Fun things to do in Daylesford: 13 fun attractions and activities

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.

Good for a quick stop and see beautiful view from the tower. Not special, but not bad either (hence 4). Cafe was open and saw people were enjoying their food. Drive was promoted as 'Scenic' but didn't like the drive much.

Very pretty location. We did the classic tasting and enjoyed all the wines. We meet the wine dog whom is very friendly. Lots of spaces you can sit and enjoy the winey, Take some snacks with ya and buy a bottle of their wine.

Food is delicious - but the $75 per person 3 course meal is not worth it! Me and my wife booked in the 3 course meal for $75 per person expecting to be taken through the seasonal produce they proudly offer. We were served delicious food, but it was all from the menu that we added up to $138 in total plus a garden salad. We paid $150 for the two of us, expecting at least $150 or more worth of food. If we bought all the items we were served, we would have paid less? That didn’t make sense to us. None of the dishes were presented in a way to make it appealing either. It was just average service. We won’t be coming back unfortunately.

Food was absolutely delicious, we had the $100 wine tasting with the 3 course meal and it did not disappoint. 7 different wines all of which our lovely waiter Jemima described in detail, would definitely come back and purchase the wine we sampled! Overall a great experience and service was exceptional.

Have had their meals here quite a few times now. Always have to book. But it's worth it! It's a 3 course set menu. You can choose for them to match the wines or you can order your own. Either way it's a truly delicious meal. Never walked away unhappy. It's a We stopped on the way home from Hepburn Springs. A lovely little winery, you can book in for a three course meal ahead of time but we just stopped for some tastings. Tastings cost or you can buy a bottle of their lovely wines instead. I've been a couple of times and always walked away with a couple bottles of wine. The outdoor area is beautifully designed and is a great spot in lovely weather to look out over while sipping wine. Stopped here again! Bought more delicious wine. Never fails to impress and not far from Melbourne. More wine in the car.

A delightful boutique winery that exceeded all expectations! Our group of six visited on a Monday and had a fantastic experience. The wine tastings were excellent, offering a good selection, and the restaurant delivered outstanding service and dishes that truly impressed our food-loving group. This winery is charming and authentic - it avoids the overly commercial feel of some larger venues. Enjoying a meal while gazing out over the picturesque vineyards was a highlight, making the visit even more special. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a relaxed yet high-quality winery experience!

Absolutely loved this winery! Haven’t found one this good in the region, highly recommend!!!

Passing Clouds Winery Lunch Experience Exceptional Winery Setting Undermined by Logistical Failures and some modest food portions. We booked a 1:15 PM lunch reservation for a pax of seven, understanding the conditions of the pre-booked, three-course set menu and the strict 15-minute window for table retention. While the tasting room staff were courteous and offered a sparkling beverage upon our arrival understandably we couldn’t sit in the restaurant, , the restaurant service that followed was an unacceptable disappointment, ultimately letting the beautiful Passing Clouds winery down. Significant Timing Discrepancy Despite the stringent 15-minute late policy imposed on guests, we were not seated until well over an hour past our reserved 1:15 PM booking time. This delay set a poor precedent for the meal and wasted precious time from our planned milestone birthday celebration. Failure to Deliver Set Menu Components The meal delivery and portioning were the primary source of frustration, starters at 2:25 PM. • Starters (Sardines, Hummus, Cold Meats): We requested more bread to accompany the dip none was left. Receiving just one slice of bread, cut in half, for seven people? • Mains (Chicken/Steak): When selecting our mains of 5 selections, we were assured by the waiter that the advertised sides (salad and fries) would come with the dishes, we requested the salad. However, upon being served our mains later on, we asked about the missing salad and were informed, without prior communication, that the kitchen had run out of salad and we were instead given carrots. It is baffling that a pre-booked set menu can run out of a core component, and that the decision to substitute it with carrots was made without consulting the paying patrons. • Dessert: The portion control continued with the dessert. For seven guests, we received only three slices of polenta cake. The 2 cheeses was similarly too modest, amounting to little more than a matchstick-sized piece per person. The ambiance and the quality of the wines at Passing Clouds are indeed beautiful and hold great potential. However, the restaurant food was delicious although the operations lack the organisation and professionalism expected of a private winery dining experience. The combination of the excessive delay was not acknowledged by the restaurant, the chronic lack of essential components (bread, salad), and the clear cost-cutting measures applied to the set menu portions severely diminished the value for money and ruined the celebratory mood. We drove a considerable distance and adhered strictly to the booking terms; in return, the restaurant failed to honor its commitment to the advertised experience. I would avoid the dining experience here until management can ensure consistent service, appropriate portion sizing, and reliable execution of their pre booked set menu.

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"

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.

Just so much, you will need hours if you can spate it. Its huge, has a cafe as well. Easy access to building though some stalls are a tight fit if you have mobility aids or pram.

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

Always a fun and interesting visit to the mill market. So many interesting stalls, really something for everyone. There is a cafe if you wanted to have a meal or a snack. This day though we were just there for a wander. It is always nice to spot something that brings up a memory. For me there was a Humphrey B Bear coin operated machine, where you can insert a coin and make Humphrey dance. I have very fond memories of this as a child. There is a large selection of ventriloquist dolls, if that's your thing. You should also enjoy the sculptures outside the building aswell. There are bathroom facilities so you really can spend a few hours.

Such a gorgeous little cafe! Went with my girlfriends for a day trip from Melbourne and this did not disappoint. Music and vibe was so wholesome and relaxing and staff were so lovely. The food came so quickly too and was delicious! Would highly recommend.

Wombat Hill House in Daylesford is a charming cafe nestled in the beautiful Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Enjoy seasonal local produce, vegan options, and friendly service in a serene atmosphere. Pet-friendly outdoor seating and scenic views make it a must-visit destination.

What a fantastic café! We went for breakfast, had a a lovely experience and ate fabulous food. Coffee was good too. The lunch menu looked delicious so we’ll have to go back. It was great to have a wonder through the park afterwards.

We visited Wombat Hill House cafe for brunch and it was such an enjoyable dining experience. The conservatory is a beautiful light-filled space, the service was warm and friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious. We ordered via the QR code on the table and our food and drinks came out quickly. The big breakfast was hearty and flavourful, and the French toast was fluffy on the inside and deliciously crisp on the outside, served with a sweet vanilla mascarpone and poached pear - yum!

Staff are lovely and relaxed. I got a cosy table by the fire and loved the atmosphere. Thank you for your great service during peak hour on a saturday morning! Everything looks so yum and it's a very cosy winter escape!

The staff are friendly and attentive, making sure your experience is nothing short of wonderful. Even during busy hours, they maintain a welcoming vibe, ensuring that guests feel valued and comfortable. Even gave us a complimentary brownie for our Babymoon 🥰

Located in Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. A rainy day can't dampen our spirits when there's dessert and coffee to be had after a stroll in Botanic Gardens. 🍰 Carrot cake 🍰 Basque cheesecake

Went here recently on a rainy weekday. Staff were very friendly and approachable. I tried their paddle that was non- alcoholic so my daughter could try it too. My daughter did not find one that she fancied, but i’m glad that they also gave us a free taste of their non- alcoholic spiced apple. My daughter loved it so much! We took home a few bottles of it and so as their other ciders. I had tried the Spiced cider warm as well with my friends and we all enjoyed it! I wish bought more of it! We will definitely come back here during spring or summer time!

What a wonderful visit we had today. We were greeted so warmly on arrival, informed that the ciders were all gluten free & choices for a gluten free meal was not a problem. Even our pooch Miss Rosie enjoyed a doggie bowl of water. The meals & ciders were amazing, we had a fabulous visit. Thank you so much for your friendly service. Kind regards, Michelle & Rob. 🌟

This place is beautiful and if you like cider and happens to be in Daylesford, you need to check this place. I am not a cider person but my friends enjoy it and they bought some to take home so that's a good sign! I like the pizza 🍕 as it's soft and thin. The staff are friendly here.

Set in a beautiful surrounding this place offers quality pizzas, a cosy restaurant, friendly staff and if course one of the best ciders I've ever tried. The cider tasting paddle is an excellent way to sample them all.

Great range of ciders, highly recommend the tasting paddle. Very disappointed by the pizza though. Overpriced, small and poor presentation. We ordered the puttanesca pizza to share, $29 +$3 to ADD anchovies (which is a key ingredient of puttanesca). Wood fired pizzas being served on a dinner plate does not match the presentation expected for such a nice venue. Means some of the ingredients slide towards the centre, should be served on wooden pizza boards. The base itself was average. Place has potential, but until the food offerings are reviewed/changed, I would only recommend coming for drinks.

Visited in September but we’re still talking about the spiced cider and spiced apple we had there. Service was friendly and wasn’t at all busy mid-week. Wanted to upload a photo of the food menu as I couldn’t find one when I had been looking this place up! I can see that a sample menu has been added to the website though.

This is the place to be in Daylesford for cider tasting. We had pizzas, cheese platters, olives, a variety of alcoholic & non-alcoholic ciders for lunch. The garden was cute, wish it wasn't raining. Otherwise it would've been a great place for kids to run around!

Very versatile, food, second hand and new things for sale, from cutting boads and blankets, pet treats and tools, very delicious cookies, baked goods, and smoothies. A fermented stall and veggie and fruit vendors. A bid for everyone or a 2 hour brows and converted with stall holders over a coffee and a fresh baked vegan gluten-free cookie

Such a great market. Great food and shops with all the flavours of a market. The daylesford gin and honey were good. Clubbed with the heritage train ride make a perfect weekend activity

Lots of variety, interesting artisan stalls, many things to try (especially interesting mushrooms). Very disappointing hot dogs from the red hot dog stand. Train ride to Ballarto was a bit of fun though! Great day out, even in on again off again drizzle! Highly recommend.

I would definitely recommend visiting the market if your staying in town for the weekend. It does get busy so if your staying nearby best to just walk down. Great food options and lots of bric a brac. I enjoy hoping onboard the old train for a old time cruise through the country side. It does cost and you may have to pre book Tix for busy times.

Located 90 minutes drive north from Melbourne the gourmet food destination of Daylesford offers a wide range of locally produced artisan style products. From gins to breads to herbs and flowers and even health style pillows there is plenty to choose from if you are looking for a present and want to support the local craft and community. Located centrally in the town there is good parking and food to taste or coffees. Combine a weekend of tasting and exploring at the Sunday Market and spend the night in the country town!! Enjoy

Such a fun morning. We visited Daylesford for a weekend and decided to go on Sunday morning. We got there early, just as the vendors were setting up, so got to wander casually around with a great coffee. By the time we left an hour and half later, it was packed full of people! I bought fresh strawberries-delicious! Also, nuts and dried mango…so good I wish I bought more! Also bought some great kitchen knives. My friend bought a gorgeous, emerald green felt hat, handmade and stunning. Lots to choose from, handmade earrings, skin care, gin…then there’s the trash n treasure side on the other side of the fence. Rows of tables of fun bricks a brac, clothes and tools. Overall a fun morning with lots of goodies to buy. Seems like a great community event to support. Five stars

Nice and sweet market. A LOT of people, but easy to park. Better go there early, we arrived around 12 and the coffee truck is almost running out🤣

Calm and serene place. Kids loved the small park, lake, tall trees….loved the place

Good place for hiking and BBQ, but there are basically no signs of trails, it's hard to navigate.

We booked the family in for the family area and were very disappointed by the cost of the session, the lack of private changing areas and how busy the area was. We have been to a few spas and this one was well overpriced for the limited services. They need to visit Rye on the Mornington Peninsula and see how you should set up your business.

It's such a beautiful place, especially in autumn, with a colorful nature! The picnic area was really good with a few barbecues and benches. The toilets were clean and had hand wash soap. Overall, I absolutely enjoyed my trip to this beautiful park! It was a great chill day!

