14 incredible things to do in Daylesford

Pauline MorrisseyBy Pauline Morrissey
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From tranquil hot springs to picture-perfect wineries, explore the top things to do in Daylesford, an enticing destination for a restful weekend escape.

Plan your next weekend away in Daylesford and enjoy relaxing day spas, picture-perfect wineries, charming cafes, and refined restaurants.

At the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Daylesford beckons as Victoria’s ultimate retreat for relaxation and indulgence. Just an hour from Melbourne, this spa town promises year-round escapes filled with mineral-rich springs, sprawling lavender fields, and some of the finest regional fare.

Whether you’re seeking a day trip or a full weekend away, prepare to surrender to serenity. Read on for a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Daylesford.

1. Discover unique art at boutique galleries

the gallery cafe signage outside The Convent Gallery
The 19th-century Convent Gallery houses a cafe. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Daylesford is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, with boutique galleries celebrating both local and international talent. The Convent Gallery , housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, charms visitors with its seamless mix of art, history, and panoramic views. Smaller galleries like Michael Parker Gallery  and Bromley & Co.  showcase thoughtfully curated collections, ensuring art lovers leave inspired.

2. Unwind at indulgent hot springs and day spas

a couple enjoying a refreshing dip at Hepburn Bathhouse
Treat yourself to a relaxing dip at Hepburn Bathhouse. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Renowned for its mineral springs and spas, Daylesford offers many rejuvenating escapes that perfectly complement the region’s reputation as Australia’s Spa Capital. Indulge in the serene surrounds of the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa  or try Japanese-inspired treatments at Shizuka Ryokan . For a full sensory escape, The Spa at Lake House offers treehouse mineral baths and meditative garden views. A couple of hours away, Peninsula Hot Springs also offers eco-lodges with everything needed for a restorative getaway.

3. Discover the beauty of the parks and gardens

Nature’s allure shines at Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens , set atop an extinct volcano offering shady paths and sweeping views from its lookout tower. Pause for a serene meal at Wombat Hill House, or admire seasonal blooms at the Begonia House. Nearby, Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve , home to Australia’s first Bathhouse, features historic buildings, trails to natural springs, a playground, and picnic spots, making it a delightful family outing.

4. Meander around vibrant markets

market stalls filled with people at Daylesford Sunday Market
Shop your way around the Daylesford Sunday Market.

Bursting with the energy of local makers, the Daylesford Sunday Market  is a vibrant hub showcasing the best of the region. With 130 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and antiques, it’s a feast for the senses. Set at the historic railway station, the market includes a farmers’ section brimming with seasonal delights. Its dog-friendly vibe ensures fun for the whole family.

5. Experience the magnificent Hanging Rock

kangaroos grazing on the field at Hanging Rock
Kangaroos graze in the field set against the 105-metre crest of the rock. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Known for its role in Picnic at Hanging Rock , this ancient volcanic formation captivates with its natural beauty and cultural depth. Just a short drive from Daylesford, this natural wonder offers panoramic views via its Summit Walk where hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas and insights into its significance as a sacred Wurundjeri site. Add a touch of whimsy to your visit by joining a llama trek, a delightful way to experience this cherished landmark.

6. Go wine tasting at picture-perfect wineries

the scenic landscape surrounding Passing Clouds winery
Passing Clouds pairs premium wines with panoramic views.

In Macedon Ranges’ cool-climate wine region, every sip at picture-perfect wineries in and around Daylesford tells a story. Hanging Rock Winery  pairs award-winning riesling with panoramic views. Passing Clouds  offers a sun-drenched deck perfect for enjoying their chardonnay, while at Paramoor Winery , minimal intervention techniques highlight the elegance of pinot noir and riesling, creating wines that reflect the region’s distinctive terroir.

7. Visit Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm for Euro charm

geese wandering around Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
Lavender is at its peak in late summer. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Set amidst 100 acres of lush gardens, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm  offers a step back in time with its historic stone buildings and friendly farm animals. Stroll through the fragrant lavender fields, which bloom from January into autumn, or enjoy a meal at Maria’s, the onsite eatery known for its lavender scones and woodfired pizza. Soon, Tinetti’s Wine Bar will open, serving local wines from the farm’s exquisite stone barn overlooking the gardens.

8. Go fishing on Jubilee Lake

Jubilee Lake  is a serene oasis where nature and leisure meet. Teeming with trout and redfin, it’s a dream destination for fishing fans. Walking trails weave through lush scenery, and nearby picnic spots invite leisurely family outings. With boat hire available, visitors can explore the peaceful waters or simply bask in the serenity by the shore. Keep an eye out for ducks, cockatoos, and some beautiful peacocks.

