Daylesford Quick Facts

• Population: 3000
• 114km northwest of Melbourne
• Known as the spa centre of Australia, with over 50% of Australia's known and active mineral water outlets
• Home of Australia's famous cartoonist Micheal Leunig

Daylesford - where succumbing to temptation is par for the course. Visitors come to sample the mineral waters, stay in luxury accommodation, explore galleries and antique shops, dine at one of the many fine eateries in town, or relax in one of the region's choice day spas.

For families, there's plenty. On Sundays, Spa Country Railway operates trips from Daylesford Station that travel through the Wombat State Forest. There's also the open-air Sunday Market at the station. Why not take a stroll around Lake Daylesford, hire a boat, or feed the ducks? Horse riders can venture out on local trails for picnic rides with Boomerang Ranch.

The Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens offer a cool summer retreat for a stroll, and the panoramic view over Daylesford from the top of the Lookout Tower is a must. Unique local art is displayed for sale at the award-winning Convent Gallery and the Pantechnicon Gallery.

The main street of Daylesford showcases a number of historic buildings including the Town Hall, The Historical Society Museum, hotels and more. The Historical Society Museum is located in the old School of Mines building opposite Daylesford Getaways office. The chimney was once used for smelting and refining gold. The museum displays photographs, artefacts, clothing and mining equipment, recounting the history of the region.

More information can be found at the Daylesford Information Centre. Ph: (03) 5321 6123.