The best Daylesford accommodation for a perfect weekend getaway

Plan your next getaway around one of these peaceful stays.

With its incredible range of activities and serene landscapes, Daylesford is a destination that deserves beautiful accommodation to match. From luxury lodges with onsite pampering spa treatments to cosy cottages nestled in lush gardens, you’ll find the ideal spot to recharge and make the most of your time in Victoria’s spa country.

Explore our top picks for the best accommodation in Daylesford.

1. Lake House

an aerial view of the Lake House, Daylesford — Retreat into this luxurious lakeside accommodation. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Overlooking the still waters of Lake Daylesford, Lake House is a luxurious retreat on beautifully landscaped grounds. This iconic property blends elegant accommodations and natural surroundings, featuring stylish hotel studios, suites and villas. Each space is thoughtfully designed, showcasing custom furnishings crafted by local artisans and adorned with original artwork.

Relax by the solar-heated infinity pool, enjoy a game of tennis, or take a stroll through the picturesque gardens. To elevate your stay, savour the acclaimed a la carte breakfast and buffet, featuring freshly baked sourdough and viennoiserie, or choose room service for a leisurely morning.

Price: $$$$$

Address: 4 King Street, Daylesford

2. Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm

the Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm in Daylesford — Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm is nestled in the serene countryside. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Surrounded by rolling hills, Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm presents an exclusive countryside escape, just 10 minutes from Daylesford. Each of its six private king suites afford the same level of refinement as its renowned sister property, Lake House, combining lavish designs with custom furnishings and locally sourced art for a truly sophisticated stay.

A dedicated Lodge Concierge is available to prepare a hearty country-style breakfast, light the fire pit, or craft a sunset cocktail. Lodgers can also explore the roughly 16-hectare regenerative farm – home to olive groves, vineyards, lush herb and vegetable gardens and an artisan bakehouse.

Price: $$$$$

Address: 238 Dairy Flat Road, Musk

3. Dollywood

the alfresco deck at Dollywood, Daylesford — Laze the day away on the deck. (Image: Dollywood)

Exuding retro charm, Dollywood is a chic departure from Daylesford’s usual quaint cottage lodgings. With its bold Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic, this stylish four-bedroom home combines modern amenities with vintage flair. A neon sign welcomes travellers into a vibrant space with a bubblegum pink door, wood-panelled walls and a cosy fireplace.

The open-plan living flows seamlessly onto a wrap-around deck with gorgeous countryside outlooks. Guests can make the most of the well-equipped kitchen, where a servery window connects to the deck – a gathering spot for alfresco dining – while fully immersed in the home’s laid-back California-cool vibe.

Price: $$$$

Address: 82 Central Springs Road, Daylesford

4. L’Atelier Daylesford

the apartment living room at L’Atelier Daylesford — The Parisian-style apartment has everything you need for a splendid stay.

Above the enchanting eCasa boutique , L’Atelier Daylesford is a beautifully designed Parisian-style apartment, housing two queen-sized bedrooms with luscious, soft linen bedding. With its antique decor, comfy linen sofas, an inviting freestanding bathtub and large picture windows that frame the historic town, this intimate retreat instils the feeling of a European retreat.

Situated along the town’s bustling main street, those staying will be tempted to explore Daylesford’s renowned dining scene by foot. The restaurant, Bistro Terroir , is just a short stroll away, where the French fare keeps things on theme.

Price: $$

Address: Confirmed upon booking

5. Clifftop at Hepburn

wine and tasting platter by the fire at Clifftop at Hepburn — Expect freestanding wood-burning fireplaces. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Perched on a cliffside, Clifftop at Hepburn boasts architecturally designed villas with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and bushland. Each villa, flooded with natural light through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, is named after romantic cities like Paris, Venice and Rome, heralding the ideal couples’ retreat.

Guests can indulge in upscale amenities, including spa baths, gas fireplaces and private balconies with uninterrupted vistas of Hepburn Gorge. Just minutes away is the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa , a highlight of Victoria’s legendary spa country and just one of the many incredible things to do in Daylesford.

Price: $$ – $$$

Address: 209 Main Road, Hepburn Springs

6. Headland

Headland Airbnb Daylesford — Sleep in elegance with a view of the countryside.

Tucked away in a serene garden, Headland is a storybook country cottage primed for a romantic getaway. With French provincial-inspired interiors – featuring classic white linens, plush scatter cushions and a wrought-iron bed frame – this snug retreat exudes elegance and comfort. The inviting porch adds to the allure, just the right spot for enjoying tranquil mornings or peaceful evenings in the fresh air.

While its vintage appeal sets a romantic tone, Headland reveals modern comforts throughout. Guests will appreciate the blackout blinds for restful nights, a luxe rainfall shower head in the bathroom and sleek Smeg appliances in the kitchen.

Address: Confirmed upon booking

Website: airbnb.com.au

Price: $$$

7. Shizuka Ryokan

two women embracing the peaceful ryokan lifestyle at Shizuka Ryokan — Shizuka Ryokan reflects the traditional ryokan style in Japan. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Transport yourself to Japan with a stay at Shizuka Ryokan , an adults-only retreat in Hepburn Springs designed to transpose the tranquillity of a traditional Japanese inn. Set amidst immaculately manicured gardens, this getaway crafts an authentic experience, complete with minimalist interiors, private tsuboniwa (small garden) and the calming ambience of tatami floors and futon bedding.

Relax with a soothing spa treatment or unwind in your room’s ensuite bath, donning a yukata (summer kimono) to fully embrace the peaceful ryokan lifestyle. To make your stay extra special, don’t miss the traditional Japanese breakfast, a highlight for many guests.

Price: $$$

Address: 7 Lakeside Dr, Hepburn

8. Milk and Honey

a bedroom facing sweeping views from the verandah — The verandah opens up to breathtaking views.

Offering a peaceful escape on the northern side of Wombat Hill, Milk and Honey is an elevated retreat that greets visitors with a charming, leafy stairway leading to its welcoming front door. Surrounded by lush gardens, the home boasts two bedrooms – each with king-sized beds and direct access to the sweeping verandah – with breathtaking countryside and Mount Franklin views.

When patrons aren’t enjoying the vistas or relaxing by the fireplace in winter, the home’s prime location means local gems like the Convent Gallery, Daylesford Sunday Market and the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens are just a short stroll away.

Price: $$$$

Address: Confirmed upon booking

9. Lancemore Cleveland Estate

the heritage-style homestead at Lancemore Cleveland Estate in Lancefield, Daylesford accommodation — Seek a peaceful escape in the countryside. (Image: Lancemore Cleveland Estate)

If you’re picturing a perfect getaway like a slow weekend in the countryside, then Lancemore Cleveland Estate in Lancefield (just outside Daylesford) is exactly how you dreamt it would be. The charming heritage-style homestead blends rustic charm with modern country chic.

Set amidst tranquil vineyards, this picture-perfect retreat serves as a great base to soak up all that the region has to offer. Sip exceptional wines at the underground cellar door and indulge in a fireside feast with flame-grilled meats under the stars. Then, slink back into one of the 50 modern accommodations, ranging from vineyard-view suites and cosy king rooms to a spectacularly restored 1880s Homestead.

Address: 55 Shannons Road, Lancefield

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.

You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.

1. Lake Tyrrell

Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.

2. Nhill Lake

There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.

3. Lake Bringalbert

Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.

4. Lake Hindmarsh

If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.

5. Pink Lake

Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.

6. Lake Lascelles

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.