Daylesford Information
Local Information from www.travelvictoria.com.au/daylesford/
The township of Daylesford is located between Castlemaine and Creswick, within a region that contains Australia's largest concentration of natural mineral springs.
Daylesford is in the middle of spa country.
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Shire boasts the highest concentration of mineral springs in the country together with an equally large array of therapists. Holistic health services, provided in conjunction with the mineral springs and spas, continue the region’s long tradition as a place of healing.
A gold rush occurred in the area when alluvial gold was found in 1851, with the town of Daylesford being surveyed in 1854.
While Daylesford's initial growth was due to the thousands of workers looking for gold, the town is much more famous for the bubbling mineral waters which flow from its many springs. Coupled with its beautiful mountain scenery, forests, gardens and lakes, Daylesford and neighbouring Hepburn Springs have become major tourist, holiday and alternative lifestyle towns. There is a thriving industry built around physical and spiritual wellness including spa treatments, massages and acupuncture.
The commercial centre is located along Albert Street and Vincent Street, which is only 250m from our daylesford cottage. It features a generous collection of historic buildings including the post office (built in 1867), town hall (1882), and several hotels and shops.
Many of Daylesford's streets are lined with deciduous trees that erupt into a blaze of colour during the autumn season.
Lake Daylesford (only 400m from Geranium Cottage's accommodation in Daylesford), which covers land upon which gold was first discovered, was created in 1929 and is located in the beautiful Central Springs Reserve, just a few minutes walk south of the town centre. There is a cafe built right beside the lake, picnic spots, walking tracks and several mineral springs. Jetties are provided for fishing and for those wishing to hire rowboats or other pleasure craft.
A short walk east of the town centre is the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens which were first established in 1863. They are situated on an extinct volcano and offer good views over the surrounding countryside from its manicured lawns and pathways. The gardens also feature a rotunda, lookout tower and conservatory.
Jubilee Lake is located a couple of kilometres south of Daylesford, constructed in 1860 as a water supply. These days it is a scenic spot idea for fishing, boating and swimming, just a short walk from a mineral spring. A few kilometres further south is Sailor's Falls - a 30 metre cascade of water into a deep gorge, surrounded by a reserve.
DAYLESFORD TOURISM
Daylesford Regional Visitor Information Centre on 5321 6123 98 Vincent St, Daylesford 3460 9.00am – 5.00pm 7 days a week (Closed Christmas Day)
Check out this site for excellent information on- attraction and services; eating out; events and all information about daylesford.
Geranium Cottage is centrally located in Daylesford. To find out the distance from the various attractions, go to http://maps.google.com.au - "Get Directions". Just pop in our address - 69 Central Springs Road, Daylesford and your destination. Google will give you directions, as well as travelling time by car or by walking.
SPA COUNTRY
Hepburn Bath House and Spa - info@hepburnbathhouse.com
Daylesford Day Spa & Beauty (In Albert Street - 400m from Geranium Cottage - a 5 min walk) www.daylesforddayspa.com.au
Body Isle Day Spa, Hepburn Springs (Free courtesy pick up car)
Please see the above visitor information site for a comprehensive list of all the services in the Spa Country - lots & lots to choose from.
MASSAGE THERAPY
If you would like to pre-book a massage etc. (I recommend that you do this with any venue), Julie Wilson has a massage therapy business set up right next door to Geranium Cottage. She offers massage, yoga and energy healing services. You can phone her on 0418 552708 to make a booking.
The spa and massage therapies offer a wonderful treat for a 'girls weekend' or a 'hens party'. Indulge yourselves!!
DAYLESFORD MARKETS
Mill Markets - 105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford
| www.millmarkets.com.au | |
| A Collectors Dream! Australia's largest mix of antiques and collectables. Over 4,000 square metres. Cafe on site. Free Admission. Centre open 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm. |
Daylesford Sunday Market - Raglan Street, Daylesford
Daylesford Farmers' Market www.rfm.net.au
Daylesford Primary School, Vincent Street, Daylesford
1st Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm. Fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, organics, eggs, honey, olive oil, chutnes, wines, herbs, cakes, relishes, fresh sour dough bread, pond plants, ice-cream, live geese, ducks and chooks etc.
EATING OUT
Frangos & Frangos (a casual bohemian cafe) is the closest to Geranium Cottage. It is situated in the main street, only 260m or a 4 min walk from our Daylesford cottage.
Both The Lake House and The Convent Gallery are popular wedding venues. The following information is provided on their distance from our Cottage in Daylesford.
The Lake House, 4 King Street is 900m in distance (a 10 min walk)
The Convent Gallery, Daly Street is 900m in distance (a 10 min walk)
ADDRESS AND DIRECTIONS
Geranium Cottage is located at 69 Central Springs Road, Daylesford (on the NE corner of Central Springs Road and Millar Street). Vehicle entrance is via Millar Street.
Our cottage is located only a short walk (200m) from the V Line Bus Stop in Bridport Street.
Daylesford is only 90mins travelling time by car from Melbourne (107km); 44km to Ballarat, 44km to Woodend and 30km to Castlemain. If you are travelling from Melbourne, you can come either via the Calder Fwy - through Woodend or via the Western Fwy - through Ballan. Both of these routes offer wonderful scenery, especially after leaving the Freeway.
