Some claimed the same or better than the famous of Twelve Apostles, but just as impressive in our view, the Bay of Islands is a collection of pale limestone stacks buffeted by the heavy waves of the Southern Ocean. The Bay of Islands is about 25 minutes past the Twelve Apostles, near Peterborough. Let’s known and more peaceful to enjoy the view as less tourist known. They're particularly beautiful at sunset, and there’s a short boardwalk along the coastline where you can take in the best views. With similar scenery to the Apostles yet half the crowds, this is definitely one of the more underrated places to visit along the Great Ocean Road.

Such an amazing lookout with amazing views of the rock formations along the Great Ocean Road. On a nice day you would be able to have some great views of the expanse.

Another great easy lookout to see along the great ocean road. Easy access and not a far walk from the car park.

Beautiful view ❤️

Bay of Islands offers great aerial views around sunset. Such clean, crisp air and breathtaking views.

Awesome place to spend some quiet time. Highlight of the GOR

Beautiful scenery. Worth a visit

unfortunately it was closed when I passed by. Really like the signs and rocks outside that give an informative view on volcano’s. Though it was closed, it was worth the stop!

The centre and presentation from volunteer staff was very informative and interesting to both the young and old of our group.

Was very nice drive worth going for drive 😀 be going again

Recommend coming here to learn about volcanoes. Definitely deepened my understanding and can see bluestone everywhere I look now. Was interesting to learn about why there are volcanoes in this area. Outside display also offers information if centre is closed. Volunteers were very friendly, thank-you

Normal visit .. not worth the ticket price ! Good hospitality. In maintenance now !

This region is famous for its ancient volcanoes, and you can experience the present, from the videos played in this venue, and the past, plenty of artifacts are on the display, that are millions of years old. While in this area you may wish to drive to visit Mount Rouse, which actually is inactive volcano!!

My mum recommended I visit here on my way back from Hamilton. I had some time to fill in so I agreed (and it was next to the public toilets). I loved it! The volunteer was so helpful and I found the information, displays and interaction fabulous. I've recommended it to many people since. Well done :)

Nice place, which opens until pretty late for Aussie. Worth driving out of Port Campbell for. Place was quite lively even at 7.30pm. If you wish, you can also come earlier for the Pick Your Own strawberries. Was given a sample during dinner and it was delightful! The Thai dishes they served were quite authentic, definitely better than those which u find in the city. Came as 2 adults and 1 toddler. Thumbs up!

5 stars is not enough! 🌟 Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious, but the crispy pork fried was the highlight. Worth the drive, especially if you’re staying in Port Campbell and craving Asian cuisine. My partner and daughter loved every bite, and the warm, welcoming service made us feel so special. Special thanks to the lovely Filipina staff who recommended the best dishes—and they even surprised my partner with a cake and candle! Truly a hidden gem; we’ll definitely be back and will definitely recommend this place to friends and family visiting the 12 Apostles!

Stumbled upon this charming Thai spot on our Great Ocean Road drive—perfect for rice-craving Filipino tourists like us! Flavorful, spicy dishes (a bit sweet for some), and a great ambiance. Wish we had more time for strawberry picking!

The food was awesome at this tucked away beautiful restaurant. The menu had a huge range of choices and the staff were very friendly. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a chill dinner visit.

Delicious Thai food, served with genuine country hospitality — starting with the warm welcome from Heather. The flavours were fresh, authentic, and beautifully presented. We’ll gladly come back next time we’re in town!

My wife (who is Thai) and I visited this restaurant not knowing what to expect. I must admit we were pleasantly surprised. According to my wife the food is the most authentic Thai food she has eaten in Australia so far. Certainly worth the drive to Timboon while travelling along the Great Ocean Road.

Great Thai food in Australia. Would be better if the dishes are made less sweet. The fried rice does have the wok hey, the crispy pork is really crispy. They cooked and served all dishes per table. Great and friendly host!

Beautiful gardens, could have so many uses

Nice park for a picnic lunch

Nice park

Awesome views from this volcanic scoria peak across the landscape. Easy to get to and you can drive right up the top with just a few steps to get to the very peak. We also went to Mount Elephant which is another volcano that can be see off in the distance and looks like an elephant lying down. We will have a YouTube up on this mid June but this one is a big hike from the base to the top.

Just WOW! A breathtaking 360° view over Colac and the lakes. Easily accessible from the carpark, just a couple of steps up. Totally worth it!

Interesting panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and Lake Corangamite. A quick, easy walk to the summit rewards you with nice scenery.

My stay was short and it was raining when I was there but it’s a nice place, gives the wow vibe and sure to spend quality time or picnic.

Wanted to come here for quite a while, finally did. Great lookout. Highly reccomend, gives you the lay of the land of the basalt plains and lakes. Was very dry when I went there from about 3 months of drought

Beautiful lookout, worth the drive if you visit nearby/ colac area. Not worthy to visit only this by itself. Be careful about the drive to the hill as the road might feel a bit narrow and offer no side supports.

Was a nice spot to go to, was a very windy day today when we were there but you get to see all around the area. Would be a great spot to sit for a picnic with a view.

Husband and I loved our visit on Wednesday! We were there for roughly 5 hours and there was plenty to see and do that we didn't have much down time or waiting around. Wasn't too busy which was a bonus, so we got to quietly enjoy a lot of the experiences and shops minus the 2-3 school excursions running around, but we didn't cross paths often. The staff did a wonderful job at making the experience feel immersive and authentic, and we loved that there were things to enjoy as adults. Definitely recommend buying the mine tour or the photo time slot in advance!

A fantastic day or 2 out for the whole family. Step back in time and explore Australia's gold rush history. Cute shops, delicious food from a bakery to a Cafe. We live how the staff are not only in costumes but character too. The displays, tours are really well done.

