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Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Victoria, travel guide and things to do: Nine highlights

By Mark Daffey
Updated
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. Bathing in rich mineral waters drawn from its natural source is surely one of life's great indulgences.

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.

See conventgallery.com.au

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.

See visithepburnshire.com.au

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.

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See cliffysemporium.com.au

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.

See hepburnbathhouse.com

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.

See winespeake.com.au

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.

See newsxpress.com.au

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.

See radiospringshotel.com.au

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.

See palais-hepburn.com

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.

See bricklanebazaar.com

Mark Daffey travelled at his own expense.

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/traveller/inspiration/daylesford-and-hepburn-springs-victoria-travel-guide-and-things-to-do-nine-highlights-20211111-h1zqeo.html