Beautiful park with free natural springs with which you can pump to fill up your water bottles. Apparently they date back to a period of drought where they had to bore drinking water in the 1930s' , though all the original taps were replaced in 2007. There are a few nature walks to more distant springs, however there are three or four within close walking distance of parking.

Easily accessible from carpark. Wide paths with 3 springs available. Great place for the kids and dog friendly. Bbq & picnic tables available. Bins available. Doggy bags next to bins. Public Toilet available

Nice green walk in Victoria. The springs are not waterfalls, as I thought, but it's still beautiful. There's a small cafe nearby with a cherry plum tree.

If you come to Daylesford over the weekend, you must stop over at this railway and take a short round trip up to Bullarto. There are only rides on Sundays. It takes 1 hour and the views are really pretty. You can stop over at Passing Clouds winery as well. This is run by very dedicated volunteers so come support them.

A must do if you are ever in Daylesford/Hepburn. Great experience, rich history and beautiful views.

Wonderful experience on a well maintained train. Staff are exceptionally friendly and kind. A worth it experience if you are visiting the sunday markets.

Great little trip. 15 minutes each eay by train 2 lovely gardens to view when we arrived at Musk. A nice morning out.

Enjoyable short train ride through the countryside. We were lucky to get a 1950's special carriage the day we went with a lovely wooden interior. Great to take kids for the novelty experience of old trains, very quaint.

Loved this as a child, cool to see they have extended the ride from Musk to Bullarto. Also really happy to see a few other motors and rolling stock

We had a great experience here and the kids enjoyed so much as well

Lovely walk around the lake, but the mineral fountain is non-functional and not really worth a visit unless you want to walk around the lake

Tranquil location for a walk, with lots of birds and wildlife. Dogs allowed on-load which is nice. Peaceful area to spend some time, and nice if coupled with adjacent walks. The mineral water tastes okay, however the pump appears to be quite old which may affect the taste.

Nice little area for a picnic/lunch. There are bins and benches but no toilets on this end. There is a small car park. The water tastes funky. Nice area near the car park for dogs to have a little swim. Dirt paths on either side to walk/cycle around the lake. Wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. There were a few ducks with broken/damaged wings, beaks, and legs.

Easy access from a small carpark. Close to the lake and usually a lot of water birds around. Every spring in the area tastes differently but this one has a lot of iron in it. Will visit again.

Not so beautiful but nice to visit once..good to walk along lakeside watching ducks ..lot of trees around the lake..a nice drive from Melbourne..

Lovely nice long walk. Was raining like mad when we went though. Really good all things considered.

One of the most amazing places. Especially during this time of the year, with all the leaves changing colour.

I worked with Brendan to propose to my partner during the GPS treasure hunt. Brendan was an absolute pleasure to deal with; and was super accommodating in making sure all my wishes were met and that the day went as smooth as possible. From setting up the picnic to coordinating with multiple vendors; I couldn't recommend him enough if you are considering the proposal edition of the GPS treasure hunt.

The GPS treasure hut exceeded all expectations, even the 13 year old told me that it was better than he thought it was going to be! (although not quite in those words...) It also went down very well with the adults too. Spectacular scenery and a fun way to get in some exercise and a few laughs. We had friendly rivalry between 4 groups of 4 which was a perfect combo so that all were able to participate. Brendan was a pleasure to deal with and explained things clearly at the commencement. He had collected a prepared picnic from a local supplier and set it up for us to conclude the opening to our celebrations in Daylesford. Thanks again Brendan for what you do and how well you do it. Debbie and family.

My partner and I had a great and unique experience with Secret Forest Walks. Brendan is very knowledgeable and passionate about the beautiful forests in this area and set us off on our walk with all the info and maps we needed to feel confident going off trail. The gps meant we could explore where we wouldn’t normally feel confident going. Lovely nature and sunshine filled afternoon. Highly recommend.