While visiting Vic/Ballarat area thought I'd pop into here for something to do. Allocated a few hours. Ended up staying all day. It was incredible. Best way to describe it was a living museum. The staff there (mostly volunteer) were all in character and dressed up and so amazingly friendly. Themed so well and had a fantastic time. Highly recommended this place and I'll certainly go back. Did a mine tour as well and found that fascinating.

Visiting Sovereign Hill felt like stepping straight into the 1850s. The whole place brings the gold rush era to life with incredible detail, from the mining demonstrations to the dusty streets and costumed characters. We tried our hand at gold panning and, to our surprise, actually found gold! It was such a fun, hands‑on moment that made the day unforgettable. A brilliant experience for anyone wanting history with a bit of adventure.

We attended Aura at Sovereign hill and it was a fantastic experience. The 3 elements of the show were great, breaking up the story telling and the way it was showcased was a great way to see and hear the story. There was a school attending the same night we did (roughly 60ish students) but the team did a great job of moving everyone around through the 3 different experiences. Really worth the visit.

Solid gold. Sovereign Hill is a family friendly romp through early gold mining in Victoria, historical town with a unique blend of hand tools and functioning Industrial Revolution technologies make this a prize in Victoria. From the shops to the Poppet head frame a variety of interesting artifacts and a knowledgeable period attired staff that are eager to explain the town. This will take 4-6 hours to get a good self-guided tour. The gardens on the hill are a pleasant diversion from the rustic backdrop, don’t miss it!!

Even as adults we had a lovely day there, even with a sprinkle of rain. Still have the same memories of the place from 20+ years ago, which speaks to their upholding of the heritage component of the place. Underground tour was great, candy shop was delicious. Red Coats March is a must attend.

Husband and I loved our visit on Wednesday! We were there for roughly 5 hours and there was plenty to see and do that we didn't have much down time or waiting around. Wasn't too busy which was a bonus, so we got to quietly enjoy a lot of the experiences and shops minus the 2-3 school excursions running around, but we didn't cross paths often. The staff did a wonderful job at making the experience feel immersive and authentic, and we loved that there were things to enjoy as adults. Definitely recommend buying the mine tour or the photo time slot in advance!

A fantastic day or 2 out for the whole family. Step back in time and explore Australia's gold rush history. Cute shops, delicious food from a bakery to a Cafe. We live how the staff are not only in costumes but character too. The displays, tours are really well done.

While visiting Vic/Ballarat area thought I'd pop into here for something to do. Allocated a few hours. Ended up staying all day. It was incredible. Best way to describe it was a living museum. The staff there (mostly volunteer) were all in character and dressed up and so amazingly friendly. Themed so well and had a fantastic time. Highly recommended this place and I'll certainly go back. Did a mine tour as well and found that fascinating.

Visiting Sovereign Hill felt like stepping straight into the 1850s. The whole place brings the gold rush era to life with incredible detail, from the mining demonstrations to the dusty streets and costumed characters. We tried our hand at gold panning and, to our surprise, actually found gold! It was such a fun, hands‑on moment that made the day unforgettable. A brilliant experience for anyone wanting history with a bit of adventure.

We attended Aura at Sovereign hill and it was a fantastic experience. The 3 elements of the show were great, breaking up the story telling and the way it was showcased was a great way to see and hear the story. There was a school attending the same night we did (roughly 60ish students) but the team did a great job of moving everyone around through the 3 different experiences. Really worth the visit.

Solid gold. Sovereign Hill is a family friendly romp through early gold mining in Victoria, historical town with a unique blend of hand tools and functioning Industrial Revolution technologies make this a prize in Victoria. From the shops to the Poppet head frame a variety of interesting artifacts and a knowledgeable period attired staff that are eager to explain the town. This will take 4-6 hours to get a good self-guided tour. The gardens on the hill are a pleasant diversion from the rustic backdrop, don’t miss it!!

Even as adults we had a lovely day there, even with a sprinkle of rain. Still have the same memories of the place from 20+ years ago, which speaks to their upholding of the heritage component of the place. Underground tour was great, candy shop was delicious. Red Coats March is a must attend.

I went there today. The best thing about this gallery is location which is close to station and shopping areas. Some of the collections were amazing and visiting it is completely free of charge. Just one show these days is a paid one. There were works from a ballarat based artist which were superb. The gallery also had a gift shop to purchase souvenirs as well as a cafe for relaxing. The washrooms were very clean. The staff was really nice. Overall it was a good experience.

We liked this gallery as it was quiet and well-maintained. It wasn’t a big place, they offered about five different exhibitions, from classic paintings to modern art. They also had a small shop and a cafe on the ground floor, which was nice and cozy.

A well maintained art gallery with beautiful paintings. The guided tour was also very interesting and informative. There were some nice books in the store downstairs as well.

The gallery resides in a beautiful building that dates back to the town's gold rush boom years. Free entry to see a great collection of Australian and European art with some dating back to 1800 or earlier. There were also temporary exhibitions and modern art installations. Apparently only 2% of their art is able to be displayed there at any one time so it may be worth a follow up visit later on.

I went to the Art Gallery of Ballarat today on a Friday. It was not busy. Entry was free which is great. Only a few minutes walk from Ballarat railway station. The Gallery is very interesting with a lot of interesting arts. It's very clean and nice like a 5-star hotel. I loved and enjoyed all the arts that they displayed, really appreciate all the staff for taking care of the place so well and highly appreciate all the artists that provided their artwork there.

Beautiful art gallery with interesting and thoughtful art. Place was packed last Sunday despite the rain, the Vintage Car Show, part of Ballarat's Heritage Festival. It was free entry on that day. We had a walk through downstairs but couldn't handle the crowd so didn't make it upstairs. Will be back.

The building is absolutely lovely! It's so nice to see that it was purpose built, and continues to house many creative works of art. Highly recommend a visit if you are in Ballarat.

Absolutely amazing time we had here. We had the gatehouse room sleeps 6!! Loved having the castle to ourselves (and the few other residents) after hours, kids have has the best time even with no amusements on. The castle is amazing to explore and do the maze in the dark by moon light. Location is great too. Just far enough out of Ballarat to be quiet and remote but local enough to drive into town for dinner and back. ☺️ Kids have asked to come back already and we haven't left yet. Lots of activities for everyone to get involved in and staff have been super friendly and helpful. ☺️ Definitely on our list of places to come back to ❤️

We stayed at a caravan site and had park entrance. The site was fantastic! 10/10 you really can’t go wrong with any site! They are all fabulous! The park was wonderful. The kids had a great time, the staff are wonderful and the acting from the charters in the park was fantastic. I don’t usually rate anything but this 100% exceeded our expectations!

Came during school holidays for the goblins and fairies activities and were disappointed as there simply wasn’t anything on! Website says there’s fairies, goblins, wizards etc and characters wandering around with activities to do - nothing like that on all day! Incredibly overpriced and be aware everything inside costs extra and is an obvious money grab. Jousting lasted 20 mins, eatery sold out of everything good before 2pm and all the stores (which are permanent rentals) were overpriced for Temu items. It’s incredibly small also, thought it’d take a day to see, we were done pretty quickly and it does close quite early. Animals are also kept in small, dirty pens during the castle opening hours. Poor Kevin the peacock was a particularly sad sight to see. Also not accessible for the elderly or disabled - no ramps at all, incredibly unstable and hilly stoned paths/roads. Disappointing. We stayed in a King room overnight, again highly overpriced for what you get. Avoid in Winter as big gap under the front door would make it freezing. Dirty bathroom, no water pressure, lumpy mattress. Wouldn’t recommend staying here!

Went to a Halloween event over the weekend. Found the whole experience and what the grounds have to offer extremely underwhelming. Definitely cannot spend a whole day there as there’s minimal to see and do. Quite boring, even for the little kids. Shows were the highlight of the visit. Overpriced for what it is. Our first and last visit there. Do not recommend.

Haven't been here since I was a kid. Took my family with me. And we loved every bit of it! Food was great. The entertainment was abustly amazing. My highlight was having a great chat to the blacksmith. Definitely coming back again!

We took the family up for the faries, goblins and knights school holiday fun and my girls had a blast. They were dressed up as fairies and searched the grounds for different things. They got to be apart of giving the favour to one of the knights and were so excited. All the characters make it super fun. I do love coming here

Interesting place and the unicorn festival was particularly fun for kids. Not sure what it's like on a normal day. I wouldn't go out of my way for it normally but in this case we drove out an hour or so and had a nice day. (And Google, it's not a hotel so I can't comment on the rooms etc!)

So so so beautiful. One of my favourite hikes I’ve been on since I started hiking. The weather was amazing. The hike was relatively challenging, with a few rocky bits, but was very much worth it.

It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Victoria, perfect for any sunny day, whether in summer or winter. Some sections can be challenging, with slippery rocks and small areas where you need to lean on the rocks and hold a rope, so it’s not suitable for everyone—especially young children or the elderly. Definitely worth visiting, and I’d happily go again.

Beautiful walk through the Werribee gorge. The weather was on our side! Great challenges, and amazing views and scenery throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed the river walk and the beach area was excellent for a lunch stop. Highly recommend to take your time and enjoy this little bit of nature.

It was a very interesting trail comprises of walk by the beautiful stream, narrow cliff side walk, crossing huge rocks with rope support, uphill and downhill, beaches to swim. We in our 60s took approximately 4hrs to complete the Waribee Curcuit with stops for photo-taking.. we all had enjoyed the trail. Yes the anticlockwise could be a better direction to have the cliff narrow path and crossing the big rocks with rope support at the end of the trail..Strongly recommended.

I've walked both the short circuit and long and neither are overly difficult hikes. There are a couple of long steeper sections on both trails but nothing that will kill you. Slow and steady. Signage is ok. Could be better. But trail is pretty easy to identify without the signs. Although id still recommend having a digital or paper map with you as a backup. Not an overly scenic trail though. The nicest part is to the south along the creek. The majority of the trail is though the middle of the bush so not many lookouts along the way. Parking and toilet provisions are good. 3.5 stars because of the lack of scenery and the noise from the freeway on the northern end is a bit of a downer.

A fantastic place. Even on a grey, rainy day! Lots of options for trails too for different levels of trekkers. Easy or hard as you like. The low track runs along the creek (where we took a freezing but liberating dip) with a section you can climb across, which was good fun. We didn’t spot any koalas but apparently it’s known for a lot of sightings. Tip: park in bottom car park so you don’t finish your trek and have to walk uphill to get to your car!

amazing trail, lots of different walking options for different fitness levels and the picnic areas and nicely sectioned away from the trail. giving minus one star because the lookout point circuit is a little confusing. If you make it to the top, be mindful of signs.

One day is not enough to see it all. Wow . I totally love it. There's a café where you can take a break and a bite. The staff are wonderful, happy and friendly. A big shout out to Kathy who was The Cherry On Top. Thank you so very much. Totally appreciated .. You. Your kindness meant so much in a world full of grumpy service. 🎉🎖🎉🏆

If you’re heading to Daylesford and think you’ll just “pop in” to the Mill Market—think again. I had to physically usher my mum and sister out after hours of wandering, because we could’ve happily spent the whole day there. This place is a treasure trove. Yes, the vintage wares are incredible—retro furniture, vinyl records, quirky knick-knacks—but it’s not just a nostalgia fest. There’s modern giftware, a garden section with charming outdoor pieces, and even a cozy little café for when your legs give out from browsing. There are toilets on site. One moment I was admiring vintage crystal ware, the next I was face-to-face with a shelf of ventriloquist dolls that were equal parts fascinating and creepy. (Seriously, they looked like they had stories to tell—and not all of them wholesome.) Whether you’re a collector, a curious wanderer, or just someone who loves a good rummage, the Mill Market is a must. Just be warned: time disappears in there.

