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

Credit: Visit Victoria

Pauline Morrissey Pauline Morrissey
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.

Dip into magic. Hepburn Bathhouse has reopened bigger and better – think private mineral baths, custom apothecary soaks and rooms that range from pink-tiled bliss to slate-minimal zen.

 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.

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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.

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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.

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Pauline Morrissey

Pauline Morrissey

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Good food, beautiful nature & history: your guide to a long weekend in West Gippsland

(Credit: Rob Blackburn)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    From rainforest walks and scenic drives to historic gold-rush towns and standout regional dining experiences, you can find it all in West Gippsland.

    Hover over West Gippsland on Google Earth and you’ll see vast tracts of land spread out like green velveteen around the Toorongo Falls Reserve. It’s a landscape that feels almost impossibly lush for a region sitting little more than an hour from Melbourne.

    Track southeast in late autumn and early winter and you’ll see pockets of the Mt Baw Baw Plateau dusted in snow. In addition to the forests of mountain ash veined with creeks and rivers, there are pastures and farmland cross-stitched together to form pretty patchworks.

    But West Gippsland isn’t defined by scenery alone: in addition to its awe-inspiring nature, a Venn diagram of the region includes gold-rush history and great culinary experiences.  Spend a long weekend here and it quickly becomes clear how often these three overlap.

    Getting there

    Messmates Dining west gippsland
    Spend the weekend eating and exploring in West Gippsland. (Credit: Messmates Dining)

    Getting to West Gippsland involves as easy drive – it’s just over an hour out of Melbourne along the Monash Freeway.

    Not driving? Catch the train from Melbourne on the Gippsland line, terminating at either Traralgon or Bairnsdale, and hop off at Warragul or Drouin.

    Visit historic villages

    Walhalla historic township
    Wander into Australia’s Gold Rush history at Walhalla. (Credit: Rob Blackburn)

    The West Gippsland region is on the Traditional Lands of the Kulin and Kurnai nations, specifically linked to the Bunurong, Gunaikurnai and Wurundjeri Peoples, whose connection to Country stretches back thousands of years.

    European settlement occurred in the 19th century as timber cutters, farmers and gold seekers pushed into the region’s dense forests. Small towns grew around sawmills and railway lines, and many of those gold rush settlements, timber towns and railway villages still shape the character of the region today.

    The most evocative of these is Walhalla Historic Township, a remarkably preserved gold-rush township tucked deep in the mountains. In the late 1800s, it was one of Victoria’s richest goldfields. Today visitors can step inside that history at the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, where underground tours reveal the scale of the mining operation that once powered the town’s prosperity. Nearby, the Walhalla Goldfields Railway retraces part of the original narrow-gauge line through the valley, offering a slow journey past forest and river scenery.

    Further west, Noojee is a classic mountain village. It’s surrounded by dense forest and waterfalls and has become a natural base for exploring the Baw Baw region. Just outside town, Noojee Trestle Bridge stands as one of West Gippsland’s most striking relics of the rail era. The towering wooden structure is the tallest surviving trestle bridge in Victoria and today forms the centrepiece of an easy scenic walk with wide views across the valley.

    Alpine Trout Farm west gippsland
    Catch your own lunch at Alpine Trout Farm. (Credit: Nicky Cawood)

    At Alpine Trout Farm near Noojee, visitors can fish for trout in mountain-fed ponds before enjoying the catch prepared fresh onsite. It’s a simple experience that reflects the area’s long connection to the surrounding waterways.

    Back in Warragul, the region’s main service town, the story shifts from heritage to modern regional life. With galleries, restaurants and sweeping views across the rolling farmland of Gippsland, the town has become a lively hub linking the district’s past with its evolving food and cultural scene. Drive through the town and you’ll find heritage buildings, old pubs and weatherboard cottages that hint at the area’s early days as a frontier landscape.

    In other towns the past survives in quieter ways – a historic hall here, a century-old bakery there.

    Walks, waterfalls and wild places

    Toorongo Falls in west gippsland
    Stroll Toorongo Falls Reserve. (Credit: Nicky Cawood)

    Even simple roadside stops can feel cinematic in West Gippsland. The region also delivers plenty of opportunities to lace up your walking shoes.

    One of the region’s most rewarding nature escapes lies just outside Noojee at Toorongo Falls Reserve. A network of walking tracks winds through the cool-temperate rainforest where towering mountain ash trees filter the light and the air smells of rich, damp earth. The 2.2-kilometre trail to the viewing platform overlooking Toorongo Falls is short, but spectacular, as the water cascades down over moss-covered rock faces into a cool, green gully in Little Toorongo River.

    Further north, the Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort offers year-round adventures. In winter, the mountain attracts skiers and snowboarders. The warmer months are just as compelling, with scenic drives to see alpine wildflowers, mountain bike trails and panoramic hiking routes that open across the plateau.

    Cyclists and walkers looking for a more relaxed pace can follow the Rokeby Neerim Rail Trail, which traces a former railway line through farmland and small Gippsland villages. The mostly flat trail passes rolling paddocks, creeks and historic bridges, making it an easy way to drop it down a gear when exploring the countryside.

    Taste the best eats of West Gippsland

    Hogget Kitchen west gippsland
    Taste the best of the region at Hogget Kitchen.

    For many travellers, the real drawcards of West Gippsland are the food and wine. The region sits in the heart of Victoria’s fertile dairy country, and that agricultural backdrop has helped shape a dining scene where seasonal produce and local provenance take centre stage.

    Hogget Kitchen has helped put Warragul firmly on the radar for serious regional dining in West Gippsland. Here, head chef and owner Trevor Perkins runs the kitchen alongside well-known winemakers William (Bill) Downie and Pat Sullivan. Hogget Kitchen lives up to its promise of exceptional destination dining; what lands on the table depends largely on what nearby farms have harvested that week as well as a wine list from Wild Dog Winery and other Gippsland producers.

    Warragul is also where you’ll find Messmates Dining where the kitchen team is led by Michelin-trained chefs. The Euro-leaning bistro and wine bar brings a polished edge to the local dining scene using produce sourced from across West Gippsland.

    For something more casual, the century-old Noojee Hotel is the kind of hub that every traveller dreams of finding after a long drive. Expect generous pub classics served on the sunny deck in summer or beside the crackle of a log fire in winter.  Nearby, rustic Toolshed Bar, Bistro & Cabins is the place to go for a wood-fired pizza topped with smoked local trout paired with Gippsland wine, making it a rewarding stop for lunch or an overnight stay.

    Time your visit with the Truffle Festival

    Food lovers visiting in winter should consider timing their trip to coincide with Noojee Truffle Festival, running from 10 July to 2 August 2026. The inaugural event celebrates the region’s emerging truffle industry with tastings, special menus and events built around one of winter’s most prized ingredients.

    Start planning your long weekend in West Gippsland at visitgippsland.com.au.