Bursting with country charm, Daylesford is the spa capital of Australia. This laid-back, country-chic town is your answer to all things relaxation and rejuvenation with fresh country air for sweet respite.
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, you can beat the Friday afternoon traffic and be dining in Daylesford by the early evening.
It’s easy to fill in your days at this popular weekend spot, but we’ve chosen a few tips that will undoubtedly make your weekend out of town a treat.
DINE
Honestly, my favourite country pub is the Farmers Arms Hotel. With a front bar, packed with locals willing to engage in a yarn, great service and outstanding food, you just can’t go wrong. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so just settle in with a pint of ale before heading into the dining room for dinner. The food is excellent, with sophisticated pub dishes such as eye fillet mignon, oven baked salmon and risotto with beetroot, goats cheese and asparagus. On our recent visit we won a 6 pack of beer in the raffle and donated it back to be redrawn – gosh that made us popular with the locals. Great night out!
A little more Melbourne than Daylesford, Larder caters to the city slickers and serves Supreme beans or Single Origin coffee (always changing), Espresso or Cold Drip Filter. The style is industrial chic with re-claimed, recycled and designer creations with a communal table made from an old basketball court. Their breakfast menu focuses on local produce including local free range eggs, Meredith yogurt and cheese, ‘Istra’ free range bacon and Phillippa’s breads.
What a hidden treasure! Located on Raglan Street, Cliffy’s offers the largest range of local and regional produce, with an emphasis on seasonal and organic. With a handwritten, regular changing menu, don’t even think to order skim milk; it’s strictly local full cream being served here. On our visit, they’d foraged for pine mushrooms which were on display and ready to be cooked for breakfast. The cake cabinet looked to die for too!
A cosy two-story bistro housed in the oldest freestanding building in town and despite the name also serves lunch and dinner with beer any time of the day. We ordered the crunchy granola and coffee sans beer for breakfast. The café vibe morphs into low-lit den at night.
Having just opened the weekend we were in town, Buffalo Girls is serious about coffee. It’s the home of specialty coffee, fine wine and seasonal food, with the finest seasonal coffee from Africa and beyond.
A unique wine and food lounge that looks like a house from the front and is all cosy inside and a maze of rooms, tables and Chesterfield lounges. This intimate venue also has live music and we were within arms reach of the 4-piece band when were dining. The menu is tapas-style share plates along with gourmet mains and exquisite desserts.
Celebrating 30 years the Lake House is a Daylesford institution. Lake House is a fine dining restaurant that delivers beautiful cutting edge, seasonal food, matched with an internationally acclaimed wine list.
SHOP
Stunning European home wares store showcasing gorgeous table linen, soaps, candles and more.
Drawn in by the eclectic window display, Manteau Noir features artisan treasures from Europe, Australia and USA. You’ll find distinctive home wares, fashion, vintage and antique objects and furniture.
Prepare yourself, this is the most enormous collection of antiques and we happily spent hours searching for treasures including vintage clothes, vintage furniture, collectibles and antiques. You can literally spend hours browsing these collections.
Just up from Cliffy’s, this super cute store has creative gifts for him, her & children and some great vintage finds.
Is a creative store with a curated selection of products including iconic international brands such as Marimekko, Jonathan Adler and Aesop alongside artisanal local products.
SEE & DO
Whatever the season, it’s worth a visit to Lavandula Lavender Farm. Beautifully restored, hear about the Italian-Swiss heritage, wander the gardens & lavender fields, enjoy a game of pétanque in the sunshine or dine at the delightful café. We indulged in the most delicious lavender scones and lavender champagne – a taste sensation! Entry fee applies.
The region is renowned for the therapeutic mineral springs and there’s no better place to ‘take the waters’ than Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Providing traditional communal bathing, enjoy the warm mineral waters of the Relaxation Pool and Spa Pool in the Bathhouse or opt, as we did for the Salt Therapy Pool, Spa Couches and Aroma Steam Room in The Sanctuary. After two hours of relaxing in the healing waters we then indulged in a 1 hr Arometherapy massage for a day of pure bliss.
STAY
This Parisian chic two bedroom apartment is conveniently located above eCasa and surrounded by cafes, shops and restaurants. From $175 per night. Read our review of L'Atelier here.
It’s all about romance at Kudos Villas. A collection of individual villas dotted around Hepburn Springs providing all the ingredients for a romantic weekend with spas, fireplaces and couples couches. From $295 per night.
For the discerning traveller, these sophisticated rooms and suites offer the ultimate in luxury. Dine at the Lake House restaurant, relax in on-site Salus Day Spa or wander the 6 acres of garden and orchards extending down to the waters of Lake Daylesford. From $550 per night
Book your Daylesford & Hepburn Springs accommodation on alluxia.com with instant confirmation and no booking fees.
