Lavandula Lavender Farm
Tourism Victoria

Highlights

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

The spa complex at Hepburn Springs offers heated mineral spas, flotation tanks, saunas and massages. The adjacent town of Daylesford is an attractive weekend destination with galleries, antique shops, heritage buildings, B&Bs and fantastic restaurants and cafes. Worth a visit is the Convent Gallery, a 19th-century former convent that houses local artwork, sculpture and jewellery.

Lake House

Daylesford’s beloved Lake House is regarded as one of regional Victoria’s best restaurants, if not the best. Opened in 1984, it is partly responsible for the town’s transformation into a gourmet destination. The white, light-filled restaurant overlooks picturesque Lake Daylesford, and the menu might feature local yabbies, free-range pork and dishes that tip their hat to the owner’s Russian heritage. Luxury accommodation is also available, as is pampering at the on-site Salus Day Spa.

Hanging Rock

This impressive rock formation north-east of Woodend was created by the erosion of solidified lava. The spot was inspiration for Joan Lindsay’s novel Picnic at Hanging Rock, and a setting for the subsequent film. Walking tracks lead up to a superb view, with glimpses of koalas along the way, and the Discovery Centre tells the story of the site.

Organ Pipes National Park

Lava flows have created a 20 m wall of basalt columns in this small park near Sunbury. The ‘organ pipes’, within a gorge, can be seen close-up via an easy walking trail. A regeneration program is gradually bringing this formerly denuded area back to its native state.

Lerderderg State Park

The Lerderderg River has cut a deep gorge through sandstone and slate in this 14 250 ha park. Rugged ridges enclose much of the river, and there are also some interesting relics of old goldmining days. Explore on foot, or take a scenic drive via O’Briens Road (turn off south of Blackwood).

Focus On: Country gardens

Gardens flourish in the volcanic soil and cool, moist climate of the spa country. There are botanic gardens in Daylesford and Malmsbury. Around the beautiful village of Mount Macedon, classic mountainside gardens surround large houses; check with a visitor centre for their spring and autumn open days. Cope-Williams Winery at Romsey is well known for its English-style garden and cricket green, while at Blackwood the beautiful Garden of St Erth offers two hectares of exotic and native species (closed Wednesday and Thursday). For something special, visit the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm at Shepherds Flat, where lavender crop sits beside other cottage-style plants.