Incredible Things to Do in Daylesford on Your Next Visit

From tranquil hot springs to picture-perfect wineries, explore the top things to do in Daylesford, an enticing destination for a restful weekend escape.

At the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Daylesford beckons as Victoria’s ultimate retreat for relaxation and indulgence. Just an hour from Melbourne, this spa town promises year-round escapes filled with mineral-rich springs, sprawling lavender fields, and some of the finest regional fare.

Whether you’re seeking a day trip or a full weekend away, prepare to surrender to serenity.

Read on for a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Daylesford.

In short

At the very least, eat well, wander slowly and soak it all in. Daylesford rewards those who balance indulgent food with gentle foraging on foot – think long lunches, lake walks, forest trails and just enough culture to round out the day.

Discover unique art at boutique galleries

The Convent Gallery, Daylesford — Step into the 19th-century Convent Gallery. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Daylesford is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, with boutique galleries celebrating both local and international talent. The Convent Gallery , housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, charms visitors with its seamless mix of art, history, and panoramic views. Smaller galleries like Michael Parker Gallery and Bromley & Co. showcase thoughtfully curated collections, ensuring art lovers leave inspired.

 Unwind at indulgent hot springs and day spas

The Spa at the Lake House, Daylesford — Be at one with nature at The Spa at Lake House. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Renowned for its mineral springs and spas, Daylesford offers many rejuvenating escapes that perfectly complement the region’s reputation as Australia’s Spa Capital. Indulge in the serene surrounds of the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa or try Japanese-inspired treatments at Shizuka Ryokan . For a full sensory escape, The Spa at Lake House offers treehouse mineral baths and meditative garden views.

 Discover the beauty of the parks and gardens

Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve, Daylesford — Enjoy nature walks at Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Nature’s allure shines at Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens , set atop an extinct volcano offering shady paths and sweeping views from its lookout tower. Pause for a serene meal at Wombat Hill House, or admire seasonal blooms at the Begonia House. Nearby, Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve , home to Australia’s first Bathhouse, features historic buildings, trails to natural springs, a playground, and picnic spots, making it a delightful family outing.

Meander around vibrant markets

crowds of shoppers at Daylesford Sunday Market — Browse through the local stalls for fresh produce and handmade crafts. (Credit: Daylesford Sunday Market)

Bursting with the energy of local makers, the Daylesford Sunday Market is a vibrant hub showcasing the best of the region. With 130 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and antiques, it’s a feast for the senses. Set at the historic railway station, the market includes a farmers’ section brimming with seasonal delights. Its dog-friendly vibe ensures fun for the whole family.

Experience the magnificent Hanging Rock

hikers exploring Hanging Rock — Explore the mystical Hanging Rock. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Known for its role in Picnic at Hanging Rock, this ancient volcanic formation captivates with its natural beauty and cultural depth. Just a short drive from Daylesford, this natural wonder offers panoramic views via its Summit Walk, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas and insights into its significance as a sacred Wurundjeri site. Add a touch of whimsy to your visit by booking a llama trek, a delightful way to experience this cherished landmark.

Go wine tasting at picture-perfect wineries

Hanging Rock Winery, Daylesford — Sample estate-grown wines at the picturesque Hanging Rock Winery. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

In Daylesford’s cool-climate wine region, every sip at its many picture-perfect wineries tells a story. Hanging Rock Winery pairs award-winning riesling with panoramic views. Passing Clouds offers a sun-drenched deck perfect for enjoying their chardonnay, while at Paramoor Winery , minimal intervention techniques highlight the elegance of pinot noir and riesling, creating wines that reflect the region’s distinctive terroir.

Visit Lavandula Farm for Euro charm

geese foraging in a field of lavender — Lavender is at its peak in late summer. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Set amidst 100 acres of lush gardens, Lavandula Farm offers a step back in time with its historic stone buildings and cultivation by Swiss-Italian immigrants over 160 years ago. Stroll through the fragrant lavender fields, which bloom from January into autumn, or enjoy a meal at Maria’s, the country trattoria serving up simple, honest food. Not to be outdone, Tinetti’s Dairy Barn & Wine Shoppe and the Post Office Deli & Larder cater for whatever time you manage to visit.

