When it comes to chilling out and escaping the overcrowded beach locations, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges offers a fantastic alternative to escape to with friends and family this summer.
Cool and invigorating freshwater locations, gorgeous summer gardens and harvest festivals, stunning bushwalking tracks and an array of fishing spots along with shopping, indulging, eating and relaxing and of course, beautiful accommodation, combine for the perfect summer getaway.
Here are 6 BIG reasons to visit the region this summer.
1. Cool fresh water lakes and gardens
Relax by the water at picturesque Lake Daylesford. Find paddleboats for hire, a children’s playground, The Boathouse Restaurant for fine food and wine or self-cater in one of the undercover barbecues.
The gentle and tree-lined walk around the lake takes around 40 minutes. Allow for a couple of stops to soak up the stunning vistas, the jetty is one of our favourite spots and vantage points. “The Beach” is another, and where the locals dip their toes on warm summer days at the little man-made ‘beach’.
Jubilee Lake is a secret gem located only a short drive from Lake Daylesford. Named in honour of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, Jubilee Lake is an oasis tucked away in a natural bush setting. Swim, paddle, bushwalk, fish, canoe, picnic or simply watch the local wildlife, there are many fun activities at Jubilee Lake and it’s a great spot for families.
Enjoy a picnic under a shady tree at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Meander through over 10 acres of established gardens featuring some very special heritage-listed trees planted over 150 years ago. Stop in for a bite at Wombat Hill House Cafe and don’t forget to take in the stunning views over Daylesford from the Pioneers Memorial Tower. It is a delight to walk around any time of the year and offers a wonderful scenic view of Daylesford.
2. Refreshing mineral water
Bring an empty water bottle and fill up on your favourite mineral water from Australia’s spa capital. Home to the highest concentration of mineral springs in Australia, there are a number of mineral springs dotted around Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and the wider region. The mineral water is famous for its therapeutic benefits and has seen visitors flock to our region since the first mineral reserve was established in 1865.
Each spring tastes a little different as the composition of minerals varies. Visitors can sample water from the Soda, Sulphur, Locarno, Wyuna and Argyle springs at Hepburn, or the Central, Tipperary, Wombat Flat or Jubilee springs in Daylesford to name but a few. Many of the mineral water reserves have a delightful picnic area, some with a playground for the kids, barbecues and bushwalking trails.
3. Summer Harvest Festival
Every year in summer, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm celebrates its annual lavender harvest with a day full of fun and frivolity. In 2019, the festival falls on Sunday 13th of January. Visitors can learn the entire process from cutting the lavender in the field to watching the flowers being distilled for their precious essential oil. Hundreds of bunches will hang beneath every available verandah and, of course, fresh lavender will be available for sale.
There will be demonstrations, an animal farm to delight kids of all ages, artisan stalls offering a range of handmade goods, food, drink and lavender ice-cream, tours of the farmhouse and acres of beautiful gardens to explore. An absolutely stunning day, not to be missed!
4. Fish to your heart’s content
Daylesford and nearby towns of Creswick, Clunes, Newstead, Castlemaine and Malmsbury boast many great lakes, creeks and reservoirs where you can fish for Redfin and Rainbow Trout amongst other species. Lake Daylesford contains Redfin and Jubilee Lake, which is stocked twice per year with Rainbow Trout, is an ideal fishing spot for families. Newlyn Reservoir near Creswick, the Hepburn Lagoon near Blampied and the Malmsbury, Lauriston and Coliban Reservoirs near Kyneton, all have ample amounts of trout throughout the year.
If you would prefer not to leave things to chance then Tuki Trout Farm might be a great option for the whole family. They guarantee you will catch a rainbow trout every time so have the camera at the ready to capture the look on your child’s face when they catch their first fish! Once caught they will clean and package it for you to take home, or you can have it cooked at the onsite restaurant for lunch.
5. Relax by your own swimming pool
Take advantage of booking a property with a pool this summer. With five on the portfolio to choose from, get in quick to secure a getaway where you can take a dip after a day of sightseeing or exploring the region. Or better still make a day of lounging poolside with a picnic hamper and a good book!
For couples, consider Gables Bend on High and Gables Bend Spa Villa and enjoy access to the shared outdoor pool and jacuzzi. For small families or groups, Courthouse Orchid Villa 6 and Courthouse Merindah 4 each have 2 bedrooms and access to an indoor solar heated pool. For the ultimate in luxury for groups and families, Sky High located just outside of town features a heated plunge pool with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside!
6. 10% off stays of 3 nights or more this summer
With all of these great reasons to visit Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges this summer, be sure to take advantage of our summer special. Book a stay of three nights or more at any participating property and get 10% off your stay.
For more information follow the link below and we look forward to seeing you soon!
This special offer is no longer available.
