Best Things to Do in Daylesford: Where to Eat, Stay & Play

Victoria’s beloved spa sanctuary, Daylesford, is an oasis of calm where luxurious spa retreats, charming boutique cottages, and sprawling lavender farms lie encased within acres of breathtaking rural landscapes.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, this enchanting country town is a year-round haven where you can soak away your worries in mineral-rich waters, relish fresh local produce by Lake Daylesford, and savour some of regional Victoria’s finest dining experiences.

To help you plan your escape, we’ve curated an essential guide to the best things to do in Daylesford, covering where to eat, drink, stay, shop, and explore.

Kadota

Kadota has quickly risen to fame, blending slow, restorative dining with the natural beauty of Daylesford. This timber-filled venue offers a seasonal seven-course menu featuring dishes such as fresh sashimi, shio koji braised pork dumplings, and scallop ceviche.

1 Camp Street, Daylesford

Pancho

For a hearty and wholesome breakfast or lunch, Pancho delivers seasonal, nourishing dishes crafted from regional produce. Think brown rice chicken congee or a roast lamb plate with hummus. The warm and bustling café vibe makes it a weekend favourite.

117 Vincent Street, Daylesford

Sault Restaurant

Set behind a romantic fountain and nestled amidst lavender-specked landscapes, Sault Restaurant offers an elegant dining experience. Indulge in their three- or four-course menus featuring seasonally inspired, locally sourced creations in one of the region’s most picturesque settings.

2349 Ballan Daylesford Road, Sailors Falls

Cliffy's Emporium

Housed in a lovingly preserved 1950s general store, Cliffy's Emporium exudes rustic charm. Locals and tourists alike flock here for its fresh produce, delightful cafe offerings, and shelves packed with local culinary treasures.

30 Raglan Street, Daylesford

Bar Merenda

Bar Merenda is a cosy neighbourhood wine bar that offers an ever-changing menu of seasonal small plates like olive focaccia and osso bucco. Pair your meal with expertly curated wines from Tuscany, Sicily, and local Victorian vineyards—or try their standout Negroni.

Shop 3/22/24 Howe Street, Daylesford 

Passing Clouds Winery

A short drive from Daylesford, Passing Clouds offers a serene escape where you can sip on chardonnay and Pinot Noir made onsite. Take a glass to the deck and let the hours pass as you soak in the stunning countryside.

30 Roddas Lane, Musk

Cafe La Trattoria

Hidden within the picturesque Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, Cafe La Trattoria offers a dining experience that feels like stepping into another world. Dine alfresco under shady trees or amidst fragrant lavender gardens while enjoying rustic Italian fare. From homemade pasta dishes to their signature lavender Champagne, this cafe is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon meal. The farm itself is worth exploring, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history and enduring charm.

350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat

Poet's Lodge

Poet's Lodge is a sanctuary in every sense, offering luxurious accommodation designed for couples or groups. The property features three beautifully styled options: a romantic cottage perfect for two, a grand main house with a roaring fireplace, and a charming garden retreat. Each space is adorned with elegant furnishings, plush bedding, and thoughtful details that make your stay unforgettable. The surrounding gardens provide a tranquil setting for morning coffee or evening wine under the stars.

62 Raglan Street, Daylesford

Milk and Honey

For those seeking a more personal touch, Milk and Honey is a charming two-bedroom property that feels like a home away from home. Decorated with an eclectic mix of vintage and antique pieces, this quaint cottage exudes character. The wrap-around verandah offers stunning views, perfect for watching sunsets with a glass of wine in hand. Inside, a wood-burning fireplace and well-stocked kitchen ensure you’ll never want to leave.

14 Hill Street, Daylesford

Acre of Roses

Just a 20-minute drive from Daylesford, you’ll stumble across Trentham  – an equally whimsical town. And here lies the hidden gem, Acre of Roses. This former miners' cottage has been transformed into a luxury wellness retreat with three bedrooms and an enchanting garden that surrounds it.

Aside from the magazine-worthy interiors and thoughtful touches, there’s also a micro-farm of heritage roses onsite and a rainwater-filled cedar hot tub. Crank up the heat and prepare for ultimate relaxation. 

5 Blue Mount Road, Trentham

St Remy

St Remy's sprawling home is perfect for a family gathering or girls' getaway. Consisting of three generous bedrooms, this property can sleep up to six guests and comes with plenty of communal spaces to entertain.

A beautiful hideaway that comes steeped in charm  – from the sky-blue front door to the apple trees in the garden, St Remy's is the epitome of rustic elegance. 

8 Hepburn Road, Daylesford

The Amazing Mill Markets

You could easily lose a day exploring the Mill Markets’ never-ending mix of vintage collectables, retro fashion, antiques, home décor and jewellery. Each stallholder sells their own unique selection of items – which could range from rare records and glass art to Russian babushka dolls – and you’re guaranteed a great time meeting locals and learning about their passions. After picking up your newfound treasures, swing by the in-house Mill Café for a milkshake and pastry.

105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa

Mineral and water therapy bathing is a century-old tradition that will leave you feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated after a visit to one of Daylesford's finest spas.

After soaking in the pools to your heart's content, it's time to indulge in massages and facials, with an extensive treatment menu to choose from.

Did we mention that the Hepburn Bathhouse, established in 1895, is considered the oldest of its kind in Australia?

Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs 

Convent Gallery

Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, a visit to the Convent Gallery in Daylesford is a must. This three-level fine art mecca is set in a historic 19th-century mansion and boasts sweeping views of the countryside below.

Inside, there are seven beautiful galleries featuring work by over 100 local, national and international artists. The exhibition program changes every eight weeks, so you can expect to see something different with each visit.

7 Daly Street, Daylesford

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 and always on our list of things to do in Daylesford, no matter what time of year we visit.

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

Salus Day Spa

After all your exploring, you’ll definitely need some zen time — you are in Daylesford, after all. With countless day spas to choose from, allow us to recommend a personal favourite: the award-winning Salus Day Spa.

Encased in the lush gardens of the Lake House, this tranquil haven invites you to indulge in a couple’s massage or unwind in one of their hot mineral water tubs, perched in a charming treehouse setting.

Afterwards, sip on herbal tea as you stroll through the fern gully — just don’t forget to breathe in every last gasp of that garden-fresh Daylesford air before heading back to the city.

4 King Street, Daylesford

Loved our round-up of the best things to do in Daylesford and looking for more travel inspo in Victoria? Book a girls' weekend away or embark on one of these romantic getaways in Victoria.