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12 relaxing things to do in Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Welcome to Spa Country! This area of regional Victoria is a delicious destination for a bit of rest and relaxation. Here are some things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, whether you’re away on a group trip with friends or a romantic couples weekend.

Late afternoon in Daylesford during autumn, looking out onto a residential street, surrounded by colourful foliage.
Autumn colours during golden hour in Daylesford, Victoria.

If you’re Melbourne-based (or visiting) and you quite fancy leaving the city, a Daylesford weekend away may just be the answer your soul is searching for.

Particularly if you’re all coupled up, or looking to relax with a group of girlfriends, with some wine, gossip, or general R&R.

The towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are a short drive away from Melbourne (around 1 hour, 30 minutes), making them a perfect weekend escape from the city.

Best things to do in Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Exterior shot of Daylesford Hotel.
You’ll see lots of cool buildings like this pub.

This guide to Daylesford contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may make small commission, at no extra cost to you.

What is Daylesford known for?

Daylesford is located in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country. These are, as the name suggests, areas that are rich in mineral springs and have an abundance of bathhouses and day spas to soak in and enjoy.

The region is home to some beautiful towns, top-notch restaurants, gorgeous vistas and stunning nature. What more could you ask for?

Close up of a building along the main street of Daylesford. The door of the building has ivy encircling it.
Strolling around Daylesford.

When is the best time to visit Daylesford & Hepburn Springs?

Daylesford or Hepburn Springs are quite lovely in autumn (March-May). In fact, it’s one of the best destinations in Victoria for autumn leaves.

The weather is warm and you’ll see red, orange and gold foliage just about everywhere.

You can have a marvellous time during this season eating, drinking wine, taking photos, relaxing and exploring the area.

However, spring is really nice as well. Plus, the middle of winter is not an awful time to soak in spas!

I’d probably avoid the area in summer, however it might be nice to journey to when there are less crowds.

Spa Country makes an excellent destination, whatever the time of year – rain, hail and shine.

So long as you’re committed to unwinding and relaxing, with plenty of good food and bevvies onside, you’re in for a lovely time.

Here are some things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.

Looking down a street in Hepburn Springs. The old building has a ghost sign on it, which says 'Post Office'.
Walking along the main street of Hepburn Springs.

Need a set of wheels to reach Daylesford and Hepburn Springs?

It is also possible to reach Daylesford by train and bus, which is much cheaper than driving.

daylesford weekend away
Maybe it would be best to stay in Daylesford forever.

Where to stay in Daylesford

Inside Hepburn Bathhouse, looking across the empty pools.
A first look at Hepburn Bathhouse.
A woman in a white robe lies on a wooden chair, soaking up the morning sun.
Soaking up some Vit D’s after exiting the Sanctuary.

1. Have a soak at the Hepburn Bathhouse

It’s worth making the trip out to this region for the Hepburn Bathhouse alone. It’s certainly one of my favourite things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.

Hepburn Springs is home to the only mineral spring bathing experience in Australia, making it a must for spa lovers visiting Victoria.

There have been facilities on this site since 1895 – obviously they’ve been refurbished since then!

The spa comprises of two sections.

General Bathing: is available in the two mineral pools within The Bathhouse.

A wall within the Bathhouse, with white robes hung off it.
Somewhere to hang your robe while you take a wee dip.
Looking down at the coldest pool in the Sanctuary area of the Bathhouse.
Immerse yourself in the coldest pool in The Sanctuary – not for the faint hearted.

The Sanctuary: There are several more pools (and steam rooms) inside this area, my favourite of which was the Salt and Magnesium Pool.
It’s fun to drift in, while you have a yarn with a friend.

Exterior of the Hepburn Bathhouse. The focus is on a flower in the foreground. A visit to the bathhouse is one of the most popular things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.
The entrance to the Bathhouse is just as lovely as the interior.

Entry price gets you access to the pools for a period of two hours.

If you have upgraded, you’ll be provided with a towel, robe and locker for the duration of your time within The Sanctuary.

The Bathhouse has a range of wellness treatments on offer, if you’re looking for some extra pampering during your weekend in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. If you ask me, it’s one of the best things to do in Daylesford for couples – who doesn’t love a sexy soak?

Do make sure you walk further along carpark, from the entrance of the Bathhouse. You’ll find a tap where you can fill a bottle up with mineral spring water – straight from the source!

2. Visit the Convent Gallery in Daylesford

One of the top Daylesford attractions, this site consists of a museum, gallery spaces, a gift shop, a beautiful chapel and cafe, with gorgeous gardens to explore.

Head to the museum to discover the history of the convent’s original inhabitants, the Presentation Sisters & Holy Cross Boarders. Catch the works of local, national and international artists at the Gallery. Wander the gardens or grab breakfast, Devonshire or High Tea at the cafe.

READ MORE:

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Exterior shot of Daylesford Town Hall. Birds are flying past and the LGBTQIA+ rainbow flag flutters in the wind from a flagpole.
Fun fact: Daylesford is the LGBTQIA+ capital of Victoria.

3. Stroll through Daylesford’s main streets

Wondering what to do in Daylesford itself?

Spread the tourist dollar around by shopping your way through Daylesford’s rather eclectic collection of boutique and antique shops and bookstores.

If you adore clothing and other stuff made out of Alpaca wool and think jumpers made out of this material feel like wearing a cloud (guilty), head to Alpaca Passion, although be warned – you’ll never feel the same way about sheep’s wool again.

Manteau Noir and Eclectic Notions are both delightful to have a rummage through as far as vintage and local goods go.

And there are plenty of secondhand bookstores and antique shops to browse in for extended periods of time.

One of the most photographed buildings in Daylesford, an old antiques store.
If you love shopping for antiques, then you’ll love Daylesford.
Exterior shot of Daylesford Paradise Bookshop in the morning light.
BRB, just going to go get lost in here forever.

As far as food on the run goes, I nabbed an early-morning, very delicious ham and cheese croissant from Daylesford Bakery.

I also have it on good authority that the coffee from Larder is worth a sip (don’t drink the stuff myself, sadly).

You’ll find more tips on where to eat in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs later on in this guide.

Looking side on at the General Store in Hepburn Springs.
The very cool General Store in Hepburn Springs.

4. & explore Hepburn Springs

It’s well worth having a poke around Hepburn Springs, too.

It’s much smaller than Daylesford, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in… well, cuteness.

The General Store is well-worth checking out, if not to just admire its vintage façade.

Exterior of Frank & Connie's Cafe in Hepburn Springs.
Outside Frank & Connie’s in Hepburn Springs.
Picture of a mischievous looking cockatoo in a tree.
Cheeky beggar.

If you’re after a meal or light snack after soaking in the spa, Hepburn Springs has you covered.

There are a few delightful cafes and restaurants in the area, noteably Blue Bean Cafe and the very cute Frank & Connie’s.

Check out Portal 108 while you’re there too, for some boutique clothes and goods. I could have spent a lot of money there.

5. Drop into the Daylesford Sunday Markets

These markets are held every Sunday from 8am – 2pm at the Daylesford Historic Railway Station.

There’s all kinds of goodies on offer. Books, bric-a-brac, local produce and clothing.

You’ll find plenty of parking and you can even bring your furriest friend (on-lead).

exterior shot of a building at Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, in spring.
One of the older buildings at Lavandula.
A woman feeds a cow at Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm.
Feeding a new friend, Mirella.

6. Poke around Lavandula Swiss-Italian Farm

Located around a five minute and quite scenic drive from Hepburn Springs, is Lavandula Swiss-Italian Farm.

This lavender farm has been around since the 1850s – you can tour the old farmhouse from this era, that’s still standing in great condition, today.

Inside one of the buildings at Lavandula, showcasing an intact bedroom from a bygone era.
An intact bedroom at the farm at Lavandula.

There’s a wonderful cafe selling woodfire pizza and all sorts of treats, including lavender scones.

As a working farm, there’s also animals everywhere, some of which are quite happy and willing to amble over for a pat.

I was most amused to see emus housed in a paddock with a highland cow, sheep and alpacas.

The lavender is best seen from November, over the summer, but it’s a pleasant place to visit anytime of the year (although to note, the farm is often closed during winter).

I highly advise getting there early, around 10.30 when the place opens. It can get quite crowded, otherwise!

It’s a great place to visit with families, or friends.

Exterior of Daylesford Cider Co on a sunny day.
Rustic goodness at the Daylesford Cider Co.
Two bottles of cider lying together on a pink picnic blanket. A visit to this cidery is one of the top things to do in Daylesford, any time of the year.
Takeaway ciders in the sunshine. Lovely.

7. Laze away the afternoon at the Daylesford Cider Co

I can’t think of many activities that bring more pleasure than spending a lazy Sunday afternoon sipping cider in the (very) warm autumn sun.

You can do just this at Daylesford Cider Co, located an easy 3 kilometres out of the town centre.

There’s plenty of grass around to spread yourself out upon if the weather’s fine.

If not, the very cosy tavern will provide you with warmth and ambience in equal amounts.

Close up of woodfire pizza at Daylesford Cider Co.
Straight out of the wood-fire oven.
A woman pouring cider into a tasting paddle at Daylesford Cider Co.
The cider tasting paddles. Yum.

If you’re fretting at the thought of not being able to sample all the delicious sounding drinks on the menu – well, don’t worry because you definitely can.

You can order a tasting paddle featuring the farm’s ciders, made from their English-heritage listed apples grown organically in the region.

Pair this up with delicious pizza fresh from the wood-fire oven and some live entertainment to boot.

And if the weather is looking to be a-ok – don’t forget to pack your picnic blanket!

