Daylesford might be Australia’s favourite country town. Located just an hour and a half from Melbourne, Daylesford is in the heart of Victoria’s spa country with access to some of the region’s best spas and hot springs. The township itself is notably pretty, with its streets lined with characterful cottages, cute boutiques and cosy cafes. If that wasn’t enough, the town has also been named one of the world’s most welcoming cities by Booking.com and hosts the longest-running Country Queer Pride event in Australia.
It’s hardly surprising then that The Block has chosen Daylesford as its 2025 location. The new season will see The Block contestants embrace sustainable design and build a collection of carbon-neutral homes that blend into Daylesford’s unique landscape.
So, whether you’re travelling to Daylesford for a romantic couples weekend or hoping to catch a sneak peek of the upcoming The Block season, there’s plenty to keep you busy in this sweet little town.
Things to do in Daylesford
- Look at art in the historical The Convent Gallery
- Get in touch with nature at Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
- See Picnic At Hanging Rock’s famous Hanging Rock
- Unwind at one of the region’s spas and hot springs
- Explore Vincent Street’s sweet shops, bars and cafes
The best accomodation in Daylesford
01
Lake Daylesford Cottage
Best for: families
Set right on the lake, this sunny cottage boasts cosy interiors, an open fireplace and a large deck with water views. The yellow kitchen is particularly sweet and there’s plenty of space for the whole family to spread out and unwind.
Key features:
- Water views
- Mature garden with fenced yard
- Three bedrooms
Book
02
Poets Lodge
Best for: walkability
The Poets Lodge is made up of three dreamy cottages, which can be booked individually or together. Located in the centre of town, the accommodation is within walking distance to Daylesford’s main sites, making it ideal for those travelling by train. Each of the cottages has its own unique charm, but ‘The Main House’ is particularly impressive with its 12-seater dining table in the library.
Key features:
- Located in the centre of town
- Group of cottages
- Character features
Book
- Via Airbnb
- Via Booking.com
03
Hotel Bellinzona
Best for: solo travellers
Solo travellers will appreciate the comforts of Hotel Bellinzona, which is located 4km away from the main Daylesford township in Hepburn Springs. Just a short stroll from the Hepburn Springs Bathhouse, the hotel’s luxuriously decorated rooms, heated pool and multiple on-site bars and restaurants are the perfect place to unwind after spending the day at the spa.
Key features:
- Hotel
- On-site bars and restaurants
- Located in Hepburn Springs
Book
- Via Booking.com
- Via Luxury Escapes
04
Headland cottage
Best for: couples
With its steep gable roof, wrap-around porch and white balustrade, this sweet little 1860s cottage is like something out of a storybook. Ideal for couples, the one-bedroom home boasts romantic French doors and luxurious bed linens, while the rest of the interiors are just as characterful with original leadlight windows and a pretty country-style kitchen.
Key features:
- Characterful interiors
- Pretty porch
- 11-minute walk to Lake Daylesford
05
The White House Daylesford
Best for: a group of friends
Design lovers will appreciate the elegant interiors of The White House, which have been lovingly curated by interior decorator Lynda Gardener. The property is an 1850s original miners cottage with plenty of heritage features, including claw-foot baths, vaulted ceilings and French doors. With three bedrooms, there’s space for up to three couples, making it the perfect option for a group holiday.
What we love about it:
- Decorated by Lynda Gardener
- 12-minute walk from Lake Daylesford
- Suitable for groups of friends
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