Prepare to be seduced when you visit Australia's most famous spa region. Just an hour from Melbourne in Victoria's central highlands, the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region has a mood for wellness and relaxation to get all wrapped up in.

From the majestic beauty of the Macedon Ranges to the rejuvenating pleasures of the Daylesford area, this region is a special place of healing. It's the perfect destination for experiences that relax the mind, soothe the body and nurture the soul.

Explore the best of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges on our three-day getaway road trip.

  • Head straight to Hepburn Springs, the heart of the "Wellness Region" and waste no time in plunging deep into the mineral springs at the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa.

    Relaxed after a total body treatment, take your blissed-out body into the pure, crisp air of the surrounding Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve and sample natural mineral water straight from the earth.

    Make your way to Daylesford's Lake House Restaurant to add a further element of indulgence to the day and top it off with an afternoon of shopping at the eclectic boutiques on Vincent Street.

    Alternatively, wander through the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens after picking up a selection of local produce from Daylesford Picnic Boxes, or discover the work of local artists and artisans at the Convent Gallery.

    Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have an assortment of riches when it comes to dining. Stop in at a welcoming restaurant door or check out favourites The Argus Dining Room, Sault, Frank and Connie's Kitchen or The Surly Goat, to finish off your day.

  • Start with a tranquil breakfast at one of the many magnificent eateries in Daylesford, such as Cliffy's Emporium, Cafe Koukla or Wombat Hill House Cafe. Or if you're visiting on a weekend, collect your fresh local produce from providores throughout the region at Farmers' markets.

    Powered up for the day, it's time to discover the pretty township of Trentham, 30 minutes east of Daylesford. After being wowed by Trentham Falls, the longest single drop waterfall in Victoria, you'll have time to explore the boutiques. Or walk the Domino Trail, a 6km old railway line that connects Lyonville with Trentham. Enjoy lunch at Radio Springs Hotel.

    Follow your wander with some refreshment. Order coffee and pastry at famous RedBeard Historic Bakery, a slap-up pub meal at the Cosmopolitan or French farmhouse cooking at Annie Smithers' Du Fermier. You can even take a sourdough bread-making class before ambling back towards Daylesford.

    Driving through Musk (five minutes from Daylesford), drop into the family-owned Passing Clouds winery cellar door for a taste of their current release wines. If you skipped lunch in Trentham, relax over a "famiglia" style lunch in the dining room (book ahead).

    Then become acquainted with Daylesford Cider Company's dizzying range of ciders and varieties of organic English heritage apples.

    Back in Daylesford, grab a table at the Farmers Arms Hotel for the perfect mix of country charm, a sophisticated menu options, extensive wine and beer list and down-to-earth service. Stay at Cosy Tents, glamping options just outside Daylesford or revive at a wellness villa at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa.

  • It's worth the 30-minute drive to start your day in the historic township of Kyneton, where you can soak up the unique charm of Piper Street.

    For breakfast, let yourself be tempted by charcuterie, terrine, sausage, rillettes and pâtés at the Piper Street Food Co. Leave plenty of time to visit the small shops, boutiques and delightful vintage emporia on this street.

    Kyneton is a hotspot for taste-worthy places to eat and drink, so you'll want to squeeze in lunch. Make time for modern south east Asian cuisine at Fook Shing, or opt for tasty casual fare and top-notch coffee at not-for-profit cafe The Social Foundry.

    Another leisurely 20-minute drive will reward you with an otherworldly visit to Hanging Rock. Learn about the ancient history of the rock as well as more contemporary tales at the Hanging Rock Discovery Centre before ascending to the summit.

    Top off your whirlwind Daylesford and Macedon Ranges tour back in Kyneton with a cocktail made from handcrafted small-batch spirits at Animus Distillery Cocktail Lounge. And if you're staying overnight, try the nostalgic yet fun Kyneton Springs Hotel.