Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Victoria

COVID has really interfered with my travel dreams but after being subject to strict lockdown in 2020, I'm grateful to be able to travel anywhere more than 5 kms from my home. Plus, the Victorian government is offering a $200 travel voucher as an incentive to travel to regional Victoria. Vouchers have specific travel periods in which they must be used and your trip will only be eligible if you spend more than $400 on accommodation, tours and/or entry fees. Link to application and further information.

This $400 minimum spend is what enticed me to pick Daylesford - its famous luxury and serenity is also infamously pricey. Unfortunately, you won't be able to get the best out of Daylesford without dropping some dollars. While the town centre is charming and quaint with its bakeries, local grocers and boutique homewares, the following attractions were really the highlight of my two-night trip.

1. HEPBURN BATHHOUSE

The Hepburn Bathhouse is a must-visit to set the tone for a relaxing Spa Country getaway. This collection of heated mineral pools is located in the neighbouring town of Hepburn Springs - a short drive from Daylesford. Science says that this centuries' old practice of soaking in mineral-rich waters can revive and improve your skin. The Sanctuary Mineral Bathing ticket allows exclusive access to three extra pools including an outdoor creekside bathing, and two saunas. Even though it's pricey, it is a much nicer experience than the standard entry to the two indoor pools which reminded me of the deck of my local swimming pool (which also had full length windows looking out). Because most of the pools are entirely indoors, I don't think it competes with the Peninsula Hot Springs but it's still worth a visit. The entry fee is also eligible for the regional travel voucher.

2. DAY SPAS

Daylesford refers to itself as the Spa Centre of Australia so you would be missing out if you didn't visit one of the many day spas for a massage, facial and/or body treatment. Some day spas such as Soma Massage offer health fund rebates which helped me feel good about treating myself. A massage, scrub and facial was much needed for me after a year of face masks and working from my non-ergonomic home desk/shelf.

3. SAULT

Sault serves a three or four course Modern Australian menu with a stunning backdrop of lakes and vibrant lavender fields. This private property is located a short drive from the Daylesford town centre. Their fine-dining menu showcases organic home-grown and locally sourced produce ($95pp/110pp). We booked in for lunch which allowed us to enjoy the beautiful surrounds in daylight but it looks like the prime time to dine would be as the sun sets on the lake.

Menu here

4. LAKE DAYLESFORD

You can't visit Daylesford without stopping by the famous lake. The walking track is a flat three kilometres and is free, yay! Nothing relaxes me more than a good walk.

5. EAT A MILLION RANDOM COURSES AT THE SURLY GOAT

I couldn't find a rating for The Surly Goat on Zomato but it came with high recommendations from my housemates that I will echo here. This eccentric eatery is tucked away on a quiet street in Hepburn Springs. The Surly Goat offers a changing set menu - the staff kept bringing food out and we didn't ask any questions about what was coming next. They tell you it's four courses - but one of the courses is "multiple snacks" which included:

• Sweet juicy tomatoes with salt

• Beef tartare, bonito cream, nori on a cracker

• Radish with kao kao miso butter

• Potato cake, creme fraiche, salmon roe

• Steamed zucchini flower stuffed with crab and prawn

Then there's entree, main and dessert. I'm not sure why anyone needs that much food but it is great value for $80.

I am a chocolate girl but I was won over by dessert of roasted peach, burnt honey custard and raspberry. My mother was happy to see me eating fruits instead of chocolate for dessert for once. Serve that to me any day and I might give up chocolate.

6. CHOCOLATE MILL CAFE

That being said, do stop by the Chocolate Mill Cafe in Mt Franklin if you have a sweet tooth. You can watch them hand-make their Belgian chocolates onsite. I bought a box full of their individual milk chocolate truffles which really hit the spot. The hot chocolate at the cafe is popular but I'm fussy at it was not chocolatey enough for me - I only like drinking pure chocolate. Scrap what I said about giving up chocolate, that's never going to happen.

7. PICNIC AT WOMBAT HILL BOTANIC GARDENS

If you're looking for a quiet place to set up a picnic, try the small Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens for some free serenity among beautiful trees. You can source food supplies from the local bakery, deli and fromagerie.