Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Getaway, Road trips and itineraries, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, Victoria, Australia

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.

Day one
Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Getaway

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.

Parks & gardens
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Perch on the hill for uninterrupted views, take in the floral charms of Begonia House, or get a taste for Alla Wolf-Tasker's cuisine at Wombat Hill House.

Restaurants
Lake House Restaurant
The well-trod path to the Lake House is worth travelling for perennially innovative food in an inspiring space. Two hats in the Good Food Guide 2019.

Spa & wellbeing
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
Spend a day rejuvenating body and mind in the natural mineral waters of the original Hepburn Springs spa, welcoming locals and travellers since 1895.

National parks & reserves
Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
Bring an empty water bottle and fill up on your favourite mineral waters, and enjoy the picnic and walking area with trails, barbecues and playground.

Art galleries
Convent Gallery Daylesford
Head to this grand Victorian manor and delve into the diverse arts program, grab a quiet brew in the cafe, or find something special in the gift shop.
Day two
Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Getaway

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.

Restaurants
The Argus Dining Room
Get set for gourmet grazing on stunning modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, clean flavours and regional produce.

Lakes & waterways
Trentham Falls
Get soaked by the spray from Victoria's highest single-drop waterfall, enjoy a picnic by the river or a scenic walking track in the surrounding forest.

Cafes
Larder
Taste delicious house-made goodness and the region's excellent local produce in every dish on Larder's fabulous breakfast, lunch and share plate menus.

Restaurants
Mercato
Enjoy an authentic Daylesford dining experience in this beautiful 1860s building, which, along with the food, exudes understated style and good taste.

Cideries
Daylesford Cider Company
A warm welcome awaits at Daylesford Cider. Here you will find a beautiful tavern that not only acts as a cellar-door but also offers a fantastic spot to...

Cafes
Wombat Hill House Cafe
Make time to visit this garden, cafe and store by Alla Wolf-Tasker and the Lake House team in Daylesford's beautiful Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.
Day three
Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Getaway

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 to make time for 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.

National parks & reserves
Hanging Rock
Your Picnic at Hanging Rock will be a gourmet affair served with drama and intrigue - and stunning flora and fauna.

Restaurants
Source Dining
Pull up a seat at Piper Street's Source Dining, a local eatery celebrating all that is fresh, seasonal and local, hatted by Good Food Guide 2019.