A visitor’s guide to picturesque Lake Daylesford

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.

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 from. 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.

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.

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.

Soak up the beautiful scenery from the bridge.

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

Walk over the picturesque platform on Lake Daylesford Jetty and Bridge.

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.

Drive out to Daylesford this winter.

It’s a family-friendly environment here and it’s also a pet-friendly park too. 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 welcomes those with accessibility needs and the walking circuit is known to be clear and even.

Wildflowers bloom along Lake Daylesford Park.

Keep your camera ready because asides from the scene-stealing lakeside vistas, the eucalyptus-lined grasslands that surround the central water feature are often littered with seasonal wildflowers which creates a magical soft-focus effect come sunset.

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.

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.

Majestic scenery surrounds the manmade lake.

Lake Daylesford itself 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.

Laze the day away on the lake. (Image: Alpha)

Getting to Lake Daylesford

Car parking is available at Lake Daylesford. Word to the wise, it can get busy during holidays; thus we’d recommend arriving early in the day or coming for a peak during the week.

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.

Ducks are official inhabitants of the lake. (Image: John Gayler)

Keep reading for more Daylesford travel tips and insider recommendations.