 Go fishing on Jubilee Lake

a boat on Jubilee Lake — Go for a paddle on Jubilee Lake. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Jubilee Lake is a serene oasis where nature and leisure meet. Teeming with trout and redfin, it’s a dream destination for fishing fans. Walking trails weave through lush scenery, and nearby picnic spots invite leisurely family outings. With boat hire available, visitors can explore the peaceful waters or simply bask in the serenity by the shore. Keep an eye out for ducks, cockatoos, and some beautiful peacocks.

 Discover the area’s scenic trails on foot

Lake Daylesford from above — The ornamental lake boasts natural beauty and a rich history. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Lake Daylesford’s Peace Mile is an easy 2.8-kilometre circuit, winding around still water and shaded parkland, and comfortably completed in around 40 minutes. For something a little wilder, the Tipperary Track meanders through bushland dotted with disused goldfields and mineral springs, at its most atmospheric in autumn. Another favourite is the numerous easy grade short walks within Hepburn Regional Park , where sealed paths connect historic bathhouses, picnic spots and natural mineral springs beneath towering eucalypts.

…or by bike

biking around Jubilee Lake — Cycle on scenic trails. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Cyclists are well catered for, with the Goldfields Track stretching from Daylesford through to Bendigo, linking historic towns and landscapes shaped by the gold rush. Mountain bikers can head just outside town to tackle the full 60 kilometres of the Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails) , a purpose-built network that winds through forested terrain and culturally significant Country, offering varied trails for different skill levels.

Indulge in sweet treats at the chocolate shops

a warm choco cup at The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company — Find comfort in a warm cup of hot chocolate. (Credit: The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company)

Indulge in the region’s sweetest offerings with a visit to The Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company , found inside a gorgeous white cottage in town, housing delights like jam doughnuts, brownies, and their Parisian Hot Chocolate Experience. For more indulgence, visit the Chocolate Mill in Mount Franklin to watch chocolatiers craft truffles and ice cream, then savour them in the cosy atmosphere of the Hot Chocolate Cafe.

 Have lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants

pouring wine into a glass at Sault Estate — Wine and dine in an elegant setting overlooking a vineyard. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Daylesford’s reputation as a dining destination is well-earned. The celebrated regional icon, Lake House Restaurant , champions local ingredients in an elegant lakeside setting. Sault Restaurant is where seasonal menus meet a romantic venue surrounded by flower fields. Bistro Terroir adds a touch of French sophistication to the mix, while the revived Daylesford Hotel elevates traditional pub classics with inventive and polished flair.  

Visit Daylesford Cider Company

Daylesford Cider tasting paddle — Order a cider tasting paddle to get the full experience. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Explore the craftsmanship of cider-making at Daylesford Cider Company , where traditional English techniques bring unique flavours to life. Set amid the rolling countryside, this boutique cidery invites you to enjoy tastings in a welcoming cellar door or under the open skies of their courtyard. Complement the experience with a wood-fired pizza and soak in the peaceful rural atmosphere for the perfect afternoon.

Take a farm tour or class at the Dairy Flat Farm

flower gardens at Dairy Flat Farm — The 16-hectare regenerative farm boasts idyllic gardens. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Explore the expansive 40-acre Dairy Flat Farm , where regenerative farming practices flourish across olive groves, vineyards, and vibrant gardens, supporting the Lake House Restaurant and Wombat Hill House cafe. Gain new skills through an Introduction to Beekeeping class, covering hive care and honey production, or embrace the art of sourdough baking with expert guidance.

Explore the surrounding historic towns

High Street, Trentham — Daylesford has long been a hidden treasure trove of charming towns. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Venture beyond Daylesford to uncover the character-filled towns of the region. A visit to Trentham charms with its quaint main street lined with boutique stores and cosy cafes. Meanwhile, gold-rush gems like Maldon and Castlemaine captivate with their well-preserved historic buildings, vibrant arts scenes, and antique havens. Meander through laneways, visit galleries, and discover the rich heritage woven into each town.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach , the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road . Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park , which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae , helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream , Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.

This lush Victorian town has hot springs, wineries and historic buildings