Amazing places to visit around Macedon, Daylesford and Hepburn

Central Victoria is a luscious land of plenty. From wineries to cheese factories, gin distilleries and natural springs, this region will surprise and delight any tourist. Book a ticket to travel with Around and About on our Mt Macedon Ranges and Daylesford day tour and enjoy some of the special experiences in the area.

Mount Macedon

Renowned for the colour and variety of its magnificent gardens, in every season, Mount Macedon has a charming country village feel. An open garden scheme that invites visitors into the private gardens of local homeowners occurs on a rotating schedule throughout the year and the bush tracks and bike trails are open all the time. For a fabulous view, take a walk up to the cross and for a gentle, family friendly stroll, the circuit around Sanatorium Lake is stunning. Visit a winery or the nearby Woodend brewery, or book in for lunch at the historic Mt Macedon Hotel.

Garden lovers and greenthumbs can wander through the Dicksonia Rare Plants Nursery, hunting for specimens to take home as a momento.

Daylesford

The Farmers Arms is one of Victoria’s favourite country pubs, and one of its oldest. Rejuvenated in 2000 by Frank Moylan and Melissa Macfarlane who are now proprietors of The Royal George Hotel in Kyneton, this cosy, sophisticated venue has new owners. Still serving delicious meals like house-made dumplings with sticky soy sauce, hoisin duck bao or a rich dark ale chocolate pudding as a matter of course, this is a great place to enjoy a fancy cocktail as well as a kids’ menu. The inside spaces are cosy in winter and the outside courtyards are fab on a summer’s day. Don’t miss it.

If you love vintage shopping and believe the old adage that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, the Mill Markets will keep you enthralled for hours. From polished walking sticks and bright beaded flapper dresses, to well preserved silverware and rusted garden tools, there’s a surprise in every aisle. Buy books, cards, crafts or collector’s items and indulge in a fascinating shopping experience that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Art enthusiasts will love The Convent Gallery with its mixture of contemporary and traditional pieces, set in a former nunnery up on the crest of Wombat Hill overlooking the town. Make time for a little shopping in the git store and a light meal at the ‘Bad Habits’ cafe.

Hepburn Springs

Famous for its healing, naturally heated spring waters, this tiny satellite town has always been a mecca for those who love good food and even better spa treatments.

The Shizuka Ryokan is a serene slice of Japan set in the Victorian countryside. With traditional rooms, complete with tatami mat floor, futon beds and deep soaking tubs, this is a place where you can experience the tranquility of ancient Japan. The accommodation is arranged around a centralised zen garden, and shiatsu and regenerative treatments occur in rooms separate from the main building. Japanese chefs create exquisite traditional cuisine which reflects their home regions.

For more relaxation you can take a soak in the thermal pools at the Hepburn Bathhouse and feel the worries melt away as you hop from shower, to pool, to spa. Book in for a massage or an extensive treatment package.

Outside of town on the road to Newstead, visit Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm. Enjoy the brilliant purple of the flowers in the field and eat lavender infused scones, cakes and other delicacies.

Have you ever been to the Macedon Ranges or the Hepburn Springs/Daylesford region?

Let us know some of your favourite places to eat, stay and play in the area. If you liked this article please share: