In the mood for some country charm? You've landed in the right spot. Forget what you thought you knew about a regional escape, Daylesford has everything you could want in a getaway and then some. We're talking next-level foodie experiences, wine bars slinging seriously good sips, quirky boutiques, and stays that will make you want to permanently relocate.
From hatted restaurants to cosy cafes, Daylesford packs a serious punch. Oh and don’t forget the natural wonders that demand exploration. So, pack your bags (and appetite), because we're diving deep into the very best of this charming town.
Daylesford At A Glance:
- Jump To Best Coffee & Breakfast In Daylesford
- Jump To Top Restaurants In Daylesford
- Jump To Best Bars & Pubs In Daylesford
- Jump To Things To Do In Daylesford
- Jump To Where To Stay In Daylesford
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Here’s what to eat, drink, do and where to stay in Daylesford according to Urban List in 2025.
The Best Coffee And Breakfast In Daylesford
You wake up with a sleepy grin on your face after getting that kind of deep sleep you only get in the country, and what's the first thought that pops into your head? Where to find a place that will satisfy your coffee addiction and fuel your body for whatever the day has in store. Here's the top spots that will do just that in Daylesford:
Cliffy's Emporium
30 Raglan Street, Daylesford
Image: Cliffy's Emporium | Supplied
With a tenure that's pushing 60-plus years, Cliffy's Emporium's legacy is practically oozing out of every corner of the joint. Like a nostalgic hug of yesteryear, the quaint wooden and tin-roofed cafe and providore is one of Daylesford's top spots. Inside you'll find the shelves lined with a raft of local produce and goods from jams, pickles, cheeses and more. The brunch is a must-do when visiting Daylesford, load up on their signature Cliffy's Benedict with Istra ham and pickled beans or the Turkish eggs with smoked chilli butter, cardamom yoghurt and fried halloumi—pair it alongside a coffee and you're absolutely on.
Wombat Hill House
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford
The very definition of quaint, Wombat Hill House is tucked away in the botanic gardens surrounded by the lush greenery of the region. The cafe relies heavily on the adjacent kitchen garden, developing the menu around the in-season produce, on any given visit you're likely to find baked goods courtesy of Dairy Flat Farm Daylesford as well as hearty brunch options with poached eggs, sauteed greens, halloumi and perfectly textured toasted sourdough from the next door Bake House.
RedBeard Historic Bakery
38A High St, Trentham
Image: RedBeard Bakery | Supplied
RedBeard is one of the oldest-running bakeries in Victoria and although technically it's in Trentham it has well and truly earnt its spot in the Daylesford visit list. The sourdoughs are famous throughout the land (they use a special wild yeast culture), but there’s also a huge range of home-baked biscuits, cakes, slices, jams and chutneys, baking books, tea and coffee etc. The guys even run bread-baking workshops (these things book out big time, so get in quick).
The Best Restaurants In Daylesford
It's no secret that the food scene in Daylesford has been on a steady incline for years. A foodie paradise, it's the kind of country town where you definitely don't need to compromise on quality. There's a lot to choose from, but here are our picks for the best restaurants Daylesford has to offer:
Bar Merenda
22/24 Howe Street, Daylesford
Image: Bar Merenda | Supplied
Absolutely brimming with charm, Bar Merenda is a cosy wine bar in Daylesford's town centre. Taking cues from rustic Euro wine bars of old, Merenda has a slow-pace philosophy, enjoy an afternoon glass of red alongside a slew of bar snacks and delicious plates which are chalked up on a blackboard. The menu changes regularly and evolves alongside the seasons and kitchen garden. Plan your visit for a Monday to sample the set menu which involves some of the team's favourite rustic country classics. The selection of wine is considered and features a range of Italian, French as well as local vineyards, from a bottle of Lamoresca Rosata, a fragrant red blend from Sicily to a Tranquil Rosé from Western Victorian makers, Latta.
Bistro Terroir
6/8 Howe Street, Daylesford
With a moniker that pays homage to the very soil and community in which it resides, Bistro Terroir is a sojourn for French-based dining in Daylesford. Helmed by chef and owner Matthew Carnell (Estelle, Sur Mesure), the kitchen team has developed a tidy collection of French staples from a Nicoise starter with seared tuna to steak frites with cafe de Paris butter to duck confit. Of course, there's a creme brulee on the cards to finish as well as a wine list that spans the many famous regions of France with drops from Burgundy to Beaujolais.
