I’m back home in Melbourne for a little while so why not spend some time seeing what this beautiful country has to offer. My mother took  a few days off to spend time with me and we decided to head  to Daylesford Victoria only a 90min drive from Melbourne for a night. Daylesford is possibly more known for the Hepburn springs however since I was on a budget and my mother isn’t the type to enjoy baths let alone being in multiple baths with other people, we had a different kind of trip.

On the drive up there is a beautiful area to stop off in the Macedon Ranges called Hanging Rock. It’s an easy walk up to the top although I think my Mum might disagree on that. They estimate a 50min walk return to the summit and it did take about that long. It truly is a beautiful sight and from what I have researched, I have found out  it is a former volcano formed 6.25million years ago from stiff magma. However to describe it simply, it is a pretty beautiful historic rock formation surrounded by stunning countryside viewings for your walk.

Me at Hanging Rock

Beautiful Mum, What a view!

Countryside Victoria

Upon arrival in Daylesford we went on a winery tour, for $75 they picked us  up from our  hotel and took us to three wineries and a cidery.
As a girl with a lot of food intolerances, the cidery was the stand out.  All preservative free and naturally delicious. They claim you cannot get a hangover from it, however I would like to really give them a run for their money with that. They really were the nicest ciders I’ve ever had and could easily sit on them all night.
There are so many wineries it is easy to do a tour yourself however you will leave this one feeling buzzed and getting dropped off and picked up at your hotel, what a bonus! Not to mention the tour guide was a legend and brought his Labrador dog along and as a dog lover that’s always a way to get extra points.
http://www.daylesfordwinetours.com/Tours.html

After the wine tour it is natural to be feeling a little peckish and by peckish I mean starving and stumbling. Daylesford has so many options for places to eat but I heard about a place called Perfect Drop and on Wednesday night they have “local night”. Beautiful fine dining restaurant for $50 you get a 5 course meal and a drink. My memory of my time here is seen through blurry wine eyes however it was truly a lovely meal great service and very busy understandably.
http://theperfectdrop.weebly.com

The following morning after a great sleep we had breakfast at The Boathouse which is tucked away in a quiet part away from the main strip of shops on a lake with a stunning view. Reasonably priced food and great meals with everything you would want for breakfast. It also has a great book shop café next to it.

The Boathouse Daylesford

The Boathouse view comes with friends

Cute Book Barn Daylesford

On the drive home how could you not quickly pop into the Chocolate Mill. It’s not as big as I thought it would be, however it has everything you need for a pop in. Chocolate!!! All different kinds. I left with a few little ones for a coffee later in the day and a packet of hot chocolate mix. The perfect way to end my trip with a little bag of chocolates and a couple bottles of wine and cider in the boot. My dad and brother will be happy for our return.