Just how much stuff can you shoe-horn into one weekend and still call it ChillOut? Of course this here program is stuffed full of stuff to do during the festival, but the region looks at you with those big green eyes (erm, hills) and beckons you to stay… To do it all you’ll just simply have to come back. (Oh, if you must!)
Of course the region is recognised as the Spa Centre of Australia. Having the highest concentration of mineral springs in any one area in the country, the Hepburn-Daylesford region welcomes those who wish to partake in the cleansing, healing, nurturing gifts the waters bring.
The recently refurbished Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is the jewel in the crown of the Spa Capital. Bathe in the precious bubbles and ease away any trace of stress. The Bathhouse offers private mineral baths: as well as an extensive range of beauty and spa therapies. The team at Daylesford Day Spa are also totally committed to indulging you in the art of relaxation. Rejuvenate your mind and body with a delicious treatment. Endota offers all Australian organic body treatments, facials and massage: Discover down to Earth heaven at Endota (at the rear of Frangos). Albert Day Spa invites groups to partake in a little day spa indulgence, with light lunches and blissful treatments to suit everyone’s wishes and wallet.
If you’re unsure which treatment to book, perhaps you need some guidance? Daylesford Tarot Readers offer tarot, palmistry and clairvoyant readings. Their Esoteric bookshop is loaded up with books to help you find your way, no matter which direction life takes you. One thing’s for certain though, if you love a bottled beverage, you’re in the right place. A part of the Macedon Ranges Wine Region, Daylesford and surrounds specialises in cool climate varietals. Sample and sip your way around and discover a new favourite wine (or five). Passing Clouds at Musk (just 5 minutes from Daylesford), makes highly regarded pinot noirs, sparkling Chardonnays and incredible Bendigo reds that keep the critics and wine lovers coming back for top-ups. Horvat’s Wine Bar in Daylesford loves to show off not only their own delicious wines: but happily shares a few of their faves from elsewhere as well, and dishes them up with free live music and homemade pizzas all weekend.
Herbal Lore Liqueurs hand craft smooth, decadent, rich liqueurs by blending organically grown handpicked herbs. Speaking of rich and decadent…The Chocolate Mill near Mt Franklin creates the most exquisite handcrafted Belgian chocolate truffles and treats.
Creative folk from around the world are drawn to the region to do what they do best. Resulting in no shortage of outstanding galleries showcasing works of great significance and beauty. There are studios and galleries dedicated to painting, photography, sculpture, ceramic works, craft, and more. The Convent Gallery features four levels of fine art, and numerous exhibitions at any one time. Relax over coffee at Bad habits Café, or grab a drink at the Alter bar to unwind when you’re all arted out. Overwrought Metalwork & Design produce decorative and functional metalwork for any interior or exterior space. And if you prefer your canvasses a little more, um, alive, the Australian Body Art Awards will be held in Daylesford on April 20 & 21. (Just a little something for the diary!)
What’s a trip to the country though without seeing the country! Giddy up! Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides and Boomerang Ranch offer a variety of trail rides for everyone. Even if you’ve never thrown your leg over, it’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Or if you prefer to wear a fascinator rather than a helmet, NMIT Kyneton Park holds regular race meets throughout the year in a meticulously manicured country racecourse setting. Over in Creswick the Creswick Woollen Mills (the last coloured spinning mill in Australia) will have you swooning over more Alpaca fleece and fabulous fibres: and if you quite enjoy the hair standing up on the back of your neck Daylesford’s Eerie Tours will have you exploring Daylesford’s creepiest old buildings whilst listening to spooky stories of the past.
The businesses we have linked to on this page are ChillOut supporters. We encourage you to support the businesses that support ChillOut.
Albert Day Spa
12 Camp St. Daylesford. 3460
www.albertdayspa.com.au
03 5348 4337
Albert Day Spa right in the heart of town. Caters for all your pampering
and beauty needs, Hens and groups welcome with light lunches, enjoy any facial,
body or foot treatment or a complete pampering package that is no less than
blissful.
Boomerang Ranch
Ranch Road. Daylesford 3460
www.boomerangranch.com.au
03 5348 2525
From the novice to the experienced. Riding through native bushland, all
rides supervised, helmet provided. Bookings essential.
