Luxury Escapes Guide to Daylesford & Hepburn Springs

Famed-chef Alla Wolf-Tasker (also the proud owner of Lake House) welcomes you to this charming café and kitchen garden, nestled in one of Daylesford’s most beautiful locations amid the manicured botanical gardens, right in the centre of town. top by for a coffee and a snack after a walk around the gardens or take a seat for an unforgettable high tea with sparkling wine, cakes, sandwiches, scones and all the trimmings.

Brought to you by the team behind the beloved Cliffy’s Emporium, Beppe Kitchen & Bar pays homage to the strong Italian migrant community, showcasing the most celebrated Italian recipes in a traditional trattoria-style space. Located on the leafy corner of Raglan and Wombat Streets, this buzzing restaurant is a firm local favourite. Come hungry, homemade delicacies are on the menu here: tagliatelle carbonara, gnocchi with sugo, chicken cacciatore and wood-fired pizzas.

Located down a side street in Hepburn, this bustling little gem committed to smart, contemporary food crafted with seasonal produce that’s all locally sourced. The menu here showcases a selection of dishes, complemented by a small yet dynamic wine list with a focus on passionate local and international producers. Our tip? Order a portion of beef croquettes with seeded mustard and enjoy the laidback vibes and excellent service. Bookings are essential, as this is one of the busiest places in town.

Daylesford’s pub scene is pretty impressive: the town loves a country pub with plush couches, roaring fireplaces and good beers on tap, and the Farmers Arms Hotel is one of the best you can find. Cosy and inviting, serving some of the most delicious food in Daylesford, the oldest pub in town is a pillar of the local community. On the menu you’ll find traditional pub classics like fish and chips as well as the pub’s ultra-crispy roast pork belly, served with mash and red wine jus, paired with a local pinot noir, of course.

Find a little slice of France in the heart of Daylesford at the chic Bistro Terroir, winner of the AGFG Readers’ Choice 2020 — Regional. This sophisticated neighbourhood restaurant is where you can savour chef Matthew Carnell’s decadent French food in a beautiful bistro-inspired space, served by an excellent front-of-house team. Expect to taste classics such as steak frites with café de Paris butter and shoestring fries, tomato tarte tatin, traditional soup de poisson, macarons and other delicacies, all paired with a carefully selected wine list.

The elegant and chic Argus Dining Room delivers considered Australian fare with an emphasis on regional produce. Each dish on the menu is designed to be shared and has been carefully crafted with home-grown food and outstanding produce from the primary producers in the regions — including Angelica Organic Farm in Glenlyon and Holy Goat Cheese in Sutton Grange. Think roasted chicken with smoked eggplant and zataar, pumpkin gnocchi with kale and beurre noisette and seared kangaroo carpaccio. Pair your favourite dish with Victorian and regional wines from a carefully curated wine list.

Back in the 1950s, Cliffy’s Emporium was the most popular general store in Daylesford, stocked with the most extraordinary range of produce and groceries. Old timber shelves were overflowing with local products, preserves and delicacies – and today, well it’s much the same. The shelves are still stocked with local produce and fresh fruit and vegetables are available every day, but Cliffy’s Emporium has expanded to become one of the region’s most popular cafés, serving up boozy brunches with bloody Marys, breakfast negronis and mimosas under the grapevine-covered verandah.

Set in a French-style country house, located on a spectacular, 125-acre estate surrounded by clipped rows of lavender and perfectly kept vineyards, this hatted restaurant headed by Hugh Maxwell is the epitome of fine regional dining. Embark on a culinary journey with the restaurant’s three-, four- or seven-course degustation dinner: expect to taste exquisite modern dishes inspired by the seasons and the region’s produce, complemented by locally grown herbs, fresh vegetables and an impressive list of matched wines.

Treat your body and soul to a deluxe treatment at the hotel’s state-of-the-art spa, a serene haven surrounded by waterfall-fed streams. With nine treatment room and an extensive spa menu including facials, body treatments, exclusive packages and couple’s treatments, this is the perfect way to end or start your escape in Daylesford. Want to truly bliss out? Book the Ultimate Indulgence spa package. This 180-minute wellness journey is a multi-sensory experience that starts with aromatherapy and a full body hot stone massage, followed by a 75-minute facial and an indulgent Elemis frangipani and salt scrub, ending with a rejuvenating hydro storm shower.

There’s nothing more breathtaking than witnessing the sunrise from a hot air balloon floating high in the sky. Daylesford, with its spectacular scenery of rolling hills, green forests and vineyards would have to be one of the most idyllic places in the country for such an experience. Rug up (it gets cold in the morning) and embark on a unique five-star experience with Daylesford Ballooning, which includes a memorable one-hour flight over the region followed by a decadent champagne breakfast, with private pick-up and drop-off from Daylesford included.

Immerse yourself in Daylesford & Hepburn Springs with Luxury Escapes’ hand-picked Experiences. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities, adrenaline thrills, food adventures and luxury add-ons to help you discover your destination. These Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package, and opt to tailor your escape by selecting the available Experiences.