It’s accessable via public transport. Featuring many seasonal changes such as snow at times in the winter, beautiful autum views and the sceenery is magnificent in the spring, also the high altertude allows for cooler summers. Once visited you will keep going back like I have.
The best place to go for a relaxing get away. So many great restaurants and cafe and places to stay. I would not go anywhere else.
Daylesford - Check out the Convent Tea Rooms , spend some time looking through the convent and also the book store down near the Lake. Wander around the shores of the lake, especially in Autumn.
Then take a walk/drive to Hepburn Springs and enjoy a meal at the old hotel (can’t remember the name - but it is on a north\western corner.)