8. Sniff, swirl and sip wine at Passing Clouds Winery

Wine more your thing? Drop into the cellar door of Passing Clouds Winery, located seven minutes from Daylesford in the village of Musk.

During the summer months, there is a ‘Caravino’ on site, which sells house-made picnic boxes alongside takeaway bottles or glasses of wine.

READ MORE:

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How to spend a week in Melbourne

A complete guide to the Yarra Valley

Three people sit atop granite rock, looking out onto a view of green rolling paddocks at Hanging Rock Reserve in Victoria.
Enjoying the views at Hanging Rock.

9. Visit Hanging Rock

If you’re looking for things to do near Daylesford, then head to this marvellous and magical place.

Hanging Rock is the magnificant result of an ancient volcanic eruption.

It is a significant cultural landmark for the the Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri), the Djaara and the Taungurung peoples and is a popular destination today for events and nature walks.

After paying a fee to enter, you’re free to explore the area and even take a picnic by Hanging Rock – if you dare.

Discover other great day hikes near Melbourne.

10. Take a Llama Trek

And in what may be the best thing to do in Daylesford, Hepburn Springs – hell, the entire region – you can take a 5 kilometre walk with a llama around Hanging Rock.

Need I say anymore?

11. Stroll around Lake Daylesford

If the weather’s nice, it wouldn’t hurt to head to Lake Daylesford.

You can rent paddleboats, have a BBQ or picnic or simply walk the circumference of the lake, which takes around 45 minutes.

If you’re in the area and fancy a special treat, settle in for a meal at renowned restaurant Lake House.

12. Visit Sailors Falls

Victoria is home to many amazing waterfalls. And one of them happens to be right near Daylesford.

This waterfall is easy to access, not needing any kind of strenuous walk. There are mineral springs in the area along with picnic tables, so feel free to bring along some gourmet goodies.

These falls are best visited in winter and spring, after rainfall. However, you can drop in year round to check them out.

Best places to eat in Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Shelves of books in the Blue Bean cafe in Hepburn Springs.
Decor in the very picturesque Blue Bean Love in Hepburn Springs.

If you’re looking for somewhere to dine in Daylesford, Koula is where you want to head.

I now daydream regularly about their pumpkin gnocchi and the cafe is as funky on the interior as it is on the exterior.

Interior of Wombat Hill House in Daylesford.
Inside the Wombat Hill House.
The exterior of Wombat Hill House, nestled in among a beautiful garden.
Outside ain’t bad either.

Wombat Hill House has a beautiful indoor and outdoor setting.

The food is great and if you fancy, you can purchase a stuffed toy wombat to take home as a keepsake.

Inside Cliffy's Emporium in Daylesford, with walls of preserves.
Inside Cliffy’s. I could spend a lot of money here.
The exterior of Farmers Arms, a gastro pub in Daylesford.
The Farmers Arms, a gastropub in Daylesford.

Cliffy’s Emporium is quite popular for lunch and equally as fun to poke around in.

Many head to the Farmers Arms for dinner, but I found the food to be a bit underwhelming, for the price. The decor inside is quite lovely, however.

The extremely picturesque exterior of Sault Restaurant in Daylesford.
Outside Sault Restaurant in the summer.
A woman walking through the lavender fields of Sault Restaurant in Daylesford.
The lavender fields are coming alive.

For a special treat, book yourself a table at Sault restaurant in Daylesford.

The venue uses seasonal produce (often grown in their kitchen gardens) to make their delectable meals.

The place is also photographic as hell, located next to a dam and featuring rows of lavender fields.

Autumn foliage outside Hepburn Bathhouse. Visiting this spa is one of the top things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.
More Autumn colours, outside the Hepburn Bathhouse.

Daylesford in a day

Making a quick day trip to Daylesford? This is what I recommend prioritising:

  • Grab a coffee from Larder.
  • Drop into the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa for a quick soak
  • Head to Lavandula Swiss-Italian Farm for a wander, lunch or scones
  • Wander through the Convent Gallery and poke your head into Cliffy’s Emporium
  • Enjoy ciders in the sun and woodfire pizza at Daylesford Cider Co

There you have it – some of the best things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. It’s a beautiful part of the state, one I find myself coming to again and again, because there’s always something new to discover.

Definitely add it to your list.

After more things to do in Victoria? Check out these articles for inspo:

Have you been to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs? What was your impression of these two Victorian towns?


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Most of these experiences take place on the country of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners of these lands and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.


This article about the best things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may make small commission, at no extra cost to you. This goes towards the cost of running this blog. I only recommend goods and services I think are helpful and use myself. Thank you – I absolutely appreciate the support!


I was hosted by Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa and Daylesford Cider Co in exchange for an honest review.

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2 Comments

  1. Could not have came across this at a better time, I moved to Melbourne around 6 weeks ago and I am constantly looking for new places to see and visit – I’d never even heard of Daylesford so I’m very grateful for such an insightful post!

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