The Best Daylesford Cafes For Brunch And Coffee

From hearty breakfasts to indulgent sweet treats, here are the best cafe spots to fuel your Daylesford adventure.

With so many incredible things to do in Daylesford, starting your day with the right fuel is essential. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a decadent brunch, or just a quick coffee to get you going, this picturesque pocket of Victoria has you covered.

Here’s a round-up of some of the best cafes to visit during your visit to Daylesford.

1. Cliffy’s Emporium

food and drinks at Cliffy’s Emporium, Daylesford — Dine on Cliffy’s numerous breakfast options. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Brimming with vintage charm, Cliffy’s Emporium has been a Daylesford institution since the 1950s, offering a relaxed yet character-filled brunch outing. Inside, rustic corrugated iron walls and weathered timber evoke the history of this beloved spot, where crowds gather for top-notch coffee and delectable dishes.

Start your day with the famed ‘Cliffy’s Benedict’ or branch out with their eclectic breakfast options, like laksa scrambled eggs or tasty French toast. Farmers still deliver fresh produce here, stocking the deli shelves with local bread, pies, and cakes, so don’t leave without grabbing a few treats for the road.

Address: 30 Raglan St, Daylesford

2. Wombat Hill House

the exterior of Wombat Hill House, Daylesford — Enjoy the fresh country air at Wombat Hill House. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Tucked within the lush Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, the Wombat Hill House cafe offers a peaceful retreat for brunch enthusiasts. With a seasonal menu that showcases local produce and fresh ingredients from their own Dairy Flat Farm, every dish highlights the region’s flavours. Indulge in slow-fermented sourdough and viennoiserie, paired with ST.ALi coffee, while soaking up the garden’s tranquillity.

In the warmer months, enjoy alfresco dining under one of the heritage-listed trees or at a nearby picnic table. When the temperature drops, the inviting warmth of the fire inside provides a cosy spot to relax while admiring the stunning natural surroundings.

Address: Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford

3. Bad Habits Cafe

Bathed in natural light, Bad Habits Cafe inside The Convent Daylesford offers a serene and sundrenched setting for breakfast or lunch. The turquoise walls and glass-fronted atrium provide a charming, sun-drenched backdrop for enjoying a locally inspired menu, featuring daily specials alongside beloved classics like calamari, croquettes, or the pie of the day.

For an extra special sitting, reserve their two-hour High Tea, which begins with a mimosa on arrival, followed by an exquisitely arranged three-tiered stand filled with freshly baked scones, savoury bites, and decadent sweet treats. Enjoy your treats in the sunlit atrium with views of the gardens, or in a private room surrounded by art. As an added bonus, this booking includes access to the Convent Gallery, Chapel, and Museum.

Address: 7 Daly Street, Daylesford

4. Pancho Cafe

lunch at Pancho, Daylesford — Rock up for an early breakfast or mosey down for lunch.

Set against stripped-back interiors featuring exposed brick, an elegant wrought iron staircase, and ivory walls, Pancho Cafe is wonderfully laid-back. With a concise yet expertly crafted menu, it’s a steadfast favourite in Daylesford. Melbourne’s Wide Open Road coffee beans and milk sourced from Western Victoria ensure every coffee is a treat, and for those who prefer something stronger, there’s an enticing range of cocktails, beers, and cider.

Taking a hands-on approach, the cafe makes its own yoghurt, pickles, sauces, and cakes in-house, giving the menu its distinctive flavour. Whether grabbing an early breakfast of apple and buckwheat fritters or sitting down for a roast beef roll at lunch, this place delivers. On sunny days, the cute, dog-friendly courtyard is the perfect spot to relax.

Address: 117 Vincent Street, Daylesford

5. Larder Cafe

a table-top view of meals at Larder, Daylesford — Choose from an enticing menu of brunch classics.

Bursting with creativity and local flair, Larder Cafe is a Daylesford main street staple, serving up hearty brunch classics. With its eclectic interiors, designed in collaboration with local artists, this cafe embodies the artistic spirit of the region. The extensive menu includes tried-and-true favourites like baked eggs, a big breakfast, and eggs Benedict, but it’s the specials board that steals the show. Expect inventive dishes such as panko-crusted eggs with an Asian fennel salad or a yoghurt panna cotta with rhubarb.

Whether you’re craving a bespoke DIY breakfast or a lunchtime treat like the famous chicken burger with sriracha mayo or a B.L.A.T., Larder delivers. Pair your meal with their single-origin cold drip coffee or specialty tea for the ultimate brunch fare.

Address: 57a Vincent Street, Daylesford

6. Harvest Cafe

For a feel-good, nourishing meal that celebrates local produce, Harvest Cafe is an essential stop in Daylesford. Catering to vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners, this cosy cafe offers a menu that champions fresh, feel-good options. The interior’s shelves are stocked with pantry staples and local goods, further enhancing the cafe’s welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

Breakfast keeps it simple yet satisfying, with choices like eggs on toast, acai bowls, and granola. Lunch steps it up with a range of vibrant offerings, including spicy lentil patties, frittatas, savoury tarts, and crisp salads. Be sure to pair your meal with one of their freshly blended smoothies or juices for an added boost of goodness. Or, grab a wrap, roll, or pie for a quick yet wholesome meal.

Address: 9 Albert St, Daylesford

7. The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company

For those with a sweet tooth, The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company is bound to deliver a sugar rush. Nestled inside a gorgeous white cottage on the village edge, this cafe exudes warmth and indulgence with its decadent menu and homely space. The rotating selection of pastries is sure to tempt, offering treats like jam doughnuts, chocolate fudge brownies, and strawberry chocolate croissants—perfect for pairing with their signature beverages.

The standout here is the Parisian Hot Chocolate Experience, where a luscious chocolate ganache is served with dollop cream and a warm, crispy croissant for dipping. For an extra sweet touch, you can even request an additional cup to share this delight with someone special.

Address: 22 Raglan Street, Daylesford

8. Trentham General

the cafe exterior of Trentham General, Daylesford — The relaxed outdoor setting is the perfect spot for an al fresco meal. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Just a short drive from Daylesford lies Trentham General , a personality-packed cafe in the neighbouring town of Trentham, housed in the beautifully restored old Bank of Australasia. Start your day with the Trentham Happy Hens Eggs Your Way, served on Zeally Bay sourdough toast, or try the flavorful Dukkah Eggs with beetroot hummus, walnut dukkah, and Meredith goat’s cheese.

For lunch, the Halloumi Burger is a standout, featuring fried halloumi, Istra bacon, and fresh mixed leaf lettuce in a Zeally Bay brioche bun. Whether you choose to relax inside its brilliantly restored interior or outside on the sunlit streetscape, you’ll enjoy fresh regional produce, excellent coffee, delicious cakes, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Address: 37A High Street, Trentham

Discover the best wineries in Daylesford and beyond.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

A guide to the best Daylesford cafes for brunch and coffee