Why Daylesford is the perfect tree-change for city dwellers

Situated 90 minutes north-west of Melbourne, in the lush goldfields of central Victoria, Daylesford dazzles with its splendid period architecture, echoing the wealth that once flowed as freely as its mineral springs. Together with Hepburn Springs, it offers a harmonious mix of heritage and natural beauty, surrounded by peaceful hamlets.

Daylesford shines with its myriad award-winning restaurants. The annual ChillOut Festival is the third-largest queer event in Australia, highlighting its embrace of the LGBTQIA+ community. Meanwhile, its vibrant and warm community spirit is affirmed by its rating as Australia’s friendliest destination and the fourth globally, according to booking.com users.

The drawcards of Daylesford

Brimming with local treasures, Daylesford often converts weekend visitors into residents. The acclaimed Lake House blends boutique stays, fine dining, and spa treatments. Cliffy’s Emporium delights as a rustic cafe, and The Convent Daylesford, now an art gallery, offers exquisite high tea from a sunlit atrium. At the town’s heart, Ecasa, a European-inspired homewares store inside an Edwardian terrace, features a Parisian-style guest apartment above.

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“Alongside renovated grand period residences, we’ve seen a surge in architect-designed homes, enriching our historic backdrop,” says Will Walton, principal of Belle Property Daylesford. “Our tourism also continues to flourish, not relying on sun, sand, or snow, but rather on our thriving hospitality industry that heralds paddock-to-plate experiences.”

Daylesford is increasingly attractive to professionals with young families seeking the space and serenity of country living without sacrificing urban comforts.

“Short bus trips to Ballarat also appeal to families who wish to send their kids to some of Victoria’s best schools and colleges,” explains Walton. “Not forgetting Daylesford’s creative pulse, attracting renowned figures in art, design, and architecture, who find inspiration and solace here.”

Sault of the earth

Jodi Flockhart and her husband, Damien Aylward own Sault Restaurant, nestled on a breathtaking estate that resembles the French countryside, with its lavender and sunflower fields and a picturesque lake.

“We noticed then the property’s incredible potential, a dream destination with acres of fresh produce, flower fields, and wholesome moments,” says Flockhart. “It’s wonderful to watch people drop their shoulders as they hop out of their cars, take a deep breath of fresh alpine air, and catch a glimpse of flowers and fresh produce growing on our farm.”

Flockhart considers herself lucky to raise her two children on an acreage property that backs onto the forest.

“I love watering my bee garden at sunrise, collecting fresh flowers and eggs from Loganberry Farm, and Sunday trips to the farmers market before baking a cake for my family,” she says. “Days can end just as magical as they begin, whether strolling through Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, bike riding to Hepburn Springs, or taking sunset walks by Lake Daylesford.”

For sale in Daylesford right now..

$2,695,000

33A West Street, Daylesford VIC 3460

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Brand new with multigenerational appeal, this architectural gem flaunts open-plan living and dining spaces, a sublime kitchen, and superb al fresco areas with a plunge pool. Oversized windows frame Wombat Hill views, while natural timber and stone exude sophistication.