The Best Daylesford Cafes For Brunch And Coffee

From hearty breakfasts to indulgent sweet treats, here are the best cafe spots to fuel your Daylesford adventure.

With so many incredible things to do in Daylesford, starting your day with the right fuel is essential. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a decadent brunch, or just a quick coffee to get you going, this picturesque pocket of Victoria has you covered.

Here’s a round-up of some of the best cafes to visit during your visit to Daylesford.

1. Cliffy’s Emporium

food and drinks at Cliffy’s Emporium, Daylesford — Dine on Cliffy’s numerous breakfast options. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Brimming with vintage charm, Cliffy’s Emporium has been a Daylesford institution since the 1950s, offering a relaxed yet character-filled brunch outing. Inside, rustic corrugated iron walls and weathered timber evoke the history of this beloved spot, where crowds gather for top-notch coffee and delectable dishes.

Start your day with the famed ‘Cliffy’s Benedict’ or branch out with their eclectic breakfast options, like laksa scrambled eggs or tasty French toast. Farmers still deliver fresh produce here, stocking the deli shelves with local bread, pies, and cakes, so don’t leave without grabbing a few treats for the road.

Address: 30 Raglan St, Daylesford

2. Wombat Hill House

the exterior of Wombat Hill House, Daylesford — Enjoy the fresh country air at Wombat Hill House. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Tucked within the lush Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, the Wombat Hill House cafe offers a peaceful retreat for brunch enthusiasts. With a seasonal menu that showcases local produce and fresh ingredients from their own Dairy Flat Farm, every dish highlights the region’s flavours. Indulge in slow-fermented sourdough and viennoiserie, paired with ST.ALi coffee, while soaking up the garden’s tranquillity.

In the warmer months, enjoy alfresco dining under one of the heritage-listed trees or at a nearby picnic table. When the temperature drops, the inviting warmth of the fire inside provides a cosy spot to relax while admiring the stunning natural surroundings.

Address: Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford

3. Bad Habits Cafe

Bathed in natural light, Bad Habits Cafe inside The Convent Daylesford offers a serene and sundrenched setting for breakfast or lunch. The turquoise walls and glass-fronted atrium provide a charming, sun-drenched backdrop for enjoying a locally inspired menu, featuring daily specials alongside beloved classics like calamari, croquettes, or the pie of the day.

For an extra special sitting, reserve their two-hour High Tea, which begins with a mimosa on arrival, followed by an exquisitely arranged three-tiered stand filled with freshly baked scones, savoury bites, and decadent sweet treats. Enjoy your treats in the sunlit atrium with views of the gardens, or in a private room surrounded by art. As an added bonus, this booking includes access to the Convent Gallery, Chapel, and Museum.

Address: 7 Daly Street, Daylesford

4. Pancho Cafe

lunch at Pancho, Daylesford — Rock up for an early breakfast or mosey down for lunch.

Set against stripped-back interiors featuring exposed brick, an elegant wrought iron staircase, and ivory walls, Pancho Cafe is wonderfully laid-back. With a concise yet expertly crafted menu, it’s a steadfast favourite in Daylesford. Melbourne’s Wide Open Road coffee beans and milk sourced from Western Victoria ensure every coffee is a treat, and for those who prefer something stronger, there’s an enticing range of cocktails, beers, and cider.

Taking a hands-on approach, the cafe makes its own yoghurt, pickles, sauces, and cakes in-house, giving the menu its distinctive flavour. Whether grabbing an early breakfast of apple and buckwheat fritters or sitting down for a roast beef roll at lunch, this place delivers. On sunny days, the cute, dog-friendly courtyard is the perfect spot to relax.

Address: 117 Vincent Street, Daylesford

5. Larder Cafe

a table-top view of meals at Larder, Daylesford — Choose from an enticing menu of brunch classics.

Bursting with creativity and local flair, Larder Cafe is a Daylesford main street staple, serving up hearty brunch classics. With its eclectic interiors, designed in collaboration with local artists, this cafe embodies the artistic spirit of the region. The extensive menu includes tried-and-true favourites like baked eggs, a big breakfast, and eggs Benedict, but it’s the specials board that steals the show. Expect inventive dishes such as panko-crusted eggs with an Asian fennel salad or a yoghurt panna cotta with rhubarb.

Whether you’re craving a bespoke DIY breakfast or a lunchtime treat like the famous chicken burger with sriracha mayo or a B.L.A.T., Larder delivers. Pair your meal with their single-origin cold drip coffee or specialty tea for the ultimate brunch fare.

Address: 57a Vincent Street, Daylesford

6. Harvest Cafe

For a feel-good, nourishing meal that celebrates local produce, Harvest Cafe is an essential stop in Daylesford. Catering to vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners, this cosy cafe offers a menu that champions fresh, feel-good options. The interior’s shelves are stocked with pantry staples and local goods, further enhancing the cafe’s welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

Breakfast keeps it simple yet satisfying, with choices like eggs on toast, acai bowls, and granola. Lunch steps it up with a range of vibrant offerings, including spicy lentil patties, frittatas, savoury tarts, and crisp salads. Be sure to pair your meal with one of their freshly blended smoothies or juices for an added boost of goodness. Or, grab a wrap, roll, or pie for a quick yet wholesome meal.

Address: 9 Albert St, Daylesford

7. The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company

For those with a sweet tooth, The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company is bound to deliver a sugar rush. Nestled inside a gorgeous white cottage on the village edge, this cafe exudes warmth and indulgence with its decadent menu and homely space. The rotating selection of pastries is sure to tempt, offering treats like jam doughnuts, chocolate fudge brownies, and strawberry chocolate croissants—perfect for pairing with their signature beverages.

The standout here is the Parisian Hot Chocolate Experience, where a luscious chocolate ganache is served with dollop cream and a warm, crispy croissant for dipping. For an extra sweet touch, you can even request an additional cup to share this delight with someone special.

Address: 22 Raglan Street, Daylesford

8. Trentham General

the cafe exterior of Trentham General, Daylesford — The relaxed outdoor setting is the perfect spot for an al fresco meal. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Just a short drive from Daylesford lies Trentham General , a personality-packed cafe in the neighbouring town of Trentham, housed in the beautifully restored old Bank of Australasia. Start your day with the Trentham Happy Hens Eggs Your Way, served on Zeally Bay sourdough toast, or try the flavorful Dukkah Eggs with beetroot hummus, walnut dukkah, and Meredith goat’s cheese.

For lunch, the Halloumi Burger is a standout, featuring fried halloumi, Istra bacon, and fresh mixed leaf lettuce in a Zeally Bay brioche bun. Whether you choose to relax inside its brilliantly restored interior or outside on the sunlit streetscape, you’ll enjoy fresh regional produce, excellent coffee, delicious cakes, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Address: 37A High Street, Trentham

Discover the best wineries in Daylesford and beyond.

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

A guide to the best Daylesford cafes for brunch and coffee