It’s little surprise that Daylesford has a reputation as one of the best weekend getaways you can have from Melbourne. The famous Spa Country region is rich in history, has an excellent arts scene, delicious food and wine and boasts some truly beautiful landscapes. While you could easily spend a weekend floating in hot spas, there is so much more to see, do and taste. Here’s our guide for 24 hours in Daylesford.
RELAX
It goes without saying that you should visit a spa while in Daylesford, after all it is the spa capital of Victoria. The Bathhouse at Hepburn Springs has been providing traditional social bathing since 1895 with large pools of mineral-rich water to soak the worries of real life away.
If your form of relaxation includes art, be sure to visit renowned artist David Bromley’s sprawling warehouse gallery space at Bromley & Co where you might just find an unusual new piece to take home.
EAT
The charming Farmers Arms has been feeding hungry locals and travellers since 1857. Today the kitchen serves a truly delicious menu, highlighting local and in-season produce from the Daylesford area to ensure what you are eating is both sustainable and tasty. The warm atmosphere, friendly staff and sophisticated yet humble food and drinks menu will mean you won’t want to leave.
On a side note, if you love a glass or two of Passing Clouds wine featured on the menu here, you’ll be pleased to know the local winery also has a great cellar door and dining room a mere five minutes drive down the road.
STAY
After a delicious meal (and maybe one too many drinks) at the Farmers Arms, you’ll be happy to know that your luxe art suite accommodation is quite literally across the road. That’s right – no need for a designated driver! The modern Farmers Arms motel rooms double as a curated art gallery, with dozens of local paintings on display in each suite. See a piece of art you love? You can purchase it to take home.
On top of all this, the eclectic decor, plush couch, open mini-bar and heavenly bed will have you rested and ready for a big day of exploring (or relaxing).
EXPLORE
While you could enjoy some more of the choice foodie options in Daylesford, a mere twenty minutes drive from Daylesford is the lovely Malmsbury Botanical Gardens. Stroll past the pond with a resident flock of geese, until you reach the impressive Malmsbury Viaduct. Stretching over 100 meters long and 25 high, this viaduct was constructed in the 1850’s to connect Melbourne to Bendigo.
On your way back to Melbourne, sample award winning liqueurs and gins at Herbal Lore, or sip a hot chocolate in an old country house at Daylesford Hot Chocolate Co.