The GPS Treasure Hunt around Lake Daylesford was the perfect way to go for a long family walk, whilst keeping the kids happy and entertained. Brendan was a wonderful, enthusiastic and informative host, and is clearly passionate about what he does. It was also great to learn some interesting facts along the way, whilst soaking in the beautiful surrounds. Highly recommend!

Took my partner for a Secret Forest Walk and it was the most amazing way to enjoy the Australian Bush. Brendan met with us in the morning for a quick briefing and to show us how to use the GPS. We really appreciated his passion and thoughtfulness for this experience. The walk itself was so peaceful and secluded, only ever passing a handful of people when our journey briefly intertwined with another walking trail. As it was just the two of us, we could take it at our own pace and really enjoy the space we were in. Highly recommend and cannot thank Brendan enough for everything!

The proposal edition of the treasure hunt is a great idea for anyone looking to surprise their partner. It includes the treasure hunt around lake Daylesford - which is great fun and has some beautiful views - plus Brendan assisted in organising a fantastic picnic and set up a spot with views to the lake. He works closely with Spade to Blade for the food which was absolutely amazing. Overall a fantastic experience and for me personally, a special moment in time. Brendan still maintains his 100% success rate for engagements!

We had a great time ! Experience is fun for all ages , get to see great views of the lake and the host Brendan was incredibly friendly. Definetly reccomend to people who are new to Dayelsford as it's a good intro to the town.

Gorgeous landscape and easy walk to from the carpark. Spring water is supposedly drinkable with lots of disclaimers. I drank it so you don’t have to (if you don’t want to). It has a slightly fizziness and there is a strong taste of iron (minerally you might think). The water came out clear but if you keep it, over the course of the day, the minerals oxidised and the water turned greyish green. I say maybe sip for experience but don’t drink it like you would with a normal spring water from a store. 😆

(Translated by Google) I thought I would be disappointed when it rained, but I didn’t expect that there is another kind of beauty in the drizzle! (Original) 遇上下雨，原本以為會很失望，想不到細雨蒙蒙中竟也有另一番美！

Easy trail off Daylesford lake, there’s 3 pumps allowing you to fill up mineral water.

lake walk

We didn't eat here so I can't comment on the food but the building itself is exquisite! For any art lover, this is a great place with different shows showing all the time. The history of the building is also very impressive having been a conventional and boarding school in the past!

Very poor access for mobility impaired. Exhibitions were interesting on main floors. Basement was an homage to days old of Catholicism when abuse was revered. Gift shop is interesting. Didn't visit the cafe but seating areas looked lovely and people seemed to enjoy their time there. Wouldn't return or recommend.

Our son was recently married at the Convent. Organising the rehearsal, menu and reception and the general flow of the day was done with such professionalism. The atmosphere at the Convent was relaxed and inviting and the staff were kind and helpful. A special mention to Marija who went above and beyond Organising everything so the day flowed smoothly. We have special memories of our sons special day and cannot thank you enough ! Highly recommend the Convent Thank you so much Carmen and Adam Gray

The Convent Gallery is a stunning feature of any visit to Daylesford. From the beautiful gardens to the gallery, cafe, gift shop, and amazing history, it’s a must see! Tina’s commitment to preserving and sharing the history, whilst providing dining experiences of note, are a testament to her passion for the Convent Gallery. As frequent visitors to the Convent, we thoroughly recommend it to anyone, whether a visitor or a local.

This is highly recommended. Friendly and welcoming staff. Artefacts, history and modern art was exceptional. Well worth a wander around the building and room. Would be a dream wedding venue, birthday celebration location.

I love art galleries, architecture and history and this place combines all of it and more. The historical attributes of the convent enhance the wonderful variety of artwork on display here in nearly every passageway and room. I was so surprised by how much of the place I was able to explore without someone breathing over your shoulder. I loved it.

The convent beautifully situated in Daylesford, Victoria. We were seating in a larger room off the main room and given menus straight away. The waiter gave us information about the history of the convent which was lovely. Scones and tea were gorgeous!