Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges
Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges
Daylesford
Visitors to Daylesford are returned to the grand old days of genteel afternoon teas, fine dining and stately homes. The Spa Country attracts the tired, weary and others simply seeking a refreshing and invigorating break. The waters of each spring flow freely and each one has its own unique chemical composition, so bring a cup and find your favourite. At the Lake Daylesford Central Springs Reserve, you can walk from spring to spring, relaxing in the public pavilions and taking in the soothing waters.
Surrounded by eucalypts, 650m above sea level, Daylesford offers a mix of hilltop views, cool fern gullies and river gorges containing raging rapids and gushing waterfalls. An exceptional network of bushwalks, many beginning at Lake Daylesford, invites deeper exploration of the bush. Some tracks wind past rusting relics from the gold rush, while the longest track, a pleasant 16km walk, links Daylesford with the other major spa resort, Hepburn Springs. Daylesford Lake, a sanctuary for birds and wild fowl, is a peaceful place, perfect for picnics, boating or bird watching.
Overlooking Daylesford, the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens were originally reserved in 1863 with the planting of two oak trees to commemorate the wedding of Edward, then Prince of Wales, to Princess Alexandra. The gardens are home to some spectacular conifers, including a Spanish Fir listed on the National Register of Significant Trees. Climb the water tower for extraordinary views of Victoria's central highlands.
Many keen gardeners have made their homes in Daylesford over the years, as the highland climate is perfect for growing old-fashioned roses, camelias and rhododendrons. Today, many of the town's guest houses and bed and breakfasts are surrounded by delightful gardens.
Another great way to see the region is from a Sunday afternoon train ride through the scenic Wombat State Forest. Based in the gracious old Daylesford Station, the Central Highlands Tourist Railway ferrys visitors through the forest. An ever-changing collection of railway memorabilia spanning the 98 years the Carlsruhe-Daylseford branch line operated, is on display in the station building.
Finally, though surrounded by natural beauty, the township of Daylesford itself should not be neglected. A variety of interesting shops line the historic main street, and a bustling Sunday Market is held in the old station grounds every week.
