Victoria location profile
Daylesford VIC 3460
Daylesford is a historic spa town in Victoria’s Central Highlands, famed for its natural mineral springs, wellness retreats and thriving food-and-arts scene. It blends heritage streetscapes with boutique shopping and acclaimed dining, attracting weekenders as well as tree‑changers.
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Why families consider Daylesford
Tourism-driven country town with a mix of long-term locals, hospitality workers, artists and retirees, plus an influx of weekend visitors. Lifestyle is relaxed and community-oriented, with strong food, wellness and LGBTQIA+ friendly culture.
Amenities & services
- Vincent Street retail and cafes
- Coles Daylesford and IGA
- Central Highlands Rural Health – Daylesford Hospital
- Springs Medical and local GP clinics
- Lake House, Sault, Bistro Terroir and pubs
- Daylesford Sunday Market at the railway
- Daylesford Library, Vincent Street (Hepburn Shire/Central Highlands Libraries)
Transport & connectivity
- Nearest V/Line train stations: Woodend, Ballan, Castlemaine
- V/Line coaches connecting to Woodend, Ballarat, Kyneton and Castlemaine
- Major roads: Midland Highway (A300), Ballan–Daylesford Rd (C141), Daylesford–Trentham Rd (C318)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Lake Daylesford walking trails and boating
- Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa (nearby Hepburn Springs)
- Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and lookout
- Victoria Park ovals, courts and sports facilities
- Daylesford ARC/leisure centre
- Convent Gallery and arts events
- Daylesford Spa Country Railway (tourist rides)
- Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
- Lake Daylesford Reserve
- Hepburn Regional Park
- Jubilee Lake Reserve
- Central Springs Reserve
- Cornish Hill Reserve
Education context
Several options including long day care and kindergarten at the Daylesford Early Years/Community hub; limited places for under‑3s in peak periods—waitlist recommended.
- Federation University Australia – Mt Helen (Ballarat) campus
- Australian Catholic University – Ballarat (Aquinas) campus
- La Trobe University – Bendigo campus
- University of Melbourne – Parkville campus
- RMIT University – Melbourne CBD campus