One of the joys of Bellavita is how much sits on your doorstep. You're ten minutes from Daylesford, in the heart of Victoria's spa country, with forest at the fence line and cellar doors, galleries and mineral springs all within an easy drive. Here's a list of just a few of the beautiful experiences that this region has to offer.
01 Soak at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
The region holds the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia, and the historic Hepburn Bathhouse has been the heart of it since 1895. A recent refurbishment added private bathing rooms, an adults-only sanctuary and an apothecary experience. Book ahead, especially on weekends — it's about fifteen minutes away.
02 Walk the Peace Mile at Lake Daylesford
An easy, pretty 2.8km loop around the lake, complete in about forty minutes. Bring the kids for the playground and barbecues, or hire a kayak or canoe and take to the water. Early mornings, when mist lifts off the surface, are magic.
03 Taste the mineral springs
At Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve you can walk between the pumps and taste naturally sparkling water straight from the source — Locarno, Soda, Sulphur, Wyuna and more. It's a genuinely local ritual, and free.
04 Browse the Daylesford Sunday Market
Held at the historic railway station, the Sunday Market fills with produce growers, makers and antique sellers. It's dog-friendly and a lovely slow morning — grab a coffee and graze your way through.
05 Climb Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Set atop an extinct volcano, these gardens offer shady paths, a lookout tower with sweeping views, and the charming Wombat Hill House cafe for lunch among the trees. Interestingly Wombat Hill is just one of the estimated 250 volcanoes and volcanic vents in the Central Highlands region. Keep an eye out for these as you drive around the area.
06 Explore forest walks & waterfalls
Wombat State Forest begins right at our boundary. Further afield, the atmospheric Tipperary Track links old goldfields and springs, while Sailors Falls and Trentham Falls reward a short drive — all at their best in autumn.
07 Long lunch at a hatted table
The two-hatted Lake House has been a national icon since 1984. For something more intimate, book Kadota for kaiseki-style Japanese, or Bistro Terroir for classic French. See our full dining guide for more.
08 Tour the cellar doors
The cool climate suits sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir. Passing Clouds, Captain's Creek Organic, Hanging Rock Winery and Gisborne Peak all pour thoughtfully made, small-batch wines in lovely settings.
09 Visit The Convent Gallery
A grand Victorian former convent turned gallery, with rotating exhibitions, gardens, a cafe and gift shop — and views across the countryside.
10 Hunt for treasure at the Mill Markets
A cavernous antiques and vintage hall for collectors and browsers alike — easy to lose an hour or three.
11 Wander Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
A gorgeous historic farm with lavender fields (in bloom over summer), stone buildings and La Trattoria cafe. A nod, too, to the Swiss-Italian miners who shaped this region — and the heritage behind our name.
12 Sweet stops: chocolate & more
Sweet Decadence has been making chocolates for over thirty years; The Chocolate Mill, just out of town, does legendary sundaes. Save room.
13 Cast a line
Bring a rod for our own dam, or fish for rainbow and brown trout, perch and redfin at Jubilee Lake or Lake Daylesford.
14 Cycle the Goldfields Track
Ride sections of the Goldfields Track through gold-rush landscapes, or head to Creswick for the purpose-built Djuwang Baring mountain-bike trails.
15 Day trip to the Macedon Ranges
Picnic at the mystical Hanging Rock, then wander the food-and-wine towns of Kyneton, Trentham (don't miss Du Fermier) and Castlemaine — all within an easy drive.
Prices, opening hours and bookings change seasonally — it's always worth checking ahead. We keep the folder at the house up to date so you don't have to.
