Daylesford & Hepburn Springs Wellness Retreat
Australia's spa capital — mineral baths, lavender farms, lake walks, and antique-village ease.
A pure decompression day — for couples on holiday, mums-and-daughters, or quietly-tired professionals.
What you'll experience
Stop-by-stop itinerary
~3.9h driving · ~7.5h on the ground
- Stop 1 · 08:30
Melbourne CBD pickup
Hotel pickup. Driver pre-books your Bathhouse session and Convent lunch.
- Stop 2 · 10:00
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
110 km90 min driveAustralia's oldest mineral-springs bathhouse, built in 1895. Sanctuary Pool is the must-do — a heated, scented mineral bath with skylit ceiling.
150 min on siteSanctuary entry $52, Private Bath from $65 - Stop 3 · 12:45
Lavandula Swiss-Italian Farm
8 km15 min driveA working stone farmhouse in a hillside lavender field — Devonshire tea on the lawn under wisteria, or browse the lavender shop. (Purple Nov–Feb.)
60 min on site$5 entry - Stop 4 · 14:00
Convent Gallery long lunch
12 km20 min driveA converted 1860s monastery on a hilltop — three levels of art galleries, terraced gardens, and the elegant Altar Café for an unhurried lunch.
90 min on site - Stop 5 · 15:45
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
1 km5 min drive25-acre Victorian-era hill garden with a viewing tower over Daylesford. The Pavilion serves a quiet afternoon coffee.
45 min on site - Stop 6 · 16:35
Lake Daylesford & Boathouse
1 km5 min driveA flat 1.7km lake circuit (paved, prams-and-wheelchairs welcome) past the historic Boathouse Café — paddle boats hire if you have energy left.
50 min on site - Stop 7 · 17:30
Mill Markets antique browse
1 km5 min driveA century-old woollen mill turned antique market — 100+ dealers across two warehouses. Even non-buyers love the rummage.
55 min on site - Stop 8 · 18:30
Return to Melbourne
110 km95 min driveDirect drive back via the Western Freeway.
- Stop 9 · 19:30
Melbourne CBD drop-off
Door-to-door return.
Included
- Private vehicle for 11 hours
- Fuel, tolls, GST
- Bottled water and bath towel for each guest
- Pre-booked Bathhouse and Convent lunch
Not included
- Bathhouse entry ($52 Sanctuary, $65+ private bath)
- Lunch and beverages
- Lavandula entry ($5)
What to bring
- Swimwear under your clothes
- A change of clothes after bathing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A buyer's eye for the antique markets
Best season
Year-round. Winter is when the warm mineral springs feel best; lavender is purple Nov–Feb.
FAQ — Daylesford
Is this trip suitable for mobility-limited or older guests?
Yes — every stop has step-free or short-distance access. The Bathhouse offers private rooms, the Lake walk is paved, the Convent has lifts, and Wombat Hill drives to a viewing terrace.
Can we add a spa massage?
Yes — Hepburn Bathhouse offers 60-minute massages and full-body wraps. Add 60–90 minutes; we'll trim Mill Markets to fit. Book 2 weeks ahead.
Are kids welcome?
Children 16+ can use the Bathhouse public pools; children under 16 are not permitted in the Sanctuary. For families, we recommend Mineral Springs Reserve next door (free public springs) instead.
Can we swap the bathhouse for somewhere else?
Yes — alternatives include Saltus Spa, Salus at Lake House, or Shizuka Ryokan (Japanese onsen). Each has a different vibe; the driver can recommend.
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