.jpg)
But first, what is Daylesford known for?
Daylesford is one of the first places that pops into mind when visitors to Victoria are looking to experience some time away from the busyness of life to rest and reset.
One of the many reasons why people love to visit this magical place is to experience the mineral springs and luxury spas. Daylesford and its surrounds also offer visitors to the area an array of experiences for you to indulge in based on your interests.
Are you a nature lover and enjoy spending time immersed in the natural environment around you? Are you passionate about the arts and architecture, or maybe you prefer to indulge in cuisine? Daylesford is one of those wonderful places that has something for everyone.
Image: Visit Victoria
What’s the best way to explore Daylesford?
After spending some time in Daylesford, we believe the best way to explore the area is by car or motorhome. There are so many unique experiences that Daylesford has to offer which makes having your own mode of transport a great way to enjoy everything this wonderful town has available.
Top 10 most romantic things to do in Daylesford
Treat yourselves
Daylesford is Australia’s spa capital and is famous for being the home to one of Victoria's naturally flowing mineral water springs year round. What better way to relax and unwind than organising a visit to Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa which has been providing traditional wellness bathing since 1895. On offer are bespoke wellness packages which are carefully curated to enhance your relaxation experience. You can choose to indulge in spa treatments and therapies, wellness focused massages and private mineral wellness baths to name a few.
Located 8 minutes drive from Daylesford’s town centre, this locals favourite experience is the perfect place to spend quality time with your loved one. We promise you will leave Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Taste Dayleford’s best cider
You know what they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. What better way to treat yourself to your daily apple intake than a visit to the Daylesford Cider. During your visit to Daylesford Cider you will be treated to the region's award winning apple ciders. The English-style Tavern cellar-door is open daily for tastings & take away sales. All of the ciders are proudly Australian Certified Organic and harvested from the well established orchards growing a range of cider apples including 17 different English heritage varieties.
The restaurant on site is open 10am - 5pm daily for lunch and casual dining offering. Monday to Thursday you can enjoy grazing platters, toasties and weekly specials.
Friday to Sunday & public holidays there are a selection of wood fired pizza, platters and share plates.
Visit a lavender farm
Another beautiful way to spend some romantic time with your loved one is a visit to Lavandula Farm and La Trattoria Eatery & Bar. On offer for visitors of the Lavender farm is an endless array of unique experiences for you to enjoy including tours through the farms Historic Swiss Italian homestead and 100 acres of breathtaking farmland. For those of you who are animal lovers, you will be delighted to know that the farm has an adorable Highland Cow named Mirella and Two Cheeky Emus who you can spend some quality time with. There are also Geese, Guinea Fowls and Bantams that roam the grounds each day who love to have their photos taken. You may also find Bella the Cat in her element sunbaking, as well as the farms Sheep & Alpacas. There is also a bar and eatery where you can enjoy local produce meals, sharing platters, nibbles or some delicious lavender scones! Compliment your feast with a coffee, cold drinks, beer, wine or lavender champagne. You can also pack your own picnic full of goodies to take with you to enjoy at the farm.
Please note, Lavandula Farm is currently closed and is scheduled to reopen on the 7th of October 2023.
Experience Daylesford from a hot air balloon
If hot air ballooning is something you have always wanted to experience, Daylesford is the perfect place to pursue this dream. Every Sunday, Daylesford Hot Air Balloon Flights has scheduled flights that offer guests a birds eye view of the region. You can expect to witness the beauty of Daylesford’s vibrant scenery, expansive rolling hills, forests, rich red volcanic soil, green forests and stunning blue waterways.
Stroll around Lake Daylesford
A beautiful way to spend some time outdoors is a visit to Lake Daylesford. The paths are lined with beautiful trees and the calm waters from the Lake create a peaceful and picturesque experience. We recommend taking a picnic to enjoy on the jetty or to enjoy a warm beverage from one of the local cafes while you stroll leisurely around the lake.
