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See and Do
Located in the central part of Victoria, the Shire of Hepburn includes the towns of Daylesford, Trentham, Creswick, Clunes and Hepburn Springs.
The area boasts numerous spas, restaurants and galleries and an abundance of natural beauty. Here are some suggestions to help you experience some of the best things the location has to offer.
Let's start with our own backyard. After a short walk through the magnifcent eucalyptus forest which surrounds the Estate, you will find a small lake set in magical surroundings.
Lake Location
Just a short walk away
Forest Walk
Under the canopy of magnificent Blue Gums
Backyard Lake
Enjoy the tranquility or go for a dip
Surrounding Area
Lake Daylesford
Find paddleboats for hire, a children's playground, undercover barbecues, and on weekends, usually a wedding or two to stop and look at. Allow around 45 minutes to walk around the lake's gentle, sloping tree-lined path, taking in a couple of stops (the jetty is a good one) to soak up the stunning vistas.
Trentham Falls
Stunning Trentham Falls is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, plunging some 32 metres over ancient basalt columns. It's particularly impressive in winter, when rain creates the strongest flow.
Surrounded by lush bushland, the moss-covered falls are located in the Coliban River Scenic Reserve, which protects original vegetation including manna gum, messmate, narrow-leaved peppermint and spring wildflowers.
For the best views of the falls, take the easy walk from the carpark to the viewing area. (There is no access to the top or base of the falls, due to unstable and steep cliffs.) Pack a basket and enjoy the picnic area in bush surroundings, a short walk from the carpark and viewing area.
Trentham Falls can be accessed from Trentham Scenic Reserve Road.
Surrounded by lush bushland, the moss-covered falls are located in the Coliban River Scenic Reserve, which protects original vegetation including manna gum, messmate, narrow-leaved peppermint and spring wildflowers.
For the best views of the falls, take the easy walk from the carpark to the viewing area. (There is no access to the top or base of the falls, due to unstable and steep cliffs.) Pack a basket and enjoy the picnic area in bush surroundings, a short walk from the carpark and viewing area.
Trentham Falls can be accessed from Trentham Scenic Reserve Road.
Daylesford Collective
As each year passes, Louise Melotte has noticed that Daylesford’s popularity as a tourism destination has strengthened considerably. Known as the spa capital of Australia, Daylesford is also a mecca for fine food and wine with a plethora of clever artisans who craft bespoke food.
Often with recipes handed down through generations, Daylesford and surrounds is the melting pot for passionate creatives who sell their wares locally. The Daylesford region really has it all, everything from hand made conserves, chocolatiers, gin distilleries, award winning wine producers and talented creatives
As owner of Hotel Frangos in the heart of Daylesford, Louise started including local treats in the hotel mini bar and noticed that guests would often ask upon check out where they could purchase the products they’d enjoyed in their room. As demand grew she started retailing the products in Café Koukla, Hotel Frangos’ on-site cafe.
Sourcing the finest regional confectionery Louise saw an opportunity to create an exciting offering to showcase the wares of local artisans and decided what better way to do this than to create a virtual company that allows you to build your own gift box packed with sweet Daylesford treats.
Often with recipes handed down through generations, Daylesford and surrounds is the melting pot for passionate creatives who sell their wares locally. The Daylesford region really has it all, everything from hand made conserves, chocolatiers, gin distilleries, award winning wine producers and talented creatives
As owner of Hotel Frangos in the heart of Daylesford, Louise started including local treats in the hotel mini bar and noticed that guests would often ask upon check out where they could purchase the products they’d enjoyed in their room. As demand grew she started retailing the products in Café Koukla, Hotel Frangos’ on-site cafe.
Sourcing the finest regional confectionery Louise saw an opportunity to create an exciting offering to showcase the wares of local artisans and decided what better way to do this than to create a virtual company that allows you to build your own gift box packed with sweet Daylesford treats.
