Episode 21: Daylesford

Thai Villas and Book Barn
The Lake Daylesford Book Barn takes up prime position right on the waters edge just a short stroll from the centre of town. If youre a bookworm, collector, or youre just looking for a nice spot to let the hours pass you bye, weve found it. Once youre inside, you never know what you might find. Theyve got everything from the classics and the practical to the weird and wonderful and once youve discovered something to read, you dont need to travel far to find a place to stay. Just on the other side of the Lake youll find Daylesford Thai Villas. If South-East Asian flair sounds wonderful then this B&B is for you. The original owners went to great lengths to import all the materials from Thailand and craftsmanship shines through in the high ceilings, exposed wooden beams and panelled walls, giving it that genuine Thai feel.

Book Barn
1 Leggatt St, Daylesford
Ph: 03 5348 3048

Thai Villas
5 7 King St, Daylesford
Ph: 03 5348 3790
www.thaivillas.com.au

The Convent
Over the years The Convent, situated on the crest of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, has been featured many times on Postcards. And why wouldnt it? Its a beautiful building to visit with rooms full of art, a wedding chapel, a museum and several places to eat. This place is steeped in history. Currently owned by a local artist, it was originally built as a private home in the Gold Rush era. The Catholic Church bought it in the 1880s and converted it into The Holy Cross Convent and Boarding School for Girls which it remained till the 1970s. Nowadays you can stay in the penthouse suite which has not one but two balconies with fabulous views and a spa. After an art and history lesson with gallery curator, Chantelle Campbell, Lauren enjoys afternoon tea at The Bad Habits Café. The Convent is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry costs $5.00.

The Convent
Cnr Hill & Daly St, Daylesford
Ph: 03 5348 3211
www.conventgallery.com.au

Day Spas
Daylesford is the spa country capital of Victoria so Shane sets up a hot date with three women and thirty magical fingers to try out some of the best treatments on offer. First stop is Endota Spa which offers a Billabong Foot Bath that aims to help circulation by using the calming properties found in native bush plants. Next a hot stone massage at Daylesford Day Spa which is designed to give your bag of bones a boost, and last but not least a facial plunge at Shizuka Ryokan- Japanese Country Spa Retreat, where every man whos had this treatment, which uses dried nightingale droppings, comes out with a glowing report. So if it's your time for a great male treatment then contact any of these spas and give them a try.

Endota Spa
Vincent St and Central Springs Rd, Daylesford
Ph: 03 5348 1169
www.endota.com.au

Daylesford Day Spa
25 Albert St, Daylesford
Ph: 03 5348 2331
www.daylesforddayspa.com.au

Shizuka Ryokan- Japanese Country Spa Retreat
7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn Springs
Ph: 03 5348 2030
www.shizuka.com.au

Boathouse Café and Lakeside Villas
There are loads of fantastic cafes and restaurants in Daylesford and by far one of the most scenic when hunger strikes is the Boathouse Café. Set on a natural lake with wild geese and ducks waddling on the lawn, the Boathouse Café feels a million miles from anywhere. Open from 9am daily the café provides a wide range of snacks and light meals. Tucked away in this peaceful bush setting and within walking distance from the Boathouse Café youll find Lakeside Villas. The villas have really clever open plan design which brings the lake views in, making the most of the waterside location. There are two king size bedrooms upstairs while downstairs theres a fully self contained kitchen and a couple of leather sofas by a gas log fire.

Boathouse Cafe
2 Leggatt St, Daylesford
Ph: 03 5348 1387

Lakeside Villas
Ph: 03 5348 4422
www.dayget.com.au

Villa Parma
Built in 1864 as a private home, Villa Parma was so distinctive that on completion it was referred to by the press as An Ornament to the Road. Today that title still applies as the gracious landmark has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The property boasts four double bedrooms all beautifully decorated with state of the art ensuites. Theres also a comfortable lounge, a fully equipped kitchen and a courtyard and it's ideally located next to Peppers Springs and Spa Retreat. Just a stones throw away is Daylesford which is always a good stop for a cup of coffee and a place to shop. A Day on Earth sells everything from art to pottery to furniture and The Gourmet Larder offers patrons a sensational Spiced Quince Cake.

Villa Parma
124 Main Rd
Hepburn Springs
Ph: 03 5348 2202
www.villaparma.com.au

A Day on Earth
35 Vincent St
Ph: 03 5348 1661

The Gourmet Larder
57a Vincent St
Ph: 03 5348 4700

What's On

Wicked
The most anticipated musical of the year opens this week at the Regent Theatre, so book now for your seats to see Wicked.
Where: Regent Theatre
When: From 9 July
More: www.wickedthemusical.com.au

Kids Stay Free at Big4 Holiday Parks
If you stay two nights or more in any cabin accommodation at a Big4 Holiday park this winter the kids stay for free!
Where: Big4 Holidays Parks across Victoria
When: Until 19 September
More: Ph 1800 632 444 or visit www.big4.com.au

Edward Scissorhands
Don't miss the Melbourne premiere of the exciting new theatre production, Edward Scissorhands, on at the Arts centre from 22 July until 3 August.
Where: Melbourne Arts Centre
When: 22 July- 3 August
More: Ph Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 or visit www.edwardscissorhands.com.au