Visiting Daylesford and Hepburn Shire

The twin towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, located in Hepburn Shire, nestled in the Central Highlands at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, are the perfect home for the ChillOut festival. Situated just over an hour from the heart of Melbourne, the towns offer a wonderful opportunity to take a break – and have an awesome party.

Recognised as an area of culinary excellence, the area boasts dozens of restaurants, cafes and pubs, with something to suit every budget and every tastebud.

The land around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs contain some 80 per cent of Australia’s natural mineral springs. Over the years, this has brought about the development of some of best local day spas and natural therapy centres, including the famous Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. There is also a well-equipped gymnasium, as well as many health food outlets to cater for every dietary need, not to mention art galleries, wineries, bookshops and fascinating retail outlets.

The area contains abundant scenic resources, from the vast spread of the Wombat State Forest, to the tree covered heights of Wombat Hill and Mount Franklin (an extinct volcano), and the majestic surrounds of lakes Daylesford and Jubilee.

In the 19th Century, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs were bustling and prosperous gold-mining towns, and many of the historic buildings and mansions built at the time are still much in evidence. Unusually, many of the district’s early settlers hailed from Italy and Switzerland. Their legacy is still present today, in the Swiss-Italian names of many localities and houses, and in some of the most beautiful Lombardi architecture this side of Milan.

Renowned for the tolerance and diversity of its population, the area provides a warm welcome to members of the gay and lesbian communities. The towns boast the highest percentage of gay and lesbian residents in rural and regional Australia. Many local businesses are gay or lesbian-owned – and those that aren’t are most definitely friendly!

The area boasts a wonderful array of accommodation options, including five star hotels; luxury self-contained units complete with spas, plasma screen televisions and views to die for; budget apartments; caravan parks and camping -- and even a youth hostel.

So, when you’re taking a break from the multitude of activities and attractions offered at ChillOut, there are plenty of ways to keep busy – and plenty more ways to simply chill and rejuvenate. Come up to Daylesford for the Labour Day long weekend – or anytime of year - you’ll be very relaxed, but never bored!

You'll now find much more information about the unique things to 'see' and 'do' and 'taste' in Daylesford and surrounding towns and villages - just click on the Visitor Information button at the top of this page for a menu of information.  

Or take a look at our new Guide to ChillOut Country -- available online or at a usual venue near you.

You'll also find traveller info at www.visitdaylesford.com.au.

Photos by Alison Pouliot

Click here for current weather conditions in Daylesford and forecast.