Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Getaway

Prepare to be seduced when you visit Australia's most famous spa region. Just an hour from Melbourne in Victoria's central highlands, the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region's mood for wellness and relaxation is intoxicating and infectious.

From the majestic beauty of the Macedon Ranges to the rejuvenating pleasures of the Daylesford area, this region is a special place of healing. It's the perfect destination for experiences that relax the mind, soothe the body and nurture the soul.

Explore the best of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges on our three-day getaway road trip.

Head straight to Hepburn Springs, the heart of the "Wellness Region" and waste no time in plunging deep into the mineral springs at the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa.

Relax from a total body treatment, take your blissed-out body into the pure, crisp air of the surrounding Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve and sample natural mineral water straight from the earth.

Make your way to Daylesford and add a further element of indulgence to the day. Sign up for a class at the Lake House cooking school and get top tips from some of the finest chefs in Australia. Top it off with a sit-down lunch, savouring your efforts.

Keep feasting the senses with an afternoon of shopping in Daylesford, marvelling at the eclectic offerings on Vincent Street.

Alternatively, wander through the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and discover the work of local artists and artisans at the Convent Gallery.

Finish off a practically perfect first day with a sublime meal at the Lake House restaurant before you tuck in for the night at any one of the area's luxurious accommodation options.

Start your second day in the best way with a tranquil breakfast at one of the many magnificent eateries in Daylesford. Try Cliffy's Emporium, Larder, The Boathouse, Cafe Koukla or Wombat Hill House Cafe.

Powered up for the day ahead, it's time to tackle Trentham, the pretty township 30 minutes east of Daylesford. After being wowed by Trentham Falls, the longest single drop waterfall in Victoria, you'll have time to explore the boutiques and enjoy a coffee and pastry at the famous RedBeard Historic Bakery. You can even take a sourdough bread–making class before making your way back towards Daylesford.

Driving through Musk (five minutes from Daylesford) drop into the family -owned Passing Clouds winery cellar door for a taste of their current release wines. Book ahead to enjoy a "famiglia" style lunch in the dining room.

Back in Daylesford it's time to become acquainted with the Daylesford Cider Company where the range of ciders and varieties of organic English heritage apples is dizzying.

There's an assortment of riches when it comes to dining options in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Take a chance on a welcoming restaurant door or check out tried and true favourites like Mercato, The Argus Dining Room, Sault, Frank and Connie's Kitchen or The Surly Goat.

It's worth the 30-minute drive to start your day in the historic township of Kyneton and to soak up the unique charm of Piper Street.

For breakfast, be tempted by charcuterie, terrine, sausage, rillettes and pâtés at the Piper Street Food Co. Leave plenty of time to visit the small shops, boutiques and vintage emporia on this street.

There are so many places to eat and drink in Kyneton that you'll need to squeeze in lunch. Try La Bonta with modern Italian cuisine and warm country hospitality or Source Dining, where the menu is created for each season and seemingly magically crafted from local produce.

Finish your whirlwind Daylesford and Macedon Ranges tour with a visit to the otherworldly Hanging Rock. Learn about the ancient history of the rock as well as more contemporary tales at the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre before ascending to the summit.