The best Daylesford accommodation for a perfect weekend getaway

Plan your next getaway around one of these peaceful stays.

With its incredible range of activities and serene landscapes, Daylesford is a destination that deserves beautiful accommodation to match. From luxury lodges with onsite pampering spa treatments to cosy cottages nestled in lush gardens, you’ll find the ideal spot to recharge and make the most of your time in Victoria’s spa country.

Explore our top picks for the best accommodation in Daylesford.

1. Lake House

an aerial view of the Lake House, Daylesford — Retreat into this luxurious lakeside accommodation. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Overlooking the still waters of Lake Daylesford, Lake House is a luxurious retreat on beautifully landscaped grounds. This iconic property blends elegant accommodations and natural surroundings, featuring stylish hotel studios, suites and villas. Each space is thoughtfully designed, showcasing custom furnishings crafted by local artisans and adorned with original artwork.

Relax by the solar-heated infinity pool, enjoy a game of tennis, or take a stroll through the picturesque gardens. To elevate your stay, savour the acclaimed a la carte breakfast and buffet, featuring freshly baked sourdough and viennoiserie, or choose room service for a leisurely morning.

Price: $$$$$

Address: 4 King Street, Daylesford

2. Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm

the Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm in Daylesford — Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm is nestled in the serene countryside. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Surrounded by rolling hills, Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm presents an exclusive countryside escape, just 10 minutes from Daylesford. Each of its six private king suites afford the same level of refinement as its renowned sister property, Lake House, combining lavish designs with custom furnishings and locally sourced art for a truly sophisticated stay.

A dedicated Lodge Concierge is available to prepare a hearty country-style breakfast, light the fire pit, or craft a sunset cocktail. Lodgers can also explore the roughly 16-hectare regenerative farm – home to olive groves, vineyards, lush herb and vegetable gardens and an artisan bakehouse.

Price: $$$$$

Address: 238 Dairy Flat Road, Musk

3. Dollywood

the alfresco deck at Dollywood, Daylesford — Laze the day away on the deck. (Image: Dollywood)

Exuding retro charm, Dollywood is a chic departure from Daylesford’s usual quaint cottage lodgings. With its bold Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic, this stylish four-bedroom home combines modern amenities with vintage flair. A neon sign welcomes travellers into a vibrant space with a bubblegum pink door, wood-panelled walls and a cosy fireplace.

The open-plan living flows seamlessly onto a wrap-around deck with gorgeous countryside outlooks. Guests can make the most of the well-equipped kitchen, where a servery window connects to the deck – a gathering spot for alfresco dining – while fully immersed in the home’s laid-back California-cool vibe.

Price: $$$$

Address: 82 Central Springs Road, Daylesford

4. L’Atelier Daylesford

the apartment living room at L’Atelier Daylesford — The Parisian-style apartment has everything you need for a splendid stay.

Above the enchanting eCasa boutique , L’Atelier Daylesford is a beautifully designed Parisian-style apartment, housing two queen-sized bedrooms with luscious, soft linen bedding. With its antique decor, comfy linen sofas, an inviting freestanding bathtub and large picture windows that frame the historic town, this intimate retreat instils the feeling of a European retreat.

Situated along the town’s bustling main street, those staying will be tempted to explore Daylesford’s renowned dining scene by foot. The restaurant, Bistro Terroir , is just a short stroll away, where the French fare keeps things on theme.

Price: $$

Address: Confirmed upon booking

5. Clifftop at Hepburn

wine and tasting platter by the fire at Clifftop at Hepburn — Expect freestanding wood-burning fireplaces. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Perched on a cliffside, Clifftop at Hepburn boasts architecturally designed villas with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and bushland. Each villa, flooded with natural light through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, is named after romantic cities like Paris, Venice and Rome, heralding the ideal couples’ retreat.

Guests can indulge in upscale amenities, including spa baths, gas fireplaces and private balconies with uninterrupted vistas of Hepburn Gorge. Just minutes away is the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa , a highlight of Victoria’s legendary spa country and just one of the many incredible things to do in Daylesford.

Price: $$ – $$$

Address: 209 Main Road, Hepburn Springs

6. Headland

Headland Airbnb Daylesford — Sleep in elegance with a view of the countryside.

