Daylesford

Daylesford established in 1852 as a gold-mining town is now a notable tourist destination attracting people to the tranquillity of its natural beauty, its numerous natural spring mineral spas and its restaurants, galleries and gardens. A snapshot follows.

Australian Tourism Award Winner, the Convent Gallery was a Victorian mansion built in the 1860's which has been restored to its original splendour to house a number of  galleries featuring work by local, national and international artists. Featuring fine art, sculpture, limited edition prints, ceramics, glassware and textiles, the exhibition program, changing every eight weeks, showcases a diverse array of traditional and contemporary artwork. The Gallery is surrounded by six acres of fragrant gardens. The views over Daylesford and beyond are unforgettable.

Cliffy’s Emporium is a produce store, wine bar and café which offers the largest range of local and regional produce, with an emphasis on seasonal and organic. It supports the people who produce the food which is subsequently transformed into interesting soups, salads and dinners.

The Paradise Bookshop is housed in an elegant Georgian bank building. It’s a rambling maze of a bookshop with fourteen rooms jam packed with new and second hand books, comics, magazines and ephemera, as well as second-hand records (33 rpm albums) compact discs and D.V.D’s. The layout is attractive and inviting and the stock is interesting and diverse. Give yourself plenty of time for browsing.

Built in 1857, The Farmers Arms is the oldest pub in Daylesford and offers the perfect blend of country charm combined with a sophisticated menu, wine list and professional service.Whilst the style of service is casual, the menu is far from typical pub food. The Farmers Arms is a pub with a very loyal, local clientele and an often busy bar, creating a wonderful atmosphere and lots of opportunities to find out what’s happening around town.

Historic Hepburn Springs is in the middle of Australia's largest concentration of mineral springs, which are full of health-giving minerals. Your mind and body will experience the benefits of these minerals at a local spa and wellness centre. Indulge in hydrotherapy, massage and beauty therapy at the lavishly refurbished Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, established in 1895.

Kyneton

Kyneton dates back to the Gold Rush era when it was a major supply town for the diggings. It’s well worth setting aside an afternoon to browse along Piper Street which was the town's original commercial centre and is now a historical precinct featuring a large collection of historic bluestone buildings including cafes, antique shops, galleries and the Kyneton Museum. Nearby are a number of bluestone churches including St Pauls which was built in 1856 and is one of Victoria's oldest surviving churches. The main shopping area is on Mollison and High Streets and includes a selection of historic buildings and shops with antique facades and verandahs. The Campaspe River runs along the western and southern edges of town and encompasses the Kyneton Botanic Gardens which date back to the 1860s. Try the picturesque Campaspe River Walk. The Lauriston and Upper Coliban Reservoirs are just out of town and provide a pretty setting for a picnic

Woodend

This former nineteenth century resort town offers guesthouses, large private gardens, a racecourse, golf club and hotels. Spend some time in the main street finding a number of historical buildings and a clock tower. Shop for antiques or find boutique giftware. Try the genuine craft beer bottled and kegged at the Holgate Brewhouse, or have a bite to eat at Café Colenso or Il Café. The highlight of any visit is to climb nearby Hanging Rock, which featured in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock.

 Mount  Macedon

Tree-clad Mount Macedon can be seen from every corner of the region. The scenic road winds its way over the top. Up close it is even more impressive; a place of gardens and wild bush, of natural attractions and serious adventure. At the summit The Memorial Cross commemorates Australia’s war fallen. The view from the cross takes in the entire southern plain towards Port Philip Bay. On the way down from the summit you can glimpse magnificent mansions and exotic European plantings that change with every season. There are delightful food stores, nurseries and galleries in the quaint village of Mount Macedon.