Melbourne - Daylesford Weekend Roadie

If mystery and intrigue are things you look for in a bush walk (who doesn’t?), then the Hanging Rock Trail in the Macedon Ranges will tickle all sorts of senses. The setting for 20th century Australian novel, Picnic at Hanging Rock, in which a group of schoolgirls and their governess disappear while on a school picnic, the Hanging Rock Trail combines the eerie and the picturesque to create a pretty memorable hour-return walk. Whether or not the story is actually true, it sure makes for a bit of suspense along the way; just try to stay on the path, okay?

No need to save up for that trip to France, because the French-style cuisine you so dream of is waiting for you at a somewhat unexpected location: right in the heart of Trentham, one of the Macedon Ranges’ many delightful country villages. Du Fermier is the brainchild of Annie Smithers, who creates a heavenly set menu every week depending on what produce is available in her vegetable garden, designed to make it feel as if you’re dining at a French farmhouse. If you’re planning on stopping here (and we highly recommend you do), it’s a good idea to book in advance. These delicious homely meals are pretty damn popular.

It’s not often a place can claim to be “The Most Beautiful [insert category here] in Australia” and actually live up to it, but we are pretty convinced that the Convent Gallery in Daylesford could be the most beautiful gallery we’ve ever seen. Built to be a private residence during the 1860s Gold Rush, before being converted into a convent and girls’ boarding school, the building now celebrates art, history and culture throughout its galleries, as well as being a seriously romantic wedding venue. Not only is the building itself pretty awe-inspiring, Convent Gallery also boasts a breathtaking view of Daylesford and surrounding regions. After enjoying an exploration of the gallery and grounds, wind down with a drink from the stylish Altar Bar.

One of Daylesford’s most popular restaurants, Mercato serves up Australian-style tapas paired with over 100 local wines almost every night of the week. Choose from a thoughtfully curated degustation dinner or an equally exquisite à la carte menu, and rest assured that either option will give you one of the most deliciously unique meals you’ve ever had. Eucalyptus Smoked Kangaroo or Emu with Shaved Pecorino, anyone?

As Australia’s spa capital, Daylesford has many incredible accommodation options, from luxurious retreats to five-star hotels and deluxe Airbnbs. You are truly spoilt with choice, meaning the hardest part is choosing which bed to sink into. There could be worse things to worry about, we’re sure. For a wallet-friendly option, the Daylesford Holiday Park has three very cool ‘glamping’ tents, complete with fully set up queen size beds, which make your childhood camping days look like pure torture. They also have a special ‘Bark Royal’ cabin, which allows you to sleep with any furry friends that have been sharing the road with you. Wins all round!

Combining the aesthetics of a true-blue Melbourne café with the rustic feel of rural life (perhaps our favourite fusion), Cliffy’s Emporium is a breakfast spot that will make you wonder if you ever really need to go back to the city. As you wait for your Sticky Date Hotcakes or Shakshuka, stroll through the aisles of local produce and specialty groceries, whilst admiring the way the building seems to so perfectly preserve the character and homeliness it has embodied since the 1950s.

Now, the moment worth waiting for... Cruise the ten minute drive out of Daylesford to Hepburn Springs and discover the undisturbed paradise of the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Providing a spot for social bathing since 1895, what used to be just a traditional bathhouse has now expanded into a multi-complex bathing and bliss experience. In a beautifully-designed space, these baths, pools and spa facilities will relax your body and your mind. Choose a peaceful bathing experience in the 36-degree Celsius water, or opt for a full-blown sanctuary therapy experience… We have a feeling you won’t want to leave.

If you like your meal to look as good as it tastes, Eclectic Tastes Café & Pantry should be your number one stop for lunch in Ballarat. Located in Victoria’s response to New York’s Flatiron Building, Eclectic Tastes serves up breakfast and lunch every day to bless both your taste buds and your instagram feed. With something for everyone on their colourful menu, not to mention a wine to match, there’s no chance of being disappointed at this joint. Definitely try the 63-degree egg to see what all the fuss is about.

It could never be possible to visit Ballarat properly in half a day, so the best way to see as much as possible of the historic city is through the self-guided streetscapes walking tour, which will see you explore all the architectural heritage along the incredible streets. With buildings that date back to the Gold Rush glory of the 1850s, which are still every bit as dignified but now housing modern wine bars, theatres, galleries and cafes, there is something exciting awaiting your eyes every which way you turn. Download the self guided brochure from the Ballarat website and go for gold. See what we did there?