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.

Plan your next weekend away in Daylesford and enjoy relaxing day spas, picture-perfect wineries, charming cafes, and refined restaurants.

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.

1. Discover unique art at boutique galleries

the gallery cafe signage outside The Convent Gallery — The 19th-century Convent Gallery houses a cafe. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

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.

2. Unwind at indulgent hot springs and day spas

a couple enjoying a refreshing dip at Hepburn Bathhouse — Treat yourself to a relaxing dip at Hepburn Bathhouse. (Image: 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. A couple of hours away, Peninsula Hot Springs also offers eco-lodges with everything needed for a restorative getaway.

3. Discover the beauty of the parks and gardens

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.

4. Meander around vibrant markets

market stalls filled with people at Daylesford Sunday Market — Shop your way around the 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.

5. Experience the magnificent Hanging Rock

kangaroos grazing on the field at Hanging Rock — Kangaroos graze in the field set against the 105-metre crest of the rock. (Image: 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 joining a llama trek, a delightful way to experience this cherished landmark.

6. Go wine tasting at picture-perfect wineries

the scenic landscape surrounding Passing Clouds winery — Passing Clouds pairs premium wines with panoramic views.

In Macedon Ranges’ cool-climate wine region, every sip at picture-perfect wineries in and around Daylesford 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.

7. Visit Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm for Euro charm

geese wandering around Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm — Lavender is at its peak in late summer. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)

Set amidst 100 acres of lush gardens, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm offers a step back in time with its historic stone buildings and friendly farm animals. Stroll through the fragrant lavender fields, which bloom from January into autumn, or enjoy a meal at Maria’s, the onsite eatery known for its lavender scones and woodfired pizza. Soon, Tinetti’s Wine Bar will open, serving local wines from the farm’s exquisite stone barn overlooking the gardens.

8. Go fishing on Jubilee Lake

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.

9. Discover the area’s scenic trails

Lake Daylesford’s Peace Mile invites a serene 2.8km walk, winding around the lake’s still waters in just 40 minutes. The Tipperary Track offers a scenic bushland journey, showcasing disused goldfields and mineral springs, particularly striking in autumn. For a greater challenge, the Goldfields Track spans historic towns from Daylesford to Bendigo, captivating walkers and cyclists with its rich history and vibrant surroundings.

10. Indulge in sweet treats at the chocolate shops

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.

11. Have lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants

the white-washed dining interior of Lake House Restaurant, Daylesford — Dine in an elegant lakeside setting. (Image: 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.

12. Visit Daylesford Cider Company

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.

13. Take a farm tour or class at the Dairy Flat Farm

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.

14. Explore surrounding historic towns

a scenic view of Daylesford — Daylesford has long been a hidden treasure trove of charming towns. (Image: 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.

This bohemian yet refined spa town at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range has a lot to offer. Not only is its food and wine scene (especially its cafe offering) well-established, and up there with the best of regional Australia, but it offers holidaymakers and weekend breakers plenty of scenic countryside, quaint boutiques, and even bathhouses. Read on for details of how to plan your next break in spa country.

Slow down and find your rhythm on a Murray River journey through time and place.

Trust is a funny thing. It seems not that long ago that my mother was insisting on pouring the milk into my cereal bowl, because she didn’t trust me not to slosh it over the table, and yet here I am on the Murray River at Mildura in far north-west Victoria, being handed the keys to a very new and very expensive luxury houseboat.

After a crash course in how not to crash, I’m at the wheel of the good ship Elevate – pride of the All Seasons fleet – guiding her upstream past red-ochre cliffs as pelicans glide above the rippled river and kookaburras call from reedy banks. There’s a brief moment of breath-holding while I negotiate a hairpin turn around a jagged reef of skeletal, submerged gum trees, before a cheer rings out and calm descends as the timeless river unfurls in front of us.

The Murray River winding through Yarrawonga. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Setting sail from Mildura

Murray River birds — Home to a large number of bird species, including pelicans. (Image: The Precint Studios)

A journey along the Murray River is never less than magical, and launching from Mildura makes perfect sense. Up here the river is wide and largely empty, giving novice skippers like myself the confidence to nudge the 60-tonne houseboat up to the riverbank where we tie up for the night, without fear of shattering the glass elevator (the boat is fully wheelchair accessible) or spilling our Champagne.

My friends and I spend three days on the water, swimming and fishing, sitting around campfires onshore at night, and basking in air so warm you’d swear you were in the tropics. The simplicity of river life reveals an interesting dichotomy: we feel disconnected from the world but at the same time connected to Country, privileged to be part of something so ancient and special.

Stop one: Echuca

19th-century paddlesteamers — A historic 19th-century paddlesteamer cruises along the Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The six-hour drive from Melbourne to Mildura (or four hours and 20 minutes from Adelaide) is more than worth it, but you don’t have to travel that far to find fun on the river. Once Australia’s largest inland port, Echuca is the closest point on the Murray to Melbourne (two hours 45 minutes), and you’ll still find a plethora of paddlesteamers tethered to the historic timber wharf, a throwback to the thriving river trade days of the 19th century. The PS Adelaide, built in 1866 and the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer operating in the world, departs daily for one-hour cruises, while a brand-new paddlesteamer, the PS Australian Star , is launching luxury seven-night voyages in December through APT Touring.

The town is also a hot food and wine destination. St Anne’s Winery at the historic Port of Echuca precinct has an incredibly photogenic cellar door, set inside an old carriage builders’ workshop on the wharf and filled with huge, 3000-litre port barrels. The Mill, meanwhile, is a cosy winter spot to sample regional produce as an open fire warms the red-brick walls of this former flour mill.

Stop two: Barmah National Park

Just half-an-hour upstream, Barmah National Park is flourishing, its river red gum landscape (the largest in the world) rebounding magnificently after the recent removal of more than 700 feral horses. The internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland sits in the heart of Yorta Yorta Country, with Traditional Owners managing the environment in close partnership with Parks Victoria. Walkways weave through the forest, crossing creeks lined with rare or threatened plants, passing remnants of Yorta Yorta oven mounds and numerous scar trees, where the bark was removed to build canoes, containers or shields.

The Dharnya Centre (open weekdays until 3pm) is the cultural hub for the Yorta Yorta. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of the Barmah Lakes on a 90-minute river cruise, led by a First Nations guide, or take a one-hour, guided cultural walking tour along the Yamyabuc Trail.

Stop three: Cobram

Continue east to Cobram to find the southern hemisphere’s largest inland beach. Swarming with sun-seekers in summer, the white sand of Thompson’s Beach is shaded by majestic river red gums and dotted with hundreds of beach umbrellas, as beachgoers launch all manner of water craft and set up stumps for beach cricket. But the beach is at its most captivating at sunset, when the crowds thin out, the glassy river mirrors the purple sky, and the canopies of the gum trees glow fiery orange.

The region is also home to some fine resorts and indulgent retreats. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has two riverside championship golf courses, luxury apartments and self-contained villas. While not strictly on the Murray, the historic wine town of Rutherglen is rife with boutique (and unique) accommodation, including an exquisitely renovated red-brick tower in a French provincial-style castle at Mount Ophir Estate. Fans of fortified wines can unravel the mystery of Rutherglen’s ‘Muscat Mile’, meeting the vignerons and master-blenders whose artistry has put the town on the global map for this rich and complex wine style.

Stop four: Albury-Wodonga

First Nations YindyamarraSculpture Walk — First Nations Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is part of the Wagirra Trail. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Follow the river far enough upstream and you’ll arrive at the twin border cities of Albury-Wodonga. The Hume Highway thunders through, but serenity can be found along the five-kilometre Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk – part of the Wagirra Trail that meanders through river wetlands just west of Albury in Wiradjuri country. Fifteen sculptures by local First Nations artists line the trail, conveying stories of reconciliation, enduring connection to culture, local Milawa lore and traditional practices. It feels a long way from Mildura, and it is, but the pelicans and kookaburras remind us that it’s the same river, the great conduit that connects our country.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

New Mildura motel Kar-rama. (Image: Iain Bond Photo)

Kar-Rama is a brand-new boutique, retro-styled motel in Mildura, with a butterfly-shaped pool and a tropical, Palm Springs vibe. Echuca Holiday Homes has a range of high-end accommodation options, both on the riverfront and in town.

Playing there

BruceMunro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura — Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura. (Image: Imogen Eveson)

Artist Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights installation, comprising more than 12,000 illuminated ‘fireflies’, is currently lighting up Mildura’s Lock Island in the middle of the Murray. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a hub for contemporary art, with a rotating roster of exhibitions, and is a major outlet for young and First Nations artists.

Eating there

Mildura’s diverse demographic means it’s a fantastic place to eat. Andy’s Kitchen is a local favourite, serving up delicious pan-Asian dishes and creative cocktails in a Balinese-style garden setting. Call in to Spoons Riverside in Swan Hill to enjoy locally sourced, seasonal produce in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.

14 incredible things to do in Daylesford