The Ultimate Guide to a Girls Weekend Away in Daylesford

There’s something in the air at Daylesford. A wellness haven complete with soothing, natural mineral waters, this magical country town is the perfect setting for an indulgent weekend away with the girls. Located just an hour and a half from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, Daylesford has all things relaxation and degustation well and truly covered.

From heritage architecture and fresh local produce, to a café scene fit to impress even the fussiest of foodies – it’s time to work your way through all that’s calming, tasty and luxurious about this regional gem. 

*In light of COVID-19 travel restrictions, please ensure you are keeping up to date with the latest guidelines by visiting the Victorian Government website.

Sault Restaurant

Behind a fanciful fountain in a stunning two-storey country house, visitors are destined for romance at Sault Restaurant. The surrounding lavender-specked landscapes are simply breathtaking,  but just wait until you see the menu, you’ll be even more smitten. Indulge your culinary senses with three or four courses of regionally sourced and seasonally inspired creations. This may well be the region's most impressive restaurant.

2349 Ballan Daylesford Road, Sailors Falls

Lake House Restaurant

The inhouse restaurant over at Lake House Daylesford is not only easy on the eye, thanks to the sunlit space and delightful decor, but it’s also a two chefs hat eatery, plating up seasonal food matched with an internationally acclaimed wine list.

King Street, Daylesford

Redbeard Historic Bakery

A favourite of everyone from Maggie Beer to George Calombaris, don’t miss Trentham’s iconic Redbeard Bakery. The hero is their crusty, fresh out of the oven sourdough (best eaten warm). But chances are you’ll be equally enamoured with everything from farm fresh chutneys to country style cakes and slices. 

Wolff Lane, Trentham

Bad Habits Cafe

Housed within Daylesford's iconic Convent Gallery, Bad Habits Cafe's sunlit Mediterranean-like space has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that sets the scene for an early morning coffee pit stop, or an early evening glass of wine. Soak up the ambience (as well the Shiraz) before exploring the onsite galleries and surrounding gardens. The high atrium ceiling fills the room with so much lovely light, and the art-filled walls provide a little teaser of what’s to come.

7 Daly Street, Daylesford

Mount Towrong Vineyard

A family-owned, and operated vineyard nestled in the Macedon Ranges, the Mount Towrong cellar door comes with breath-taking views of the local landscape and impressive wines, all perfectly matched with delicious local produce. It also offers homestyle Italian food and some of the tastiest antipasto platters in the region (and that’s really saying something).

4 Taylors Road, Mount Macedon 

Passing Clouds

If your wish is to while away the hours at a local winery, head on over to the cellar door at  Passing Clouds. Located just a five-minute drive from Daylesford, you can sample their most recently released wines, including their chardonnay and Pinot Noir blends — made from grapes they proudly grow onsite. Whilst here grab yourself a glass of wine, head out onto their large deck to soak up the sun, and watch the clouds, indeed pass by.

30 Roddas Lane, Musk

Found.

Daylesford combines a vibrant artistic community with a strong element of French provincial chic. The result? An eclectic town swarming with antiques and endless vintage shopping. Found is one of our favourites. Situated on Vincent Street — the main shopping strip in town — you'll find quality, unique treasures that proudly show their age.

119 Vincent St, Daylesford VIC

Cliffy’s Emporium 

You’ll find your fill of local cheeses, charcuterie, wines, pickled everything and more to take home for later (or eat on the spot, if you’re so inclined).

30 Raglan Street, Daylesford 

Amazing Mill Markets

You’ll be sure to uncover a treasure trove of finds in this vintage haven that’s home to everything from floor-sweeping gowns to classic records.

105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford

The Convent

Nestled above the lush Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens (well worth a visit in their own right),  The Convent is a three-level haven of fine art set in a historic 19th-century mansion that boasts sweeping views of the countryside below.

Corner of Hill and Daly Streets, Daylesford

 Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa

Mineral and water therapy bathing is a century-old phenomenon that will leave your girl gang feeling thoroughly refreshed and rejuvenated.  And when you’ve bathed to your hearts’ content, it’s time to really indulge (it’s a girls weekend after all) with massages and facials for the whole group. The Hepburn Bathhouse is considered the oldest of its kind in Australia (circa 1895!)

Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs 

Mineral Springs Hotel Spa

One massage is never enough, especially when you’re visiting spa country. Mineral waters have long been thought to hold healing properties, and where better to revel in the earth’s natural elements than in the beautiful Hepburn Springs. Set in a grand 1930s Art Deco hotel, this holistic wellness sanctuary and its soothing springs can’t be missed.

124 Main Road, Hepburn Springs

Mount Olive

Situated close to the centre of Daylesford, Mount Olive sleeps four and is fabulous for smaller groups or a couple. It’s been thoughtfully and luxuriously renovated, with guests’ every wish being accounted for. Featuring a generous open fire inside and a stunning outdoor setting, Mount Olive is somewhere that you can enjoy at any time of year.

31 Hospital Street, Daylesford VIC 3460

The Dudley Boutique Hotel

Looking for a touch of glamour on your getaway? The Dudley is a luxurious boutique hotel where you can unwind in comfort after a long day spent exploring. With a number of charming cottage rooms adjacent to the main building, the girls will have all the space they need to take on the town.

10 Forest Avenue, Hepburn Springs

The Barn

Rustic luxury at its finest, The Barn is a 100-year-old heritage-listed home that has been updated with sleek modern interiors and quirky-cool touches. Sleeping up to eight guests, there’s plenty of room for the whole gang, and a fully equipped country chic kitchen should you wish to put some of that local produce to good use.

1 Wombat Street, Daylesford