Chocolate Mill
5451 Midland Hwy. Mount Franklin. 3461
www.chocmill.com.au
03 5476 4208
Uncompromising commitment to quality all made and sold exclusively on site with Belgian Fair Trade Chocolate. Open 7 days a week. Free Demonstrations at 11am & 2pm. Free Entry.
Convent Gallery
7 Daly St. Daylesford. 3460
www.theconvent.com.au
03 5348 3211
The Bad Habits Cafe, trendy Altar Bar, sumptuous retail areas, four-levels of fine art, all surrounded by six acres of stunning gardens, this multi-award winning gallery offers endless possibilities for a unique and satisfying experience
Creswick Woollen Mills
Railway Parade. Creswick 3363
www.creswickwool.com.au
03 5345 2202
Last coloured woollen spinning mill. Tours and info sessions. Factory outlets. Alpacas. Tourist Destination.
Daylesford Day Spa
25 Albert St. Daylesford. 3460
www.daylesforddayspa.com.au
03 5348 2331
An Earthy and harmonious ambience with a total commitment to providing the perfect environment for relaxation, rejuvenation and wellness.
Daylesford Tarot Readers
107 Vincent St. Daylesford. 3460
www.daylesfordtarot.com.au
03 5348 8000
Tarot, Palmistry and Clairvoyant readings. Esoteric bookshop and Pagan/Wiccar books and ritual supplies.
Eerie Tours-Daylesford Murder Mystery Tour
www.eerietours.com.au
1300 856 668
Explore Daylesford’s murderous Gold rush history in this eerie evening tour. Travel through the Old Courthouse, Police lockup and several murder locations while listening to Daylesford’s murderous past.
Endota Day Spa
Rear of Frangos & Frangos. Central Springs Rd. Daylesford. 3460
www.endota.com.au
03 5348 1169
Succulent, stylish and serene, heavenly all-Australian organic body treatments, facials and massage, and nurturing organic skincare. Slip into endota. Discover down to earth day spa heaven.
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
Mineral Springs Reserve Rd. Hepburn 3461
www.hepburnbathhouse.com
03 5321 6000
The historic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa offers a diverse range of hydrotherapies centred on the regions mineral waters, renowned for their therapeutic qualities. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Spa offers private mineral baths, as well as an extensive range of beauty and spa therapies.
Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides
60 telegraph Rd. Mt Prospect. 3364
www.hepburnlagoonrides.com.au
0408 059 125
Horse riding through the Wombat forest, catering for the beginners through to experienced riders.
Herbal Lore Liqueurs
Lot 2 Railway Crescent. Daylesford. 3460
www.herballoreliqueurs.com
03 5348 1920
Herbal Lore Liqueurs organically grown, handpicked herbs married with the traditional craft of cooperage, blended with the art of winemaking, create sumptuous, rich liqueurs that not only heal, but add a touch of elation to any romantic experience.
Horvat’s Wine Bar
Shop 6 Howe St. Daylesford. 3460
www.horvatwines.com
0429 585 129
Wine Bar with live music, homemade pizzas and handsome wines. Open Friday to Sunday.
NMIT Kyneton Park
kyneton.countryracing.com.au
03 5422 1866
NMIT Kyneton Park is a Thoroughbred Racing and Training Complex operated by the Kyneton & Hanging Rock Racing Club whose primary purpose is the ongoing development and delivery of Thoroughbred Racing within Macedon Ranges.
Overwrought Metalwork & Design
61 Central Springs Rd. Daylesford. 3460
www.overwrought.com.au
0403 675 170
We produce decorative metalwork including garden art, wall art, Furniture, Gates, signs and security doors. All of our pieces are hand crafted in Daylesford.
Passing Clouds
30 Roddon Lane. Musk. 3461
www.passingclouds.com.au
03 5348 5550
Passing Clouds makes stellar Macedon Ranges and Bendigo wines – highly regarded by the critics and public alike. Our cellar door is located 5 minutes from Daylesford – come and say g’day.
The Australian Body Art Awards
Daylesford. 3460
www.australianbodyartawards.com.au
0407 627 427
The Australian Body Art awards shows Friday 20th and Saturday 21st of April 2012. Daylesford Town hall. Face painting, costume painting, Special FX, Body Painting and airbrushing.