Just beyond Melbourne, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs offer an easy change of pace: mineral-rich waters, eucalyptus forests, country cafés, gallery-filled streets and peaceful walking trails.

This two-day escape is designed for travellers who want to slow down without missing the region’s most memorable experiences. We combine gentle wellness, fresh regional produce and scenic bushwalking into a relaxed itinerary that works beautifully as a standalone getaway, or as part of a longer multi city tour Victoria itinerary.

Known as Australia’s spa country and home to one of the country’s greatest concentrations of natural mineral springs, the Daylesford region rewards a slower style of travel. Here is how we would spend two days exploring it from Melbourne.

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Your 2-day Daylesford and Hepburn Springs itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Hepburn Springs and country countryside

• Travel from Melbourne to Hepburn Springs
• Taste natural mineral water at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
• Relax at the historic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
• Explore forest scenery and regional produce
• Visit Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm

Day 2: Daylesford, gardens and forest trails

• Browse the Daylesford Sunday Market, if visiting on a Sunday
• Walk around Lake Daylesford
• Explore Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
• Visit the Convent Gallery and Daylesford village
• Walk through Hepburn Regional Park towards Tipperary Springs

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Day 1: Melbourne to Hepburn Springs, mineral waters and lavender fields

Morning: Arrive in Hepburn Springs and taste the local waters

Leave Melbourne after breakfast and travel north-west towards Hepburn Springs. By private vehicle, the journey generally takes around 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic and your chosen route.

Our first stop is Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, where heritage shelters, bubbling creeks and forested paths introduce you to the area’s famous mineral-water culture. The springs have drawn visitors seeking rest and restoration for generations, and the local bathing tradition continues today.

Take a gentle stroll around the reserve before trying the water from one of the public mineral pumps.

Mineral spring tasting etiquette

Spring water tasting is a simple experience, but a little care helps protect the environment and makes the visit more enjoyable.

• Bring a clean, reusable bottle.
• Check signs before drinking or filling up.
• Take a small sip first: the mineral flavour can be surprisingly strong.
• Do not touch the tap or pump outlet with your mouth.
• Fill only what you need and leave water for other visitors.
• Follow any current health or safety advice at the site.

The water may taste naturally carbonated, earthy, salty or slightly metallic, depending on the spring. There is no need to rush. The pleasure is in noticing the difference between each source and understanding why the region became famous for mineral bathing.

For current access information, walking conditions and closures, check the Parks Victoria information for Hepburn Regional Park before you travel.

Late morning: Settle into Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

After your spring tasting, continue to Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, a short drive from Daylesford. Established in 1895, the historic bathhouse has been part of Hepburn Springs’ wellness story for more than a century.

Book a mineral bathing session in advance, particularly if you are visiting on a weekend or during school holidays. Depending on your selected experience, you may be able to enjoy warm mineral pools, a salt pool, steam facilities, a cool-down pool or private bathing.

We recommend allowing 60 to 90 minutes. That gives you enough time to relax without making the rest of the day feel hurried. Bring swimwear, a towel if required by your booking, and a water bottle for afterwards.

The bathhouse is not simply a place to stop between attractions. It is the centrepiece of this itinerary: a chance to pause, warm up and let the journey become restorative rather than rushed.

Lunch: Local produce in Daylesford

Continue into Daylesford for lunch. The town is celebrated for its excellent cafés, bakeries, restaurants and farm-gate produce. Look for menus featuring seasonal vegetables, local dairy, artisan bread, regional wines and other Central Victorian ingredients.

Allow time to wander along Vincent Street after lunch. Independent shops, galleries, antique stores and design boutiques give Daylesford its distinctive country-village character.

Afternoon: Lavender, gardens and rural charm

In the afternoon, drive to Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, around ten minutes from Daylesford. This atmospheric working farm combines lavender fields, old stone buildings, olive groves, gardens and country hospitality.

Wander at an unhurried pace, taking in the scent of lavender and the views across the surrounding hills. Depending on the season, you may see flowering rows, grazing animals, heritage buildings and quiet garden corners perfect for a photograph.

Lavandula also offers food and drink experiences, including the farm’s Italian-inspired Maria’s Trattoria, the Post Office Deli & Larder, picnic options and weekend wood-fired pizzas. Check visitor information and opening details before setting out, as seasonal operations can vary.

