With the school term officially wrapping up this Friday, 26 June, the winter holidays are almost upon us! 🫣 Don’t stress, it’s not too late to plan a country holiday for the family, that includes more fireside time and less screen time (or plenty of free Wi-Fi when screen time is needed!) 😉
The beds are made, the bath towels provided, all you have to do is rock up at the doorstep. Below, we have handpicked a few fab family homes with heaps of room for everyone to relax:
Churchills (bottom right) – Perfect for families with dogs. This home features a private lake and massive elevated gardens for the kids to explore, a gas log fire, an indoor spa bath, and flexible split-bed configurations in every room. 🛏️ 3 🚿 2 🧑🦲 7
Moragoe Homestead (top left) – Perfect for big families, with multiple fireplaces and living areas. Outdoors, discover two outdoor clawfoot baths overlooking the farmland, a huge undercover deck, and an entire 1800-acre regenerative farm and creek boundary for the kids to explore. 🛏️ 5 🚿 3 🧑🦲 9
Loddon Retreat (top right) – Ideal for two families, or if you are travelling with grandparents. It has two separate living areas so the kids can watch movies in the theatre zone while the adults relax by the wood fire, plus a pizza oven outside and resident alpacas for the kids to meet. 🛏️ 5 🚿 2.5 🧑🦲 10
Kangary (bottom left) – Great if you have teenagers or older kids. It is spread across two separate buildings connected by a covered deck, plus a heated outdoor spa plunge pool, fire pit, and walking tracks right near the doorstep. 🛏️ 3 🚿 2 🧑🦲 6
Check school holiday availability here >>
Local activities for the school holidays
Keeping the family entertained during the winter break is easy with a wealth of unique local experiences right on our doorstep. Pack the winter woollies and add these fantastic regional highlights to your holiday itinerary:
- Maze House – Navigate a traditional 33‑year‑old hedge maze and play vintage carnival games in a beautiful country setting, just 10 minutes from Daylesford. Open weekends and school holidays.
- Daylesford Railway – Take a scenic family train ride through the native bushland, which operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the school holidays.
- Victoria Miniature Railway – Located just a short drive away in Harcourt, this great community attraction is open for public runs every Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
- Creswick Woollen Mills – Meet the friendly farm animals on weekends and during school holidays at the Creswick Farmyard.
- Daylesford Sunday Market – Stroll through the local stalls to discover regional produce, vintage finds, and warm street food.
In case you missed it – welcome to The Istana Collection
We are still quietly enchanted by the newest addition to our collection. If you missed our announcement earlier this month, the prestigious Istana Collection is officially open for stays from 1 July 2026.
Renowned for deep soaking courtyard stone baths, roaring wood fires, and curated local artwork, these five spectacular new sanctuaries range from romantic lakeside villas to sprawling country estates. Be among the very first to experience them this winter.
| Istana Lodge – Beautifully renovated, this five-bedroom country estate features a moody, gallery-like interior, expansive manicured grounds, an outdoor pool, and a cosy fire pit perfect for large family gatherings or group escapes. 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | Sleeps 10 | Dog Friendly See more here |
| Istana Bliss – Secluded and serene, this one-bedroom Hepburn Springs sanctuary is designed for ultimate couples’ relaxation, complete with an indoor spa bath, an outdoor sauna, and a private courtyard stone bath. 1 Bedroom | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 2 | Dog Friendly See more here |
| Istana Indulge – Immersive and nature-focused, this luxury villa features an open-plan design, an open fireplace, and a private courtyard equipped with its own stone bath and sauna. 1 Bedroom | 2 Bathrooms Sleeps 2 | Dog Friendly See more here |
| Boatshed Villas by Istana – Yellow Door – Recently refurbished, this lakeside couple’s retreat boasts rich interior tones, premium Australian artwork, and uninterrupted winter views across the water. 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom Sleeps 2 | Dog Friendly See more here |
| Boatshed Villas by Istana – Green Door – Stylishly curated, this one-bedroom villa is positioned right on the water’s edge of Lake Daylesford, featuring a cosy gas log fire and a private mezzanine reading nook. 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Sleeps 2 | Dog Friendly See more here |
Support locals by booking direct with Daylesford Country Retreats
When you book your Daylesford escape directly with us, you’re not just securing a beautiful retreat – you’re also directly supporting the local economy. The money from your booking stays right here in our community, helping local businesses and families thrive.