I’ve been travelling around Regional Victoria a fair bit over the past 12 months – from Gippsland to Rutherglen to Halls Gap to Lorne to Ballarat and beyond, and two things have struck me; firstly, we’re incredibly fortunate that no matter which direction we point our car in, we’ll wind up in a pretty marvellous place, and secondly, that out of all the places you can drive in the direction of, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region is my favourite.
There.
I said it.
My favourite.
Out of all the places in Regional Victoria.
Of which there are many.
And they’re all wonderful.
But Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are…bloody unbeatable.
There’s the obvious natural beauty the region offers, the seasonal array of activities, festivals and events, the food, the coffee, the wine, the people, the art, the food, the history, the spas…did I mention the food?
So where to go? Where to eat? Where to stay?
Stick with me, mates. I’ve got you covered.
EAT & DRINK
LARDER | 57a Vincent Street, Daylesford | www.larderdaylesford.com.au
I want to live in Daylesford, just so Larder can be my local. Truly.
Larder is a quaint joint on Vincent Street where locals walk in and don’t even have to drop their regular coffee order – the boys on the machine just know what they’re after.
I’m hard pressed to find a spot that beats Larder’s coffee – in Melbourne, and beyond. They know their coffee, and they do it well.
The Larder menu – featuring a selection of staples and rotating specials – varies with the seasons, and is focused on global food on a local scale. The portion sizes are generous and the food is absolutely delicious; the flavours are balanced, the presentation impeccable and the taste bang on.
I don’t know of a single person who couldn’t sit down for a meal at Larder, and not be catered for, and satisfied.
They offer a number of local drops, too. And then there’s the interiors: industrial chic, with a focus on recycled and remade items.
A great spot for a morning coffee, breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon prosecco with tasting board.
GRANGE BELLINZONA | 77 Main Road, Hepburn Springs | www.grangecc.com.au
Don’t be thrown by the vastness of Bellinzona – yes, it’s a hotel/reception centre/conference venue and looks a little imposing (in a charming heritage kind of way) but the warmth inside (both literally and figuratively) will delight you (not to mention the views).
We popped into Bellinzona for a wine tasting – where we tasted a variety of local red and whites – and then trotted back upstairs to the main restaurant for a literal feast.
The seafood platter was one of the best I’ve ever had – a delicate mix of fresh morsels, flavoured ‘Italian-style’. Their pizzas are traditional (the way pizza is supposed to be), their drinks list extensive, and their staff splendid.
The only problem you’ll have at Grange Bellinzona is not wanting to leave – you won’t want to leave the bar, you won’t want to leave the couch in front of the fireplace (take your pick, there’s three), you won’t want to leave the restaurant, so my best suggestion is to book in for a couple of days and stay.
THE SURLY GOAT | 3 Tenth Street, Hepburn Springs | http://thesurlygoat.com.au
The Surly Goat was founded by hospitality veteran Simon Bevanda and not so veteran Vanessa Kalamistrakis. They’ve transformed what was once a café into a restaurant and bar, one with a roaring fireplace, intimate dining spaces overlooking the tree lined gully and a solid bar you can really settle into.
I’ve been to The Surly Goat a few times now (it’s worth the drive alone from Melbourne) and it never disappoints: the food is exceptional. Order anything, and you’ll be delighted (just book ahead to ensure you can claim a nook for the night). One look at the barmen and they’ll know what you like to drink – and they nail it.
I love the vibe at The Surly Goat – it’s intimate without being quiet, it’s lively without giving you a headache and is the kind of place you’d meet a stranger and share you life story with.
Go, order one of everything, die happy.
BELVEDERE SOCIAL | 82b Vincent Street, Daylesford | www.belvederesocial.com.au
Whether it’s a leisurely lunch, arvo spritz in the vine-covered courtyard, romantic dinner or late night cocktail, Belevedere Social has you covered.
The producer-driven, seasonal menu combined with the alignment to the bistronomie movement merged with the exceptional service culminates in a truly sophisticated, contemporary dining experience.
The cocktails at Belevedere Social – also seasonal – are unsurpassable; every one of them a work of art (and I’d know, I’ve been through the menu). If you want to know what happiness tastes like, go to Belevedere Social for a drink.
Then order some food.
Belevedere Social offers a fine dining experience, without the wank factor. There’s often a pianist playing the grand piano in the corner, and the entire experience – food, drink, ambience – is magic.
THE BOATHOUSE | 2 Leggat Street, Daylesford | www.boathousedaylesford.com.au
Quite literally rising from the ashes in 2014, The Boathouse on picturesque Lake Daylesford has quickly established itself as a mecca for fresh regional produce and fabulous food.
There’s generally nothing simple about simple food but this is classic food and flavours, done well.
Family-friendly, inviting, open and charming, The Boathouse is a must do when visiting Daylesford – followed by a meander around the lake.
SOAK
SHIZUKA RYOKAN | 7 Lakeside Drive, Hepburn Springs | http://shizuka.com.au
An authentic Japanese inn, Shizuka Ryokan is an indulgent retreat featuring traditional accommodation, delicious cuisine, and luxurious spa treatments.
Set amid tranquil bushland, Shizuka Ryokan is authentic in every detail including its architecture, furnishings and landscaping.
I experienced my very first reflexology treatment at Shizuka Ryokan and it was expertly administered and deeply relaxing. Deeply.
The therapists and staff truly care about you, your wellness and your experience, making it the perfect spot for one treatment, or a series.
Heck, treat yoself, and stay the whole damn day.
HEPBURN BATHHOUSE | Mineral Springs Crescent, Hepburn | www.hepburnbathhouse.com
Hepburn Bathhouse offers a range of spa treatments and experiences – from ‘The Sanctuary’ (including salt pool, hannam, spa couches and more) to the private bathing area, the Bathhouse offers real relaxation, with options to suit anyone.
SHOP
PORTAL 108 | 108 Main Road, Hepburn Springs | https://portal108.com.au
A unique shopping destination that proudly showcases local and independent artists, with a hand-picked selection of women’s clothing, jewellery, footwear, accessories and gifts.
FOUND | 108a Main Road, Hepburn Springs | https://found-at-hepburn.myshopify.com
Owner Helen curates an antique shop that embodies her passion for craftsmanship, quality, uniqueness and pieces that proudly show their age.
BROMLEY & CO. | 45a Vincent Street, Daylesford | www.bromleyandco.com
Bromley & Co loves art, fashion and objects of desire. They love to make it and they love to seek it. Here you’ll find all things cultural, creative and architectural, imbued with heart and passion they obsess about and surround themselves in. An eclectic mix.
PARADISE BOOKSHOP | 46 Vincent Street, Daylesford
A wonderful (and expansive) second-hand bookstore, with new titles in the front section of the shop. If you love your books, allow a fair chunk of time and get lost in the weaving corridors and rooms of this sublime store.
STAY
Just don’t overdo the bubbles in the spa…
DAYLESFORD SPA ACCOMMODATION | 38 Vincent Street North, Daylesford | www.daylesfordspaaccommodation.com.au
Only minutes from the centre of Daylesford, these apartments are open, impeccably styled, modern and offer everything you need for a stay in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.
You can choose from a studio apartment or larger self-contained one, with wi-fi, a flatscreen TV, comfortable couches, self-contained kitchenette, a decent sized spa bath and a gorgeous balcony.
Central Springs Inn | 6 Camp Street, Daylesford | www.centralspringsinn.com.au
A short stroll from town, the Central Springs Inn offers an historic place to base yourself for a getaway.
With a range of rooms on offer, Central Springs Inn is perfect for an over-nighter, with a free continental breakfast thrown in on weekdays.
Our Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges series will continue next week, as we explore all the goods Kyneton has to offer.
