Daylesford Tourism & Travel
Daylesford Australia
Located on the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in the shire of Hepburn, Daylesford is some 115kms northwest of Melbourne, Victoria and has a population of some 3073 souls.
The former goldmining hub is now known as the spa centre of Australia, with Daylesfords many natural mineral springs having rejuvenating and healing qualities, which influenced the influx of premiere spas throughout the area today.
The tree-lined streets, reputation as a premiere spa and rejuvenation centre, and historic buildings give a European feel.
Daylesford Attractions
The history buff will enjoy the Historical Museum and the collection of artwork, sculptures and jewellery at the Convent Gallery housed in a restored convent. The tranquil Lake Daylesford and the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens provides great picnic areas and scenic walking trails. North of Daylesford, visitors can see an old goldmining site at Breakneck Gorge, and take in the many beautiful waterfalls throughout the Daylesford area.
Daylesford Shopping
The historic buildings of Daylesford house an eclectic range of shops including bookstores, bakeries, galleries, and chocolate shops. The weekly market offering arts, crafts and local produce is not to be missed.
Daylesford Events
Many vibrant events enliven the town of Daylesford every year. This includes the Hepburn Swiss Italian Festival, the Highland Gathering, the Chill Out Festival, and the Daylesford and District Agricultural Show.
Daylesford Restaurants & Cafes
Many of Daylesfords restaurants and cafes are housed within Daylesfords historic buildings.
Daylesford - Near by
Some 4kms north of Daylesford, the Hepburn Spa and Bathhouse Wellness Retreat at Hepburn Springs offers the chance to be pampered whilst enjoying the natural surrounds. Further north, the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is a beautiful sight, featuring vast fields of lavender, and the historic town of Castlemaine is worth a visit to see grand old buildings and pretty botanical gardens.
Daylesford National Park
Hepburn Regional Park provides the chance to see and explore old goldmining relics, mineral springs, and the famous Mt Franklin extinct volcano offering boasting panoramic views from the summit.
Daylesford History
Daylesford is the Country of the Djjadja Wurrung Indigenous people. The first European settler in the area 1838 was Captain John Hepburn. In 1851, Irish immigrant John Egan and a party of searchers found alluvial gold in 1851 at Lake Daylesford, and started a goldrush and influx of population into Daylesford. The town site was surveyed in 1854 and initially called Wombat. In 1859 about 3400 diggers were on the local diggings. Some 800 of these were Chinese people who preferred alluvial workings, planted extensive market gardens and had their own village with a Joss House and store. In 1881, Daylesford became a fashionable spa resort on the arrival of the railway.
Daylesford Today
Daylesford is famous for its Health and Wellbeing resorts, with an array of natural therapy, holistic health and beauty spas.