Where to stay in Daylesford
Alla Wolf-Tasker and family have been welcoming guests to Lake House for more than 30 years, growing the property from a regional restaurant on the shores of Lake Daylesford to one of Australia’s most decadent regional retreats. These days, you’ll find a heated infinity pool, full-service spa and accommodation for up to 66 guests, including the self-contained Retreat with private entrance.
An acclaimed artist, Allan’s captivating paintings line nearly every wall of the property, while chef Alla steers the creative direction of the award-winning kitchen. Dinner at Lake House is not to be missed, with a multi-course seasonal menu offered each night, highlighting the best of Daylesford and the surrounding region. Much of the produce comes from the Wolf-Tasker’s own Dairy Flat Farm, which guests
can tour on certain days.
The farm is also home to Dairy Flat Lodge, which offers luxury lodgings for up to 12 guests, who wake to the smell of freshly baked bread each day, thanks to the on-site bakehouse hidden in the cellar. Fresh pastries from the bakehouse are served daily back at Lake House, forming just part of the breakfast cornucopia on offer. We suggest a brisk lap or two of the picturesque lake beforehand to work up an appetite. As night falls, guests can enjoy an alfresco drink by the lagoon fire pit or seek comfort in the warm and cosy Argyle Library Bar. Those wanting to take their weekend retreat to the next level can opt for a special in-room dining experience that goes well beyond the classic club sandwich. These days, daughter Larissa plays host and will happily accommodate special requests or help plan your weekend itinerary, exploring the country town that her family helped put on the map.
For more information on Lake House and Dairy Flat Lodge — and to book — visit the Lake House website.
Things to do in Daylesford
Originally a gold-mining town, Daylesford first became popular with tourists in the late-19th century thanks to a number of surrounding mineral springs, which quickly saw the town become a fashionable spa resort. After falling from favour last century, spa treatments came back in vogue and today form a key pillar of the modern Daylesford visitor experience. Art galleries are also big on the agenda, thanks to the town’s constant roster of resident artists, who have been drawn to the regional retreat for decades.
No visit to Daylesford would be complete without a tour of the Convent Gallery, followed by a drink at the iconic Farmers Arms Hotel, which has been wetting whistles for 165 years. At the other end of the spectrum, Winespeake and Bar Merenda offer a more modern drinking experience, focusing on minimal intervention wines and seriously good snacks. Likewise, Daylesford Brewing Co is well worth a visit, delivering on its promise to put the ale back into Daylesford. Finally, if you’re in town for the weekend, you can’t leave without a visit to the Daylesford Sunday Market, which runs from 8am to 3pm at Daylesford Station. Here, you’ll find all manner of tasty treats and local produce, as well as quirky crafts and vintage wares. You can even go for a scenic ride on a heritage train to nearby Musk, although you will need to book ahead.
How to get to Daylesford from Melbourne
If you can time your drive – just 80 minutes north-west from Melbourne – to arrive before dusk, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping rural vistas as you approach Daylesford Hepburn Springs, passing quaint country towns and historic homesteads as you go. We hit the road in a Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet, enjoying a top-down country drive to neighbouring Kyneton, for an afternoon of antiquing. Alternatively, you could designate a driver and head on a self-guided cellar door tour of the region’s numerous wineries, including the excellent Passing Clouds, which is open daily until 5pm. Nearby, you’ll also find the award-winning Daylesford Cider Co serving up tasting paddles and wood-fired pizzas, among other tasty treats.
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