9. Discover the area’s scenic trails

Lake Daylesford’s Peace Mile invites a serene 2.8km walk, winding around the lake’s still waters in just 40 minutes. The Tipperary Track  offers a scenic bushland journey, showcasing disused goldfields and mineral springs, particularly striking in autumn. For a greater challenge, the Goldfields Track  spans historic towns from Daylesford to Bendigo, captivating walkers and cyclists with its rich history and vibrant surroundings.

10. Indulge in sweet treats at the chocolate shops

Indulge in the region’s sweetest offerings with a visit to The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company , found inside a gorgeous white cottage in town, housing delights like jam doughnuts, brownies, and their Parisian Hot Chocolate Experience. For more indulgence, visit the Chocolate Mill  in Mount Franklin to watch chocolatiers craft truffles and ice cream, then savour them in the cosy atmosphere of the Hot Chocolate Cafe.

11. Have lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants

the white-washed dining interior of Lake House Restaurant, Daylesford
Dine in an elegant lakeside setting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Daylesford’s reputation as a dining destination is well-earned. The celebrated regional icon, Lake House Restaurant , champions local ingredients in an elegant lakeside setting. Sault Restaurant  is where seasonal menus meet a romantic venue surrounded by flower fields. Bistro Terroir  adds a touch of French sophistication to the mix, while the revived Daylesford Hotel  elevates traditional pub classics with inventive and polished flair.

12. Visit Daylesford Cider Company

Explore the craftsmanship of cider-making at Daylesford Cider Company , where traditional English techniques bring unique flavours to life. Set amid the rolling countryside, this boutique cidery invites you to enjoy tastings in a welcoming cellar door or under the open skies of their courtyard. Complement the experience with a wood-fired pizza and soak in the peaceful rural atmosphere for the perfect afternoon.

13. Take a farm tour or class at the Dairy Flat Farm

Explore the expansive 40-acre Dairy Flat Farm , where regenerative farming practices flourish across olive groves, vineyards, and vibrant gardens, supporting the Lake House Restaurant and Wombat Hill House cafe. Gain new skills through an Introduction to Beekeeping class, covering hive care and honey production, or embrace the art of sourdough baking with expert guidance.

14. Explore surrounding historic towns

a scenic view of Daylesford
Daylesford has long been a hidden treasure trove of charming towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Venture beyond Daylesford to uncover the character-filled towns of the region. A visit to Trentham charms with its quaint main street lined with boutique stores and cosy cafes. Meanwhile, gold-rush gems like Maldon and Castlemaine captivate with their well-preserved historic buildings, vibrant arts scenes, and antique havens. Meander through laneways, visit galleries, and discover the rich heritage woven into each town.

This bohemian yet refined spa town at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range has a lot to offer. Not only is its food and wine scene (especially its cafe offering) well-established, and up there with the best of regional Australia, but it offers holidaymakers and weekend breakers plenty of scenic countryside, quaint boutiques, and even bathhouses. Read on for details of how to plan your next break in spa country.

Pauline Morrissey
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Unforgettable First Peoples tours and experiences in Victoria

    Angela SaurineBy Angela Saurine
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    From ancient aquaculture systems to sacred rock art shelters, Victoria’s First Peoples cultural experiences offer a powerful connection to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – where every site, story and smoking ceremony invites a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet. 

    Victoria’s sweeping landscapes hold stories far older than any road map can trace – stories etched into stone, sung through generations and woven into every bend of river and rise of hill. From the lava flows of Budj Bim to the ancient middens of Moyjil/Point Ritchie and the volcanic crater of Tower Hill, the state is home to some of the most significant First Peoples cultural sites in Australia. These places, along with other immersive experiences, offer not only a window into a 60,000-year legacy, but a profound way of understanding Country itself. As more travellers seek connection over checklists, guided tours by Traditional Owners offer respectful, unforgettable insights into a living culture that continues to shape the land and the people who walk it. 

    Budj Bim cultural landscape  

    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is on Gunditjmara Country. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Venture beyond the surf and sand of the Great Ocean Road to discover a deeper story etched into the volcanic landscape. At Budj Bim , ancient aquaculture channels built by the Gunditjmara people to trap, store and harvest kooyang (short-finned eel) reveal one of the world’s oldest living cultures. While you’re in the area, head over to the state-of-the-art Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, where you can observe the eels in a special tank, wander the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), and enjoy a bite at the Bush Tucker Cafe. Also nearby is Tower Hill, a dormant volcano reborn as a wildlife reserve, offering trails through bushland teeming with emus and koalas. 

    eel tank
    The kooyang (eel) tank at Tae Rak. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Dumawul Kooyoora Walking Tour 