Tucked away in a serene garden, Headland is a storybook country cottage primed for a romantic getaway. With French provincial-inspired interiors – featuring classic white linens, plush scatter cushions and a wrought-iron bed frame – this snug retreat exudes elegance and comfort. The inviting porch adds to the allure, just the right spot for enjoying tranquil mornings or peaceful evenings in the fresh air.

While its vintage appeal sets a romantic tone, Headland reveals modern comforts throughout. Guests will appreciate the blackout blinds for restful nights, a luxe rainfall shower head in the bathroom and sleek Smeg appliances in the kitchen.

Address: Confirmed upon booking

Website: airbnb.com.au

Price: $$$

7. Shizuka Ryokan

two women embracing the peaceful ryokan lifestyle at Shizuka Ryokan — Shizuka Ryokan reflects the traditional ryokan style in Japan. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Transport yourself to Japan with a stay at Shizuka Ryokan , an adults-only retreat in Hepburn Springs designed to transpose the tranquillity of a traditional Japanese inn. Set amidst immaculately manicured gardens, this getaway crafts an authentic experience, complete with minimalist interiors, private tsuboniwa (small garden) and the calming ambience of tatami floors and futon bedding.

Relax with a soothing spa treatment or unwind in your room’s ensuite bath, donning a yukata (summer kimono) to fully embrace the peaceful ryokan lifestyle. To make your stay extra special, don’t miss the traditional Japanese breakfast, a highlight for many guests.

Price: $$$

Address: 7 Lakeside Dr, Hepburn

8. Milk and Honey

a bedroom facing sweeping views from the verandah — The verandah opens up to breathtaking views.

Offering a peaceful escape on the northern side of Wombat Hill, Milk and Honey is an elevated retreat that greets visitors with a charming, leafy stairway leading to its welcoming front door. Surrounded by lush gardens, the home boasts two bedrooms – each with king-sized beds and direct access to the sweeping verandah – with breathtaking countryside and Mount Franklin views.

When patrons aren’t enjoying the vistas or relaxing by the fireplace in winter, the home’s prime location means local gems like the Convent Gallery, Daylesford Sunday Market and the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens are just a short stroll away.

Price: $$$$

Address: Confirmed upon booking

9. Lancemore Cleveland Estate

the heritage-style homestead at Lancemore Cleveland Estate in Lancefield, Daylesford accommodation — Seek a peaceful escape in the countryside. (Image: Lancemore Cleveland Estate)

If you’re picturing a perfect getaway like a slow weekend in the countryside, then Lancemore Cleveland Estate in Lancefield (just outside Daylesford) is exactly how you dreamt it would be. The charming heritage-style homestead blends rustic charm with modern country chic.

Set amidst tranquil vineyards, this picture-perfect retreat serves as a great base to soak up all that the region has to offer. Sip exceptional wines at the underground cellar door and indulge in a fireside feast with flame-grilled meats under the stars. Then, slink back into one of the 50 modern accommodations, ranging from vineyard-view suites and cosy king rooms to a spectacularly restored 1880s Homestead.

Address: 55 Shannons Road, Lancefield

Beyond the winding bitumen and coastal views lies another side to Victoria’s most famous route.

There’s something hypnotic about this stretch of Victoria’s coast. Maybe it’s the way the road hugs the ocean so tightly, or how the cliffs catch the sun in colours you can’t name. Or, for local Victorians who drove this route as kids, maybe it’s the memories of winding through the impossibly tall trees as they seemingly guide you on your journey like wooden guardian angels. Most travellers know it for the 12 Apostles, but there are plenty of alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road equally as worthy of your time.

So, next time you’re in that neck of the woods, park that car, stretch those legs and try these experiences.

1. Discover living culture at Budj Bim

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism — Walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Breakaway Creek’s Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a masterclass in educational storytelling. Join a guided tour with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism to walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system, where the Gunditjmara people built sophisticated eel traps and stone channels more than 6,000 years ago.

Budj Bim’s aquaculture system predates Egypt’s pyramids by roughly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest examples of human engineering on Earth. If that’s not enough to get your history-loving family members involved in this road trip, we’re out of ideas.

2. Unwind in the hot springs at Warnambool

woman relaxing at Deep Blue Hot Springs — Let mineral-rich water heal you.

If your legs need a break after a long drive, Deep Blue Hot Springs is your remedy. The geothermal pools sit just metres from the coastline, filled with mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep underground. Move between open-air baths, waterfall pools and quiet zones made for meditation.

The water in Deep Blue’s geothermal pools comes from an ancient aquifer nearly 850 metres below the Earth’s surface, which, in non-scientific terms, means it’s far more likely to have healing properties than the mineral water you’d find at the supermarket.

3. Take to the air at Princetown

12 Apostles Helicopters flight alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road — See an icon from a different view.

You may have seen the Twelve Apostles from the trusty viewing platform, but a helicopter flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters shows you just how sprawling and rugged this coastline really is.

The trip covers everything from Port Campbell to London Bridge (not to be confused with the UK’s own), giving you a rare chance to watch waves carving the limestone cliffs from above. It’s worth noting that the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles are said to erode by roughly two centimetres each year, so the longer you leave it, the less of the Apostles you’ll see.

4. Step into the past at Flagstaff Hill

Continue the tour through Warnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum , a recreated 19th-century port town. Hear stories from the days when shipwrecks were as common as seagulls, with an astounding 180 ships believed to have sunk along the Shipwreck Coast in less than five years.

The night show, complete with lights, sound, and sea spray, brings the coastline’s most dramatic stories to life.

If you’re staying the night, Simon’s Waterfront offers relaxed dining with fresh local seafood and oceanfront views. Order the catch of the day and toast to the sailors who never made it ashore.

5. Learn to surf in Torquay, Lorne, or Anglesea

kid having a lesson with Go Ride A Wave — Learn how to hang 10. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you’ve surfed before or can barely stand on a board, Go Ride A Wave will have you upright in no time. Torquay’s calm beaches are ideal for first-timers, while Lorne and Anglesea bring a bit more energy for those unafraid to get dunked.

Bells Beach, just down the road from Torquay, has even hosted the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition since 1962. So, for those eager to have a gander at pros using surfboards like they’re an additional appendage, the competition usually runs sometime in autumn.

6. Tackle the trails in Forrest

Barwon Flow Trails Otways Flow MTB — Hire a bike and explore MTB trails through the Otways.

Forrest is a haven for mountain bikers thanks to an expansive network of trails through stunning natural scenery. The Forrest trail network has almost 100 kilometres of singletrack across 36 trails, so there’s something for every level of rider. That’s including more than 60 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails winding through the Otways’ dense forest. Cycle through ancient myrtle beech trees and towering tree ferns, with smaller ferns and soft mosses forming a carpet at your feet.

Hire a bike from Forrest MTB Hire and take your pick from easy, scenic rides to more challenging singletracks, such as Red Carpet or Rollercoaster.

7. See wildlife up close in Apollo Bay

bush rat on Wildlife Wonders tour — Get help spotting the locals. (Image: Doug Gimsey)

If spotting koalas and kangaroos in the wild feels like winning the lottery, Wildlife Wonders gives you guaranteed sightings without cages or crowds. Every visit to the sanctuary helps fund the Conservation Ecology Centre which supports endangered species across the Otways, so your business is appreciated by humans and animals alike.

The guided walk takes you through protected Otways habitat where you might spot potoroos (or joey lookalikes for those unfamiliar with a potoroo), wallabies, and sleepy koalas lounging in the trees.

8. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation

Towering over the sea on a cliff above the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lightstation has been guiding ships since 1848. Before the lighthouse was built, Cape Otway was one of the most treacherous points on the Victorian coast, with dozens of shipwrecks occurring in its surrounding waters. Pick the right day, and you may bump into a local willing to tell you about the wreck of Eric the Red .

While at the Cape Otway Lightstation, explore the keeper’s quarters, walk the coastal trails, and take in views that only stop short at the horizon.

And no, contrary to popular belief, the Round the Twist lighthouse is actually located in Split Point, just shy of two hours in the direction of Melbourne. Nothing’s stopping you from embarking on a lighthouse crawl, though.

Plan your next no-stone-unturned journey along this iconic Aussie road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.