Top Things to do in Daylesford
10 Things to Do in Daylesford That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Daylesford, Australia including Lake Daylesford, The Mill Markets, Convent Gallery, Passing Clouds Winery, Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, Stony Creek Gallery, Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre, Daylesford Cider Company, Daylesford Spa Country Railway, Clayfire Gallery Daylesford.
Restaurants in Daylesford
1. Lake Daylesford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By Graham B
I have visited the lake many times over the years. However, the recent work completed by the Victorian government is making the area very attractive.
A walk around the lake is always good morning, afternoon or evening. On a day when you can see into the water and sea the busy life there it is stunning.
I hope in the works there will be some explanation of the old changing room area and show past glories.
Good to see the mullocks explained.
2. The Mill Markets
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Welcome to the Amazing Mill Markets, where we sell amazing things. The Amazing Mill Markets are located in three locations - Ballarat, Geelong and Daylesford. Because the Amazing Mill Markets lease space to hundreds of different stallholders, each location has a diverse range of wares and new stallholders are always welcome. There is invariably something for everyone who visits with vintage clothes, vintage furniture, memorabilia, art, glass, jewellery, books, antiques and collectables to name a few.
Reviewed By Jules20056 - Sunbury, Australia
If you like olde wares then this is the place for you. Everything from China to books, clothes, antique bric a brac etc etc Daylesford Mill Markets is huge but fortunately fairly easy to navigate inside.
Tip: Allow a couple of hours to see everything. There is a good sized cafe onsite if you need refreshments and the staff are very friendly.
3. Convent Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
A feast for the senses, the gallery is more than a three level haven of fine art in an historic 19th century mansion. With its decadent retail areas, Mediterranean restaurant, relaxing Altar bar and lounge, restored chapel, nuns museum, penthouse apartment...
4. Passing Clouds Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Passing Clouds has been making fine wine of distinction since 1974. Our winery and vineyard is located just outside of Daylesford. The dining room is open and serving lunch from Friday to Monday
Reviewed By Sassee16
We had never visited Passing Clouds before. We were travelling with two young children so were a bit apprehensive, but our fears were quickly allayed. The staff were welcoming and knowledgeable. The wine was nice (although a tad too pricey given they are their own vintages - I always think cellar door pricing should be reasonable) and the food was absolutely knock-out. We shared various cured meats, a serve of chicken rillette and delicious grilled bread for entree, which fed the kids easily. My husband and I then shared the Monday local's "special" which was a beautiful half chicken with a couple of extremely tasty and fresh side salads (an Asian-inspired papaya salad and a more traditional potato & dill salad). Highly recommended. Wish we'd had more time to linger, but we will come back without kids next time to do so!
5. Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 357 reviews
Reviewed By Nonapama - Kincumber, Australia
I love the grand trees throughout the park as well as the beautiful avenue you enjoy when you take the scenic road. Precious peace as you wander the paths and roads and of course the magnificent view of the town and surrounding countryside if you do the climb up the tower. Top spot for a picnic or a stroll in beautiful Gardens.
6. Stony Creek Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 61 reviews
Stony Creek Gallery is an amazingly warm and welcoming space, nestled amongst the picturesque bushland of Victoria's famed spa country. The gallery walls are lined with original paintings by resident artist Michael Parker. With works derived from natural elements, and inspiration drawn from the Australian landscape, Michael's resin paintings are truly spectacular. The gallery also contains an extraordinary range of ceramics, blown glass, timber works, jewellery and sculptures by local Australian artists. Even the floor itself is an artwork; a handwritten, original and inspiring story painstakingly painted by Michael Parker. The gallery is also home to a beautiful sculpture garden with a stunning collection of contemporary sculptures and artworks. Entry to the gallery is free and on arrival you will be provided with a complimentary glass of bubbles to help soak in the unique beauty of your surroundings. Relax and unwind, take a sip and enjoy every moment.
Reviewed By rankbadyin - Stirling, United Kingdom
This gallery was an amazing surprise! An incredible selection of wonderful original artwork - paintings, glasswork, woodwork. stonework, jewellery, - you name it, they've got it! Charming, helpful, knowledgable staff in a bright, spacious building. My wife loves her wooden jewel box, which is so...MoreThanks so much for your glowing review. We too love Stony Creek Gallery and sharing with our visitors. Your wifes David O'Gradey piece will give her much pleasure I'm sure. Please come again. Warm wishes Valentine Stony Creek Gallery
7. Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Situated in the heart of the Spa Country the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre is the perfect place to commence your visit to this wonderful region. Whether you are here for a day or a week, their friendly volunteer staff members will be able to provide you with information on accommodation, attractions, things to see and do, events, eating out, regional information and much more. Located in the old fire station building, walking into the centre is like walking into another world. The interpretive mineral water display includes an educational and informative video, and a showcase area displaying information on many of the attractions the area has to offer. Available free to hire from the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre is the TrailRider - All Terrain Wheelchair. This allows those visitors who have limited mobility to access walking tracks and trails that they would not normally be able to access. Contact them to get more information. Bookings essential.
