Daylesford – Exploring the Hot Springs Town in Melbourne

During Melbourne’s autumn and winter, if you’re seeking a short and relaxing escape, Daylesford is truly a great option! The drive is pleasant and safe around 1.5 hours away from Melbourne, even for female drivers. However, it’s important to note that the roads can get winding and remote, so it might not be suitable for those who enjoy bustling city activities!

Where to Stay in Daylesford

You can book a popular boutique stay. Search “Clifftop at Hepburn” directly on Booking.com. Prices are around $500 per night. Due to its popularity, booking in advance is recommended!

The room we booked was spacious, featuring two bedrooms, each equipped with a bathtub and separate bathroom. It’s a great choice for couples or families travelling together! The location is convenient too, about a 10-minute drive from the town centre and around 5 minutes from the hot springs.

Things to do in Daylesford

Lake Daylesford

Lake Daylesford is a beautiful spot! You can depart from Melbourne around 10 AM, make an advance reservation at The Boathouse Restaurant by the lake, enjoy a leisurely brunch, and then stroll along the lake.

Afterwards, you can treat yourself to ice cream from the nearby ice cream shop!

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa

Visiting one of the world’s top 10 hot springs towns without soaking in a hot spring? Not an option! You can head to the spa early the next day and then leisurely drive back to your hotel!

Daylesford Town Center

We love wandering around when we’re at a new place. We particularly enjoy the café decor in the town centre; they’re incredibly cute.

What to eat in Daylesford

We brought our own ingredients and cooked in the room’s well-equipped kitchen. If you have a specific palate, bring your preferred seasonings. We also tried a well-rated local restaurant called “Beppe”!

Overall Daylesford offers a perfect balance of tranquility and charm, making it an excellent destination for a short escape from Melbourne’s hustle and bustle. However, it might not be ideal for those seeking vibrant entertainment because Daylesford is quite tranquil and offers minimal activities. My purpose for this trip was to unwind and enjoy a change of scenery, so we found it quite enjoyable!

Check out our latest posts

9 Oct

Japanese Cafe

KYO Bakehaus – A Japanese Cafe in Kelvin Grove

Lots of small cafes have popped up around Brisbane lately, and this one’s hiding inside QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus. KYO Bakehaus was on my list mostly for the matcha, so we went to see if it held up. Shop 1,

Read more

9 Oct

Playgrounds

Semaphore Foreshore North Crab Playground – What's There

New sea life playground at Semaphore, right by the beach, built around a big blue swimmer crab. Lots of local families on the day we went, and I didn’t spot many other Chinese families, which is partly why I’m writing

Read more

9 Oct

Japanese Cafe

Fufu Sando, Sunnybank – Japanese Sandos at Market Square

Walked past Fufu once before and it hadn’t opened yet, so this time I went back on purpose. Small sky-blue shop in Market Square, close to the supermarket, and it looks a lot like one of those little kissaten tucked

Read more