Daylesford and the adjoining village of Hepburn Springs sit at the heart of Australia's richest concentration of natural mineral springs. This has made the region Victoria's spa and wellness capital, but there's much more to Daylesford than day spas. The town is a creative hub with excellent galleries, a thriving food scene, beautiful bushland walks, and a famously welcoming LGBTQ+ community that gives it a progressive, inclusive character.
Getting There
Daylesford is about 90 minutes northwest of Melbourne via the Western Freeway and Ballan-Daylesford Road. There's a V/Line bus service from Ballarat (about 45 minutes), but a car is the best way to explore the region. The drive through the spa country is beautiful, especially in autumn.
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
The Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is the region's anchor attraction. Sitting atop natural mineral springs in the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, the modern bathhouse offers mineral bathing, spa treatments, and relaxation in a beautiful bush setting. The mineral water is drawn from underground springs and has been used for therapeutic bathing since the 1890s.
The Bathhouse experience starts from around $40, with spa treatments additional. The Sanctuary (adults-only area) is the most tranquil section. Book in advance, especially for weekends.
Mineral Springs
The region has dozens of natural mineral springs, many of which are free to visit. Each spring has its own distinct mineral composition and flavour:
- Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve: Multiple springs in a beautiful parkland setting. Bring a bottle and fill up.
- Tipperary Springs: A popular free spring with a picnic area.
- Sailors Falls Mineral Spring: Near the scenic Sailors Falls waterfall.
Lake Daylesford
Lake Daylesford is the centre of town life, with a walking track around the perimeter, picnic areas, and the Boathouse - a lakeside cafe and bar with a terrace overlooking the water. A walk around the lake takes about 45 minutes and is lovely in all seasons.
Art & Shopping
- Convent Gallery: Set in a 19th-century convent on the hill above town, this gallery and garden features art, sculpture, a museum, and the excellent Altar Bar cafe. The views from the tower are spectacular.
- Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens: Beautiful gardens surrounding the lookout tower at the highest point in town.
- Vincent Street: Daylesford's main street is lined with antique shops, bookshops, boutiques, and homewares stores. The Sunday market at the train station is excellent.
Where to Eat
- Kazuki's: Daylesford's most acclaimed restaurant, offering a Japanese-Australian degustation menu in a tiny, intimate space. From $120. Booking essential.
- Koukla: Greek-inspired share plates and an excellent local wine list. Mains $26-38.
- The Larder: Excellent cafe and deli with artisan produce, great coffee, and a brunch menu. Mains $18-26.
- Cliffy's Emporium: A cafe, bar, and general store in the heart of town. Great for a casual dinner with cocktails.
- Farmers Arms: A cosy country pub with elevated pub food and live music. Mains $22-34.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Continental House (art-filled guesthouse), Jubilee Lake Holiday Park.
- Mid-Range: Peppers Springs Retreat (spa resort in the forest), Lake House (also available in different room categories).
- Luxury: Lake House (Daylesford's most celebrated accommodation with an acclaimed restaurant, spa, and lakeside setting. From $350), Sault Restaurant & Lavender Farm (lavender fields and fine dining).
Practical Tips
- Weekends vs weekdays: Daylesford is a hugely popular Melbourne weekend escape. Prices are higher and everything is busier on weekends. Midweek visits offer better value, easier bookings, and a more relaxed atmosphere. - Weather: Daylesford is elevated and can be cool, even in summer. Autumn is spectacular with golden foliage. Winter is cold (2-10°C) but atmospheric - perfect for spa visits and cosy pub fires. - LGBTQ+ friendly: Daylesford has a long-established LGBTQ+ community and is one of regional Australia's most welcoming destinations. ChillOut Festival (March) is one of Australia's largest LGBTQ+ events. - Trentham: The neighbouring town of Trentham (20 minutes away) is a charming stop with the famous Trentham Falls, excellent cafes, and a growing food scene.
AUBIS Tip
: Daylesford is the ultimate Victorian wellness weekend. Use AUBIS to plan a spa-focused escape - book the Hepburn Bathhouse, add a lakeside walk, schedule lunch at Kazuki's, and explore the mineral springs. The platform will help you pace your visit for maximum relaxation, which is the whole point of Daylesford.