Things To Do And See

Things To Do in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have many things to do, see and explore, are very well known and visited often because of the mineral springs that anyone can freely drink and bottle anytime.

The mineral springs were discovered over one hundred and fifty years ago and they are just as popular now as they were then.

There are many other reasons why this area is visited by thousands of people every week and especially at the weekends.

During your visit you may be looking some ideas for things to do and see, these suggestions are very popular activities that will interest most visitors.

hepburn mineral springs reserve

The ‘Special’ Mineral Springs

There are many mineral springs in the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area, each one tastes a little different as the composition of minerals varies. The mineral springs water is also famous for its therapeutic benefits, for helping to ease pain and other ailments. It has been used for this purpose since it was discovered in 1836.

Learn more about how the Mineral Springs were discovered, developed and where they are so you can visit and collect your own spring water.

Walking Tracks and Camping

There is a massive network of walking trails that are well marked and mapped. They will take you through beautiful bushland with nature’s surprises and the prettiest places you would find in landscape books. Throw in some wildflowers and wildlife, a beautiful lake, a babbling brook or mineral spring, a stone wall, a hut or tunnel built many years ago and you will have an adventure walk to remember.

These Walking Trails and Camp Ground suggestions may interest you if you are looking for a little adventure, exercise or just want to explore the area more.

Wineries and Farm Gate Produce

When you are driving or touring the area you will be able to visit wineries and farms that sell their own products direct from their farms which is called ‘farm gate’ produce.

So when you are touring look out for wineries or farms that are proudly selling their own home grown products. Many local producers are growing and selling organic produce. There will be a sign at their farm gate if they are open for business.

Look out for interesting things for sale on the side of the road like bags of pine cones, bags of potatoes, fresh flowers, potted plants, honey, bags of animal manure. Quite often they work on the honour system and there will be a tin to put the money in.

Picnics and Recreational Things To Do

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs has many pretty and interesting locations for picnics. Picnics can be as casual or as organised as you like and in many different places that allow everyone to relax or explore and find many fun things to do and see.

You can picnic in gardens, beside the lakes, in mineral springs reserves, near unique natural attractions, near playgrounds, in the bush along walking trails, in the sun or in the shade.

There are plenty of recreational things to do in Daylesford and Hepburn that will interest all ages like walking or jogging on the many paths or trails, playing golf or tennis, swimming, fishing in the local lakes or creeks.

This list of Picnic Area Locations gives you many options and ideas to help you find the perfect picnic spot.

This list of the local Community and Recreational facilities will assist you find a variety of sport venues, playgrounds and community buildings.

List of Local Events 

There are many local events happening in Daylesford  and the surrounding area. 

Check out what events are coming in the next few months eg. markets, festivals, exhibitions and shows. Take a look at the list today.  Local Events

Fishing Locations in the Local Area

There are many lakes, creeks and reservoirs in the Daylesford area and nearby towns like Creswick, Clunes, Newstead, Castlemaine and Mamsbury that you can go fishing at and catch that ‘big’ fish.

Brown and rainbow trout and redfin are the main fish caught along a variety of others.

This list of locations to go Fishing in the Daylesford area and nearby towns will assist you find many great places to go fishing.

Photo – Jubilee Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout prior to the July and September school holidays, there is a campground nearby.

Everyone Loves a Treasure Hunt

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are full of ‘treasures’ that are amazing, quirky and historic. We have created a ‘Treasure Hunt‘ list that makes the area even more intriguing. Enjoy exploring and discovering more about the history, nature’s beauty and everything else that Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are loved for.

The beautiful Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens in autumn

Daylesford Lakes and Gardens

Daylesford has two lakes that can be as relaxing, fun or adventurous as you like. Lake Daylesford is very picturesque and easy to admire from all directions. Jubilee Lake is quite different as it is in a bush setting therefore surrounded by forest with many walking trails to follow and other recreational things to do.

Walking through or past gardens and parklands is an excellent way to relax and admire the cool climate plants that grow in this area. Daylesford has a very special garden called ‘Wombat Hill Botanical Garden‘ that was started well over one hundred years ago and has some very special and old trees and plants. It is a delight to walk around and get a scenic view of Daylesford.

Fun Things for Children To Do

There are many things to do for kids and families like picnics, visiting the lakes, going to the markets, tourist and recreational things, adventure things like bushwalking, fishing or boating. Find plenty more suggestions of places to go on the fun things to do page.

Experience Unique Shopping and Dining

One of the ‘must do’ things to do in Daylesford is to browse the shops! It is a delight as there are so many unique shops with beautiful, quirky, adorable products to indulge yourself. Each store is quite different ranging from antiques and secondhand books to stunning art and home decor.

The choice of dining opportunities is extraordinary, everything from the cosy cafe to the 5 star experience at Peppers, the Lake House and many other top of the range restaurants. Many dining places have a theme in design and cuisine ranging from very Australian, Indian, healthy and organic, Mediterranean etc. You will be sure to find several that will be perfect for your dining experience as there are at least fifty within the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area.

Natural Therapy and Spas

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have many options for natural therapy for healing treatment or to indulge, relax and be rejuvenated. They offer a variety of massages, facials and Bowen therapy, reiki, shiatsu, aromatherapy, naturopathy, homeopathy and many more methods to relax and heal your body and soul.

Having a spa can be as simple or as indulgent as you can wish for, so while you are in Daylesford or Hepburn Springs the Spa Centre of Australia spoil yourself, relax and be pampered in the local mineral water that has amazing healing properties.

daylesford victoria australia hepburn springs old macaroni factory

The Old Macaroni Factory was built in 1859 by the Lucini brothers

Majestic Historic Buildings

If you are interested in historic buildings you will love admiring the architecture that is everywhere in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. When you are walking and driving around the streets and towns take notice of the beautiful old buildings of all shapes and sizes in Daylesford and many other towns in the surrounding areas.

Many of the buildings in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs were built with wealth from the gold rush in the mid 1800s. Some of the buildings were built by the Swiss-Italian immigrants that came here to find gold and succeeded.

Here are some of the Historic Buildings that you may like to visit and explore in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.

Markets, Festivals and Shows

Markets, festivals and shows are always favourite things to do in any town. Daylesford and the local area has regular markets including a farmers market and the weekly Sunday market, annual festivals that celebrate the local history, lifestyles and seasons. There are also popular monthly and annual shows.

Check this list of upcoming Festivals, Markets and Shows


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Things To Do