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.

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 guide to the best Daylesford cafes for brunch and coffee