The Amazing Mill Markets in Daylesford is a treasure trove of vintage and antique goodies, spread over 6 acres with 300+ car spaces. Discover unique items, retro fashion, collectibles and more at this massive indoor market, open daily from 10am-6pm, with an onsite cafe to refuel"

This second-hand market is absolutely incredible — probably the largest in all of Victoria, even bigger than the one in Geelong! 🏺 Every section is so well organized, and you can easily spend an entire day wandering around discovering treasures. From antique furniture and vintage clothes to rare collectibles, there’s just so much to explore. The atmosphere is relaxed yet full of life, with friendly stall owners and lots of hidden gems waiting to be found. Whether you’re a serious collector or just love browsing unique finds, this place is an absolute must-visit when you come to Daylesford. Trust me, you won’t leave empty-handed — or disappointed!

Full of many treasurers . Lots of books, furniture, bric a brac , anything you can imagine. Great outdoor garden nursery full of plants and other surprises.

We visited these aptly named markets 7 years ago in 2018 and we had to revisit again. Being from Perth, WA - we don’t have anything that remotely resembles these incredible markets. So much variety and such quirkiness. We only had 2 hours here but easily spend a couple of days going through everything. We were concerned Our 2 young teenage boys wouldn’t last half an hour but even they found interest and lasted 1.5 hours before they got bored and wanted out. Thankfully the cafe onsite managed to placate them for a tad longer (although the sausage roll did take 20 minutes…) but their nougat made up for it and was amazing! Love the Eiffel Tower and gorilla out front! Will try to squeeze in another visit before we head home.

I have never been anyplace quite like this. I could spend all day and still have not explored all their is to see.

Beautiful spot for a walk around the lake. It took us about an hour with three kids in tow (one in pram). It's reasonably pram friendly, however, be mindful of extremely steep hills! There's a couple of them. The playground is fully fenced, which is a massive bonus!

Stunning lake. Great walking tracks. Well kept areas. But the little coffee place is terrible. The wait was ridiculous and I wouldn't think you could muck up making a peppermint tea.

Beautiful spot fot a day trip. So serene... so beautiful. The walk around the lake is full of tranquility. A must-go-to spot... be it summer, winter, spring or autumn... as each season this place has it own different beauty.

Within walking distance of town, Lake Daylesford is a man-made lake that was built in the 1930’s. On arrival, early in the morning, a mist was rising from the water. The picturesque lake offers a ‘peace mile’ walking track which is almost 3 k’s long. There is also plenty to do here, swimming, fishing and birdwatching. There is a playground, paddleboats (but I don’t think they have seen much action for a while) BBQ’s and table and chairs. Food, coffee and comfort facilities onsite too. Well worth a visit if you are in town

Nice, calm, and peaceful scenery 😌 Guards your food. The ducks in the lake can be naughty! 👀 I visited on a Monday summer night with friends around 4.30ish. There were only us on the deck. It was perfect day to chill. Lovely place.

One of the most popular and photogenic place in Daylesford. This place is stunning 😍 in Autumn 🍂 with the beautiful colours. Perfect place to spend a day and relax.

Such a beautiful place.. Visited in April so go to see beautiful fall colours.. driving from Melbourne to Daylesford is so scenic and beautiful. This place is very calm, peaceful and scenic. A good walk..not difficult at all.. nice place to spend time with family.. Public toilets are available. Coffee and basic snack places are available too.

Beautiful gardens. Recommend to take the scenic drive around the property first. Signs are located as soon as you drive in. It will bring you up to a carpark. Perfect place to take in the views, have a picnic, or short stroll to the wonderful cafe. Allow yourself a few hours or plan the day. Public Toilets are available. Beautiful walking trails amongst the trees, gorgeous unique flowers. Highly recommend the cafe for a bite and coffee.

Lovely little walk with magnificent trees and flowers along the way to a yummy cafe which located on the grounds. My son loves to climb the tower and taking photos of almost every tree there. We are visiting this place several times a year at different seasons of school holidays.

"Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful oasis in Daylesford. The gardens are immaculately maintained, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and stunning views over the town. The walk to the top of the hill offers panoramic vistas, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The historical significance of the gardens adds to the charm, and the on-site café is a great place to grab a coffee while soaking in the surroundings. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a relaxing day out, Wombat Hill is definitely worth a visit!"

If you in Daylesford, go and see this little botanic garden. A little bit neglected but just in the right way to make your mind wander... Go on a quiet evening and watch the sunset or marvel at some of the big feature trees. Don't forget to walk through the fernery below the car park...

Very pleasant surroundings. Scenic drive. Tower walk. Cafe. Plenty of parking. BBQ shed. Facilities. Short walk to cafe. Oh, they have a cannon, too.

Absolutely gorgeous! Just go! But goneatly if you want a coffee, cafe closes not long after lunch.

Nice cafe to soak up the surroundings and enjoy some breakfast. Good collection of sandwiches and pastries in the counter for a smaller snack. Dog friendly too!

Mixed reaction here. Pools and spa were great, but there wasn't really enough space for the volume of people. One pool for basic entry, pay extra for the other 3 pools and sauna. Per earlier the pools are beautiful: fresh, different temps, one with beds to lie in the water, very clean facilities. But the pools themselves fit about 10 ppl in before you're feeling crowded, which took away from the relaxation side of things. Recommended trying it to see if it works for you.

