Detox in Daylesford; a destination guide
Stressed, overworked, and wanting to push the pause button on life? I’ve got one word for you; Daylesford.
From the airport, Daylesford is only an hour and a quarter’s drive away through the Victorian country-side and you’ll know you’re close when cute cottages and big farm-style villas start popping up on the roadside.
Daylesford
Where to stay:
When it comes to Daylesford digs, it depends who you’re bringing:
Your partner:
For a romantic weekend, my top picks are Hotel Frangos (make sure you check out the different themed rooms –the totally sleek Retro room, is particularly awesome!) and for a luxurious stay, check out Avala Accommodation.
Frango’s Hotel
A group of your besties:
Try The Grange at Lancefield Retreat, The Sebel Creswick (they offer a four bedroom farmhouse which is perfect for large groups and looks so pretty.)
That friend who is high maintenance, err, who wants luxury:
If you’re after pampering then you just have to check out The Lakehouse and Peppers Mineral Springs. Both have spas on site too so you won’t need to go far if a weekend full of treatments and being pampered is high on your priority list – which I totally recommend!
What to do in Daylesford:
Indulge yourself and head to a day spa:
Book a treatment at one of the many spas located throughout Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. We book in at Salus Spa at the Lake House and feel relaxed before we even walk through the door! I opt for a 30min massage and 30min facial combination – which are just amazing and I walk out feeling like a new person (I don’t even care that I’m not wearing make up!).
Another great spa is the Peppers Mineral Spa pools which are a good option even if the weather is freezing or a sweltering 38° (as it is the day we visit!). Travel from the outdoor heated spa, to the cold plunge pool (around 20°), to a heated, infrared detox room. Here you can reap all of the detoxing benefits, or undo the prior night’s damage.
Spa
The majority of the spas in Daylesford offer great treatment menus ranging from full body massages and facials through to pedi/manis, so regardless of your budget you’ll be able to find something to suit.
Peppers
Feed your soul (and your belly):
One thing about Daylesford (well one of the many things) I love, is the passion, knowledge and pride that goes into the food produced and served in the area. A common theme from café to restaurant is that all of the ingredients are sourced locally and grown on farms in the region.
Check out Nat’s blog on Kazuki’s, the Argus Dining Room and Wombat Hill House which all embrace this paddock to plate culture and as a result are able to produce utterly amazing food!
Delicious Daylesford food
Drink all the coffee, wine & cocktails you can handle:
Coffee, wine and cocktails are a holiday essential, right guys? For awesome coffee, check out Harvest Café and Larder,both in town. For wine – check out A Perfect Drop,which is just up from the main street and has a wide selection of local wines to choose from. For cocktails, try the Espresso Martinis at Jimmy’s Bar back at Hotel Frangos (happy hour from 5-7pm too!).
Go shopping!:
It’s definitely worth crossing out an afternoon to dawdle and browse the shops. The streets are lined with boutiques selling clothes, skincare, gifts, home-wares and jewellery. You can spend the majority of a day just wandering the main street and going from gift shop to gift shop finding treasures to bring home.
Visit Lavandula:
Located just out past Hepburn Springs, Lavandula lavender farm is pure bliss. The property is based on an old goldminer’s property and has been restored by passionate owner, Carol White. We arrive during afternoon and it’s so peaceful. We relax at La Trattoria, the cute café and feast on lavender scones (famous in the area) and lavender champagne!
Lavandula Farm; Cheers!
Visit Wombat Hill House:
Hidden up at the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, this café is located right in the garden grounds, where they serve fresh food and drinks. They even offer a picnic hamper for customers to purchase to take out and enjoy the gardens! Amazing!
Wombat House
See the Convent Gallery:
The story of the Convent and the owner, Tina Banitska, blows me away – just her determination, vision and plan for such a huge, historical building is pretty amazing. It used to be an old convent and chapel and today is a successful art gallery, café, lounge bar, wedding venue and gift shop! (Phew.) It is just stunning and definitely worth a visit.
| Hot Tip: check out the art gallery schedule and plan a visit to one of the exhibitions. |
Well there you have it, whether you’re heading for a weekend or a week, Daylesford has the goods to give you the detox you need.
Convent Gallery
Travel opens eyes, hearts and minds to the lives of others enabling understanding and reaching out.
Sure does
Absolutely love Victoria, spent my childhood with my grandparents around Daylesford (Castlemaine), but moved to WA 40 years ago, so want to revisit for the memories and nostalgia…
Great place to see and enjoy.
I have a daughter who is sad and needs perking up. Daylesford will really hit the spot
I adore Daylesford! Can’t beat it for indulging in quiet, delicious, relaxing time off from life!
2 worn out mums, business women and all rounders in need of fantastic Daylesford spa, hotel, food and art pampering! Bags packed for Victorian break.
A luxury weekend away in Daylesford would be the ultimate escape for me to pamper my partner of 25 years. A weekend like this would re-ignite all senses! Heaven!
Its important to stop relax and rejuvenate and find your relationship all over again.
My friend and I just finished chemo.
We could do with a break! We could do with a laugh.
And we could do all that in Daylesford and surrounds.. Easy.
Daylesford is an world class area with all the charms of aussie charm and hospitality
Every comment above seems so sure it would be a fantastic weekend away! Me – not so much… Though if I’m selected l’ll be sure to leave some glowing feedback if that is how I return 😉 signed: a pessimist in desperate need of a holiday
I love Daylesford, I would like to live there one day.
Used to play golf at Daylesford and enjoyed the town and surrounds immensely
My new Japanese friend, Chika, sweet soul, caring woman who’d
love to experience the beauty of Daylesford. Me too and visiting an old friend.
nice to win cant win an argument .lol
I would really love to have a Daylesford break!
Wish list: a Daylesford break!
My daughter and I visited Daylesford last year, loved it, want to return and stay few days so can have good look around the area.
my grandma, she got stomach cancer and needs a holiday!
I would love to take my husband of 28 years for this very luxurious break away. So relaxing and beautiful way to rejuvenate our marriage.
Very fond memories of Daylesford, brief as they were!
A fairy-tale date that even Cinderella would be jealous of. Hoping the wicked step sisters-nah-children- let us escape from the castle-nah renovation nightmare- that we are now living in and r-e-l-a-x. Is that possible again after all of these years?
Hi Jami- just making sure you’ve entered using the form above? Mitzi 🙂
Wondering Has anyone won the trip to Daylesford yet.
Reply A.S.A.P.
Hi Christine & Brian. Yep- this prize went off last month. But keep an eye out, we’re sure to have another awesome competition soon 🙂
Thank you for your reply , will keep looking.bye !
love to take my loving adorable husband to give a little back to him for all that he has done for me.. 23yrs of pure bliss
Country retreat, fresh air, relaxation & great food!
I’m a new mother and I need time to recharge. Just some time and a little quietness.
I am a full time carer of my two elderly parents for the past 16 years it would be so nice to just get away and relax and actually have a day off
Beautiful Daylesford–the best place for R&R, Romance, and Gourmet Food&Wine! :o)
my daughter suffers from post traumatic stress needing hospital admissions and a weekend at daylesford would be like heaven
A nice little get away would be fabulous after completing 5 years of university. I’d love to surprise my boyfriend who has supported me through all the ups and downs during my degree. 🙂
I waited 6 years, we have two children, he worked his backside off for 2 years, i planned a wedding in 18 months. I studied a certificate in wedding planning just to do it all on my own. We are officially 3 weeks out. -I am stressed! And we sadly can’t afford a honeymoon. We would love and appreciate this more than anything!
My Husband and I have never been to Melbourne let alone Daylesford – that would be the ultimate weekend away!!
My bestie Jane is a great travel companion – up for anything, interested in everything, We both love food, music and shopping so Daylesford is perfect.
Autumn in Daylesford, now that’s a plan! Me and my man of 17 years! Now it’s all up to you?
Though I attempted to provide the 25 words of reason why my husband & I would love the time in Daylesford – on both occasions I wasn’t able to complete the task, as after I had read the conditions – I was unable to then hit ‘done!’
Daylesford is the jewell in Victoria’s west: the drive on approach is full of old forest trees – so quaint, so soft and slightly blue with eucalyptus vapour – little spas tucked away into the hill hollows – pristine healing waters, enchanting and beckoning you to linger and pause – the undulating road depositing you into a town steeped in history and yet surprisingly urbane and cosmopolitan in one..
For the best 21st birthday weekend at Daylesford. Love to have the time in one of the most beautiful places of the world with my son on his very special birthday. A wonderful experience for both of us.
Partner? Love
Digital Detox? Want
Relaxation? Need
Destination? Daylesford
Weekend? Perfect!
For my beautiful hard working parents who have been married for 29years.. They never put themselves first. They would love a getaway together And a romantic one at that. 🙂 xx
I wish to take
My Man away (Courtney Canham)
By winning this Competition
On the 14th Day (March).
Please tell us before the ‘last minute’.
Hi Debbie! Don’t forget to use the form above to enter 🙂
I wish to take
My Man away (Courtney Canham)
By winning this Competition
On the 14th Day (March).
Please tell us before the ‘last minute’.
Have not visited yet but would love to.
Herd so much about the place from friends and workmates would so like to take my daughter
We remember Daylesford so well,as our children used to dance there during highland dancing competitions,many years ago:)
Sounds perfect for a second honeymoon after 47 years of marriage.
Always wanted to go to Daylesford for a break, my partner really needs a holiday.
Souls are like all entities, they care, nurturing and feeding. Travel is the food of the soul!
Ohh what a great sounding place, I would love to visit!
To experience the excitement of a weekend to indulge all my senses, heart, mind, body and soul. The sights, sounds, tastes, pampering, tranquility, indulgences, memories, laughter, love and friendship would all be on offer in Daylesford.
Oh yeah! I love Daylesford. It’s got this “thing” that’s hard to describe. Beautiful air maybe…….
After a tough few years bringing up teenagers, an escape to Daylesford would be a great surprise for my wife and an opportunity for me to rediscover country Victoria.
My husband, who else would I want to be fine dined and pampered with in such a beutiful area!?
Daylesford looks a very relaxing place.
Sounds just what the doctor ordered!
Look out Daylesford, here I come! This is just the right prescription for the worn out school teacher that I am!! Thank you Heaven (and Daylesford!)
Would love to spoil my daughter after a rough couple of years losing her father supporting her daughters and giving 110% to her employer.
My husband has been away now for 4yrs. Only get to see him long weekends. A romantic weekend would be a dream come true.
I would so love this amazing opportunity to catch up with my best friend of 43 years in a relaxing and picturesque location. Looks amazing
My best friend of 36 years lives in Victoria & l am in Queensland . Catch up time is difficult both financially & for family reasons.
There have been some very trying times in her life and now they are somewhat settled l would love to take her to Daylesford to unwind .
(without her having to stress about the cost of coming up here ! )
Please 🙂
My husband has recently had to retire to be my cater and has worked harder than ever to look after my needs. He really needs pampering and I would love togive him this weekend for his 60th birthday on the 15th march
Please, I need relaxation and a pamper,
And maybe a picnic and a hamper
To unwind and to de-stress
And be treated like a Princess
So it’s Daylesford, where I need to be
So please be kind and pick ME!!!
Hi Evonne! Make sure you use the form above to enter. 🙂
What a delightful description by Nicola of a spa devoted to wellbeing,and yes even well-doing!
Being self-employed, holidays are rare. Now we are slowing down, a taste of healthy pampering in Daylesford may encourage us to take more breaks.
I’d dearly love to win a Daylesford dream weekend,for my husband Mal,who is fighting Macular Degeneration ….I am 80…but there’s no cure for that either!MMMMMM I can almost smell the lavender!
Myself and my husband. We both need to get away from all the stress that we have and problem that keeping coming to our family. A weekend away mean a lot to us now, to release all those stress out and relax.
Really need to have a spa break to relieve our stress from work and family life!
A romantic weekend away with my partner would be a dream come true. And i couldn’t think of a better place to unwind…Love Daylesford!
thank you
OMG, just the chance to experience a small part of what is on offer is amazing. It’s a must see and do experience.
Both me and my bestie recently got engaged and opted for no engagement parties…a rejuvenating girls weekend away is just what we need fine dining, beautiful views, tranquility and best off all sharing it with great company. Love my bestie of 20 years
I would love to relax and enjoy Victoria and to switch off from the problems going on in the world today.
Twenty-five years ago on our honeymoon we stumbled across Daylesford, it was wonderful! We couldn’t afford to stay, Love to return with him and stay!
I’ll bring my irrepressible cousin Di who has incurable cancer. So much fun over the years, so little time left…relaxation heaven sounds just right!
Absolutely love Victoria, spent my childhood with my grandparents around Daylesford (Castlemaine), but moved to WA 40 years ago, so want to revisit for the memories and nostalgi…
My husband & I are dairyfarmers & we reached our 30th wedding anniversary recently but were unable to have a special celebration- a romantic & indulgent stay in Daylesford would be just perfect!
Place is beautiful,I visited 12 years ago with my daughter,was amassing experience .Would love to come again to regain peace and enjoy many attractions in that area inc famous springs.
As a working Mother I would appreciate the opportunity to spend quality time with my teenage daughter in Daylesford. its a juggle to provide financially and do the most important job in the world “parenting” . Sometimes my daughter needs a massage and I am too tired to do this well. We would definitely include a massage in our Daylesford holiday if we were to win.
