A day in Daylesford, Melbourne

Wanderlust; the desire to travel. Well, let me tell you the feeling of wanderlust recently kicked in and I was craving a day trip or weekend away outside of Melbourne. Whilst I love everything that the city of Melbourne has to offer, sometimes I just need an escape from the hustle and bustle to more rural sights, and feel gratitude for the simple things in life. So thats exactly what we did, and took a day trip to Daylesford.

Just over an hours’ drive outside Melbourne, Daylesford is well known for its’ rest and relaxation; it’s a place to rest and recharge with its natural mineral springs and rejuvenating spas and it can be as romantic or adventurous as desired. Plus, the town reflects a past history as one of Victoria’s most successful gold-rush towns. If does like stepping back in time as the streets feel oldy-worldy but it’s nice to soak up the country charm for a day.

So, what to do in Daylesford?

Stroll along the main street

Grab a coffee and take a wander along Vincent Street filled which has a plethora of shops, from homeware boutiques and art galleries to vintage trinket shops and historic buildings. We did find ourselves darting in and out quite a few shops due to the weather being so rainy. I found about a bottle shop-come-wine bar called Wine and the Country and if we were staying for the weekend it would have been pretty cool to check out.

Visit the Lavundula Farm

I had read quite a bit online about Daylesford and the first thing that really captured my attention was Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm. To be honest this was the main reason I wanted to visit Daylesford so I was really looking forward to visiting. The grounds are nestled amongst picturesque rolling hills and it is the kind of place you could easily get married in. The moody weather made for some cool pics.

There was a cute little cafe within the grounds called La Trattoria, “a simple local café serving an antipasto platter and local wine. The menu is seasonal and explores European cuisine.” One look at the exposed brick and coal fire and I was straight in the door. I ordered a coffee to enjoy whilst walking around the grounds but the food looked yummy and everyone seems so at ease *the cafe was busy but I avoided them for the picture just in case they did not want to be snapped*.

Unfortunately the lavender was not in full bloom as we visited in autumn but the season had turned the leaves a vibrant silver colour, which was equally as beautiful as I imagine the lavender to be in summer. Hopefully we will manage to go back in summer as I would love to see the florals in full bloom.

To top it off, we saw a kangaroo not far from where we were admiring the lavender. It was massive and intimidating and it looked me dead in the eye – safe to say I was pretty nervous and backed the hell away. Ali thought this was hilarious. However Mr Kanga ended up minding its own business and hoping along.

Eat all the food!

Lastly, would it really be a broganeliz blog post if it didn’t mention food? We were recommended the The Farmers Arms for lunch, which opened back in 1862. The country charm of Daylesford is epitomised here and it’s welcoming down-to-earth staff and interiors makes you feel at home, especially on moody day like it was when we went.

The Farmers Arms is also an art motel, complete with 9 suites and one three bedroom cottage to choose from. I have also been eyeing up the Clifftop at Hepburn villas on Instagram for a while; the apartments give off a rustic luxe vibe which is right up my street! If you have any recommendations for where to stay in Daylesford then I’d love to hear more.

Image credit: the common wanderer

We also ate a delicious lunch at The Farmers Arms which was recommended to us however, we did spot some cool other places such as Cliffys and Frangos.

Of course the day trip wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory glass of fizz (also delish!).

Where are your favourite places to go for a day-trip or weekend away in Melbourne?

B x