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. 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 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.

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

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 the flow of modern-day life in Australia’s magical spa country with a stay at the new Hepburn Bathhouse.

Sunlight spills across a large wooden table lined with a curious collection of essences, extracts, and pastel-hued powders in glass jars, each with a handwritten label. I pause at each of the small brown bottles, drawing their pipettes to compare the heady scents. Meanwhile, a spa therapist assuming the role of fragrance sommelier explains the formula for a perfectly scented soak: an uplifting citrus top note, a relaxing floral middle note, and a grounding, rich and heavy base note. I squeeze drops of bergamot, lavender, and a dash of frankincense into my bowl, stirring them with a scattering of rose petals, some pink Himalayan rock salt, and a sprinkle of ashwagandha in a small pot with a wooden spoon: it’s all a little bit meditative, ASMR and aesthetically pleasing.

Custom ‘apothecary’ experience

Each guest who opts for a private ‘Alchemist Mineral Bath’ at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is invited to make their own custom concoction. As my bath is drawn, I laze in the adjacent sunken timber lounge, sipping on an organic, herbal house-made tea that features some of the very same botanicals as the essential oils on the table (calendula, licorice root and spearmint, to name a few). Snug in slippers and a white waffle robe, I unfurl one of the curled blankets across my lap as melodic spa music echoes, and succumb to the serenity that permeates the spa’s every corner.

Private mineral baths updated

This hands-on ‘apothecary’ experience is one of the newest additions to Australia’s oldest spa (est. 1895), which reopened in August 2025 after a multimillion-dollar facelift. The entire space has undergone a refresh, from new tiling and lighting to refurbished changing rooms. But chief among the updates are the private mineral baths themselves, five of which were overhauled by contestants from the 21st season of The Block, each offering a wholly different vibe. One is vibrant and uplifting, plastered with pink subway tiles; another is awash with slate and captures a meditative minimalism; while a third is a riot of patterns, decked in veined marble, chevron-tiled floors, and an embossed copper-look ceiling.

A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with slate tiled walls

A soothing soak in the mineral waters of Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. (Image: Supplied)

The therapeutic powers of mineral bathing

A 45-minute soak in a private bath might feel like an eternity of solitude in an age defined by overscheduling, digital addiction, restlessness and hustle culture, yet the time slips by surprisingly quickly and proves unexpectedly restorative. There’s a sudden rosy glow on my long anaemic-looking cheeks, a softness to my skin, and, just maybe, a slower pace to my thoughts. The therapeutic powers of mineral bathing have, of course, been lauded for centuries: even the ancient Greeks and Egyptians extolled the virtues of mineral bathing for its relaxation properties and supposed ability to treat ailments. The warm, spring-fed waters here at Hepburn Bathhouse are rich in magnesium, calcium, silica and sulphur, helping to ease muscle tension and support skin health. But there’s a mindfulness element too.

Communal bathing at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

The benefits of bathing have long been praised. (Image: Supplied)

In the main bathhouse, couples, friends, and mums and daughters all take to the waters, chatting, relaxing and generally enjoying each other’s company. Across history and cultures, bathhouses have acted as social hubs and anchors for local communities, and it feels profoundly refreshing to see people carve out time together, not a screen in sight; almost as if stepping into a time warp. Solo bathers find serenity here, too. Some resting their cheek on the pool’s edge and closing their eyes as their bodies float, others gazing straight out through the floor-to-ceiling windows to gorge on the abundant greenery beyond, and the occasional swamp wallaby.

From bathing to dining

With only a small cafe onsite, those coming to (rightly) make a weekend of it must venture beyond the bathhouse for dinner. Lucky then that noteworthy cafes and restaurants are in strong supply in Australia’s Spa Capital, with Lake House Restaurant, Bar Merenda and The Surly Goat among the region’s frontrunners. Few local restaurants promise a dining experience as mindful and holistically considered as Kadota, however.

A kaiseki-style restaurant, Kadota invites diners to slow down and savour each elaborately plated morsel by honouring seasonality and exalting the provenance of every ingredient, all with typical Japanese modesty. Come winter, that might mean a pair of small, sweet mousse-like ‘pies’ made of slippery jack mushrooms, white chocolate and pine nuts, and moulded to resemble pumpkins that sit atop a dried oak leaf. Or a fermented kohlrabi and chive sauce that’s poured by teapot, tableside, onto local brassicas — the dish brightened by a cluster of cured salmon roe pearls and butterflies fashioned from daikon. Equal thought and care has been showered upon the dining room, which is a talking point in itself: light shades crafted by a local artist to mimic a lotus root; a feature wall of Daylesford pinewood, blackened using the traditional Japanese wood preservation method of yaki-matsu; hand-scribed scrolls made by co-owner Risa Kadota’s grandfather; and lemon balm stalks strung up along the wall to air-dry for tea.

Like Hepburn Bathhouse, Kadota possesses a special kind of alchemy that’s greater than the sum of its parts, affording guests a deeper connection with the present. Somehow, even the drive from Melbourne to Hepburn feels like part of the experience, as if the spa’s founders dreamed it up that way. The city’s grit, grey and congestion gradually recedes in the rearview mirror, giving way to bucolic scenes and quiet roads: woolly sheep grazing on golden fields, gently rolling hills, winding roads flanked by forest, horses in paddocks, and family-run farmgate stalls. The drive itself becomes part of the ritual, nudging visitors into a more mindful state before they’ve even dipped their toes in the town’s magical waters.

14 incredible things to do in Daylesford