Wine and dine at passing clouds winery
A wine and dine experience we could not recommend highly enough is the impressive Passing Clouds Winery, which is situated just a short 7 minute drive from Daylesford in the gorgeous village Musk. Since 2017, Passing Clouds has proudly moved towards Regenerative Agriculture practices. The Estate Vineyard is renowned for being the primary source of premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and is run using only the best biodynamic and regenerative agricultural principles. What makes this location so romantic is the delectable menu curated with seasonal produce. Whether you are interested in dining or would prefer to experience the Cellar Door, you will be swept away by the stunning views overlooking the vineyard and surrounding scenery. The dining room experiences are open for lunch Thursday - Monday and offer guests a three course set menu. The cellar door is open 7 days a week from 10AM - 5PM.
See what you find at the amazing mill markets
Do you love vintage stores, and love to be taken back in time through finding unexpected collectables? Mill Markets is the perfect place for you and your loved one. The markets have an adorable cafe which the smells pleasantly welcome you as you walk through the main entrance. You will be sure to find something wonderful during your visit. Whether you have been on the hunt for a rare record, a beautiful jacket, an original film camera or an eclectic furniture staple piece - the Mill Market is sure to deliver.
Visit hanging rock
Hanging Rock Reserve is an experience that we guarantee will leave you speechless. The reserve allows visitors to enjoy a variety of walking trails to suit your hiking interests and is open daily from 9am - 5pm. Marvel in the beauty that this impressive volcanic mamelon has to offer, while immersing yourself in the surrounding Australian native flora and fauna. There are also picnic areas for you to enjoy a pre-packed picnic. What a perfect place to enjoy such a beautiful location with delicious food, amazing scenery and great company.
Admire art at the convent gallery
For those of you who enjoy Australian history and architectural design, The Convent Daysleford is a place like no other. As you enter the grounds, you are greeted by the grandness of the Convent and the beautiful gardens filled with flowers and colour. What has been described as ‘the most beautiful gallery in Australia’, the Convents Gallery showcases the work of local, international and national artists expressed in a variety of styles and media. As visitors to the Convent, you have the option to explore the grounds with a self-guided tour, history talks and the gardens. The residence also has the Bad Habits Cafe. which is open 10am - 4pm Thursday to Monday offering breakfast, lunch and high-tea options. The cafe has a glass fronted atrium, stunning turquoise walls and a room that is filled with natural light. All of this to be enjoyed while looking over the beautiful gardens.
Enjoy dinner with a view at the lake house
The perfect place to book a romantic dinner while visiting Daylesford is the wonderful Lake House Daylesford. The award winning restaurant offers a four-course a la-carte menu that is perfectly complemented by the incredible views overlooking the tranquil Lake Daylesford. The restaurant's views of the Lake are able to be marvelled through the brilliantly large windows that showcase the treetops and shores of the lake. Reservations for this beautiful establishment are essential.
Image: Visit Victoria
Where to stay in Daylesford?
Daylesford Holiday Park
If you are wondering where to stay while exploring Daylesford, Daylesford Holiday Park is conveniently located just a short walk from the town. There are a variety of accommodation options available based on your travel needs including glamping, park cabins, powered sites and unpowered sites. The holiday park is campervan friendly which will make your accommodation experience seamless and relaxing.
Jubilee Lake Holiday Park
Another fantastic location as an accommodation option for those of you looking to travel by campervan is the Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. The holiday park has private lake views, plenty of activities and an on-site cafe on offer. You can also enjoy a barbeque or picnic by the lake which is sure to be the cherry on top of an already romantic and memorable holiday to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges.
Book your next romantic getaway with maui
With our guide for romantic things to do in Daylesford, you’ll be sure to leave the region after your trip inspired, well fed, relaxed and loved up by everything Daylesford has to offer.
If you are feeling ready to start your Daylesford road trip, do it with maui. You can book your maui motorhome online and then pick it up from any maui branch before starting your journey.