Daylesford

Photo of Daylesford
Credit: By Bob T - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
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About Daylesford

Nestled peacefully in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range of Victoria, Daylesford has become the weekend getaway destination of choice for people from Melbourne. Founded as a gold mining centre in 1852, this tranquil little community later transformed itself into a charming spa town, making the most of the surrounding mineral hot springs. Wonderful for rejuvenating, nature-focused escapes, Daylesford has a growing selection of great accommodation options. Intimate and characterful, our pick of the best places to stay in Daylesford reflect the welcoming sprit of this Australian community.

Stroll through Daylesford’s old town centre to see pretty colonial-era streets lined with high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, art galleries and hip cafés. Walking tours — whether self-guided or with a local expert — offer a fascinating insight into the town’s heritage, and come highly recommended.

Ramblers will adore wandering around Daylesford Lake and picnicking in the sunshine, whilst spa enthusiasts can unwind at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Follow the Daylesford Macedon Produce Trail to savour the region’s best food and wine, and challenge yourself to hiking and cycling excursions in the verdant farmland, forested hills and ancient volcanic landscapes which surround this idyllic spot. The Wombat State Forest is another highlight for wildlife lovers and keen birdwatchers. Return to your choice of the best places to stay in Daylesford for delicious dinners paired with sensational Victoria wines.

The Best Places to Stay in Daylesford

For a hip hideaway

  • Daylesford Art Motel has 10 retro-chic rooms with eclectic artwork, small yet smart bathrooms and big inviting beds. Each room has a compact terrace, and the bustling Farmers Arms eatery is just across the road. One for artsy design lovers and keen foodies, who will adore the craft beers and fresh fare at the sister restaurant. Great for relaxed group trips.

For foodies

  • Hotel Frangos is a lovely boutique offering in the heart of Daylesford. Expect bright, playful interiors in an 1888-built edifice. Foodies will adore the focus on seasonal produce from local farms and south Australian wines, which has made the restaurant and wine bar a destination in themselves. Regular food-focused nights and menu updates bring guests back again and again.
  • Lake House boasts waterfront rooms and suites set on six acres around Daylesford Lake. The award-winning restaurant uses produce from the hotel's own Dairy Flat Farm to create innovative dishes. Farm tours come highly recommended, too. Amongst Victoria's top foodie hotspots.

For a tranquil b&b

  • The Dudley is an intimate boutique B&B with just seven guest rooms in the rolling hills outside Daylesford town. Close to the Hepburn Bathhouse and Mineral Springs Reserve, this stylish heritage home has chic interiors, generous breakfasts and flower-filled gardens. Relaxing and adults-only.
  • Old Chilli B&B has six charmng guest rooms just a short walk from the heart of Daylesford. Think bathrooms with big tubs, French doors opening onto a shared terrace, and pretty sage-green paintwork. Kick start your day with homemade breakfasts, and unwind in the gardens. Very lovely for quiet couples.

For an apartment or holiday villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Melbourne Airport, and hop in a taxi or take the bus to Daylesford. The journey should take around an hour and 15 minutes. There are also regular trains via Ballan.
  • Daylesford is a wonderful choice for a Victoria escape! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Summers (December to February) are warm and pleasant, with temperatures hovering at around 26°C. Visit in March or November for fewer crowds and good hotel deals.

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The best hotels in Daylesford

Hotel Frangos
Hotel Frangos

Daylesford (Australia)

Set in the heart of Daylesford, this hotel has a lot to offer. Fabulously designed bedrooms, a choice of two lively restaurants and the Endota Day Spa. The owners have poured their passions into Frangos to make it truly welcoming and completely unique. Unwind in this stylish hotel.

  • Museums - The Daylesford Museum and Cultural Centre is fantastic for those seeking to delve into the history of the region
  • Foodies - Showcasing regional produce, the restaurant & wine bar are a destination in themselves
  • Great walks - Take a scenic stroll through Daylesford, or up to the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens
  • Value chic - A lovely, characterful little hotel offering plenty of personality at great prices
from AU$185 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
The Daylesford Art Motel
The Daylesford Art Motel

Daylesford (Victoria)

A hip, contemporary take on a small-town motel in trendy Daylesford. 10 retro-chic rooms with big cosy beds, eclectic artwork, smart bathrooms & compact terraces sit opposite the acclaimed Farmers Arms eatery. Cross the street for craft beers, seasonal fare & a lively buzz in an artsy Victoria hub.

  • Local exploring - Central and perfectly placed for exploring bustling Daylesford's boutiques, galleries and eateries
  • Groups - A great base for a group holiday in Daylesford, close to the lively hub that is the Farmers Arms
  • Great walks - Scenic hikes through the Lederderg State Park, Mt Franklin’s volcanic crater or Wombat State Forest are excellent
  • Local markets - Join locals at the buzzy Daylesford Sunday Market, where you can pick up fresh produce and artisanal crafts
from AU$199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
The Dudley
The Dudley

Daylesford (Australia)

A relaxing boutique retreat nestled in the rolling hills of Daylesford, the land of mineral springs and wellness. Elegant rooms mix contemporary and classical styles to great effect. Delicious breakfasts comprise of fresh, local ingredients. A rejuvenating stay.

  • Other Activities - Bathe in the region’s restorative mineral springs and treat yourself to wellness therapies and spa treatments
  • Country Escape - Hide away in beautiful Daylesford to rest and recharge in an intimate B&B in striking natural surroundings
  • Ballooning - Head out early in the morning for a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the Daylesford Spa Country
  • Total relaxation - A tranquil, adults only base set near to Hepburn Bathhouse and Mineral Springs Reserve
from AU$383 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Old Chilli B&B
Old Chilli B&B

Daylesford (Victoria)

A beautiful sage green-painted B&B with six charming, individually decorated rooms just minutes from Daylesford's main street. Bright, airy rooms have bathrooms with tubs, big beds & french doors opening onto a shared terrace. Generous breakfasts & friendly neighbouring alpacas complete the picture.

  • Romantic Break - Couples will appreciate the laid-back feel and the romantic rooms, as well as the sense of privacy and no kids policy
  • Hideaway - A tranquil hideaway within easy reach of Daylesford's main sights, this is one for relaxed travellers
  • Local markets - The Daylesford Sunday Market is a weekly highlight, with producers & crafters from across the area gathering to sell their wares
  • Great walks - Stroll through the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve to soak up the area's history, dip in the baths & enjoy the calm forest
from AU$385 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
Lake House
Lake House

Daylesford (Australia)

Waterfront rooms and suites set on six acres around Daylesford Lake. Great walks and birdwatching on property, and close proximity to world famous mineral springs. Award winning restaurant serving regional cuisine. Family friendly.

  • Foodies - The Lake House Restaurant - with produce sourced from the farm - is one of the best in Victoria, and perfect for keen foodies
  • Learning - Take a guided tour of Dairy Flat Farm to see the hotel's productive gardens, orchard, olive grove & vineyard
  • Birdwatching - Spot rosella, parrots, kingfishers and kookaburras in the property's gorgeous gardens
  • Honeymoons - A sensational honeymoon hideaway, complete with romantic dining and a superb spa
from AU$449 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees