Top 10 Things to Do in Daylesford
Local's Guide
Planning a visit to Daylesford? There is so much to see and do in this famous gold rush-era town in Victoria's Central Highlands. From admiring wonderful pieces of art to taking long lakeside walks, tick off these ten great things to do in Daylesford.
1. Walk around Lake Daylesford
Start by taking a walk around picturesque Lake Daylesford accompanied by the sound of tranquil birdsong. You can walk right around the lake in under an hour.
It’s hard to believe looking at it today, but Lake Daylesford is actually man-made! It was originally the site of a series of gold diggings and a Chinese market garden. Construction of the lake began in 1927, and today it’s cherished by locals and visitors alike.
Don’t forget to taste the region’s famous natural mineral water at Wombat Flat (in front of the Lake House hotel and restaurant) and in the newly rejuvenated Central Springs Reserve.
There are plenty of other amazing walks to do in the area. Download this handy guide and lace up!
2. Step back in time on a walking tour
This part of the Central Highlands has long been home to the Dja Dja Wurrung First People. European settlement began in the mid 1800s, and much of the township you see today dates to the second half of the 19th century. It was built on the back of the Gold Rush, a robust timber milling industry, agriculture, and of course, tourism.
Pick up a self-guided heritage walking tour map from the Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre and head off to admire the magnificent municipal buildings, imposing stone churches, and characterful cottages. Alternatively, Alice’s Journeys and the Visitor Information Centre offer a guided walking tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
3. Visit Daylesford Museum
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, drop into the excellent Daylesford & District Historical Society Museum to learn more of the town’s backstory. Daylesford Museum holds one of the largest historical and cultural collections in regional Victoria. It occupies the former School of Mines (circa 1890) – later Daylesford Technical High School.
The complex has six large exhibition rooms, including a unique space devoted to Dja Dja Wurrung artefacts, history, and place. Explore the stories of the First People and their deep connection to country.
4. Explore Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Coating the top of a dormant volcano right behind the town is the historic Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens – a mature English-style civic garden dating back to the 1880s.
Climb the 77 stairs to the top of Pioneer Memorial Tower for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a steep climb, so take care. Leave time for a browse in the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens’ nursery. It’s open for plant sales Thursday to Saturday mornings, and proceeds help fund maintenance projects in the gardens.
Before visiting Wombat Hill, collect a brochure from the Visitor Information Centre about the many significant trees on display.
5. See divine art at The Convent
Sitting pretty on the side of Wombat Hill, The Convent is Daylesford's most recognisable building. Originally constructed as a residence for the Gold Master, in 1891 it was converted into a convent for the Presentation Sisters and was extended a number of times. Today the privately owned historical complex incorporates an art gallery with several exhibition spaces, a cafe (which serves a sumptuous high tea), and a bar – all surrounded by glorious gardens. Architecturally The Convent is a mix of styles, but the distinctive bell tower is probably its most photographed feature.
Hepburn Shire is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, and there are many other galleries to visit in Daylesford. They include David Bromley and Co at the Rex Arcade and Michael Parker’s Stony Creek Gallery. Download our guide to the art galleries of Hepburn Shire and plan your artistic journey of discovery.
6. Shop up a storm at the markets
Daylesford's weekend markets are an opportunity for visitors to mix with local producers and connect with our community in a meaningful way. Running for more than 40 years, the Daylesford Sunday Market takes place at every week at Daylesford Railway Station. Held on the fourth Saturday of the month at Daylesford Primary School, the Daylesford Farmers Market supports Rotary community projects.
7. Ride the Daylesford Railway
Take a trip back in time on board Daylesford Railway's beautifully restored heritage trains. Services run four times every Sunday in conjunction with the Daylesford Sunday Market. The train travels through the scenic countryside and forested hills of the Central Highlands, before arriving at Bullarto – the highest operating railway station in Victoria. The return trip takes one hour. Trains also operate three times a day on Wednesdays and Saturdays during Victorian school holidays.
8. Hunt for treasures from yesteryear
Those in the market for antiques, collectables, or a piece of object d’art should check out Daylesford's Amazing Mill Markets (a two-minute drive or ten-minute walk from the town centre). With hundreds of stalls packed with paraphernalia from the past, it’s amazing by name and amazing by nature!
There are several other retailers around town who offer antiques, vintage, collectables, and pre-loved fashion. Most can be found in Vincent and Howe Streets. Drop into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a guide to vintage and secondhand shopping.
9. Catch a flick
After an absence of many years, cinema has returned to Daylesford! The community-run Phoenix Cinema is now open and operating in the newly refurbished Are Deco-era Rex Arcade. Renovated by The Block as a community project during its 2025 series, the Phoenix features state of the art vision and sound, comfortable seating, and awesome choc tops! There are up to four sessions a day from Thursday to Monday. Browse the program online.
10. Check out the small bar scene
Daylesford is well know for its dining and cafe scenes, but you may be less familiar with the growing cohort of very cool small bars dotted around the town. Check out supper club-style Bar Bamford at the Daylesford Hotel, Saint Brigid's laneway cocktail bar (next door to Hepburn Distillery's excellent cellar door), award-winning Bar Merenda for wine and tapas, quirky late night venue Back Bar 77, and new-kid-on-the-block Leggatt Street Wine Bar beside Lake Daylesford.
Find out what's on in Daylesford during your visit.