Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges | Victoria
Daylesford reflects the character of its Victorian-era heritage, when people travelled to ‘take the waters’ of the mineral springs and spas.
Early Swiss-Italian and other immigrants who settled here during and after the region’s gold rush greatly influenced the gardens and architecture, bestowing upon the town a European feel.
Today, visitors come to sample the rejuvenating mineral waters, stay in luxury accommodation, explore craft and antique shops, go boating on the lake, or just relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the fine dining.
For families, there’s plenty to see and do. On Sundays, vintage railway trips operate from Daylesford Station and travel through the Wombat State Forest. Have breakfast at the Boathouse Café by the lake, hire a boat, or feed the ducks. As well, horse riders can venture out on local trails for picnic rides.
Daylesford is approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne on the Western Freeway or the Calder Freeway. V/Line operates regular, scheduled coach services to Daylesford.
MACEDON RANGES
In the nineteenth century, Melbourne's wealthiest residents escaped the summer heat and made their way to the townships of Macedon and Mount Macedon, where they built impressive mansions and created some of Victoria's finest gardens.
Today the area still boasts many private gardens that are open to the public throughout the year and some very beautiful parks and reserves.
The gardens and homes of Mount Macedon - many of the stunning private gardens in the area are opened to the public periodically through the Open Gardens Scheme Panoramic views, scenic drives, picnic facilities, walking trails, cultural and historic sites of interest and a diversity of flora and fauna abound at Macedon Regional Park.
