Stressed, overworked, and wanting to push the pause button on life? I’ve got one word for you; Daylesford.
A destination where you’ll find spa treatments, pampering, relaxation, beautiful food, wine and peace and quiet. Here’s my guide on getting there, where to stay, what to do and what not to miss! P.s: you’re gonna wanna get to the end of this post- trust me. 😉Getting there:The quickest and easiest way to get to Daylesford, is to jump on a flight to Melbourne, hire a car and get on the road – easy! (You can pre-arrange your car hire here)
From the airport, Daylesford is only an hour and a quarter’s drive away through the Victorian country-side and you’ll know you’re close when cute cottages and big farm-style villas start popping up on the roadside.
Daylesford
Where to stay:
When it comes to Daylesford digs, it depends who you’re bringing:
Your partner:
For a romantic weekend, my top picks are Hotel Frangos (make sure you check out the different themed rooms –the totally sleek Retro room, is particularly awesome!) and for a luxurious stay, check out Avala Accommodation.
Frango’s Hotel
A group of your besties:
Try The Grange at Lancefield Retreat, The Sebel Creswick (they offer a four bedroom farmhouse which is perfect for large groups and looks so pretty.)
That friend who is high maintenance, err, who wants luxury:
If you’re after pampering then you just have to check out The Lakehouse and Peppers Mineral Springs. Both have spas on site too so you won’t need to go far if a weekend full of treatments and being pampered is high on your priority list – which I totally recommend!
What to do in Daylesford:
Indulge yourself and head to a day spa:
Book a treatment at one of the many spas located throughout Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. We book in at Salus Spa at the Lake House and feel relaxed before we even walk through the door! I opt for a 30min massage and 30min facial combination – which are just amazing and I walk out feeling like a new person (I don’t even care that I’m not wearing make up!).
Another great spa is the Peppers Mineral Spa pools which are a good option even if the weather is freezing or a sweltering 38° (as it is the day we visit!). Travel from the outdoor heated spa, to the cold plunge pool (around 20°), to a heated, infrared detox room. Here you can reap all of the detoxing benefits, or undo the prior night’s damage.
Spa
The majority of the spas in Daylesford offer great treatment menus ranging from full body massages and facials through to pedi/manis, so regardless of your budget you’ll be able to find something to suit.
Peppers
Feed your soul (and your belly):
One thing about Daylesford (well one of the many things) I love, is the passion, knowledge and pride that goes into the food produced and served in the area. A common theme from café to restaurant is that all of the ingredients are sourced locally and grown on farms in the region.
Check out Nat’s blog on Kazuki’s, the Argus Dining Room and Wombat Hill House which all embrace this paddock to plate culture and as a result are able to produce utterly amazing food!
Delicious Daylesford food
Drink all the coffee, wine & cocktails you can handle:
Coffee, wine and cocktails are a holiday essential, right guys? For awesome coffee, check out Harvest Café and Larder,both in town. For wine – check out A Perfect Drop,which is just up from the main street and has a wide selection of local wines to choose from. For cocktails, try the Espresso Martinis at Jimmy’s Bar back at Hotel Frangos (happy hour from 5-7pm too!).
Go shopping!:
It’s definitely worth crossing out an afternoon to dawdle and browse the shops. The streets are lined with boutiques selling clothes, skincare, gifts, home-wares and jewellery. You can spend the majority of a day just wandering the main street and going from gift shop to gift shop finding treasures to bring home.
Visit Lavandula:
Located just out past Hepburn Springs, Lavandula lavender farm is pure bliss. The property is based on an old goldminer’s property and has been restored by passionate owner, Carol White. We arrive during afternoon and it’s so peaceful. We relax at La Trattoria, the cute café and feast on lavender scones (famous in the area) and lavender champagne!
Lavandula Farm; Cheers!
Visit Wombat Hill House:
Hidden up at the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, this café is located right in the garden grounds, where they serve fresh food and drinks. They even offer a picnic hamper for customers to purchase to take out and enjoy the gardens! Amazing!
Wombat House
See the Convent Gallery:
The story of the Convent and the owner, Tina Banitska, blows me away – just her determination, vision and plan for such a huge, historical building is pretty amazing. It used to be an old convent and chapel and today is a successful art gallery, café, lounge bar, wedding venue and gift shop! (Phew.) It is just stunning and definitely worth a visit.
| Hot Tip: check out the art gallery schedule and plan a visit to one of the exhibitions. |
Well there you have it, whether you’re heading for a weekend or a week, Daylesford has the goods to give you the detox you need.
Convent Gallery