Day 1: Brisbane to Kyneton and Daylesford
Our escape began with an early morning flight from Brisbane to Melbourne, excited to explore Daylesford and its picturesque surroundings. Upon landing in Melbourne, we picked up our hire car and set off on a scenic drive via Mt Macedon. A refreshing stop at Mount Macedon Trading Post provided the perfect pick-me-up — coffee and a pastry from the general store and café.
Our next destination was the historic town of Kyneton, where we spent a few hours exploring Piper Street. This street is lined with boutique shops, Antique stores, galleries, and eateries. For lunch, we made our way to Piper St Wine Company, where we enjoyed a relaxed meal paired with a carefully curated selection of local wines.
In the afternoon, we checked into our accommodation at Stonefields - The Farmhouse, a beautifully restored property that offered the perfect blend of luxury and rustic charm. After settling in, we drove to Daylesford to visit Winespeake Cellar + Deli. Their selection of local cheeses and wines made for an cosy evening back at The Farmhouse, perfectly capping off our first day.
Day 2: Markets, Treats, and Town Adventures
We began our second day with coffee and breakfast at The Old Glenlyon General Store. Since it was a weekend, we made our way to Maldon for the Maldon Market: Home Made + Home Grown, where local vendors offer everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. After exploring the market and picking up a few supplies, we ventured into the town of Maldon to discover its local shops and antique stores.
Our next stop was Trentham, where we couldn’t pass up a visit to the RedBeard Historic Bakery. Known for its wood-fired bread and delicious sweet treats, this bakery is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
As the day unfolded, we returned to Daylesford for a beautiful A la carte lunch at Bistro Terroir. The afternoon was spent browsing the shops in town. We ended our day back at The Farmhouse, where we relaxed and soaked in the peaceful ambiance of the countryside.
Day 3: Gardens, Galleries, and a Farm-to-Table Feast
Our final day in Daylesford started with coffee and a light breakfast at Cliffy's Emporium, a local favourite known for its rustic charm and fresh produce. We then headed to the much-anticipated self-guided tour of Stonefields House and Gardens - The iconic property designed by renowned landscape designer Paul Bangay. His masterful use of symmetry, structure, and plantings in the gardens provided endless inspiration and a perfect setting for a mid-morning stroll. Walking through these meticulously crafted landscapes, you can truly appreciate Bangay’s vision and attention to detail, making it a highlight of our Daylesford escape.
After the garden tour, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Wombat Hill House, nestled within the picturesque Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. The remainder of the afternoon was spent exploring Daylesford’s galleries and shops.
For our last dinner, we indulged in a farm-to-table experience catered by Spade to Blade. The dinner, featuring locally sourced ingredients, was the perfect way to end our escape. We enjoyed the meal at the Daylesford Farmhouse, where our Rachel Elizabeth Interiors napery set the scene for a beautiful evening. The Harlow Cotton Block Printed Tablecloth and matching napkins perfectly complemented the delicious feast and was the perfect way to end our escape.
The following morning, we checked out of The Farmhouse and had a quick breakfast in town at Cliffy's Emporium before making our way back to Melbourne for our afternoon flight home.
This 3-day escape to Daylesford and its surroundings offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culinary indulgence, and exploration — an ideal Victorian getaway. xR