Lake House Restaurant
Located on the banks of Lake Daylesford and with exquisite water views from any vantage point, The Boathouse Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining venue for lunch and dinner.
You can take in the beautiful views from the warm and cosy indoor dining area for winter catch ups and the outdoor deck and seating area during the warmer months.
The Boathouse Restaurant provides year-round comfort with stylish food and a relaxed yet professional style of service, making it the perfect place for a glass of wine and a meal with family and friends.
The Boathouse Restaurant does not take bookings for lunch but welcomes guests on a walk in basis. Reservations are available for dinner.
There is a pet-friendly courtyard just to the left of the main entrance, and your well-behaved dogs are very welcome.
Please note that the The Boathouse Restaurant does not own or operate the Paddle Boats on Lake Daylesford.
Due to current health advice on social distancing, please contact the business for the most up to date information regarding opening times and services.
You can take in the beautiful views from the warm and cosy indoor dining area for winter catch ups and the outdoor deck and seating area during the warmer months.
The Boathouse Restaurant provides year-round comfort with stylish food and a relaxed yet professional style of service, making it the perfect place for a glass of wine and a meal with family and friends.
The Boathouse Restaurant does not take bookings for lunch but welcomes guests on a walk in basis. Reservations are available for dinner.
There is a pet-friendly courtyard just to the left of the main entrance, and your well-behaved dogs are very welcome.
Please note that the The Boathouse Restaurant does not own or operate the Paddle Boats on Lake Daylesford.
Due to current health advice on social distancing, please contact the business for the most up to date information regarding opening times and services.
Hepburn Bathhouse Spa
Hepburn Springs’ only historic Bathhouse, has been providing traditional wellness bathing since 1895.
Drawing mineral rich waters directly from the natural source, this iconic bathhouse reconnects you with an array of mineral wellness experiences including indulgent 100% pure private mineral baths and a selection of specifically designed wellness packages.
Drawing mineral rich waters directly from the natural source, this iconic bathhouse reconnects you with an array of mineral wellness experiences including indulgent 100% pure private mineral baths and a selection of specifically designed wellness packages.
Sault
Sault Restaurant is set behind a playing fountain in a beautiful two-storey country house, Sault Restaurant gives visitors the impression they are deep within the heart of rural France. It is only when a kangaroo bounds into sight across a distant paddock that you realise you are well and truly in Australia.
Taking its name from a French town famed for its lavender, Sault is also a working lavender farm and distillery sitting amidst acres of lavender and overlooking its own lake.
An extensive wine list showcases Australian and New Zealand labels along with great local wines such as Curly Flat, Pondalowie and Tom Boy Hill.
Head chef Hugh Maxwell creates seasonally inspired menus and utilises fresh herbs and veggies from Sault's very own kitchen garden and sources the freshest regional produce to assist in lessening their carbon footprint. Sault offers three, four of seven courses to enjoy tastes of the region.
Sault also has a beautiful wedding barn overlooking their lake, and during the summer months when the lavender fields are in full bloom it is truly the region's most breathtaking wedding venue.
Taking its name from a French town famed for its lavender, Sault is also a working lavender farm and distillery sitting amidst acres of lavender and overlooking its own lake.
An extensive wine list showcases Australian and New Zealand labels along with great local wines such as Curly Flat, Pondalowie and Tom Boy Hill.
Head chef Hugh Maxwell creates seasonally inspired menus and utilises fresh herbs and veggies from Sault's very own kitchen garden and sources the freshest regional produce to assist in lessening their carbon footprint. Sault offers three, four of seven courses to enjoy tastes of the region.
Sault also has a beautiful wedding barn overlooking their lake, and during the summer months when the lavender fields are in full bloom it is truly the region's most breathtaking wedding venue.
Hanging Rock
Make your picnic at Hanging Rock a gourmet affair. Gather your lunch from farm gates, provedores and wineries nearby - and serve it all up with helpings of drama and intrigue, in the colourful company of stunning wildflowers, roos and parrots.
