Daylesford
Daylesford is a pleasant historic town known as the 'Spa Centre of Australia'. Situated 90 minutes from Melbourne, the town's relaxing air is complemented by mountain scenery, forestry and recreation areas.

The legacy of Italians and Swiss who arrived in the region at the peak of Daylesford's formative gold rush has influenced gardens and architecture, bestowing a European feel on the town.

Daylesford is located atop rock strata and volcanic basins. Waters trapped in these basins have slowly leached minerals from 450 million-year-old rocks and are now believed to have a curative effect and are the reasons so many flock to Daylesford and surrounds.

www.hepburnshire.com.au

Daylesford Market
The Daylesford Sunday Market operates each Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm at Daylesford Station and has a wide variety of stalls selling everything from books to spare parts for the car, fresh local produce, clothing and collectables.

Raglan Street (Midland Highway), Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 3503

Frangos & Frangos
Frangos & Frangos is one of the most popular eating spots in Daylesford and offers a laid back elegance combined with a Mediterranean menu. From the antipasto platter and gnocchi to bullboar sausages and trout fillets, the menu showcases the regional ingredients to the hilt. Throw in snappy service, a fine wine list and great coffee and you've got the package.

82 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 2363

The Daylesford Spa Country Railway
The Daylesford Spa Country Railway is a railway museum specialising in railmotors and trolleys of the Victorian Railways. Fully restored diesel railmotors are operated over a scenic nine kilometre section of the former Carlsruhe to Daylesford branch line in Victoria. Trains run every Sunday so take a ride through the beautiful scenic countryside and forest of the Central Highlands to the highest operating railway station in Victoria.

Ph 03 5348 1759
www.chtr.org.au

Lavandula Farm House
Built by Italian-speaking Swiss immigrants during the 1850s gold rush, the current owners of this Lavandula farm were inspired to re-create the traditional mixed farm lifestyle of those earlier settlers. The garden was designed to enhance its European style, and grows seasonal foods used in the café. Travel just 10 minutes from Daylesford and explore the lavender fields and indulge in hand made lavender products everyday from September to July.

350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat
Ph 03 5476 4393
www.lavandula.com.au

End of the Line Railway Accommodation
Experience a hideaway with a difference – a historic railway signal box and restored 1913 railway carriage that has been transformed into luxury accommodation right in the heart of Victoria's Spa Country. The Signal Box, with panoramic views across the lake, is the perfect place to wake up, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and soak in the bush surroundings. It features a queen size bed, kitchen and bathroom with an antique claw-footed bath.

215 Treweeks Road, Blampied
Ph 03 5345 7205

Cliffys Emporium & Barn
Cliffys Emporium is a unique mix of café, wine bar, and delicatessen in a delightful old-fashioned shop, that makes you want to consume everything. Cliffys' focus is on local produce or treats cooked by proprietor Mary Ellis. There are fresh figs, preserves, pots of patés, even home-made Anzac biscuits. To enjoy the delicious food at Cliffys why not stay at the spectacular barn? With open plan living and room for two couples it's not to be missed.

30 Raglan Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 3279 or 0437 244 438 (barn)

Daylesford Hot Glass Studio
Famous Italian chef Guy Grossi has a lesson in glass blowing with local artist, Don Wreford. Don has been a world class glass blower for over 30 years, travelling the world perfecting his art. Today Don spends his time at the Daylesford Hot Glass Studio that opened in 1996 where he creates his hand blown works of art.

39 Albert Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 1012

The Old Macaroni Factory
A visit to Hepburn Springs wouldn't be complete if you didn't stop for an old fashioned Italian meal and a sing along at the Old Macaroni Factory.

Built in 1859, the Macaroni Factory is the oldest Italian building in Australia. Now in its fourth generation, Maria keeps the history alive with delicious traditional Italian meals and historical tours of the factory.

54 Main Road, Hepburn Springs
Ph 03 5348 4345
www.macaronifactory.com.au

Hepburn Spa
Australia's original Mineral Springs Bathhouse and Wellness Retreat is set in the picturesque Mineral Springs Reserve at Hepburn Springs. Since 1895 Hepburn Spa has provided the first spa experience for many. They believe they have shaped the Australian spa scene.

While at Hepburn Spa, Glen tries a Gentlemans Bath, rich in Vitamin B which is sedating to the nervous system. The deeply coloured dark ale bath is a pathway to peace, promoting wellbeing.

1 Mineral Springs Reserve, Hepburn Springs
Ph 03 5348 8888
www.hepburnspa.com.au

Lake House – Salus Day Spa
Salus Day Spa is part of the famous Lake House in Daylesford. Bridget and Lauren take the time to relax and enjoy some treatments.

Bridget soaks up her soundings with a Private Tree-top Mineral Spa. Located in a private tree-top cabin, lined with trees overlooking the picturesque lagoon, relax with a Japanese styled circular spa tub filled with heated mineral water and aromatherapy oils of your choice.

Lauren indulges in a Hungarian Herbal Mud Wrap. The masque is used to detoxify, purify and stimulate the lymphatic system, releasing toxins and excess fluids from the skin. After a light scrub, the entire body is treated to a herbal mud application rich in minerals, sage, cinnamon and paprika. The body is then either wrapped or steamed to encourage perspiration, increase circulation and release toxins from the skin. Whilst relaxing, the neck and head are treated to a massage, followed by an application of organic body lotion to soothe the skin.

King Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 3329
www.lakehouse.com.au

Daylesford Day Spa
Guy Grossi takes time out from his busy schedule to have stone therapy, an ancient form of healing that involves the use of hot basalt and cold marble stones. The stones are placed onto the body, tapping into its energy system and creating a sense of balance and promoting healing. Imagine the stones gliding up your body relieving it of aches, pains, tension, and stress, easing your worries away.

25 Albert Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 2331
www.daylesforddayspa.com.au

What's on

2006 Archibald Prize
Australia's most famous portraiture prize returns to Melbourne in a new venue in 2006. The Archibald Prize at Myer Mural Hall will be open to the public during trading hours from 2 June until 16 July.

Melbourne's Golden Mile Heritage Trail
Walk 'Marvellous Melbourne' with a professional guide to see majestic architecture and experience how the discovery of gold shaped the city. Tours depart from the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square from 10 am daily. Bookings essential.

Royal Park Wetlands
Melbourne's newest environmental retreat, Royal Park Wetlands opens to the public on 4 June. The opening of a new wetlands and water recycling project includes major new native habitat areas and new recreation opportunities.

More: thatsmelbourne.com.au