What is Daylesford known for?
Daylesford is a town in central Victoria known for its natural mineral springs, spas, wellness retreats, food and gardens. Together with nearby Hepburn Springs, it is called the spa capital of Australia.
The region has the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia. European immigrants from Switzerland and Italy settled in the area during the gold rush and recognized the value of the springs.
Visitors can bathe in mineral-rich waters at bathhouses and day spas, or fill bottles at public pumps where the water flows naturally.
Food and gardens
Daylesford is known for cafes, restaurants, farmers markets and local produce. The Daylesford Sunday Market and the Convent Gallery, a former convent turned art gallery, are popular attractions.
Lake Daylesford offers walking paths and boat hire. The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens include old trees and a lookout tower.
The town is about an hour and a half's drive from Melbourne, making it a favorite weekend getaway. It is also known for its arts community and the ChillOut Festival, an LGBTQ pride event held each autumn.