An intriguing history
Picnickers, walkers, Goldrush bushrangers and day trippers have long been attracted to this beautiful place in Victoria's Macedon Ranges region.
Maybe you've seen the 2018 drama series Picnic at Hanging Rock by FremantleMedia? It's based on Joan Lindsay's 1967 Australian Gothic novel of the same name. The novel inspired Peter Weir's 1975 film and an air of mystery still surrounds the spot.
An intriguing history
Picnickers, walkers, Goldrush bushrangers and day trippers have long been attracted to this beautiful place in Victoria's Macedon Ranges region.
Maybe you've seen the 2018 drama series Picnic at Hanging Rock by FremantleMedia? It's based on Joan Lindsay's 1967 Australian Gothic novel of the same name. The novel inspired Peter Weir's 1975 film and an air of mystery still surrounds the spot.
Harry And Me
Harry and Me was founded by Amanda Fontanella in 2012, in response to a long-held passion for retail and fashion design. The boutique was named after her grandson Harry.
Amanda’s European heritage has been a strong influence in her choice of carefully curated items from her travels. You will discover a great selection of established & up-and-coming Australian designs alongside exquisite niche perfumes, hand crafted jewellery and leather goods. These are just some of the amazing things you will find.
This gem of a boutique is located in the heart of Daylesford
Amanda’s European heritage has been a strong influence in her choice of carefully curated items from her travels. You will discover a great selection of established & up-and-coming Australian designs alongside exquisite niche perfumes, hand crafted jewellery and leather goods. These are just some of the amazing things you will find.
This gem of a boutique is located in the heart of Daylesford
Lake Daylesford
This just deserves another photo!
Such a magnicient spot and the heartbeat and main attraction of Daylesford.
Such a magnicient spot and the heartbeat and main attraction of Daylesford.
Passing Clouds
Located in Musk, just five minutes from Daylesford, Passing Clouds offers a full-blown winery experience, where guests can watch pinot noir, shiraz and chardonnay being made on site. A new train platform at Passing Clouds allows visitors to ride a heritage train from the Daylesford Sunday market directly to the winery.
Make a day of it and indulge in a Train, Wine & Dine package, which includes a four-course set lunch with matched wines and a glass of sparkling on arrival.
Make a day of it and indulge in a Train, Wine & Dine package, which includes a four-course set lunch with matched wines and a glass of sparkling on arrival.
Memorial Cross Mount Macedon
The Mount Macedon Memorial Cross was planned and constructed for local land owner William Cameron. In addition to desiring to honour the war dead of World War I, Cameron wanted to create employment during the Great Depression. On Saturday 16 March 1935, the Victorian Premier, Stanley Argyle, officially dedicated the memorial to the Australian service people killed in the First World War.
Daylesford Ballooning
A hot air balloon flight over the Daylesford Spa Country is a must when exploring Victoria's famous spa region. Take in the vibrant scenery; a landscape of rolling hills, rich red volcanic soils, beautiful blue waterways and green forests. This is hot air ballooning at its purest, most luxurious, and as close to nature as you can get.
After your flight enjoy a delicious 5-star champagne breakfast. In a region that wins numerous awards for its cuisine, this is the perfect end to an idyllic adventure.
After your flight enjoy a delicious 5-star champagne breakfast. In a region that wins numerous awards for its cuisine, this is the perfect end to an idyllic adventure.
Convent Gallery
Nestled on the crest of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, over-looking Daylesford, The Convent boasts expansive views of the countryside and township below. A feast for the senses, the gallery is more than a three level haven of fine art in an historic 19th century mansion.
Snow in Macedon Ranges
Daylesford has been know to get sprinkles of snow however just a 30min drive east, Mount Macedon can get a nice cover of the white stuff.
