Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Goran Dojcinovic, Pexels
Daylesford is widely recognised for its abundant natural mineral springs and a thriving wellness scene, offering visitors a relaxing escape. It is also a celebrated culinary destination, boasting award-winning restaurants, cafes, and local produce, set amidst beautiful natural landscapes and a vibrant arts community.
Daylesford provides welcoming hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, and pubs, particularly along Vincent Street, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local atmosphere. Further opportunities for social engagement can be found at local markets, art galleries, and during community events like the ChillOut Festival.
Top 6 Things to do in Daylesford
A Daylesford visit offers opportunities for indulging in wellness experiences, exploring natural landscapes, enjoying culinary delights, and immersing oneself in arts and culture.
1. Relax at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
Indulge in the serene atmosphere of Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, a historic wellness destination drawing mineral-rich waters directly from their natural source. I found soaking in the therapeutic baths to be incredibly rejuvenating. Beyond the communal pools, private mineral baths, saunas, and steam rooms offer a deeper sense of tranquility. It's an ideal spot to unwind and soothe both mind and body.
Cost: Bathhouse Mineral Bathing starts from approximately $60 AUD per adult. More extensive spa treatments and packages, such as the 'Ultimate Daylesford Experience', begin from around $495 AUD for longer sessions.
Transport: The Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is located in Hepburn Springs, a short distance from Daylesford town centre. I found it a pleasant 40-45 minute walk, or a quick 3-minute taxi ride costing between $9 and $12 AUD. Local bus services also connect Daylesford and Hepburn Springs in about 11 minutes.
2. Stroll Around Lake Daylesford and Sample Mineral Springs
Taking a leisurely walk around the picturesque Lake Daylesford on the Peace Mile path is a truly tranquil experience. I particularly enjoyed spotting the abundant birdlife, including swans, while soaking in the peaceful scenery. Along the walk, you can discover various mineral springs like Wombat Flat and Central Springs Reserve, where I tasted the unique, mineral-rich water directly from the pumps. There are also picnic and barbecue facilities if you wish to extend your visit.
Cost: Access to Lake Daylesford and its mineral springs is free.
Transport: Lake Daylesford is conveniently located just a short stroll from the Daylesford town centre.
3. Explore The Convent Gallery
Discovering the Convent Gallery, housed within a striking 19th-century former convent perched atop Wombat Hill, was a fascinating experience. I explored seven diverse gallery spaces spread across four levels, showcasing a range of local and international art. The historic chapel, museum, and gift shop offer additional points of interest. Stepping out into the six acres of beautifully maintained gardens, I was treated to stunning panoramic views over Daylesford, making it a perfect blend of art, history, and scenic beauty.
Cost: Entry for adults is $10 AUD, concessions are $8 AUD, and children under 12 are $5 AUD. Children under 5 enter for free. Your ticket allows re-entry for three consecutive days.
Transport: The Convent Gallery is easily accessible by car, with free parking available, or by a pleasant walk from central Daylesford.
4. Indulge in Daylesford's Culinary Delights
Daylesford offers an exceptional culinary journey, and I savored the chance to experience its farm-to-table dining. The town boasts a range of options from acclaimed hatted restaurants like Lake House and Sault, which emphasize local produce, to charming cafes and welcoming country pubs. Visiting the local markets provided a great opportunity to sample fresh regional ingredients and artisanal products. For those interested in the region's beverages, I found that joining a wine and food tour offers a comprehensive taste of local wineries, cideries, and distilleries.
Cost: Costs vary significantly depending on your choice of dining. A full-day wine and food tour typically costs around $245 AUD per person, including tastings and lunch. Dining at award-winning restaurants would be higher, while market produce or a cafe meal is more budget-friendly.
Transport: Many dining establishments and cafes are located along Vincent Street in Daylesford town centre, accessible by walking. Some restaurants and market locations outside the town centre may require a short drive or taxi. A taxi for a 5-10km journey would be approximately $11-$20 AUD.
5. Wander through Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Perched atop an extinct volcano, the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens provided me with a serene escape and breathtaking panoramic views of Daylesford and its surrounding landscapes. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll through beautifully maintained gardens or finding a quiet corner for a picnic. The Wombat Hill House cafe within the gardens offers a delightful spot to relax and enjoy the setting.
Cost: Entry to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is free.
Transport: The gardens are a pleasant, albeit uphill, walk from the town centre. A short taxi ride would also take you directly to the entrance.
6. Discover Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
A visit to Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm transports you to a slice of old-world Europe, just a short drive from Daylesford. I explored the beautiful European-style gardens, wandered through the lavender fields (especially vibrant in summer), and admired the historic 1850s stone buildings, which were painstakingly restored. Learning about the farm's history, from its origins as a dairy farm by Swiss-Italian migrants to its current lavender production, added a fascinating layer to the visit. The on-site cafe offers a chance to enjoy refreshments, and the farm shop has a range of lavender products.
Cost: Entry fee is $5 AUD for adults and $1 AUD for school-aged children. This fee contributes to the upkeep of the gardens and animal care.
Transport: Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is located about 10 minutes' drive north of Daylesford in Shepherds Flat. A taxi would be the most convenient option, costing approximately $20 AUD for the 10km journey.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
