Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges

Melbourne to Bright
Travel time from Melbourne to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges - 90 minutes scenic drive route from Melbourne
Travel distance is 113.8 km via National Highway M8 and C141

Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges
Invigorate body and mind, and reignite your imagination amid the spectacular forests, natural mineral waters and historic villages of the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region. Find balance and harmony at mineral spas and wellness retreats, sample exquisite food and wine at restaurants, wineries and country pubs, and be inspired by the vibrant artist community. Pack a picnic and visit the mysterious Hanging Rock or cruise around historic streetscapes, local markets and boutiques brimming with art, craft and antique treasures.

Daylesford
Gettin' around Slow down, unwind and be sure to take in the natural surroundings of Victoria's spa centre. Watch native wildlife at play and fill up a bottle with the local mineral water down at Lake Daylesford, paddle around in a kayak on Jubilee Lake, or get the blood flowing with a walk to the top of Wombat Hill. Browse arty collectables and homewares at boutiques, such as Bromley & Co., Arte Deco and Harry & Me, or climb aboard the Spa Country Railway for a trip with the kids to the popular Sunday Market.

Horses & horse riding
Settle into the saddle and explore the magnificent bushland of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges on horseback. Or, keep your feet on the ground and take a tour to meet local legends and future champions. Galloping through the forests: The beautiful parks and reserves in this region are well suited to trail riding, particularly the Wombat State Forest, Mount Disappointment State Forest, Macedon Regional Park, Lerderderg State Park and the Gisborne Ranges. Most trail riding centres cater for riders of all levels of experience and offer rides ranging from one hour to seven days in duration. Some even offer evening trail rides for a different experience. Home of past and future champions: The region is also home to many renowned and internationally recognised horse studs, breeding and raising horses for both gallops and harness racing. Take a tour when the opportunity arises, and lay your eyes on a Melbourne Cup hopeful. At Living Legends: the International Home of Rest for Champion Horses, take a public tour of the paddocks and rub noses (or just pat) some of Australia's finest retired champion racehorses and turf legends.

See 4 horse riding experience choices here www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Daylesford-and-the-Macedon-Ranges/Things-to-do/Outdoor-activities/Horse-riding

Daylesford Hot Air Balloon Flight - Book at 25 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. A hot air balloon flight over the Daylesford Spa Country is a must when exploring Victoria's famous spa region. It is a region full of vibrant scenery; a landscape of rolling hills, rich red volcanic soils, beautiful blue waterways and green forests. This is hot air ballooning at its purest, most luxurious, and as close to nature as you can get. Book well in advance 03 9429 0277.

Hepburn Springs Spa Complex: Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs, Victoria, 3461. Since 1895, 'taking the waters' at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa has been a must-do when visiting Australia's premier spa destination. After a $13 million redevelopment in 2008, the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and visitors can enjoy traditional communal bathing in the Bathhouse and Sanctuary, or book into The Spa for a more private experience.From private healing mineral baths to the signature rituals, steam therapies, massage therapies, facial therapies, body therapies and more, every treatment at the spa will rejuvenate and reinvigorate. Content: Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa

Lavandula Lavender Farm: 350 Hepburn-Newstead Road, Shepherds Flat, Victoria, 3461. Ten minutes North of Daylesford, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is an iconic property nestled among the rolling hills of Shepherds Flat. A 100 acre property. La Trattoria eatery serves late breakfasts, morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas. Produce is sourced locally and from its own gardens. The cafe is fully licensed with a good range of local wines, beers and ciders, including its famous lavender champagne. Lavandula hosts three major festivals each year: Autumn Harvest (May); La Primavera (October); and Lavender Harvest (January).

Township of Woodend
Hanging Rock Llama Treks ?51 South Rock Road, Woodend, Victoria, 3442. Hanging Rock Llama Treks provides a one of a kind experience with unique animals. Tours, treks or just to touch a llama. From a couple of hours on the farm with the kids, a walk to the iconic Hanging Rock or maybe a day walk while the llamas carry your lunch. Hanging Rock Llama Treks can customise an experience for everyone. Located one kilometre from the iconic Hanging Rock Reserve, only an hour's drive from Melbourne. Tel +61 (0) 408 974 487. The Farm Experience offered by Hanging Rock Llama Treks is approximately two hours in duration. After a short introduction you get to lead your llama or Hanging Rock Llama Treks can tailor a walk to suit you, five to fifteen kilometres with the llamas carrying your lunch.

Trentham Falls
Get soaked by the spray from lush Trentham Falls, Victoria's highest single-drop waterfall. Formed some five million years ago by molten lava rapidly cooling as it flowed along the old Coliban River valley, Trentham Falls plunges 32 metres over basalt columns onto the quartz gravel below. Deep in the Wombat State Forest, this moss-covered wonderland is especially magical in winter when every sleek rock and fern frond drips with water. The Trentham Falls Reserve, located on the Great Dividing Range, protects original vegetation in the area, including manna gum, messmate and narrow-leaved peppermint. Enjoy a picnic by the river – there are plenty of facilities, including picnic tables, barbecues and toilets nearby – or embark on one of the scenic walking tracks in the surrounding forest. Trentham Falls can be accessed from Trentham Scenic Reserve Road.

Courtesy of www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Daylesford-and-the-Macedon-Ranges