Daylesford - Blampied - Creswick - Clunes - Smeaton Self-Drive Day Tour
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are ideally located in Central Victoria, giving easy access to the surrounding towns and villages, and neighbouring Shires. So once you've explored Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, stay a little longer and enjoy the many nearby attractions!
Take this scenic 96km round drive from Daylesford that winds its way across vast volcanic plains - a rich land-scape in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields. You will be intrigued by the natural and cultural heritage of Creswick and Clunes and beyond.
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1 - Eganstown
Head out of Daylesford along the Midland Hwy towards Ballarat. The road winds its way through Hepburn Regional Park until you come to the little village of Eganstown. During summer months, stop for berry picking at Morningswood Farm. Spring Park Nursery is opposite. Nearby, take the waters at Deep Creek Mineral Spring, namesake of the iconic drink brand and a beautiful picnic spot.
2 - Blampied
At a 6-way intersection stands the Swiss Mountain Hotel, one of the oldest pubs in Victoria. Check out Overwrought Sculpture Gardens & Gallery. Get a coffee and stroll their impressive gardens or take a guided tour of their metalwork studio.
Nearby is Captains Creek Organic Wines. Their cellar door offers stunning vistas across the plains.
Further along, Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides offer guided horse riding in Newlyn North.
3 - Newlyn
Stop at the Maze House for some fun with their incredible hedge maze and carnival games. Continuing along the Midland Highway you will be passing through rich potato country. Stop by at one of the farmgates in Newlyn.
4 - Kingston
Take a worthwhile detour to view the breathtaking Avenue of Honour. Beautifully restored and cared for by the local community. Visit the Commercial Hotel's Resource Centre, preserving and sharing the stories of the Avenue.
5 - Creswick
Creswick is as beautiful as it is historic. Meandering its elegantly curved main street lined with shady trees & grand buildings it's easy to picture what life must have been like when this was a bustling goldtown during the 1850s.
Thanks to the work of forestry pioneer John La Gerche, Creswick is also the birth-place of reforestation - and today, much of La Gerche's work can be enjoyed in and around the town, especially the La Gerche Forest Walk - particularly stunning in Autumn.
Delve further into local art and history at the Creswick Museum, where Lindsay family works are always on display. Talk to a local at the Visitor Information Centre and pick-up a Lindsay Trail Map.
Unwind in one the many local cafes and restaurants showcasing regional produce. From an authentic French boulangerie to eclectic cafes and classic country pubs. Tour the interactive exhibit at Creswick Woollen Mills and meet their farm animals. Or tee off at the world-class golf course at the RACV Goldfields.
Look up during a bushwalk through Creswick Regional Park, you might be rewarded with the sight of koalas. And keep an eye out at nearby St George's Lake for the elusive platypus.
Head north along Clunes-Creswick Road towards Clunes, passing through landscapes deeply impacted by gold and deep-lead mining.
6 - Clunes
Clunes is where Victorian gold rush fever sparked in 1851. Evidence of those boom-town days remain in the picturesque streets and preserved architecture of this charming little town which is considered the best collection of 19th Century buildings in Australia. Learn more at The Warehouse, home of the Clunes Museum.
Gold prospecting, bushwalking, rock climbing and hiking options abound, especially at Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve, abundant in wildlife and wildflowers. Sample the local wine and produce at Clunes' cafes, restaurants & pubs.
7 - Smeaton
Returning to Daylesford, you will pass through Smeaton. Be sure to stop at Anderson's Mill, standing today much like it was over 100 years ago. A five-storey bluestone building and its magnificent iron water wheel.
Location
98 Vincent Street, Daylesford 3460 View Map
