Nick Carpenter

When Nick Carpenter wakes each morning on his secluded 20 acres of natural bushland, native birds singing and kangaroos nibbling on the grass outside his window, the creativity is already in flow.

Nick has built musical instruments for more than 30 years, and his business, Wildwood Instruments, runs regular guitar-making classes. Going beyond the traditional practice of a luthier, Nick creates unique sculptures that tell the story of our connection with music and musical instruments.

His work has a very special relationship with Daylesford, and he feels very fortunate to be able to share its beauty with his customers.

Here, Nick shares with us some of his favourite spots around Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges.

1. Daylesford

Nick can't recommend anything else before his beloved home town, Daylesford. He says it's 'more a community than a place.' Known for its healing mineral springs, community events, natural beauty and abundant native fauna, it's no wonder Daylesford is a hit with tourists and locals alike.

2. Mount Franklin

Just up the road from Nick's workshop lies the impressive Mount Franklin, a beautiful landmark steeped in history that goes back to the Dreamtime. It's an extinct volcano, with plenty of tracks and trails for walking and reconnecting with nature.

3. Trentham Falls

Stunning Trentham Falls is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, at around 32 metres high. It's surrounded by lush bush land and wildflowers in spring. Nick says it's a 'truly breathtaking natural wonder,' and it's one of his favourite places.

4. The local pubs

Nick loves a good pub. Lucky for him, there are a few in the area, where he can drop in for a cold beer and catch up with friends. Grab a meal at the Farmers Arms, or the Daylesford Hotel. Be sure to drop into the Cosmopolitan Hotel or Lyonville's Radio Springs Hotel.

5. Lake Daylesford

For postcard-perfect views, Nick heads to picturesque Lake Daylesford. If you're following in his footsteps, 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.

6. Restaurants and cafes

Daylesford certainly punches above its weight when it comes to great restaurants and cafes. As Nick says, he's spoilt for choice here. Start with a coffee at Cliffy's Emporium, then tuck into expertly prepared fresh produce at Koukla. And for Italian cuisine with a modern take, snag a seat near the wood-fired oven at Beppe Kitchen + Bar.

"Daylesford is a very special place and I am so fortunate to be able to live and work here."

— Nick Carpenter, Wildwood Instruments