This was published 3 years ago
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Victoria, travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights
By Mark Daffey
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. Bathing in rich mineral waters drawn from its natural source is surely one of life's great indulgences.
THE ONE GALLERY
It costs you five bucks to get into this sprawling art gallery that's housed inside a 19th-century convent, the proceeds of which go towards maintaining the gardens and buildings. Nestled on the upper slopes of Wombat Hill, artworks are spread across three levels, with exhibitions rotating on a six-to-eight week timeframe. High teas are available at the cleverly named Bad Habits Cafe. Open 10am-4pm, seven days.
THE ONE WALK
Take a picturesque stroll around the perimeter of Lake Daylesford along the "Peace Mile Walk", a figure-eight circuit following a gravel path measuring 2.8 kilometres. Highlights include a romantic arched bridge and the chance to drink from mineral spring water fountains. Stop at the Boathouse Restaurant en route.
THE ONE BREAKFAST
In its day, Cliffy's Emporium was known for stocking an extraordinary range of local produce. Browse through the rustic timber shelves now and you'll find items you wouldn't know still existed (Choo Choo Bar or Bertie Beetle, anyone?). But its breakfasts are exceedingly popular. Order the Country Breakfast and you won't need to eat again for the rest of the day. There's also a side window for ordering takeaway coffees and cakes.
THE ONE BOOK STORE
Bibliophiles could easily spend lazy afternoons sifting through the astonishing array of books on sale at Paradise Bookshop on Vincent Street. Some are new, just as many are second-hand – all carefully catalogued into crime thrillers, biographies, children's and so on, inside a rambling old bank with a labyrinthine floor plan. It's a rare find these days.
See facebook.com/paradisebookshop/
THE ONE SPA
Bathing in rich mineral waters drawn from its natural source is surely one of life's great indulgences. Add to that a choice of massage and skin treatment therapies and a range of accommodation options and you may never leave the Hepburn Bathhouse.
THE ONE WINE BAR
Winespeake is part-wine merchant, part-wine bar, part-delicatessen – a symbiotic relationship if ever there were. Order a cheese platter with a glass or bottle of red or white from an impressive wine list featuring a mix of local and European vintages, then occupy a breakfast stool along the floor-to-windows overlooking the street.
THE ONE NEWSAGENCY
Your spirits will lift upon entering the Daylesford Newsagency, a throwback to the days when you bought your stationery from a newsagency that stocked an abundant selection of magazines instead of being overrun by gift card and lottery displays.
THE ONE HOTEL
With four pubs all in close proximity, visitors to Daylesford are spoilt for choice. But where should you go for a rollicking night out? When I posed that question to locals, the surprise response was the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville, 10 minutes' drive out of town. With its thick carpets, heavy drapes and period look, it makes you feel like you're spending an evening in your grandmother's lounge room.
THE ONE MUSIC VENUE
For close to 100 years, the Palais-Hepburn theatre has been drawing punters through its doors for a diverse array of entertainment. On any night you might hear jazz, blues, soul, rock or even gypsy music. Order dinner and a show. There are cabaret and trivia nights, and the theatre boasts Victoria's oldest sprung dance floor.
ONE MORE THING
Brick Lane Bazaar's eclectic stock of collectables and pre-loved goods transports you back to the heyday of Richie Cunningham and the Fonz. All that's missing is the milkshakes.
Mark Daffey travelled at his own expense.
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