First settled by the Dja Dja Wurrung Aborigines, who, historians think, inhabited the region thousands of years ago, Daylesford had an exciting history as a gold rush town and then a fashionable resort before settling down as one of Australia's most loved spa towns. Daylesford vacation rentals are surrounded by the hills, lakes and forests of the Central Highlands, and they offer dozens of places to soak in mineral springs, cool off with a mud wrap, browse the artsy boutiques or share a bottle of wine during an elegant meal.
When you've finished rejuvenating your spirit at a local spa, head to the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. Set atop an extinct volcano, it's a beautiful collection of paths and green spaces lined with flowers and trees. Ten minutes north of Daylesford, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is another spot where you can enjoy the local landscape. Nestled among rolling hills, the lavender fields are free to view. You can take a self-guided tour of the local vineyards, too numerous to list, or pop into a local gallery for a watercolour to help you remember the best vacation of your life.
You'll do well in Daylesford if you remember 3 things – soak, shop and stroll. The city is famous for its mineral waters, so book a massage and get ready for a skin-renewing ritual. Then throw on your walking shoes and take a trip along the Daylesford Macedon Produce Trail, where you can find locally grown or crafted delicacies from the area's bakers, farmers and cheesemongers. If you arrive in March, consider yourself lucky. The annual Chill Out Festival, the largest Queer Pride event in Australia, attracts visitors from many miles around.
Since it's set further above sea level that neighbouring Melbourne, Daylesford has a slightly cooler, wetter climate than its big-city brother. In summer, temps range from lows in the teens to highs in the 30s, while winter temps can be quite cold, from barely above freezing to about 9 °C. Mineral waters and great restaurants don't fail you when the weather changes, so Daylesford vacation rentals are popular year-round. You might find bargains in winter, when the lavender isn't in bloom or during the hottest days of summer.
For a break from all the relaxation head to Lake Daylesford – just kidding, its relaxing here, too. You'll find paddle boats, a children's playground and tree-lined walking paths that offer many serene views of trees reflected on the lake surface. You can also get out into nature via the Tipperary Walking Track, 16 km of trail that are particularly stunning in fall, when the deciduous trees surrounding you will be most colourful. You'll also pass mineral springs and the Blowhole, a tunnel built by miners in the 19th century to divert water from a nearby creek.
Fly into Melbourne, VIC (MEL-Tullamarine), the closest airport, located 44.8 mi (72.2 km) from the city centre. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon), which is 49.2 mi (79.1 km) away.
If you'd rather travel by train, the main station is Daylesford Station.
Our 2019 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 509 holiday rentals near Daylesford. From 341 Houses to 80 Cottages, find unique holiday homes for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best place to stay near Daylesford for a long holiday or a weekend break is on HomeAway.
HomeAway offers a large selection of holiday homes near great places in Daylesford. From HomeAway travellers, the most popular points of interest to stay near are:
But there are many other points of interest around Daylesford listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.
Yes, of course. HomeAway offers 341 Houses in Daylesford. Our other popular types of Daylesford holiday rentals include:
But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other holiday rentals including Bungalows and more.
Yes, you can select your preferred holiday accommodation with pool among our 23 holiday homes with pool available in Daylesford. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available.