Daylesford, Macedon Ranges and surrounding villages are easy to get to by road or a combination of road and rail. Several train lines service the area in combination with local bus companies.
Getting here by car
Daylesford is about a 70 minute trip from Melbourne CBD travelling by car and just under an hour from Tullamarine (Melbourne) Airport. The Hume, Calder and Western highways, and the Tullamarine Freeway, all lead to the region.
Driving directions from Melbourne:
- Direct route via Bacchus Marsh and Ballan (113 km)
- Alternative route 1 via Woodend and Trentham (116 km)
- Alternative route 2 via Woodend, Kyneton and Malmsbury (127 km)
From Melbourne airports:
- From Melbourne Airport (108 km)
- From Avalon Airport (106 km)
Once here, an extensive network of peaceful back roads weave through the region to the essential indulgences of good espresso, wineries, art galleries, country pubs and cafés, luxury self-contained accommodation and secluded B&B cottages. Not to mention a long weekend of great festival events.
Getting here by public transport
Victoria’s country rail operator, V/Line, operates several services daily to Daylesford, via train to Woodend, Ballarat or Castlemaine, with a connecting coach service to Daylesford. For more details, view the PDF timetable or visit the V/Line website.
Note: There are also more frequent trains to Ballan, however you will need to get a taxi from Ballan to Daylesford (approximate 25 min drive).
Hepburn Shire Council also provides information about connecting bus services to Melbourne and to other towns in the area. Details.
From Tullamarine Airport Melbourne via Public Transport
1. Take the Sky Bus to Southern Cross Station.
2. Depart from Southern Cross Station. Purchase a ticket to Daylesford. (Best to book before hand). The train can go via Woodend, Castlemaine or Ballarat. Then there is a connecting bus to Daylesford. Via Woodend is the most direct route to Daylesford, it is a 2 hour trip from Melbourne on public transport. (It is longer via Castlemaine & Ballarat).