A visitor’s guide to picturesque Lake Daylesford

Roxanne AndrewsBy Roxanne Andrews
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Do you believe the best things in life are free? Come and explore the wonders of Lake Daylesford and you’ll confidently agree.

Lake Daylesford is a major sightseeing drawcard in central Victoria for locals and visitors alike. Setting up a picnic or BBQ here feels reminiscent of a bygone era where the simple joys of life and nature combine.

Enjoy the peaceful loop walk around the perimeter of Lake Daylesford, sip from the famous mineral springs, swim at the serene Lake Daylesford jetty, stroll into the village for a long lunch, and watch the kids having fun in the playground.

Lake Daylesford Jetty and Bridge

The jetty is a hit for people who are keen on a refreshing dip with its small sandy beach, ideal for safe, calm water swimming or, for the more daring, jumping directly from the jetty into the lake.

a diving platform at Lake Daylesford Jetty and Bridge
Jump off the diving platform from the jetty.

Overall, it’s a delightful place to visit and a top spot to capture picture-perfect holiday memories. In fact, people have been swimming here for over a century! In the olden days, there was a high diving platform and a man-made pool. Note: fuel up for lunch or book in for dinner on the banks of Lake Daylesford at the Boathouse Restaurant.

a dimly lit dining interior at The Boathouse Restaurant, Daylesford
Swing by The Boathouse Restaurant for dinner. (Image: INKD fotografa Daylesford)

The bridge here is romantically decorated with padlocks (a trend popularised by the Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris) etched with lovers’ names and carved with committed initials.

a woman standing on the edge of the Lake Daylesford Jetty and Bridge
Take an early morning dip in the lake.

The Lake Daylesford bridge is also right by the historic changing rooms and if there’s any time (perhaps the first and only to be honest) to describe public toilets as beautiful – this is it.

a woman standing on the Lake Daylesford Bridge
Soak up the beautiful scenery from the bridge.

Are you planning on spending a few days exploring the area? Maximise your time by booking into one of the excellent accommodations (think quaint cottages and deluxe self-contained Daylesford apartments), many of which are within walking distance of the jetty and eye-catching bridge.

a couple walking over the Lake Daylesford Jetty and Bridge
Lake Daylesford is the perfect romantic setting.

Lake Daylesford Park

Walking, canoeing, cycling, barbequing, birdwatching and exploring the many charms of Lake Daylesford are all available within this gorgeous garden park setting. Embrace this park’s natural beauty in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range – all in the name of admiration and relaxation.

Lake Daylesford Park is only a short walk from the town’s vibrant café and arts scene, be sure to swing by the main street on your way to the park and pick up some gourmet picnic goodies and get prep for a satisfying feed under shaded trees.

The aptly named Peace Mile Walk is a beautiful 2.8-kilometre stroll that takes about 40 minutes to complete at a gentle pace. You’ll find plenty of recreational facilities along the way, including a fully fenced children’s playground, swimming zones, picnic tables and of course, the famous mineral water springs.

a sunny winter day in the lake
Drive out to Daylesford this winter.

The park is pet-friendly. There’s a terrific kiosk on-site for snacks and refreshments and the free BBQ area is the perfect place to celebrate with friends. Lake Daylesford Park caters to those with accessibility needs and the walking circuit is known to be clear and even.

purple flowers blooming around Lake Daylesford Park
Wildflowers bloom along Lake Daylesford Park.

You’ll want to photograph every angle of the scene-stealing lake, and the surrounding eucalyptus-lined grasslands are often decorated with seasonal wildflowers.

lush greenery at Lake Daylesford
Lake Daylesford is bordered by lush gardens.

Considering this dreamy location is under a few hours’ drive from Melbourne it is certainly worth making the effort to experience the character and charm of the park. No matter your age or reason for visiting the area, Lake Daylesford Park is bound to make a lasting impression.

a serene landscape at Lake Daylesford
Soak up the serenity at Lake Daylesford.

Lake Daylesford Lookout

The superbly pretty, ornamental waterway is best viewed from the Lake Daylesford Lookout. Before you set off to discover the nearby walking tracks and mineral spring taps take a seat on the bench at this scenic vantage point along Ruthven Street.

a man-made lake in Daylesford
Majestic scenery surrounds the manmade lake.

Lake Daylesford is a historical landmark; back in the early 1930’s crowds thronged the manmade lake (once a gold mining site) here to watch diving demonstrations, boating regattas, and fishing events. Nowadays, when you’re perched at the lookout, it’s easy to envisage the bygone era of yesteryear from up here. The Lake Daylesford Lookout is also the beginning of the 87-kilometre Lerderderg Track , which starts in Daylesford and ends in Bacchus Marsh.

people relaxing by the lake in Victoria
Laze the day away on the lake. (Image: Alpha)

Getting to Lake Daylesford

Parking is available at Lake Daylesford. Word to the wise, it can get busy during holidays; we recommend arriving early in the day or coming for a peek during the week.

an aerial view of the Lake Daylesford
Drive to the Daylesford & Macedon Ranges to relax and unwind.

Alternatively, it’s good to know that Lake Daylesford is within easy walking distance of the town centre and all its fantastic attractions. Lake Daylesford is approximately one hour and 50 minutes by car from Melbourne or just one hour and 20 minutes from Geelong.

a duck at Lake Daylesford
Ducks are official inhabitants of the lake. (Image: John Gayler)

Keep reading for more Daylesford travel tips and insider recommendations.

Roxanne Andrews
Roxanne Andrews is a freelance travel writer and editor based in Yamba, Australia. Topics of expertise include; sports tourism, luxury travel, arts & culture, cuisine & dining, wellness, the adventure sector and all things marine. A professional scribe who occasionally goes gonzo to capture the moment.
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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)