A Weekender's Guide to Daylesford

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There's plenty to see and do in and around Daylesford, whether you're up for adventure or just want to spend your whole weekend blissing out. Located in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria's northwest, this cute country township is close enough for you to make an afternoon, a day or a whole afternoon of it.

Take your time exploring this lush spot and be sure to pick up some local produce to ferry back home to Melbourne — a tasty reminder of a delightful weekend away.

Together with our Victorian road trip partner RACV, we've put together a guide to a perfect weekend in Daylesford.

And don't forget — if you're planning on having a drink, make sure there's a designated driver to keep you safe on your travels.

The Lake House

STAY

There is truly a plethora of bed and breakfasts here — Daylesford is that sort of place. But if you want something charming in the centre of town you can't go past the Central Springs Inn. Basic but cosy, be sure to request a room with a fireplace to maximise those winter feels. It can't be beaten on location either, with this central spot only a five-minute walk to The Convent Gallery and many other local sights.

If you want to treat yourself, then head directly to the Lake House. Check in and take a turn about your tastefully decorated room before heading out to the luxurious spa for a private treetop treatment before dinner. Later, sink into your it's-so-fluffy-I'm-gonna-die bed before drifting off to sleep tucked into what feels like one million thread-count sheets.

Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, s13n1 via Flickr

SEE AND DO

Kick things off with a walk through the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. In this Victorian Heritage-registered oasis of calm, you can wander verdant paths lined with towering trees and lush greenery. Once you've had a good ramble, maybe grab a coffee at Wombat Hill House. Afterwards, you can get your art on with a visit to The Convent and its adjoining gardens. Tread the old floorboards and enjoy local and international art displayed in what is arguably one of the prettiest galleries around. Once you've soaked up the culture, head out for a wander around the grounds and admire the range of bronze sculptures seamlessly interspersed with the stunning gardens and native plants.

Insert obligatory TLC joke about chasing waterfalls, and then head out to see this one. Right near Daylesford is Trentham Falls, one of the longest single-drop falls in Victoria. Plunging a respectable 32 metres over basalt columns, these falls were forged by volcanoes five million years ago and are now a great spot for a walk and a few pics.

Hepburn Bathhouse

Haven't had enough nature? Good! Head to Lavandula, a special spot just north of Daylesford. Wander the stunning European-style gardens and perhaps take a tour of the original 1850s stone farmhouse. Afterwards, nibble on a lavender scone and enjoy a glass of lavender lemonade for a fragrant sweet treat.

After all that exploring you need to take some time for yourself. This is pretty much expected in a region that is perhaps best known for the revitalising mineral waters of the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Slip into a fluffy robe at the Hepburn Bathhouse and settle in for a day of utter bliss. A popular spot since 1895, it's safe to say that this spa has got the whole relaxation thing down pat. Choose from a range of spa therapies including facials, wraps and scrubs, or simply recline on an underwater spa couch and enjoy a hydro massage like it's something you do every day (we wish). And if you just don't want to leave, you don't have to. The spa offers some luxe accommodation too.

Cliffy's Emporium

EAT

Hungry? You're in the right place. Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at former general store, Cliffy's Emporium, where you can tuck into an excellent brunch menu that showcases celebrates producers and is dotted with a clever selection of international influences — laksa or Turkish eggs, anybody? Larder is also a great option for breakfast, brunch or lunch, and a feast for the eyes, too — the cafe features an proud selection of art by local creatives. 

After breakfast take a wander through town and stock up on treats for a picnic lunch later on. Choose smallgoods from local salami legends Istra and load up on dips and cheeses while you're at it. And if you're the kind of person who plans your next meal while you're eating your current one, you might also want to start thinking about dinner. For fantastic food and wonderful wine, wedding-venue-favourites Lake House or Sault are your go-to options.

Lake House

This region boasts some truly magnificent produce, and you'll find it heavily and beautifully on show at Lake House. This celebrated spot under the direction of culinary legend Alla Wolf Tasker AM has been on the radar of Melbourne foodies for years — and it's not hard to see why. Enjoy the elegance of the venue perched on the shores of Lake Daylesford as you settle at your table, perhaps taking a seat at one of the spots against the expansive windows. If you have any restraint then you can try not to fill up on out-of-this-world, crusty fresh-baked sourdough before your main meal arrives. Good luck.

Impressive is one word that might spring to mind as you approach Sault, a 100-acre property which comes complete with lake, manicured gardens and lavender fields. The restaurant offers a stunning array of seasonally changing Modern Australian plates that celebrates local produce — the venue is a member of the Daylesford Macedon Produce group — so you can be assured that the food miles are minimal here.

Sault

If you're into classic French farmhouse cooking with a real honest vibe (and who isn't?) then Annie Smithers is your go-to. She's doing amazing things at du Fermier with her ethos of fresh, locally-sourced food. There's no set menu, it's simply Annie crafting an offering each week, which showcases the spoils of her garden and the finest meats and poultry from the region. You have to call to book and lunch runs Friday to Monday each week.

But if you're just after a good old pub meal then head for the red-brick charm of The Farmers Arms. Grab a seat at the long wooden bar or one of the tables, order a drink and choose a meal from the selection of well-executed pub classics. Plump for crispy roast pork belly with a house-made apple and cranberry relish, or a juicy porterhouse, or perhaps a warming miso-glazed pumpkin with lemon tahini.

Belvedere Social

DRINK

Passing Clouds is the winery to visit if you want to sample the drops that have turned the heads of sommeliers and wine lovers everywhere. Graeme Leith and Sue Mackinnon, friends and partners in wine, started the winery in 1983 with a humble goal: to create the best wine in the world. And after winning gold at the Melbourne Wine Show with their 1982 shiraz, they didn't look back. Passing Clouds wines are on the lists at Attica and Rockpool, and remain a firm quaffing and cellaring favourite among their loyal fanbase. Enjoy fragrant, cherry-red pinot noir and fine, crisp, citrusy chardonnay at the cellar door before enjoying a relaxed family-style lunch, a three-course feast cooked entirely over a charcoal fire pit.

For a nice drink in town, head for a cocktail at The Convent's snazzy Altar Bar, or pair your drink with live entertainment at Palais in Hepburn. 

Convent Gallery

ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS

Daylesford is 70-minute drive from Melbourne CBD travelling by car and just under an hour from Tullamarine Airport. The Hume, Calder and Western highways, and the Tullamarine Freeway, all lead to the region.

V/Line operates several services daily to Daylesford, via train to Woodend, Ballarat or Castlemaine, with a connecting coach service to Daylesford.

Road tripping this summer? Make sure you're covered with RACV.

Top image: Lake House