Daylesford and Macedon Ranges

Daylesford is the capital of indulgence, home to spa retreats and natural springs, boutique accommodation, great cafes and fine dining.

For more than 100 years people have flocked to Daylesford and the surrounding spa country for rest and reinvigoration. The region boasts Victoria's largest concentration of naturally occurring mineral springs. Daylesford also has many skilled masseurs and therapists offering more than 85 different therapies.

Daylesford and the wider region are home to a large artistic community, among them furniture makers, sculptors, textile artists and painters. Tour their studios to see them at work.

The pleasures of the table are celebrated in Daylesford and surrounding villages. Local eateries specialise in fresh seasonal produce. Dine at the award-winning Lake House restaurant or Farmers Arms Hotel and sample a locally-brewed beer at one of the great country pubs.

The Macedon Ranges is renowned as the grape growing region with the coolest climate in Victoria. Visit one of more than 40 cellar doors to taste the wines - including pinot noir and sparkling wines - that have made the region famous. Also try Hanging Rock Winery in the Macedon region, or Craiglee and Goona Warra vineyards in nearby Sunbury.

About 70 naturally occurring mineral springs are located around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, with others dotted around Kyneton, Blackwood and Ballan. The water is full of health-giving minerals and every spring has a unique taste depending on the combination of minerals.

Where mineral waters flow, there are spas. Since 1896 the famous Hepburn Spa Mineral Springs Bathhouse and Wellness Retreat has drawn people to the area to bathe in warmed mineral waters from nearby springs. It also offers more beauty and relaxation treatments than any other Australian spa.

Relaxation is within easy reach - Daylesford is only 90-minutes' drive from Melbourne's CBD, and an hour from the city's airport.

Go to Visit Victoria (Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges) for further information.