Evening: A slow country dinner

Return to Daylesford or Hepburn Springs for the evening. Keep dinner relaxed and leave space for a short stroll if the weather is clear. After a day of mineral water, warm bathing and country air, an early night is part of the experience.

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Day 2: Lake Daylesford, Wombat Hill and Tipperary Springs

Morning: Market day, lakeside walking and fresh coffee

If possible, plan your second day for a Sunday so you can begin at the Daylesford Sunday Market near Daylesford Railway Station. The market generally starts at 8:00 am, winds down after 1:00 pm and often finishes by around 3:00 pm, depending on weather and trading conditions. Check the latest market information before visiting.

Browse stalls selling produce, plants, handmade goods, vintage finds and local treats. It is an excellent place to pick up picnic supplies for the afternoon.

Next, take the gentle walk around Lake Daylesford. The lakeside circuit takes approximately 40 minutes and offers a refreshing start to the day, with water views, birdlife, mature trees and peaceful picnic areas.

The lake is man-made and occupies the former Wombat Flat goldfields, where gold was officially reported in 1851. That history is easy to miss as you walk beside the water, but it adds another layer to Daylesford’s story: the landscape has shifted from gold rush settlement to wellness destination and country retreat.

Late morning: Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

From the lake, continue to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, located on an extinct volcano above Daylesford. Established in the 1860s, the gardens are associated with Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, the celebrated botanist who also designed Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

Follow the paths through mature trees, lawns and landscaped garden beds, then climb the Pioneer Lookout Tower for wide views across the town and surrounding countryside. Allow around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much time you spend photographing the views.

A coffee or light snack at Wombat Hill House makes this a particularly enjoyable morning combination: water, gardens and a panoramic outlook in one compact area.

Midday: Art, history and village produce

Make your way to the Convent Gallery, housed in a historic former convent overlooking Daylesford. The building’s architecture, gardens and layered exhibition spaces make it more than a conventional gallery visit.

Check the Convent Gallery’s visitor information before you go, then allow time to explore the exhibitions and enjoy lunch or refreshments if available.

Afterwards, return to the village streets for a final browse. Pick up regional cheese, fruit, pastries or picnic items before heading into Hepburn Regional Park.

Afternoon: Hepburn Regional Park and Tipperary Springs

The final walking section takes you into the forested landscapes of Hepburn Regional Park, where creeks, ferns, eucalyptus woodland and mineral springs come together.

For a shorter outing, visit the Tipperary Springs picnic area and walk a local section of track. Stronger walkers can consider the Central Springs to Tipperary Springs circuit, commonly described as approximately 9 kilometres, or choose a longer section of the Tipperary Walking Track.

The full Tipperary route links Lake Daylesford and Hepburn Springs over approximately 16 kilometres and can take five to six hours. You do not need to complete the entire route to appreciate the area. We recommend choosing a section that suits your fitness, daylight and weather conditions.

At Tipperary Springs, pause beside the creek and taste the mineral water if the spring is open and clearly marked as suitable for drinking. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and check current park conditions and track closures before departure.

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When to go and what to pack

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are rewarding in every season, but each brings a different atmosphere.

• Autumn: Colourful foliage and crisp walking weather.
• Winter: Ideal for spa bathing, fireplaces and misty forest trails.
• Spring: Fresh greenery, gardens and blooming countryside.
• Summer: Early-morning walks, outdoor lunches and longer daylight.

Pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• A reusable water bottle
• Swimwear and a lightweight change of clothes
• A warm layer, even in summer
• Sun protection and a rain jacket
• A small backpack for market produce and picnic supplies

Always check bathhouse availability, farm opening hours, market dates and park conditions before travelling.

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Drive independently or join a private charter tour?

Driving gives you flexibility, but a private charter tour Melbourne service can make this escape considerably easier. You avoid navigating unfamiliar country roads, can arrange multiple stops without worrying about parking, and have a local host to help adjust the pace for your group.

A private charter is especially useful for families, couples travelling with luggage, international visitors and groups who want to combine Daylesford with other Victorian destinations. It also allows you to pair this wellness escape with a longer route covering the Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Ballarat, Phillip Island or the Yarra Valley.

Explore our private and group charter options or browse our 2-day package tour collection. For a broader journey, consider pairing Daylesford and Hepburn Springs with one of our multi-day Victoria tour packages.

Ready to slow down and explore Victoria beyond Melbourne? Contact Great Ocean Road Trip Melbourne to plan your Daylesford and Hepburn Springs escape, or add it to your next multi-city Victorian adventure.