Daylesford Victoria is one of the best little getaways from Melbourne. Daylesford escapes have been popular for hundreds of years, with the area surround Daylesford known for its rich mineral springs.
A weekend in Daylesford has come to signify relaxing, recharging and indulging in the good food and wine that the spa country has to offer.
So close to Melbourne that you can pop up for a day trip, the number of incredible places to stay in Daylesford means you don’t have to rush back to the big smoke in a hurry.
So why not plan to take it slow and make a weekend or even long weekend out of this incredible destination.
This post may contain compensated links, which means at no cost to you, I earn a commission. Read our disclaimer and privacy policy.
Where is Daylesford Victoria?
Daylesford Victoria, Australia (not to be confused with its namesake in the Cotswolds, UK) is just over an hour west of Melbourne.
You’ll find the Farmer’s Arms Art Suites just outside of the main Daylesford town. It’s an easy walk if you prefer not to take the car, however with the Farmers Arms Hotel right across the road you shouldn’t need too much from the main street itself.
Daylesford and Hepburn next door are quite sprawling, so you’ll find yourself needing to get into the car to get from one attraction to the next.
Daylesford tourism has evolved organically around the springs and Lake Daylesford. Its quaint country charm and historic buildings are all part of the allure.
How to visit Daylesford
Melbourne to Daylesford is a popular route and very well connected. You’ll find your Daylesford holiday the easiest if you travel by car.
Daylesford is around 112km west of Melbourne taking the M1, M8 and then C141 route. All roads are well paved and signed.
If you’d prefer to visit Daylesford by rail, then Daylesford station is on the Bendigo line. VLine trains depart from Southern Cross station and tickets can be bought at the station. You don’t need to prebook.
Lastly, there is also a bus service to Daylesford. This is most time consuming option, with car and rail being more favourable.
What are the rooms at the Farmers Arms Art Suites like?
When I read the words ‘Art Suites’ – I was intrigued. I’d previously stayed in an art hotel of sorts – Hotel Q Loft Hotel 1929 in Singapore who’s featured art pieces is chairs! I wondered how this would translate into Daylesford boutique accommodation.
It turns out, it translates really well. Rather than being typical Daylesford pub accommodation, the Farmers Arms Art Suites have really taken it up a notch.
Firstly there’s the absolutely impressive wall of paintings. They’re an absolute talking point and add such warmth to the room. It’s clear they’ve been carefully curated. They’re also all for sale.
In addition to the paintings, you’ll also find other artisanal wares throughout the space. A luxe woven rug, hand potted bowls and even umbrellas. The room isn’t simply decorated, it’s curated and the bonus is, if you fall in love with a piece, you can take it home.
Whilst there’s the drive up convenience of a Daylesford motel, the inner dwelling belies the modern cottage exterior.
Now people come to Daylesford to relax so its important that your Daylesford accommodation allows for this. Aside from the beautiful art, the suite also features a large leather couch (we stayed in suite 1, each room is individual and features its own unique comfy style!) and a generous king sized bed.
What makes the Farmers Arms Art Suites amongst the best accommodation in Daylesford, Vic is its attention to detail.
The bathroom features luxury toiletries from L’Occitane and handmade soap from the Daylesford Soap Company. The rainfall shower is bliss and there’s even an iron (if you’re so inclined).
There’s 2 suitcase stands (hallelujah!) and even a coat rack. The clincher for us was the free minibar and coffee bar that featured red wine, white wine, beer, a range of tea and coffee pods.
If you’re still debating where to stay in Daylesford, I might add, the suite also includes free Netflix – sold!
The quiet street location allows for a great night’s sleep and the generous 11am check out also allows for a cheeky sleep in. What more could you want from a Daylesford hotel?
Luxury boutique accommodation in Daylesford and Hepburn springs can often come with a hefty premium. The Farmers Art Suites however are very reasonably priced, particularly mid week.
The suites are suitable for 2 guests. If you’re looking for a little more space or accommodation that is pet friendly, why not stay at the Farmer’s Arms Heritage cottage which is also on site. It features 3 double rooms as well as an outdoor terrace and is super cute too.
BOOK| Check out current rates for the Farmers Arms Art Suites
BOOK| Check out current rates for the Farmers Arms Heritage Cottage
Where to eat in Daylesford
Aside from the spa culture, Daylesford has an incredible food culture. If you’re wondering where to eat in Daylesford, then you can’t go past dinner at a Daylesford pub.
Luckily for you, the Farmers Arms Hotel is directly across the road from the Art Motel.
The great local vibe is the first clue that this is the best pub in Daylesford. That assumption is quickly backed up with the extensive gastro menu on offer. There’s a broad offering that will appeal to all, with slow home cooked style meals a real feature.
The best places to eat in Daylesford have a local flair and that is particularly true of the Farmers Arms Hotel. They’ve got a great wine selection and include plenty of local favourites.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a small town’s local culture is to have a meal or a drink at the pub the locals favour. The Farmers Arms Hotel is a local pub that is welcoming of weekenders. You may even be asked if you’d like to buy a raffle ticket for the weekly ‘meat tray’ raffle if you visit over the weekend – say yes, it’s all part of the fun!
The meals are extremely generous in size. We were happily full after a shared entree of calamari and then our mains of pork belly and fillet mignon respectively.
Save a little space for a drink in the bar after dinner. Its cosy, but lively and a great way to hear a bit of local chatter.
Unless you’re a big group (20+) the Farmer’s Arms Hotel doesn’t take bookings. 6-6:30 is a sweet spot on the weekend before it gets really busy, otherwise you can enjoy a drink in the bar and the staff will let you know when your table is ready.
Daylesford things to do and see
Whilst the Daylesford area is a popular mini break, the Daylesford region offers so many attractions that just a few days might not be enough!
Luckily, Daylesford is just over an hour from Melbourne, so you can tailor your plans around a certain experience or if you’re feeling energetic try and squeeze in as many as you can.
Here are some of our favourite Daylesford things to do:
- Enjoy a meal and the famous lavender field at Sault – it’s one of the most iconic Daylesford restaurants.
- Take a walk around beautiful lake Daylesford.
- Pop on over to Hepburn springs spa and enjoy the healing mineral waters that the Hepburn bathhouse and spa are famous for.
- Try pumping the different mineral waters at the Hepburn mineral springs reserve (it’s right near Hepburn spa)
- Enjoy the lavender at Lavandula Swiss Italian Lavender farm
- Eat brekky at Cliffys – it’s a local gem and oozes country charm
- Try a cider paddle at the Daylesford Cider Co
- Take a stroll through Wombat Hill botanic gardens and have a bite to eat at the Wombat Hill House Cafe.
READ| Why not visit nearby Hanging Rock in the nearby Macedon Ranges on the way to Daylesford?
Why we loved staying at the Farmers Arms Art Suites
The Farmers Arms is a beautifully appointed boutique accommodation. Its perfect for couples and located close enough to the heart of the township for convenience, yet far enough away for a bit of peace and quiet.
Check in is a breeze. Simply collect your keys from the pub across the road and then leave your key on the coffee table to check out. The free mini bar is a real bonus and the Netflix a fantastic extra.
If you’re looking for accommodation for a small group of a family, the onsite heritage cottage is also a fantastic option that we hope to explore as a family in the near future.
We were guests of the Farmers Arms Suites, however this is not a paid post and all opinions are our own.
Passport Collective is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pin me for later
