Daylesford Victoria Travel Guide: Best Things to Do

Daylesford Victoria Travel Guide: Best Things to Do

Daylesford is a picturesque tourist town surrounded by rolling hills, mineral springs and lush forests in Victoria. Known as the Spa Capital of Australia, the Daylesford–Hepburn Springs region is home to the highest concentration of natural mineral springs in the country.

Located 114 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and 46 kilometres north-east of Ballarat, Daylesford is a perfect destination for a relaxing weekend escape or a slow-paced country getaway.

During our visit, we explored the charming town centre, enjoyed coffee at Cliffy’s Emporium, walked around Lake Daylesford and visited the Amazing Mill Markets, the Convent Gallery and Sailors Falls. We also discovered Lavandula Lavender Farm, wandered through the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and tasted the mineral waters at Hepburn Springs.

Explore Daylesford Town Centre & Vincent Street

Vincent Street is the heart of Daylesford and showcases many elegant 19th-century buildings built during the gold rush era of the 1850s. Today, these beautifully preserved facades house cafés, boutiques, galleries and specialty shops.

The impressive Town Hall was constructed in two stages in the early 1880s and originally housed a library and reading room on the ground floor.

Nearby, the Daylesford Post Office at 86 Vincent Street, built in 1867, features an Italianate design with a clock tower and balustraded parapet.

Vincent Street has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, with bookstores, old pubs, vintage shops and plenty of places to stop for a coffee. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours wandering.

Cliffy’s Emporium – Our Favourite Café in Daylesford

Cliffy’s Emporium is located at 30 Raglan Street and is open daily until 3.00 pm.

In the 1950s, Cliffy Hauser’s general store was filled with produce, groceries and farm supplies. More than 60 years later, Cliffy’s Emporium has become one of Daylesford’s most loved cafés.

The café celebrates the region’s best food, with a menu featuring fresh local produce. Inside, the shelves are filled with jams, preserves, kitchenware and thoughtful gifts.

We enjoyed delicious coffee and cakes while sitting outside under the grapevines — a lovely way to soak up Daylesford’s relaxed atmosphere.

Lake Daylesford Walks and Picnic Spots

Lake Daylesford is a beautiful man-made lake located just minutes from the town centre. The area was originally a gold mining site during the early 1850s gold rush and later became a Chinese settlement with market gardens along the creek flats.

In 1929, a dam was built across Wombat Creek, creating the ornamental lake we see today.

The lake is now a popular recreational area with cafés, BBQs, playgrounds and picnic tables. A 2.8-kilometre walking track circles the lake and takes about an hour to complete, offering peaceful views across the water and surrounding bushland.

A colourful Chinese Pavilion and information boards tell the story of the Chinese community who once lived and worked in the area.

The Amazing Mill Markets for Local Shopping

The Amazing Mill Markets are located at 105 Central Springs Road and are open daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

This huge undercover market is filled with vintage furniture, records, clothing, books, fine china, glassware, jewellery, industrial pieces and antiques. We also found stalls selling homewares, pottery, garden ornaments, memorabilia and retro collectables.

It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time browsing, discovering hidden treasures and enjoying the nostalgia.

The Convent Gallery Daylesford: Art, Gardens & Stunning Views

The Convent Gallery in Daylesford is one of Australia’s most beautiful regional art galleries and is open from Thursday to Monday, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

This stunning 19th-century building sits proudly on the crest of Wombat Hill and features four levels, seven gallery spaces, a museum, chapel, gift shop, café, bar and function rooms.

After exploring inside, we wandered through the six acres of beautifully maintained gardens, filled with fragrant flowers, sculptures and peaceful walking paths.

Sailors Falls – A Peaceful Waterfall Walk Near Daylesford

Sailors Falls is a beautiful twin waterfall located 6 kilometres from Daylesford along the Ballan–Daylesford Road. There is plenty of parking and only a short walk to the main lookout.

The falls are formed by Sailors Creek cascading over a rocky outcrop into a lush, fern-lined gully before flowing through a series of rock pools into Hepburn Regional Park. Sailors Falls are believed to be named after sailors who jumped ship during the 1850s gold rush to seek their fortune in the area.

Nearby, there is a picnic area with mineral spring taps, undercover tables, toilets and informative displays about the region’s history.

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm – Lavender Fields Near Daylesford

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is located 9 kilometres north of Daylesford in the rolling farmland of Shepherds Flat. This 100-acre property features beautifully restored stone buildings, including the original farmhouse, barn and dairy, and offers a peaceful blend of European charm and country tranquillity.

A small entry fee applies, with all funds supporting animal care and preservation of the gardens and heritage buildings.

We loved wandering through the classic European-style gardens and meeting the farm animals. The lavender fields are at their best from January through early autumn.

The farm shop stocks over 100 handcrafted lavender and aromatherapy products made on site. You can also enjoy coffee or lunch at Maria’s Trattoria, which serves wood-fired pizzas, seasonal meals and sweet treats.

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens – Walks and Lookouts in Daylesford

The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens sit atop an extinct volcano and were established in the 1860s. The gardens feature winding paths, towering trees, colourful flower beds and peaceful shaded areas. In the centre is Wombat Hill House Café, perfect for a coffee break.

We also climbed the Pioneer Memorial Tower, built in the 1930s. From the top, there are wonderful views across the gardens and surrounding forest.

Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve – Natural Springs Near Daylesford

The Daylesford and Hepburn Springs region is home to over 80% of Victoria’s mineral springs, renowned for their natural beauty and therapeutic qualities.

The Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve was created in 1865 and was Australia’s first mineral reserve. It is home to the historic Bathhouse and Pavilion buildings.

The original Hepburn Bathhouse, built in 1895, now houses the Hepburn Pavilion Café, which is open daily for coffee, brunch and lunch. Nearby, the modern Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa offers mineral bathing and spa experiences.

Throughout the reserve are several historic mineral pumps, each with water drawn from different underground aquifers. We tasted water from the Locarno, Soda and Sulphur pumps — each with its own distinct flavour, from lightly sparkling to strong mineral and subtle sulphur notes.

The reserve also features picnic areas, BBQs, walking tracks, playgrounds and beautiful shady lawns, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Daylesford is a destination that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and enjoy the simple pleasures of country life. Whether you’re soaking in mineral springs, wandering through gardens, discovering local art, or enjoying great food and coffee, this beautiful town offers something special in every season. It’s a place we always enjoy returning to, and one we highly recommend adding to your Victorian travel itinerary.

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