Disappointing experience. I have been wanting to come here for years and it was such a let down. The communal space is too small for the volume of people they allow in at a given time. It's advertised as a relaxation haven, but instead it had more of a local pool feel. There were too many children splashing around and jumping in. We visited off peak too. I'm a mother myself and am positive towards allowing children in, but perhaps have an adults only section that doesn't cost double the price. The staff assume you have been before and were vague and disinterested. There were no cups at the hydrating station and no lifeguards/staff to be seen to ask if they could refill them. The only positives are the tranquil setting, nestled deep in Hepburn and the bathrooms are clean and well stocked with essentials. Save your money and go to Peninsula Hot Springs instead. Same price and way better value for money.

Very disappointed with this experience! Do not recommend it at all! Very overpriced for what they got to offer! Water temperature was just like the local swimming pool. Only 1 slightly larger and 1 small pool to choose from. No outdoor spa, no cold plunge pool. Paid $60 for the same experience that could have been much less to go to a public swimming pool, not relaxing, not hot at all. Only 1 change room for male and female together! It was ridiculously awkward and weird! The conditioner bottle was totally empty, it shows that no one maintain or clean the area for days. I'm just glad that I only wasted $60 without choosing any other package as they can't even uphold the most basic general experience.

Unfortunately disappointed in my experience here. You are paying a pretty large fee for use of what is in effect 1 heated pool and 1 hot tub that due to the large volume of people they allow access to at one time doesn’t allow for a calming or relaxing experience. Whilst I respect the decision to allow children access I do feel it would be appropriate to have an adult only of child friendly zone. In comparison to other bath house experience I’ve had for a similar price point I’ve found this one lack luster.

Well worth the trip to relax and enjoy this beautiful setting. Very friendly and welcoming staff added to the overall experience in the mineral spa. We didn’t stay in the hotel but had a pleasant experience in the spa. Thank you for having us

My sister and I had the most relaxing weekend away at Hepburn. We both started with a treatment at the spa, where we were treated to the best facial we've ever had. I have sensitive skin, so facials can be hit and miss, but none of the products irritated my skin, which was great. We then had a 90min bathing session, followed by a wander through the spa apothecary. Here, Michael was absolutely amazing, and helped us concoct our own bath scrub and bath soak. I can't rate this experience highly enough! The rest of our weekend was equally as relaxing, with a stay in one of the escape villas and dinner at a local restaurant. If you're in need of rejuvenation, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa will not disappoint!

We had the most amazing weekend at the bathhouse. The room was beautiful! Staff were friendly and welcoming. The bathhouse pools and spas were glorious. I can not fault any part of our experience. We didn’t want to leave.

Just like all the other gardens that are part of The Diggers Club, this garden is a lovely place to spend some time in to enjoy the beauty of the plants and trees. There is a cafe and a great garden shop onsite. Friendly welcoming staff.

Not worth the detour to visit. Was $15 each entry, which felt steep for what was there. Some trees were labled, but not other plants. There was some nice garden art, and the espaliered trees were good. It wasn't particularly inspiring - there was nothing we saw that made us go "oh let's copy this" or "what and interesting plant/idea" The plants were expensive (even if you had a membership) and the seeds weren't cheap. Particularly given the entry fee we had paid.

The Garden of St Erth nursery and café in Blackwood is an amazing escape for nature lovers and foodies alike! 🌿 Nestled in the stunning Wombat State Forest, this beautiful spot offers a serene atmosphere to explore vibrant gardens filled with seasonal blooms. 🌸 But don’t miss out on the café, where the scones are an absolute must-try! 🍰 Freshly baked and served warm, they’re perfectly fluffy and come with delish jam and cream that’ll have you coming back for more. Whether you’re stocking up on heirloom plants, or simply enjoying a cuppa, The Garden of St Erth is a perfect destination for a relaxing day out! 🌟

Very nice gardens,well worth the admission price. Cafe has nice but limited selection of offerings. But lovely friendly staff. Recommend the dips and scones. Shop and plant nursery is stocked with variety you'll never see at the local Bunnings :)

We were very underwhelmed by the garden today. The garden outside the cottage was sparse and disappointing. For a $15 per person entry fee we didn’t expect to see blackberries, weeds and Scottish thistle amongst the beds. We thought the entry fee was a lot for our experiences in the garden today. There were six of us and we walked around separately and all came to the same conclusions. The lack of name plates on the plants was also disappointing. The lunch in the cafe was lovely.

Went to the cafe today after walking the Whipstick Loop and it was a delightful experience! I got the tomato and lentil soup and it was so flavourful and perfect for a fairly cold day. Dessert was a blueberry cheesecake that had me drooling! The lovely woman working both the store and the cafe was so attentive and sweet and made a wonderful coffee! Highly recommend stopping in after a walk through the gardens or nearby trails!

Oh, it was heavenly smell beautiful roses in the garden this morning when I stepped in. I was almost cry with joy by surrounding peaceful nature. The garden was well design, and cafe is nicely setting, shop’s lady was very kindly helped me for my questions. $10 enter fee was I thought bit over charge but if money goes to maintain this beautiful garden, I’m happy to pay:) I bought 3 pots of flowers and a bag of seeds. They are rear plants which I can’t find in local nursery. This place is heaven for gardening lovers.

A very colorful place, caused a lot of emotions, but I will say that I was impressed. Incredible amount of sculptures and art objects. The pictures were quite depressing, which created an atmosphere of isolation. In general, the museum is very interesting and large with patios. I think this is one of the most impressive places in the city. The only thing was that there was not enough information about the place and history, I would like that they would give out a brochure or there was a website with history.

Sensational, surreal, sexy, spooky and surprising, the Bromley Collection Museum at the Old Castlemaine Gaol is a must visit for all art aficionados. Kudos to David and Yuge for creating this whimsical wonderland. I had an amazing experience and can’t wait to return for more!

Love what Bromley has done to the place. Having visited the gaol on school camps in the 2000’s, was sad to see the site closed for such a long time. But now - wow, easily one of the most unique art galleries in the world.

