It's the lake, of course. And the mineral springs. A touch of Europe just 90 minutes away from Melbourne. Daylesford may not be as much of a household name to Australian visitors as Sydney, Alice Springs or Surfers' Paradise, but if you're heading to Victoria, it's well worth a visit.
Twenty-five years ago, the town was hardly on the tourist map and only the “new Australian immigrants” from Italy or Switzerland, seasoned "takers of the waters", ventured out to the Hepburn countryside to drink from the local tangy, mineral springs. But the now-sophisticated Australian palate, developing health consciousness and taste for bottled water, has turned a sleepy country town into a highly popular destination, especially for weekends away. B&Bs, hotels and villas abound and you're spoiled for choice. For reasonably-priced water-frontage accommodation, try Boat Shed Villas.
Start your tour with Lake Daylesford, just a five minute stroll away from the centre of town. Flanked by leafy trees and rolling hills, it takes about 30 minutes for a gentle promenade around the lake and you can just feel tension melting away as you breathe in cool, fresh country air. Ducks, geese and moorhens abound and the waterfowl are a feature of the area. Take plenty of plastic bottles with you too, because you can stop at numerous spring water pumps and fill your bottles for free. It's worth trying several different springs first because each varies - some are more sulfurous than others.
On the banks of the Lake is the glorious Lake House Hotel. Part of the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" chain, Lake House is famed for its wonderful restaurant which regularly takes out award after award for its innovative cuisine. Lake House offers weekend indulgence packages and boasts its own spa retreat, just the place for that special birthday or anniversary celebration.
Back in town, you'll enjoy the variety of boutiques and specialist shops. At The Body Orchard you can indulge in scented soaps, massage oils, moisturizing lotions and much more. At Cliffy's gourmet foods, preserves and condiments are the order of the day. Sweet Decadence is just that: a chocolatier with row upon row of to-die-for handmade chocolates.
You can also visit the Day Spa for a well-earned massage or facial, consult one of Daylesford's many Tarot readers or astrologers, or pop into any number of New-Age book shops. And if you're peckish, there are cafes galore.
If it's art you're after, then head to the Convent Gallery. This award-winning tourist destination was indeed a convent once, but has been completely revamped into a sophisticated art and craft gallery and cafe restaurant. It's just the place to pick up that special gift for someone special.
Daylesford is also the perfect base for visiting the “Golden Triangle”, the nearby Goldfield towns of Ballarat, Bendigo and Castlemaine, which flourished during the gold-rush of the 1800s. Each town is only about 30 minutes drive away, so you can get your fill of history and be back in Daylesford in time for supper.
