Daylesford

Introduction

Located in Victoria's Spa Country is the small town of Daylesford. The area was first settled for its rich fields of alluvial gold. When the gold eventually ran out, the Swiss-Italian settlers turned their attention to the numerous mineral springs bubbling around them. It has carved out a niche as the place to be if you want a pampering.

Sights and Activities

Daylesford is all about relaxation. The primary attractions in the area are Daylesford's many day spas. Many of these can be found in the centre of town just by walking around.

Lakes

Daylesford Lake covers the land where gold was first found in 1851. A dam was built in 1929 and since then has provided a popular spot for water recreation. You can hire paddle boats at the Lake House Café, and fishing is also allowed.

At the south-eastern edge of town lies Jubilee Lake, constructed in the 1900s to supply water for the goldfields. It is now a popular boating, picnicking and swimming spot. There is a walking track that leads around the lake.

Wineries

There are quite a few wineries in the Macedon Ranges, with over 40 cellar doors around the region. Some of the most popular are Curly Flat Winery, Granite Hills Winery and Hanging Rock Winery. Captains Creek Organic Wines is a small winery producing excellent organic wines.

Other attractions

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens are nice gardens with an elegant character, located on Central Springs Road in Daylesford.

Events and Festivals

• Annual Regional Producers Day - February 10
• ChillOut Gay & Lesbian Festival - March 7-10
• Daylesford's World's Longest Lunch - March 19 (noon)
• Swiss Italian Festa - April 18-27
• Daylesford Words in Winter Festival - August 1-3
• Fabulous Flower Festa - November 30 - December 1
• Daylesford Agricultural Show - November (last Saturday)
• Daylesford Highland Gathering - December 4

Getting There

By Car

Travelling out of Melbourne, take the Western Highway to Ballan, then head north on the Ballan-Daylesford Road. Alternatively, travel north on the Calder Freeway and turn off at Woodend to head east towards Daylesford. The journey from Melbourne should take roughly 90 minutes and is well signposted.

By Public Transport

V/Line offers regular coach services to Daylesford from regional centres. From Melbourne, you will need to catch a train at Southern Cross station to either Woodend, Ballarat or Castlemaine and then transfer to a bus. Total travel time is at least 2 hours.

Eat

There are quite a few good cafés and restaurants in Daylesford.

• The Lake House Hotel (King Street. Ph: 03 5348 3329), situated on the banks of Daylesford Lake, is one of Victoria's finest country restaurants. If you want to splurge on a fancy meal out, this is the place to go in Daylesford.
• Mercato Restaurant (32 Raglan Street. Ph: 5348 4488) is a highly recommended, critically acclaimed restaurant at the north end of town. Like the Lake House, it tends to be fairly expensive, with prices for mains averaging around $27-$32.
• Stoaked Café (28 Vincent Street. Ph: 5348 1848) is a café/restaurant specialising in pizza and other Italian fare. The food is exceptional and well-priced, with main meals ranging between $15-$25.

Drink

The Macedon Ranges are home to many great wineries, and you will notice quite a few cafés and wine bars serving local labels.

• Sweet Decadence at Locantro (87 Vincent Street) are makers of handmade chocolate and practically a tourist attraction unto themselves. Enjoy some of the best hot chocolate you are likely to encounter.

Sleep

Budget

• Wildwood YHA (42 Main Road, Hepburn Springs. Ph: 03 5348 4435) lies out of Daylesford in nearby Hepburn Springs
• Daylesford Caravan Park (Ballan Road, Daylesford. Ph: 03 5348 3821) is located about a 15 minute walk south of town off Ballan Road. It is well priced, clean and a nice spot for families.
• Jubilee Lake Caravan Park (151 Lake Road, Daylesford. Ph: 03 5348 2186. Email: rkaberdein@giant.net.au) enjoys a serene setting alongside Lake Jubilee. While it's a little further from town, the lake itself is a great attraction. This caravan park is particularly suited for families, as there are play grounds and a big grass field.

Mid-Range

Upscale

There is a comprehensive selection of luxury accommodation options in Daylesford.

• The Lake House Hotel (King Street. Ph: 03 5348 3329) is situated on Daylesford Lake.

Keep Connected

Internet

• The Hub operates out of the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre at The Old Court House 13 Camp St. Ph: (03) 5348 3569

Phone

Post

• The Daylesford Post office is located on the corner of Vincent St.and Central Springs Rd.

Visitor Information Centre

The Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre can be found at 98 Vincent St and is open from 9-5 daily. Tel: (03) 5321 6123