After suffering with sciatica, organising a wedding and moving house after 25 years I feel this would be just what the Doctor ordered. Perfect.
We would love to go on a trip like this so we can enjoy each other company. We do need to take time off to enjoy life other than work. I close my eyes and I can see us enjoying the services provided.
I have 2 young children haven’t had a proper break this would be the ultimate gift for me and hubby to enjoy a weekend away to relax and spend quality time together
Wow! What a great way to find out about your beautiful country. .. There are so many things to do there that nuture the soul.
My husband is my world and I would love to be lost in his world in Daylesford!!
What a charming little place. Haven’t spent much time in Victoria but I would love to
Would love to take my darling friend who hasn’t had “me time” for over 7 years! A relaxing very overdue girls weekend away is in order and Daylesford is a beautiful place to do it! :-).
Look out Daylesford!! Here we come.
Used to take our kids for a drive to this area on Sundays before it became so popular & would love to see it now!!
The Peppers Mineral spa sounds amazing – very Roman to hop from bath to bath like that! You’d be a very happy prune by the end 🙂
I would take my friend to enjoy with this fabulous trip opportunity to Melburne to relax and endulge ourselves with a relaxation massage at Endota Day Spa Daylesford and Enjoy the facilities of Hotel Frangos, Daylesford and eating delicious food ! Enjoy Life in Melburne! Love it!
I Have always dreamed of visiting Daylesford–Airdrie
My wife, consider it a reward for all her hard work, and and investment, as happy wife = happy life for me
Yes pleas would love
The spa sounds sublime! I miss my regular day spa trips so much!
I would take my best and longest friend Hilary on this detox holiday because due to us both having a really bad 2013 due to illness we both NEED this….
Thankyou 🙂
nice to win as my boyfiend needs learn how to relax for just him self. his great mr mum ,5 years to long waiting lost two special people that was in his life kids mum an his own mum.
This is truly food for the soul..to reconnect and just be. It would be an amazing experience to spend much needed time with my husband away from the stresses of everyday life.
It would be lovely to win for a chnage
I would take my best friend of fifty Years Cheryl. We are both widows and we need a relaxing weekend at the beautiful place Daylesford I have been their with my husband when he was alive on a golf weekend it would be just amazing to win
Health check test just the ticket
Miss visiting Daylesford…..I could do with some time out …….in this busy lifestyle I need to relax and detox…….recharge the batteries…….it’s a haven destination for all of that and more….
My mum for her support!
I know the recipe, but I need all the ingredients and that is found at Daylesford, to re-invorgorate and energise for life’s challenges.
What springs to mind is a Dayley detox with my best; we can clean out those stressful toxins and happily soak up the memorable rest
would love to take my husband on a luxury trip like this – is just about the finer things in life 🙂
I’d take my overworked stressed husband who desperately needs break from work – he’s been working 12 hour days 7 days a week for months
I would take my sister Mouna as a treat. She has worked hard andsreaped the rewards and shared it with her siblings.
My partner is from Japan and misses the hot springs. I’d like to show Australia has a place just as good if not better!
Thirty years married in May, a time to celebrate and reaffirm our love and commitment. Luxurious pampering in Daylesford would create a memorable celebration.
just need one.
What a delightful and delicious country paradise to share quality time with my very deserving Bestie that has given me so much care and love – when I and my little darling moodle had nowhere else to go 🙂 xx
Daylesford is a beautiful place. I have passed through, stopped for lunch or a glass of wine and promised myself I will return to stay a while..one day.
My dear husband-he deserves to detox; I’m sure it will turn him back into a fox!
I would love to give my girls a weekend away to be pampered and to relax as young mothers it is a tough and exhausting job, they are fabulous Mums but all Mums need looking after too ☺
since our 8 week old bundle of joy arrived my husband and I havent had much time for ourselves. desparate need for some TLC!
Would love a weekend away lifes been so stressful
Would be a great opportunity to spend quality time with my man
I’ve packed some clothes including skimpy underwear
I want to feel like a millionaire
Daylesford Victoria is my desire
with my man I’m on fire
Hi everyone! Please make sure you are entering using the form above.
Good luck! 🙂
Would love to relax in Daylesford.
Luxurious accommodation, delicious wine and indulging in my gorgeous man. Heavenly.
Count me in, shopping, unwinding, Victoria, it sounds too good to be true X
Its like going back in time and completely relaxing, thats all we want and need out of life
Lovely area to visit and stay. Would appreciate to stay for our 44th wedding anniversary.