    Dumawul walkingtour
    Guests are guided through Kooyoora State Park on the Dumawul walking tour. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Step into a timeless landscape with Dumawul’s guided tour through Kooyoora State Park, around an hour’s drive west of Bendigo in north-central Victoria. Led by Djaara guides, this immersive half-day journey breathes life into Country, weaving together stories, bush tucker and ancient rock art. Known to the Dja Dja Wurrung people as Guyura – the ‘mountain of light’ – this dramatic granite range is rich with cultural and spiritual significance.  The adventure begins with a meet-up at the Bridgewater Hotel on the banks of the Loddon River, before guests are welcomed onto Country with a traditional Smoking Ceremony – a powerful ritual that honours ancestors and cleanses those who walk the land. From there, it’s a gentle wander through rugged outcrops and open bushland, with sweeping vistas unfolding at every turn. Along the way, guides share their knowledge of how the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples have cared for and adapted with this land for generations, offering a rare and moving window into an ancient way of life that continues to thrive today.  

    Kooyoora walking tour
    Knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung is shared on the trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Kingfisher Cruises  

    Kingfisher Cruises
    Cruising the Murray with Kingfisher Cruises. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Glide quietly through the Barmah-Millewa forest – the nation’s largest river red gum ecosystem – on a scenic journey along the Murray River and into the Barmah Lakes with Kingfisher Cruises . Led by passionate guides who share stories of the cultural significance of this ancient landscape, these cruises reveal the stories, totems and traditional knowledge of the Yorta Yorta people. As you navigate narrow waterways and spot native birds, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how First Peoples have lived in harmony with this floodplain for tens of thousands of years. It’s a gentle, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression – one where every bend in the river carries echoes of culture, connection and Country.  

    wawa biik 

    Taungurung leaders
    Exploring Nagambie with Taungurung leaders. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Translating to ‘hello, Country’ in the language of the First Nations People and Custodians of the rivers and mountains of Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, wawa biik guides a range of authentic and deeply immersive experiences. Leaving from either Nagambie or Euroa, the tours are woven with ancient stories of the Taungurung, telling how a sustained connection and responsibility ensures the continued health of biik – benefitting the people, animals and plants that live in and around the Goulburn River. During the wawa Nagambie experience, guests participate in a Welcome Smoking Ceremony, and enjoy lunch and conversation with two Taungurung leaders as they cruise through the wetlands of tabilk-tabilk (place of many waterholes). The 4.5-hour tour begins at Tahbilk Winery, which is set in the wetlands of Nagambie on Taungurung Country and collaborates with Taungurung Elders to share knowledge of biik. 

    Bataluk Cultural Trail  

    Bataluk Trail
    Cape Conran on the Bataluk Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    The Bataluk Cultural Trail winds through East Gippsland like a thread stitching past to present, tracing the deep connection between the Gunaikurnai people and their land. Starting at the Knob Reserve in Stratford, visitors walk among scarred trees and ancient stone tools once used for survival and ceremony. At the Den of Nargun near Mitchell River, the earth holds stories of women’s sacred spaces, cloaked in myth and legend. Further along, Legend Rock at Metung tells of greed and consequence, its surface etched with ancient lore. At Cape Conran, shell middens lie scattered like breadcrumbs of history – 10,000 years of gatherings, stories and saltwater songs still echoing in the wind.  

    Healesville Sanctuary  

    echidna at Healesville Sanctuary
    Get up close with a resident echidna at Healesville Sanctuary. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set on the historic grounds of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, Healesville Sanctuary honours the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation through immersive storytelling and connection to Country. Along Wurundjeri Walk, visitors are invited to reflect on the land’s rich First Peoples history, with native plants revealing their traditional uses. Wurundjeri Elder and educator Murrundindi shares culture in-person with the Wominjeka Aboriginal Cultural Experience every Sunday, and most days during Victorian school holidays. Murrundindi’s smoking ceremonies, storytelling and bush tucker knowledge reveal the sacred relationship between people, animals and the environment. Bird-lovers can’t miss the incredible Spirits of the Sky show featuring native birds daily at 12pm and 3pm. 

    The Grampians 

    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians
    Rock art at Bunjil Shelter in The Grampians. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Known as Gariwerd to Traditional Owners, the Grampians is a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance. This rugged landscape holds more than 80 per cent of Victoria’s known First Peoples rock art, offering a powerful window into the region’s deep heritage. Visitors can respectfully explore five remarkable rock art sites: Billimina and Ngamadjidj in the Wartook Valley, Manja Shelter near Hamilton, Gulgurn Manja shelter near Laharum, and the Bunjil Shelter near Stawell, where the creator spirit is depicted. Each site tells a unique story of connection to Country, shared through ancient handprints, dancing figures and Dreaming narratives etched into stone.