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, pop into cosy cellar doors 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.

Best Things to Do in Daylesford: Eat

Kadota

Fine diner Kadota has won a flurry of acclaim and national interest for its approach to slow and restorative dining. Japanese-trained owner and chef Aaron Schembri has an impressive CV, having worked at a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Osaka, along with stints at the Press Club and Saxe back home. With Kadota, he and his wife have created a calming, timber-filled venue in which they serve a seasonal seven-course menu that could include fresh sashimi, XO pork dumplings and wagyu sirloin steak.

1 Camp Street, Daylesford

The Virgin Kitchen 

Pristine and fresh, The Virgin Kitchen marries cultures and unites taste buds in an exquisite garden setting. Nestled within the charming and elegant Hotel Bellinzona, this part café, part restaurant, part gallery boasts original artwork adorning its walls and an ethos that revolves around an unadulterated showcasing of local produce. Every plate served up is in support of the region’s finest producers.

77 Main Road, Hepburn Springs

Sault

Set on a beautiful 125-acre estate overlooking rolling fields of lavender, Sault is a destination restaurant unlike any other. The seasonal, modern Australian menu showcases regional produce alongside herbs, vegetables and fruits grown on site. What’s on the plate is only half the experience, however – the stunning country house setting offers intimacy and elegance, while a post-meal walk around the nearby lake, lavender farm and forest stirs memories of regional France.

2349 Ballan-Daylesford Road, Sailors Falls

Farmer’s Arms Hotel

This historic gastro pub – open since 1857 – is a must-visit while you’re in town. Behind the ivy-trailed brick façade and arched leadlight windows is a pillar of the community and some of Daylesford’s finest bistro cooking. The Farmer’s Arms serves an ever-changing menu, sourcing local produce for dishes such as beef tartare, venison pot pie, and burnt Basque cheesecake to finish. Glowing with country charm and hospitality, cosy up in their cushioned booths with a glass of wine to feel like a proper local.

2 East Street, Daylesford 

Bistro Terroir

Schedule a French rendezvous at Bistro Terroir. Terroir is the passion project of chef-owner Matthew Carnell, who brings experience cooking in Michelin-starred restaurants in France to a relaxed, intimate venue of his own. Dive into classics like gougère, beef tartare and steak frites, paired with lush wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. While the cuisine may stick to tradition, their dramatic black and exposed brick fitout is starkly contemporary.

6/8 Howe Street, Daylesford

Best Things to Do in Daylesford: Drink

Daylesford Cider Co

Reminiscent of an English-style tavern, Daylesford Cider’s cellar door is an all-seasons beauty worth putting on your itinerary. In summer, their expansive courtyard comes alive with merrymaking groups sipping tasting paddles, and playing bocce, while in winter, you’ll find people huddling inside over hot spiced cider. Their crowd-pleasing menu is top rate too, with fresh woodfired pizzas, generous grazing platters and beer snacks keeping punters sated.

155 Dairyflat Road, Musk

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, or linger a little longer over lunch in the dining room.

30 Roddas Lane, Musk

Betel Boy

Betel Boy is bringing vibrant pan-Asian cuisine and zingy cocktails to Daylesford’s main street. The restaurant’s energetic, contemporary design makes it perfect for groups and get-togethers, offering a menu made for sharing. The entrees and moreish mains are essential, but the drinks are certainly the drawcard, with fruity, zesty, tangy and bitter concoctions mixed up on the reg, best enjoyed with friends in the suntrap courtyard.

57A Vincent Street, Daylesford

Best Things to Do in Daylesford: Explore

Daylesford Wine Tours

For a delightful experience in Daylesford, consider spending the day being shown around by Daylesford Wine Tours with expert local guides. Their Classic Day Tour offers a seven-hour journey through up to five boutique cellar doors, complemented by a gourmet lunch and regional wine tastings. For those with limited time, the Afternoon Tour is a three-hour expedition of select wineries, cideries, and distilleries, complete with tastings and snacks. Tours include convenient accommodation pick-up and drop-off services, so there is no need to worry about selecting a designated driver!