A must see!!! From the outside the gaol looks to be an interesting place to check out. Once you go inside… it is amazing!!!! The art works collected inside from numerous well known artists is incredible. The art is displayed within the old gaol, which for me, lightened the atmosphere. The art provided a layer of inspiration, over the history of the gaol and it was interesting to learn about different artists on display. Well done for preserving the space and allowing the history to come through, definitely lightening the mood of the dire conditions of the historic gaol.

Impressive collection and sympathetic use of the Old Castlemaine Gaol. According to Google David Bromley (famous artist) purchased the building in 2018. He and his wife have transformed it into a great visitor attraction which I recommend visiting.

An ABSOLUTE MUST SEE if visiting Castlemaine - or a sufficient reason on its own to visit the town. David Bromley's collection is AMAZING. It is even more stunning in this truly unique space. Just GO!

Good place nice views...an amazing to be on a sunny day...staff is very friendly, it's built in a prison castle so can go for prison tour as well. I would like to see more food options there

Was a beautiful day for a walk with our dogs around the park. Some enjoyable little chats with others along the way. We really enjoyed soaking in the beautiful trees.

Visited the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens on the last day of Autumn and it was a magi al experience. There were a lot of colours still to see and the kids loved the play area. A must visit place and a lovely 1.5hr drive from Melbourne city.

Great garden to visit and take a rest in the town, anytime, any seasons.

Good track for a pram in wet weather, undercover area, playground and toilets close by. (DAS coffeehouse is very close, and very good) Plus some friendly ducks that like to follow you around.

Beautiful place. Went for a drive so my learner driver could get some experience and it was the perfect drive for it. Got to the gardens and it was a beautiful day beautiful scenery and a beautiful walk with the family and the dog. Was able to get some lunch first and sit at one of the many tables to eat.

A beautiful botanic Gardens for this lovely country town. Great playground for the kids. Bridges over a little creek, lots of flowers and beautiful big trees. Large areas under shade with also big open areas. Nice location too, though next to the train line... Kids love it, but it is slightly loud (think you'd get used to it though) - and fur next to The Mill precinct. Would definitely spend more time at the gardens next time we visit!

A beautiful gardens really. Great for walking around, Saturday fun runs, and mediations. I love most, that the gardens were built by the prisoners of the jail. Making beautiful spaces for contributions with Us All.

We couldn't get a hold of them on the phone to get questions answered. Then we arrived and the photos must of been taken 15 years ago as the rooms are so dated and not maintained. Black mould on windows the glass almost fell out and the draft was noticeable. We had to ask for clean dishes and breakfast on the 2nd day. Best you look elsewhere in Woodend

We had a birthday lunch in the Taproom and it was a great experience. The customer service was exceptional, the food was delicious and all the food came out at the same time. Would definitely recommend for group lunch.

Apparently that’s a Yorkshire pudding and the beef roast had less life in it than the road up here. Chef was arguing his cause, bar staff at least apologetic. Refused different food (no chance), nor a refund. Beers as always are great - had a hand pump marmalade IPA and then the Porter. That’s what got the two stars - one each.

We stayed in the Village room on a very windy night, windows rattled so we had to stuff the sides with paper for the noise. There were two basic metal chairs to sit on which were most uncomfortable for any length of time. The bathroom had been modernized, however the shower was not satisfactory as the hot water was barely warm. The meal in the dining room was well presented and very nice..

Unfortunately we had a less than satisfactory lunch there last Tuesday. Their email says that go out of their way to make it special. Didn’t happen for us. We waited in the cold and rain for the doors to be unlocked 5 minutes late. The atmosphere was cold and ordinary. The 2 staff were engaged in conversation between themselves and service was also cold and unfriendly. Food was ok. When we left no one said thanks or goodbye. Amazing. Plenty of better pubs around nearby.

Shared Mothers Day lunch with my family. We were allocated 2 hours due to date. Food was served quickly and was very tasty. Would definitely be interested in booking again for a less busy day

The meals were great, but as a vegan there is not much choice. I had the eggplant dish which was delicious!

The Malmsbury Railway Viaduct is a stunning piece of history that you simply must see! 🌉 Completed in 1862, this magnificent structure is the largest masonry bridge in Victoria and a true engineering marvel. Standing 25 meters high with five impressive bluestone arches spanning the Coliban River, it showcases exceptional craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. 🏞️ The surrounding area, especially the nearby Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. 🌳 Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or just looking for a picturesque place to visit, the Malmsbury Viaduct offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into our rich railway history. Don’t forget your camera; this is one landmark you’ll want to capture! 📸

Drive to the end of the road and walk. You can enjoy the viaduct. Historic place. But nothing else to do around there. Don’t make the mistake of taking your car down. You can get it up, but not recommended. It’s a 30sec walk anyway!

amazing piece of Australian rail railroad history ... love trains ..architecture or history then it's a must see

Drive to the end of the road and park and walk down to the bridge . It's an incredible sight. So massive, photos don't really do this bridge justice. Well worth a look

WOW! Well worth the short detour to visit and roam around the botanical gardens

Amazing to see the Viaduct up close – a little bit of old-world European engineering close to Melbourne. The stones are surprisingly large, so is the whole structure. Kids loved climbing all the way down to the water. There was a train that went along the top, we could hear it but not see it from the bottom.

Amazing structure - got some great drone footage.

This is undoubtedly a place steeped in mystique, definitely worth a visit. It reveals a story that took place in 1900, when a group of children from a boarding school were visiting this mountain. Four girls decided to explore the rock on their own. One of them got scared and returned to the other children. Three girls continued on their way, soon joined by their maths teacher. Eventually, they went missing. One girl was found shortly after, but she couldn't explain what had happened. After the investigation begins, a series of tragic incidents and suicides occur! It’s chilling! Visiting the mountain can be challenging for people with disabilities. However, they can still feel the full power of this place, the power of this rock, from below! Before the climb to the rock, there is a museum dedicated to this story. This place truly evokes a certain sense of fear, especially if you learn about the history before starting the ascent.

