16 family-friendly activities in Daylesford

For the braver kids, the Convent Daylesford hosts infrequent ghost tours that explore the spooky past of the Convent. With a rich history dating back to the 19th Century, there will be plenty of paranormal occurrences to learn about with your children.

Where: 7 Daly St, Daylesford VIC 3460

When:  Check the calendar on their website to see upcoming dates.

Cost: $55 per person, this includes the tour and a welcome drink on arrival. 

Just a few minutes from Daylesford, the Sailors Falls and Mineral Springs are famous for their stunning waterfall and fresh water. The lookouts both take a couple of minutes to reach from the car park and the top lookout is accessible for wheelchair and pram users.

For those looking for some exercise, the 1.4-kilometre loop around the waterfall is the perfect way to stretch your legs. 

Bring an empty water bottle as you can fill it up at the mineral springs taps. There is a picnic area at the Falls.

Toilets are available but there are no bins, rubbish is to be taken with you.

Where: Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Sailors Falls VIC

When: All year round, however, the waterfall is at its prime in Spring and Winter.

7. Get a drink at Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company

Daylesford Hot Chocolate Company is a great option for a mid-afternoon snack. You’ll find the cafe near to the Wombat Hills Botanic Gardens. The cafe serves ethically sourced hot and iced chocolate drinks with a variety of flavours such as milk, chilli, cinnamon etc. 

They also sell cups and hot chocolate kits if you want a chocolatey souvenier. 

Where: 22 Raglan Street, Daylesford VIC, 3460

Open: Thursday-Monday, on Weekends open from 10 am – 5 pm.

8. Shop alternative fashion at Alt Finery

Wonderful for teenagers looking to experiment with style, Alt Finery is an alternative clothing store with a range of products; from hats and sunglasses to dresses and swimsuits, there is something in there for everyone. 

Where: 105 Central Springs Rd, Daylesford VIC 3460

Open: All days from 10 am to 6 pm.

9. Picnic in the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

Established in the 1860s on top of an extinct volcano, the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is full of lush scenery and places to see. With plenty of walking trails to explore, hours can be spent in these gardens alone.

The Wombat Hill House Cafe offers fresh, seasonal and oftentimes locally sourced food, and they are happy to assist people by lending them a picnic blanket and great advice on the best picnic spot. They offer both takeaway and dine-in. 

Where: Central Springs Road, Daylesford, Victoria, 3460

Restriction: The gardens can be steep at some points, so some small children could struggle with the hike. 

10. Daylesford and District Historical Society and Museum

The Daylesford and District Historical Society and Museum was established in 1971, following the founding of the Daylesford and District Historical Society in 1964. The museum has the largest archive of historical artifacts in the Central Highlands region. The museum is not-for-profit and is run by volunteers.  

Where: 100 Vincent Street, Daylesford VIC 3460

Open: Saturdays, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Cost: Adults are $5, while children are free.

11. Get lost in the Maze House

The Maze House hosts fun activities for kids and parents alike. There are classic carnival games for everyone to enjoy. Families can try return bowling, wind-up horse racing, a queen of cards castle and a cricket pitch. 

The gardens surrounding the maze are beautiful, with places to explore and shady areas to picnic and relax.

Where: 3155 Midland Hwy, Newlyn North VIC 3364

Open: Weekends, Mondays and school holidays from 10 am to 4:30 pm. 

Cost: Children 4 or under are free, children aged 4-18 cost $12 and adults $14, concession costs $12.

12. Daylesford Skate Park

For kids who love skateboarding or roller skating, take them down to the Daylesford Skate Park to practice their skills. 

Close by is a playground for younger children. 

Where: Stanbridge St &, Duke St, Daylesford VIC 3460

13. Browse through the Amazing Mill Markets

Another great activity for rainy days, the Amazing Mill Markets host a selection of antiques, vintage clothes, furniture, home decor and fine china. There are a variety of stallholders selling glass art, paintings, planters and boxes to antiques and collectibles – there is something for everyone. 

There is also a cafe for when you get peckish.

Where: 105 Central Springs Rd, Daylesford VIC 3460

Open: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

15. Bike riding 

All along Daylesford are numerous trails for cyclists. Popular spots include the Lake Daylesford track and the Wombat Botanical Gardens – the popular trail being the domino trail. Get some exercise with the kids and explore some of the beautiful nature of Daylesford. 

16. Enjoy everything lavender at the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm

The Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is great for families. A ten-minute drive north of Daylesford, Lavandula has 40 hectares of gardens and plenty to see and do. Families can take one of the historical tours that run three times a day, then visit the happy farm animals. 

Visitors are welcome to set up a picnic in the gardens. However, you can also eat at the La Trattoria Eatery & Bar. The eatery serves a variety of food and drink, but most notably, lavender-infused scones.

Furthermore, the farm sells all-natural products ranging from essential oils, bath products, lotions and creams.

Where: 350 Hepburn-Newstead Rd, Shepherds Flat VIC 3461

Cost: $5 per adult, and just $1 per school-aged child. 

Restriction: It is best to visit in the summertime, specifically in January. The lavenders will bloom into Autumn.

17. Go Geocaching on a tour with Secret Forest Walks

Secret Forest Walks is a company dedicated to guided walks through the use of GPS. They offer two types of GPS activities; for something entertaining, there is a GPS-guided treasure hunt at Lake Daylesford; or for something more serene, there are GPS-guided walking tours of the Wombat Forest, they range from small (6km) to medium to long (6-15km).

Cost:
Treasure hunt: $50 for groups up to 3, then $15 per additional person. Those 5 years and younger are free.
Short forest walk: $70 for one person, then $20 per additional person.
Medium-long forest walk: $80 for one person, then $20 per additional person.