Daylesford - 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1

As you arrive into town, there is no better way to start the day than with coffee and breakfast at Larder. This is the go-to café in Vincent St, right in the centre of town. Larder serves breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. We love the Quinoa Potato Cakes with Gravlax for breakfast and for lunch the Regional Tasting Plate is delectable.

Breakfast complete and feeling energised (maybe after your 3rd coffee), you head down to Lake Daylesford. This is one of the area’s most popular attractions. Stroll around this scenic lake taking in the local birdlife and views of Daylesford township. The iconic Boathouse sits upon the lake’s shore and is an option for lunch.

Michael Parker Gallery is located in the main shopping area of Dayelsford at 48 Vincent St. Michael’s work is unique and eclectic.

Lunch time has rolled around, so why not take a drive out to the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm at Shepherds Flat. A short ten minute drive, out through Hepburn Springs, and you will arrive at some of the most beautiful, historic stone buildings in Victoria, dating from the 1850s. To top it off, Lavandula has mature European style gardens and a wonderful café serving lunch and their famous Lavender scones. You can easily spend the entire afternoon here.

After your late afternoon nap, or pre dinner drink, the choice for dinner is as wide as it is varied. The Surly Goat in Hepburn Springs is a popular local favourite with rustic style food with a modern twist. Bookings are essential and “The Goat” has a great bar and fire. If you are looking for a special occasion restaurant, Daylesford has two of regional Victoria’s stand out venues: Sault at Sailors Falls and the famous Lake House on Lake Daylesford. Book way in advance to secure a table at either of these venues.

Day 2

After a relaxing sleep in, head down to Pancho café. This cute as a button café has a roaring fire in winter. There is a courtyard out the back, as well as an upstairs seating area, so lots of nooks and crannies for you to find the right space to relax in. The Curried Omelette and Apple Buckwheat Fritters are two of the more popular and unique menu items.

With a contented tummy, the morning activities await – so many choices. We suggest a trip up Wombat Hill to The Convent Gallery. This incredible building on the crest of the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens is a: gallery, cafe and wedding venue. The historic 19th century mansion spans three levels and is a visual feast, both inside and out. Check out the gift shop and stay for lunch.

For a more substantial lunch, head out to Passing Clouds Winery, sample the local wines and take in the country views. Other lunch options include: Cliffys Emporium with its wonderful old world charm, Koukla café, or if you’re here on the weekend head out to Captains Creek Winery.

You are no doubt in need of a rest, or perhaps some pampering? Check out our list of day spas in Daylesford. If that’s not your thing, head out to the Mill Markets in Central Springs Rd where a wonderful collection of vintage clothes, furniture, antiques and memorabilia awaits, or visit Brick Lane an eclectic store with a large collection of vintage Coco Cola memorabilia, or for a bit of retail therapy take the 5 minute drive to Portal 108 in Hepburn Springs.

Surely you can’t eat anything more? Of course you can! Let’s face it, you’re on holidays and you are in one of Victoria’s great foodie destinations. There are a few standout pubs in Daylesford, such as the Daylesford Hotel where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset with your pre dinner drink on the upstairs balcony, before moving into the bistro. Another is the Farmers Arms hotel, with its wonderful old school bar and dinning room. Both hotels have wood fires to warm you in the winter months and lovely open beer gardens in summer. We also highly recommend the French Restaurant Bistro Terroir and Frank and Connie’s in Hepburn Springs. For an out of town option, just ten minutes up the road, we suggest the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville.