The township of Daylesford is located between Castlemaine and Creswick, within a region that contains Australia's largest concentration of natural mineral springs.

A gold rush occurred in the area when alluvial gold was found in 1851, with the town of Daylesford being surveyed in 1854.

While Daylesford's initial growth was due to the thousands of workers looking for gold, the town is much more famous for the bubbling mineral waters which flow from its many springs. Coupled with its beautiful mountain scenery, forests, gardens and lakes, Daylesford and neighbouring Hepburn Springs have become major tourist, holiday and alternative lifestyle towns. There is a thriving industry built around physical and spiritual wellness including spa treatments, massages and acupuncture.

The commercial centre of Daylesford is located along Albert Street and Vincent Street. It features a generous collection of historic buildings including the post office (built in 1867), town hall (1882), and several hotels and shops.

Many of Daylesford's streets are lined with deciduous trees that erupt into a blaze of colour during the autumn season.

Lake Daylesford, which covers land upon which gold was first discovered, was created in 1929 and is located in the beautiful Central Springs Reserve, just a few minutes walk south of the town centre. There is a cafe built right beside the lake, picnic spots, walking tracks and several mineral springs. Jetties are provided for fishing and for those wishing to hire rowboats or other pleasure craft.

A short walk east of the town centre is the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens which were first established in 1863. They are situated on an extinct volcano and offer good views over the surrounding countryside from its manicured lawns and pathways. The gardens also feature a rotunda, lookout tower and conservatory.

Jubilee Lake is located a couple of kilometres south of Daylesford, constructed in 1860 as a water supply. These days it is a scenic spot idea for fishing, boating and swimming, just a short walk from a mineral spring. A few kilometres further south is Sailor's Falls - a 30 metre cascade of water into a deep gorge, surrounded by a reserve.

Daylesford Spa Country Railway Take a journey on a restored heritage train through scenic countryside and to the edge of the Wombat State Forest, or journey in style aboard a cosy historic diesel train with drinks and savouries

	Convent Gallery Housed in a historic mansion which was later converted to a convent in 1892, it features a number of gallery spaces, a cafe and function rooms all surrounded by beautiful gardens
	Pantechnicon Gallery This warehouse-style gallery is housed in a building which dates back to 1864 and promotes art in many forms with a regularly changing exhibition program

	Daylesford Makers Market A monthly festival of craft and design held in the town hall of this pretty country town
	Daylesford Sunday Market Held at the Daylesford railway station, it features a variety of stalls selling clothing, local produce, collectables and much more
	Mill Market A permanent indoor market featuring retro fashion, collectables, antiques, memorabilia, furniture, art and craft

	Great Dividing Trail Daylesford is located at the junction of three sections of this walking trail - the 71 km "Lerderderg Track" to Bacchus Marsh, the 57 km "Dry Diggings" track to Castlemaine and the 92 km "Wallaby Track" to Ballarat
	Hepburn Regional Park The park contains natural mineral springs and significant relics of the gold mining era, all set in delightful bush surroundings

	ChillOut Festival The largest gay and lesbian festival in regional Australia with music, entertainment, exhibitions, a street parade and a carnival day street market
	Festival of the Rusty Spring A celebration of lifestyle, well-being and spirituality featuring live bands, dancing, a film festival, interactive workshops and entertainment for the kids
	Harvest Festival A food lover's delight and a celebration of harvest with food tasting, farm gate visits, chef's dinners and forums on agriculture and cooking
	Swiss Italian Festa Celebrating the multicultural history of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, this festival presents a diverse array of events including live music, competitions, artwork displays, a street parade, food, wine, fireworks and more

Visit Daylesford Explore all that Daylesford and Hepburn Springs has to offer including attractions, dining, events and business listings

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