Lake Daylesford: A visitor's guide to this picture-perfect landmark

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.

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.

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

A visitor’s guide to picturesque Lake Daylesford