Cliffy's Daylesford
Back in the 1950s, Cliffy Hauser’s general store in Daylesford was famous for an extraordinary range of produce, groceries and farm supplies crammed into a rustic timber and corrugated iron building.
Fast forward more than 60 years, and the heart and soul of this legendary store have been lovingly preserved. Farmers still drop into Cliffy’s Emporium with fresh fruit and vegetables, the old timber shelves are full of local produce, mineral water and preserves, while specialty groceries are chosen from near and far.
Cliffy’s has also become one of the region’s best known cafes. Locals sometimes drop in two or three times a day for exceptional coffee, while visitors love pulling up a stool at one of the original long timber counters or sitting outdoors under the shade of the verandah and grapevines. The old bike shop next door has become part of Cliffy’s café, with comfortable seating and tables and a really cosy fireplace.
Local produce including cheese, meat, eggs, oil, honey and preserves star on the menu - think eggs with sides including roasted sumac tomatoes and marinated roast mushrooms, or the go-to charcuterie plate featuring local cured meats, cheese, olives and pickled vegetables. Baskets of freshly picked fruit and vegetables on the counter will quickly inspire you for your own dinner that evening - grab a pack of Italian pasta, some fresh produce, paté, cheese, a bottle of regional wine and a loaf of locally baked bread. What more could you want?
And true to Cliffy’s fame as a ‘general merchant’, the emporium is stocking a growing range of kitchen products that have been made with great care and attention to detail, such as hand-made millet brooms from Tumut, hand-crafted kitchen ware and a small range of ceramics.
Fast forward more than 60 years, and the heart and soul of this legendary store have been lovingly preserved. Farmers still drop into Cliffy’s Emporium with fresh fruit and vegetables, the old timber shelves are full of local produce, mineral water and preserves, while specialty groceries are chosen from near and far.
Cliffy’s has also become one of the region’s best known cafes. Locals sometimes drop in two or three times a day for exceptional coffee, while visitors love pulling up a stool at one of the original long timber counters or sitting outdoors under the shade of the verandah and grapevines. The old bike shop next door has become part of Cliffy’s café, with comfortable seating and tables and a really cosy fireplace.
Local produce including cheese, meat, eggs, oil, honey and preserves star on the menu - think eggs with sides including roasted sumac tomatoes and marinated roast mushrooms, or the go-to charcuterie plate featuring local cured meats, cheese, olives and pickled vegetables. Baskets of freshly picked fruit and vegetables on the counter will quickly inspire you for your own dinner that evening - grab a pack of Italian pasta, some fresh produce, paté, cheese, a bottle of regional wine and a loaf of locally baked bread. What more could you want?
And true to Cliffy’s fame as a ‘general merchant’, the emporium is stocking a growing range of kitchen products that have been made with great care and attention to detail, such as hand-made millet brooms from Tumut, hand-crafted kitchen ware and a small range of ceramics.
Bistro Terroir
A neighbourhood French Bistro. Your place to savour beautiful French food, together with a carefully selected drinks range. The quick rendezvous. An extended liaison. A private indulgence.
Terroir means the complete natural environment in which a particular crop is produced, including things like soil, topography, and climate.
Terroir means the complete natural environment in which a particular crop is produced, including things like soil, topography, and climate.
Big Tree Gin
Big Tree Distillery is the result of a gin-loving husband and wife team who love good gin so much they decided to make their own. Introducing Catherine and Gary, who are devoted to bringing you a truly home-grown and delicious award winning gin.
Big Tree Gin is distilled in the Macedon Ranges region of Victoria, on Jack’s Springs Farm producing a range of farm crafted small batch Australian gins.
Big Tree Gin is distilled in the Macedon Ranges region of Victoria, on Jack’s Springs Farm producing a range of farm crafted small batch Australian gins.
Farmers Arms
Since 1857, many locals and visitors have walked through our doors and through eating, drinking and laughing the night away, they have created a special magic that gives our pub its unique character.