What a fantastic story…so wish I could visit soon with my girlfriend…we need a treat after horrendous work life recently 🙂
I would take my partner they deserve a luxury break after putting up with me lol
My partner needs the stop life button pushed, it would be lovely to spend some quality time together at Daylesford.
A beautiful break away…I wish
If I wasn’t so exhausted I’m TELL you why I need this break!
With a hubby who has had a long hospital stay
And four little ones who need me throughout the day
It’s time for a well-earned rest
And Daylesford would be simply the best!
Looks like the perfect get away for my husband and I after a very exhausting 5 years.
I have been to Daylesford once with my mother and father when I was young and felt so relaxed. I would love to unwind after being a full time student for six years. I would like to close my eyes and let the tension in my shoulders wash away….
Fighting off exhaustion, sleepless nights with a toddler who refuses to sleep, building a house with a builder that doesnt communicate anything, and trying to find a part time job, my stress levels are through the roof, a mini vacation to forget the daily blues and refresh for the next battle. Take me to Daylesford
Would love to give my son a wonderful experience in beautiful Daylesford, massage is exactly what his body needs after a tough two years, thank you
My daughter lives in Melbourne, is a flight attendant and is back at Uni studying for her Psychology degree. She works so hard and I would love to be able to take her to Daylesford for time out to just be pampered, restore her well-being and be there together.
To share a delightfully luxurious Daylesford break – a magical dreamtime experience to add to the tapestry of our relationship.
A complete life detox in darling Daylesford, where everyday feels like a lazy Sunday 😉
I work with psychopaths, bullies, homophobes and my job is my lifers. Please release me.
Hubby and I never go away on holidays without our kids & this year is our 30th wedding anniversary! What a great way to spend it if we won this getaway !!!
Daylesford. Where you can do everything or nothing all in the same place. You will love it no matter what you want to achieve. X
I would love to take the love of my life away for a surprise weekend like this. What a great way to spend a surprise if we won this getaway !!! –
How amazing does Daylesford look- one word- heaven…. Recently remarried, nurtured 7 children and survived. Would like to say what a truly amazing experience this would be for my husband and I. Will certainly place this on our bucket list- lots of catching up for us. Thank you Last Minute for sharing this hidden treasure…………
So who won the Daysleford competition and what was the winning entry?
Hi there. This link will help you out 🙂 http://www.lastminute.co.nz/account/competition-winners.html
Daylesford is our daughter and son-inlaws favourite place in Victoria . They often visit for a days trip but have never been able to experience the pleasures of the spa etc. I would love this for them as they work long hard days.
Heaven, a delight for all my senses cannot wait to go.
hello, we would love to escape to Daylesford for a totle BREAK AWAY from all the Pressures from WORK and FAMILY
Hi, I have put my daughter under a lot of stress of late ….to take her to the tranquility of Daylesford …to reconnect would be so wonderful….
It’s sounds perfect for a romantic weekend getaway and our first foray in country Victoria since moving to Melbourne 2 years ago.
The wife and I have had a terrible year and a short holiday in such a beautiful place like Daylesford would be so nice.
Cannot remember the last time I went away without the kids with the husband. 15th Anniversary coming up soon…..
would love a luxury get away 🙂
My Beautiful Husband and I were married there 1 year and 3 months ago, we did not get to have a 1st wedding anniversary so going back would be amazing!!!! We absolutely loved it there.
Daylesford, one of my absolute favourite getaways for food, shopping and total relaxation. I have enjoyed this place with my Mum on several occasions, my husband and my girlfriends. Something for everyone!
my husband and i going through some tough times in our marriage time away to find the love that seems to be slipping away would be good.how romantic daylesford would be.
Sooooooo need a break/detox/relax/massage/pampering – took to many sleeping tabs last
week – slept for a couple of days, but not really the break which was beneficial.
Would luv some fresh air, some muscles tension lumps ironed out, some bubbly water to lighten the body load, space to read the paper and walk. Hope to see you very soon.
PAM
Oh, would love a revitalising break in Daylesford! Have seen the adverts for the famous spa country,including gorgeous spots for a bite to eat,would love to visit Lavandula & Trattoria cafe to taste the famous lavender scones & champagne.We’ve (hubby & I ) not had a break away together for a long time: too long so this would be the perfect solution for a rather worn out mum & dad. Here’s hoping! Over 50’s
Would love to surprise my new husband for a short trip away!!!
Why? same as everyone, because we all love to be on holidays!!!!