Lake House
4 King Street, Daylesford
Image: Lake House Daylesford | Supplied
Perhaps the preeminent dining institution of Daylesford, you could argue that the Lake House sparked the culinary revolution that the region is now experiencing. This two-hatted Daylesford restaurant is perched on a stunning estate that acts as a microcosm of Daylesford's natural native beauty. The diner draws heavily on its sprawling kitchen garden and in-house dairy and baker, Dairy Flat Farm. Steeped in sustainable practices well before it was in vogue, there's an in-season approach to the menu; a four-course tour de force that showcases the produce in all its glory.
Sault
2349 Ballan-Daylesford Road, Sailors Falls
Image: Sault | Supplied
With a kitchen garden that spans over an entire acre, Sault is centred around highlighting the soil-rich produce of Daylesford, all housed in a quaint two-storey farmhouse. The menu, crafted by head chef Liam Scott and his kitchen team, takes a seasonal approach, maximizing the region's bounty in either a three or four-course meal. The dishes which sit within a contemporary or modern Australian lense also borrow from European and even Asian flavours—from pickled mushroom with an xo sauce and cheese fondue to eye fillet steak served medium rare with black garlic and turnips.
The Best Bars & Pubs In Daylesford
Bars, pubs, breweries, wineries, cellar doors — when it comes to an establishment where you can sit down and sample some damn fine tipples, Daylesford has it all. Here are the best places to quench your thirst in Daylesford:
Daylesford Brewing Co
97 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Image: Daylesford Brewing Co | Supplied
The taphouse at Daylesford Brewing Co is a local favourite, the long-awaited venue opened up right on the main drag of Daylesford, providing eager ale enthusiasts with a chance to sample the goods right off the line. The airy light-filled space still has plenty of the country charm with spacious indoor and outdoor seating, beer-wise there’s a lot on offer with tasting paddles, tins from the fridge, their wildly popular pale ale and larger on the taps, as well as rotating specials like the plum sour making an appearance, you can also pick up a sixer from the retail selection to stash at home. Food-wise there are in-house favourites to go alongside the brews, from BBQ-style pork ribs and sliders to cheeseboards, freshly shucked oysters and more.
Farmers Arms Hotel
1 East Street, Daylesford
Image: Farmers Arms Daylesford | Supplied
What kind of guide to Daylesford would this be without a bloody good pub. In addition to looking absolutely magnificent even after its 165-year-long tenure, the Farmers Arms Hotel is also home to a soulful mix of pub classics and dialled-up fine dining options. There's a pie of the day and fish and chips but there's also a local eye fillet mignon which is seared to perfection alongside Istra pancetta and garlic spinach and a red wine jus. There are local beers on tap and a selection of spirits from Australian and international distillers.
Passing Clouds Winery
30 Roddas Lane, Musk
Image: Passing Clouds Daylesford | Supplied
Passing Clouds Winery has a hell of an origin story, starting when owners Graeme and Sue traded their city jobs in for the dry plains of Bendigo to try their hand at winemaking. Now their son Cameron is at the helm, expanding to the greener pastures of Macedon Ranges to add pinot noir and chardonnay to their traditional Bendigo reds. Here you’ll find their cellar door, a welcoming, laid-back space just a five-minute drive from Daylesford. Cameron McKenzie’s menu reflects the eating rituals of the family working in the vineyards, with meats and fish cooked slowly over the charcoal pit, and seasonal produce sourced from their veggie patch.
Winespeake Cellar + Deli
4/26 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Smack bang right in the middle of town, Winespeake Cellar + Deli is a mandatory visit while you're in Daylesford. Stocking a plethora of local drops including several organic and natural options the entire space is lined with bottle-filled shelves all ripe for the picking. The light-filled cellar and deli is the perfect spot to knock back a few alongside some charcuterie be it some cold cuts or a bountiful grazing board of cheeses, honeycomb and crackers from the surrounding region.
The Best Things To Do In Daylesford
There's no shortage of things to do Daylesford, whether you want to bliss out and relax, get back to nature or take a peak at the town's art and culture scene. Feel free to pick one and make a day of it, or cram in a few for those who like a busy weekend away. Here's the best things to do in Daylesford:
Hepburn Springs Bathhouse and Spa
Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs
It’s called Spa Country for a reason. Hepburn Springs and Daylesford are like one big day spa, just search ‘spas’ on google and a flurry of them will pop up in the area. Hepburn Springs Bathhouse and Spa is one of the boujeest offerings in the region. They offer both private and communal bathing in their mineral pools, and the spa list is extensive. They’re not cheap though, so save this one for a special occasion.
Psst, learn more about the best hot springs Victoria has on offer.
Lake Daylesford
Leggatt Street, Daylesford
Image: Lake Daylesford | Supplied
Lake Daylesford is one of the star attractions in this cute little town. Sit yourself down at the Boathouse for a meal, go for a stroll around the ‘Peace Mile Walking Track’ that goes all the way around the lake (it’ll only take you about 40 minutes), visit the Bookbarn and purchase a second-hand book (and a giant vanilla slice).
Convent Gallery
7 Daly Street, Daylesford
Image: The Convent Daylesford | Supplied
The Convent Gallery has been described as the most beautiful gallery in Australia, housing local, international and national works. Its origins date back to the Gold Rush era when it was a private property known as ‘Blarney Castle’. It was later bought by the Catholic Church in the 1880s as a boarding school for girls before artist Tina Banitska turned it into the well-curated space it is today. Stroll the gallery, circumvent the surrounding gardens or tackle a coffee at the in-house cafe.
Trentham Falls
Trentham Scenic Reserve Road, Trentham
Image: Trentham Falls | Supplied
Plunging over 32 metres, Trentham Falls is one of the longest single-drop waterfalls in Victoria, and one of the most beautiful. Best of all, it's just a quick 20 minute drive from Daylesford. Pack a picnic and get in amongst nature, the reserve is filled with bushland, mossy banks and native manna gums. The best views are from the designated viewing area, don’t go off the path because those rocks get slippery and they’re not always stable. Top tip: brave the cold and visit during winter when the flow is strongest.
The Best Daylesford Accommodation
It's in integral cog in any getaway: accommodation. Thankfully there are some stunning options in Daylesford, whether you're looking for something close to the action (aka town centre) or a bit further away among the farmland and greenery. Here's the best accommodation Daylesford has to offer:
Psst, check out our complete rundown on the best Daylesford accommodation here.
Aggies Way
46 Frazer Street, Daylesford
Image: Aggies Way Daylesford | Supplied
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this gorgeous cottage is perfect for a getaway in Daylesford. Bring your pooch and settle in for your stay in this quiet spot just a few minutes drive out of town. You’ll have the entire house to yourself, fully equipped with a country kitchen, barbeque facilities, and a wrap-around porch that’ll help you and your pet live your best cottagecore life.
Milk And Honey
Northside Of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford
Image: Milk And Honey Daylesford | Supplied
Here's a spot where the accommodation is just as good as the name. The Milk and Honey cottage is a top contender for the best Airbnb Daylesford has to offer, about a 2-hour drive out of Melbourne. Access the property via a gorgeous winding stairway with epic views over the surrounding countryside. Milk and Honey is only a few minutes walk from the Daylesford shops, and it's perfect if you're after that lazy getaway (with civilisation within arm's reach). Two light-filled bedrooms, an open fireplace, slick bathrooms and a full kitchen complete the picture.
Adsum Farmhouse
23 Dysart Street, Glenlyon
Image: Adsum Farmhouse | Supplied
Tucked away in the quieter suburb of Glenlyon in the Hepburn region, this quaint little stay at Adsum Farmhouse is a lock for a romantic getaway. Set with real country rustic charm, the house which originates back to the gold-rush era has been lovingly restored with plenty of modern creature comforts and even has breakfast included which is perfect for those slow Sunday mornings.
Contemporary Barn
Town Centre, Daylesford
Image: Contemporary Barn Daylesford | Supplied
The Contemporary Barn was designed especially with couples in mind to host the perfect romantic getaway. The entire space is reminiscent of a conservatory with its open floor plan and restored schoolhouse windows which bathe the barn in natural light. The only catch is, inside the barn is a shoe-free zone which should be a pro for fellow cleanliness heads. The interior design and curation of the stay is only made better by the barn's central location. As one of the best Airbnbs Daylesford has on the cards, you’ll be situated within walking distance from all the cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars you could want.
Main Image Credit: Visit Victoria
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