Perfect spot for a relaxing full-day escape! Loved spending the whole day here — the flat-rate parking makes it super convenient, no need to worry about time. There are plenty of picnic areas with great shade and clean facilities. The walking and hiking trails are beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by nature and fresh air. Perfect place to unwind, have lunch with friends, or just enjoy a quiet solo day outdoors. Highly recommend bringing a picnic mat and snacks!

Hanging Rock is a striking geological formation located near Woodend, about an hour’s drive northwest of Melbourne, Victoria. Known for its mysterious rock formations and panoramic views, this ancient volcanic outcrop is a popular spot for hiking, picnics, and wildlife spotting. Made famous by the novel and film Picnic at Hanging Rock, the site holds cultural and historical significance and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local legend. A must-visit for nature lovers and day-trippers from Melbourne.

Magical! We were lucky to do it when it was a low traffic day. I got no other tourists in my photos. We didn't get held up by slow walkers it was a beautiful 20° day clear sky sun out. Magical. I suggest taking a small picnic lunch up and having it at the top. Beautiful! Oh and make sure you at least go on the stairs track. That's where the magic is!

Great place for a short family hike. Takes 20 min to reach the top. Good facilities for a picnic with BBQ. Cost 15$ for car access.

An absolute gorgeous place to go for a weekend hike, complete with a fantastic cafe for a bite afterwards. Worth avoiding hot days though, climbing the may be challenging for some people.

Nice place to visit with family if you would like to have a short walk with nice landscape view. However, car entry ticket price is $15 which seems to be bit overprice compared to what park has to offer. Its one time go place though...

It was a great experience visiting the Central Deborah Gold Mine in Bendigo. It operated from 1939 to 1954 to a depth of 422 metres. It yielded 929 Kg of gold from its mining operations. The best part was going 61m underground with a hard hat ON to see how the gold mine workers worked in those days and how gold was mined from there. The tour guides were quite knowledgeable and kept everyone engaged throughout the tour. The Surface tour is a great way to know more about the gold mine and how things operated back in the days. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Bendigo.

We did the underground mine tour, with Graham, it was great!! He gave us lots of really good info but it was still fun. It was so surprisingly wheelchair accessible! They really had thought of everything we felt really comfortable with everything. All the staff were actually really friendly and helpful, and a good shop!

Going underground at the Central Deborah Gold Mine was an unforgettable experience. The tour guides were fantastic, explaining the history and stories of the miners. It’s both fun and eye-opening — a must-do if you want to really dive into Bendigo’s gold rush past.

Absolutely worth a visit to this fab centre, our tour guide (nathan) was superb and we he learnt so much about what life as a miner really was like. Sadly we didn’t come away with any gold nuggets but we did come away with a lot of the educational type and they’re priceless !! We booked the first tour - 10am, then took the ‘talking tram’ into town for lunch. Thoroughly recommend you doing that too if you have time

Everyone except for me thought this was going to be boring, they were all wrong. The underground mine tour was awesome and very informative. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. He made everyone comfortable and answered all questions thrown at him. A must-see/do if in Bendigo.

Great place to visit. Very informative, outlining how Bendigo was formed. Can highly recommend a tour of the mine and could not rate our tour guide Ollie any higher. A very knowledgeable man who knows his stuff. Well done Ollie….

A 60 metre deep gold mine. Our guide explained everything in details. There are some big gold nuggets in display. Recommended to Book early before going

The architectural beauty of the cathedral is beyond beautiful. indeed one of the best landmark of Bendigo. The solemnity, peace and tranquility you will feel when you enter the church will warm your heart.

A beautiful church to visit.The Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the most significant religious and architectural landmarks in Australia. Its history reflects the prosperity of Bendigo during the gold-rush era, as well as the dedication of the Catholic community over nearly a century. Rich in history. A must visit place.

Experienced peace and tranquility here. One of the most beautiful churches in the regional area. Had the opportunity to connect with God further. Truly a stunning and must visit place in Bendigo!

The Cathedral is truly a magnificent sight! Its grandeur and serene atmosphere create a deeply spiritual experience. The architectural details are breathtaking, inviting reflection and reverence at every turn.

The architecture was absolutely stunning. Truly impressive craftsmanship and a peaceful atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit! ✝️⛪️

a beautiful space. magnificent cathedral. helpful and knowledgeable volunteers, who have amazing stories of the cathedral's history.

I was lucky enough to be here for a wedding. After travelling in England this is just as beautiful 😍

Our primary reason for visiting the Gallery was to experience the Frida Kahlo exhibition and it didn't disappoint 😍 we spend 2hrs wandering with our eyes fixed on every single exhibit. An absolutely wonderful Gallery with so very much on offer to see, regardless of whether you are interested or not. Just do it!!!

Judy is a lovely tour guide! She taught me about the history of the painting and artist, and stories about what the painting is about. She showed me a lot of details I wouldn't have picked up and I'll be paying more attention to art from now on.

I've heard such wonderful things about the Bendigo Art Gallery and have been meaning to visit for ages. The exhibitions always sound so interesting and well-curated, drawing in people from all walks of life. I particularly love seeing how they celebrate local artists and showcase diverse perspectives.

Visited a few years ago when it was the Elvis Exhibition. What a wonderful Gallery and immaculately presented. Despite being a busy afternoon session, everyone was friendly, gave each other room to take photos and admire the King of Rock n Roll. A true asset to Bendigo.

I love this place, I could just sit and enjoy every brushstroke. There are so many massive paintings, and each one is absolutely beautiful.