As the oldest pub in Daylesford, the Farmers Arms has become an important pillar in the local community and an iconic destination for visitors who want to experience the true charm of Daylesford hospitality. We’ve been a gathering place for locals to come together in times of need and in times of great celebration. Our regulars welcome those from out-of-town with open arms to share a pint, break bread and regale a story or two.
As the oldest pub in Daylesford, the Farmers Arms has become an important pillar in the local community and an iconic destination for visitors who want to experience the true charm of Daylesford hospitality. We’ve been a gathering place for locals to come together in times of need and in times of great celebration. Our regulars welcome those from out-of-town with open arms to share a pint, break bread and regale a story or two.
Du Fermier
Annie Smithers creates a seasonal menu each weekend. Sometimes the dishes are plated, sometimes shared, always they revolve around what is being harvested from the garden or taken from the store cupboard. The food is based on classic French farmhouse dishes that are to be enjoyed with friends and family.
Our 4-course set menu is $120 per head and can also be enjoyed with matched wines from our carefully procured wines from France and Victoria.
du Fermier is open for lunch Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Reservations are required (see below).
Located at 42 High Street Trentham
Our 4-course set menu is $120 per head and can also be enjoyed with matched wines from our carefully procured wines from France and Victoria.
du Fermier is open for lunch Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Reservations are required (see below).
Located at 42 High Street Trentham
Sunday Market.jpg
The Daylesford Market is full of treasures, fresh food and friendly faces. The market is on EVERY Sunday, rain hail or shine so there's no excuse to miss it. It's situated next to the old Daylesford Station and you can jump onto an old train for a train ride through the forests and Central Highlands if it takes your fancy.
Red Beard
RedBeard Historic Bakery is located in picturesque Trentham, between Woodend and Daylesford, just over an hour from Melbourne.
RedBeard is famous for its organic, sourdough bread, baked in a huge wood-fired, 19th century Scotch oven. Watch the artisan bakers at work. Enjoy delicious, contemporary Australian café food with excellent coffee, local beers and ciders. Take home a loaf fresh out of the oven.
RedBeard Historic Bakery is a year-round destination, open Friday to Monday, including most public holidays, with a warm interior for winter and shady courtyard for summer. RedBeard is fully licensed, with a menu featuring local organic produce in season.
Few bakeries in Australia create handmade, organic, sourdough bread. Even fewer use a 140 year old Scotch oven. RedBeard's simple doughs of organic flours, salt and water are hand-shaped using traditional techniques, and transformed by the alchemy of natural fermentation and wood fired baking into a range of loaves of outstanding colour, texture and flavour.
Extend your experience by taking a fascinating, behind-the-scenes, guided tour of the historic bakery. Large groups must book ahead.
Sunday workshops - where you can mix, shape and bake your own sourdough. Home baking equipment is available to purchase.
RedBeard is famous for its organic, sourdough bread, baked in a huge wood-fired, 19th century Scotch oven. Watch the artisan bakers at work. Enjoy delicious, contemporary Australian café food with excellent coffee, local beers and ciders. Take home a loaf fresh out of the oven.
RedBeard Historic Bakery is a year-round destination, open Friday to Monday, including most public holidays, with a warm interior for winter and shady courtyard for summer. RedBeard is fully licensed, with a menu featuring local organic produce in season.
Few bakeries in Australia create handmade, organic, sourdough bread. Even fewer use a 140 year old Scotch oven. RedBeard's simple doughs of organic flours, salt and water are hand-shaped using traditional techniques, and transformed by the alchemy of natural fermentation and wood fired baking into a range of loaves of outstanding colour, texture and flavour.
Extend your experience by taking a fascinating, behind-the-scenes, guided tour of the historic bakery. Large groups must book ahead.
Sunday workshops - where you can mix, shape and bake your own sourdough. Home baking equipment is available to purchase.
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