To Market, To Market

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 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.

While the Mill Markets are open 7 days a week, the Daylesford Sunday Market is a once-a-week occurrence, and it’s worth a visit if you are in town on the weekend. Open from 8:00 am and hosted by volunteers at Daylesford Spa Country Railway, meander on down to browse up to 130 stalls of fresh produce, baked goods, liquor, homewares, gifts, and so much more! You may find the perfect memento to remember your trip with.

Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Mineral and water therapy bathing is a century-old tradition that will leave you feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated, and did you know Daylesford is home to Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs? A sanctuary awaits within a historic mineral spring bathhouse at Hepburn Bathhouse. Established in 1895, it’s considered one of the oldest of its kind in Australia.

After soaking in the mineral pools to your heart’s content, indulge in massages and facials, with an extensive treatment menu to choose from. Bliss.

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 mansion originally built in the 19th century, and boasts sweeping views of the countryside below.

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

7 Daly Street, Daylesford

Shopping, Country Style

Daylesford combines a vibrant artistic community with a strong element of French provincial chic. The result? An eclectic town swarming with antiques, unique homewares in thoughtfully filled boutiques and endless vintage shopping. 

For antique treasures, Found. is one of our favourites and always on our list of things to do in Daylesford, while on the other hand, Villa Daylesford is a sensory wonderland where European elegance meets effortless country cool. This boutique is packed with covetable treasures: sculptural ceramics, lush botanical perfumes, artisan-made textiles, and statement homewares sourced from Japan to the Mediterranean.

Think Alike Store in neighbouring Woodend is a sartorial sanctuary for those who appreciate effortless style with a conscious edge, and Jodele is a boutique worth its weight in sartorial gold, offering timeless, high-quality pieces that feel as good as they look. 

Best Things to Do in Daylesford: Stay

Jumoku

Introducing Jumoku, a serene retreat with a natural Japandi twist. Perched high with sweeping views of Daylesford, this exquisite property features majestic coral gum trees, Japanese Maples, and plentiful herb gardens, all of which provide complete privacy and a stunning frame to the home.

Four moody bedrooms lie within, each thoughtfully designed to craft a beautiful sense of harmony and tranquillity. Two sumptuous living rooms offer perfect relaxation spaces, one with a glass-front fireplace and the other ideal for reading or garden gazing. The expansive kitchen and dining area is reminiscent of a Film Noir scene, and there’s even a café window opening out to the outdoor entertaining area—ideal for summer gatherings.

Book your stay at Jumoku

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46 Vincent Street North, Daylesford

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.

Book your stay with Airbnb

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62 Raglan Street, Daylesford

Lake House Daylesford 

The Lake House is the epitome of indulgence. Situated on six verdant acres overlooking the serene Lake Daylesford, this iconic property is renowned for its luxury accommodation, world-class restaurant, and tranquil, award-winning Salus Day Spa. Encased in the lush gardens of the Lake House, this 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.

The suites and villas are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering privacy, comfort, and breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy activities like tennis, art tours, and cooking classes, making it a destination in its own right.

Book your stay at The Lake House

Book your stay with Agoda

4 King Street, Daylesford

Sky High in Mt Franklin

Stunning. Iconic. Dramatic. Sky High sits just outside of Daylesford, and it’s a true slice of magic made all the more special thanks to the spectacular vistas that surround it. It’s a space dedicated to wellness and rejuvenation, with 360-degree panoramic views perfect for contemplation or enjoying with friends and family. Four king-size bedrooms cater effortlessly to groups, while amenities like a heated saltwater plunge pool and stunning kitchen ensure a luxurious stay. 

Sitchu Tip: Curl up with a good glass of wine by the fire after a brisk walk up to Mount Franklin. 

Book your stay at Sky High

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2 Mount Franklin Road, Hepburn Springs

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, grab a bottle of red and prepare for ultimate relaxation. 

Book your stay with Acre of Roses

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5 Blue Mount Road, Trentham

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.

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