Bendigo Art Gallery is reason enough to make the trip up the Calder. Housed in a graceful heritage building seamlessly blended with a sleek contemporary extension, it feels both historic and fresh. High-ceilinged rooms flood with natural light, while clever architecture guides you from grand 19th-century spaces to crisp, modern galleries without a hitch. Curation is top-class for a regional institution. The permanent Australian collection gives real depth. How about thinking of Heidelberg School landscapes in one room and bold contemporary works in the next, yet the blockbuster touring shows are what really shine. Whether it’s fashion icons, photography retrospectives or pop-culture tributes, the gallery consistently punches above its weight, drawing crowds that rival big-city institutions. Labels are informative without lecturing, and there’s always a thoughtfully placed bench or two so you can linger over a favourite piece. Practical touches round out the experience: friendly staff happy to chat about works, an airy café with excellent coffee and local bites, and a well-stocked shop that goes beyond generic souvenirs. The whole visit feels welcoming rather than stuffy, making it easy to lose a couple of hours in art-driven bliss. Five stars from me! Bendigo Art Gallery sets the gold standard for regional culture in Victoria.

Stunning gallery - Frida Kahlo was incredible (excepts labels & interpretation almost impossible to read unfortunately) & permanent collection really well arranged! Very helpful concierge & shop staff

This place is amazing. It shows the Chinese involvement with Bendigo since the Gold rush years. The collection of Chinese artefacts is vast and very interesting to look at. The whole site is very good and the restaurant was a great place for lunch.

Incredible collection of Chinese artefacts. We spent ages wandering around looking at everything. It's just a shame that there isn't more space to display the collection as it's quite overcrowded. We believe that there are hopes for an extension to the building which will open the displays up a bit more. With a little cafe onsite and situated next to a small Chinese Garden it is really a worthwhile place to visit. Thank you to the staff who were very helpful and friendly. We had a lovely visit.

A nice place to visit, full of local history. Kids found it boring as they do, but we didn't care. We enjoyed it. Beautiful gardens with a nice Chinese restaurant next door.

Didn't go into the museum, but thoroughly enjoyed the surrounding gardens and temple, where I offered some incense and did some prayers. A fantastic area with delightful and pretty gardens. Well maintained and spiritual.

We arrived rather late so museum already closed, however we are so lucky to witness the practice of Dragon Show for Moon Festival on Friday 26 September 2025. They are so great to see group of young talents practice & perform. The 5 stars are for them ☺️.

Amazing place to visit and read about their culture. Had a display of the Chinese Bells and was very interactive and informative.. also blew me away with a fully hand carved Jade ceremony chariot.. a must see.

Loved this cultural experience and the history of the Chinese people who settled in Bendigo and surrounds who contributed a richness to the area. Very historical and educational, well worth the visit. Some great interactive displays, the ringing and history of the bells was great.

The Talking Tram ride was such a cool way to explore Bendigo. You get to sit in a beautifully restored tram while learning the history of the city. It’s relaxed, fun, and gives you a whole new appreciation for Bendigo. Great for all ages!

What a different dog friendly experience to go on a hop on hop off tram through Bendigo and learn about its history. Lots of easy free parking nearby and we even got to tour the Central Deborah Gold Mine while waiting for our tram with our dog joining us. Highly recommended

This quaint little hidden gem of a cafe is perfect for your after work coffee or visitors to the town who want something off the beaten path. Plenty of seating, great customer service and delicious well priced food. Gorgeous decorated interior of the vintage tram and in a perfect location, right next to the vintage tram history tour for Bendigo's hot spots.

The tram service provides historic information along the way and stops at significant landmarks. A $20 ticket is valid for the entire day, making it totally worth it if you’re exploring Bendigo city.

Really good and value the money! 18$ you can enjoy the city. The driving will tell you the place that you stop, also the story of the tram. You can visit centre city, tram cafe and 2/3 places more. You can start from centre city or Goldmine or tram cafe. Wherever you park.

Wonderful way to see Bendigo, go early and get yourself a ticket, then just hop on and off through out the day seeing the sights.

I was so pleased to be able to take my dog with me for this tram ride, made it an easier day for me. There are 5 places you can hop off and on to the next one. Just get the time table. There’s good info given as the tram travels along but a little too noisy from the old tram to hear sometimes. The driver had time to give us a bit of a personal history lesson which was interesting and so nice of him. Well worth doing, you can also visit the tram depot museum.

The lake is quite nice, but nothing special. It’s well located in walking distance of the town and a stop on the Talking Tram Tour. There’s a cafe with a great lake view and we appreciated some of the different bird who live by the habitat, but it seemed a bit overhyped for me.

Very nice lake. Good place to run. About 1.4km for a long loop. Shorter if you take the scenic boardwalk route.

Beauteous place for walking, playing, and picnic. Amazing views with great cafes around. The coffee van is also here in the car park, which is very good.

Went here for the Bendigo Sprint Rowing Regatta. Lovely spot. Bar and restaurant at one end overlooking the lake. Coffee and food vans. Lots of people walking around the lake.

A wonderful lake to walk around. This popular venue attracts dog walkers, bike riders, children, adults - just about anyone who enjoys relaxing in the great outdoors. After having a late breakfast nearby, we strolled around this very pleasant park, lake and gardens. The residents of Bendigo are indeed lucky to have such a terrific space to enjoy - as are the ducks, swans and other feathered creatures. Visitors to the city can easily see why this place is so popular. There is even a coffee van :-) Here are some photos of Lake Weeroona. Do yourself a favour and visit!

Lake Weeroona is beautiful. Love to come here on a Saturday and watch the rowing regattas, whilst walking around it. It has a great playground for the kids, a BBQ Pavilion and plenty of benches to sit, relax and enjoy. And if hungry or thirsty, The Boardwalk Cafe will satisfy both.

Great central location to get some exercise in. A bit of 1km loop around the lake which was peaceful of an evening. Some water available along the way for people and dogs.