Reviewed By Fiona H - New York City, New York
We arrived in Daylesford for a day with no plans for what we would do. The lady here was extremely helpful, particularly with some good walks, which we did and enjoyed immensely.
I'm just not sure why they have arranged it so that the bus stop is outside the information office, it at least why there aren't some signs to the information office on the bus stop.
8. Daylesford Cider Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Come and join us at Daylesford Cider Company and try our range of traditional English-style ciders made using our heritage-listed cider apples grown on the property. We have a beautiful Tavern that not only acts as a cellar door but also offers a fantastic spot to unwind with family and friends. Enjoy a wood fired pizza in the patio courtyard and Gardens in summer, or cozy down in winter in front of our open log fire with mulled cider or a hearty dish of Lancashire hot pot. We also host events from small birthday gatherings and Hen parties to work functions and weddings. Our beautiful landscaped Gardens are also a perfect backdrop for your ceremony and reception, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any enquiries. Tours of our orchards and cider mill can be organised (with notice) for those interested in learning more about cider-making, or simply just wanting an interesting experience. We are easily accessible from Daylesford (5 minutes East) and under 1.5 Hours from Melbourne, Geelong and Bendigo. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Reviewed By Chookybirdy - Melbourne, Australia
We bought a mixture of paddles and drinks and ordered pizzas for lunch. While none of the ciders were particularly great we enjoyed the tasting and were provided with notes to help us. Staff were friendly and helpful. Pizzas were great. We tried the salami,...MoreHello, Cheers for giving us a decent rating despite not loving the ciders! Thanks for spending the afternoon with us in our lovely setting and hopefully you will pop in again when you're in the area. Kind regards Clare, Mackie & the team
9. Daylesford Spa Country Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Iarnan K - Melbourne, Australia
This Railway is a well managed affair. I have visited about one dozen times since they first set up on the abandoned Carlsruhe to Daylesford Railway in 1980.
The Railway is VERY customer friendly. It is situated in a perfect location at Daylesford with so many attractions and accommodation. There is a Sunday Market outside the Railway Station building which attracts dozens and dozens of stalls including great food.
The Railway itself is modest in length to keep operating costs sensible and journey times for the public within tolerance of adults and children alike.
The speciality of the operation is the State's most extensive collection of railway "Rail Motors". These are self propelled (usually) single carriage trains specially built for low cost branch line service. The DSCR has just one locomotive, an EMD (General Motors) model G6-B No.159 (a.k.a. Victorian Railways "Y" class). As a railwayman of 30 years experience I believe this engine has the finest paint finish of ANY preserved diesel locomotive in Victoria and was done on site by just three volunteers.
The Railway has all three varieties of "Walker" Railcar from the 1950's, 2 restored and I to complete. They also have the only operational "Tulloch" car in the State. There's all kinds of treasures, a "Dodge" rail (motor) car being restored, a 100 H.P. "Leyland" Rail Motor that is being lovingly restored for over 20 years.
However, the piece de resistance is a GENUINE Electro Motive Company of Cleveland Ohio D.E.R.M. Rail Motor that was built at Newport Workshops in December 1930 with a Winton Gasoline engine. This car had 2 x GM Series 6-71 engines installed in 1952/53 to replace the Winton and extend the life of the car. The D.E.R.M. was retired from V/Line in 1991 after 61 years' service.
This particular train, believe it or not, was the "jump" or "cross-over" from the steam locomotive to modern diesel electric locomotives worldwide. The giant locomotives hauling iron ore in the Pilbara in W.A. are direct decedents of the little train 63RM as are the diesel-electric locomotives crossing the permafrost from Qinghai Province in China to Lhasa in Tibet! True! All decedent from this amazing little red and silver-striped carriage.
Only about 15 of these little trains survive worldwide with about 5 or 6 operational.
Speak to the Railway's Manager Stuart or the Charters Manager Jenny about a regular trip or a special charter for whatever occasion. Workshop tours are sometimes available free of charge if pre-arranged although I suggest a gratuity or donation to the railway for this special service. Ask for James for the Workshop tour.
If you've been to Puffing Billy, you have not yet experienced everything in Tourist Railways in Victoria! Try the Railway at Daylesford; you will NOT be disappointed.
10. Clayfire Gallery Daylesford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By WayneAP - Geelong, Australia
The gallery is amazing, such a wide variety of art and pottery on display.
We are not art enthusiasts but found ourselves drawn into the colours of the paintings on display.
We could have literally spent so much money on what we liked but had to restrain the urge.
Definitely worth a visit.
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