Victorian travel: What to eat, see and do on holiday in Daylesford
Melburnians love a weekend escape, and Daylesford – about an hour and a half north-west of the city – has long been that destination for many of us when it comes to spa and mineral spring getaways. But it’s also the region that keeps on giving; proof that unwinding here can be as eclectic or luxurious as you wish.
If the idea of stepping back in time appeals, then a retro fix at Sweet Retreat in Daylesford is sure to hit the sweet spot. This kitsch home accommodates up to eight guests and comes with four themed bedrooms: Peaches, Rainbow, Sweet Love, Tea & Biscuits. It’s the ultimate sugar high without the calorie intake and will keep the youngest of house guests ever intrigued, thanks to its playful palette of pastel colours and the scratch and sniff cherry wallpaper.
There are giant Iced VoVos on the walls as art and a large sculptural ice-cream installation in the kitchen to remind you of the many sweets you downed as a kid yourself. The pastel pink kitchen dials in the right amount of retro, while original milk bar-themed art by Melbourne artist Callum Preston in the dining room is equally as compelling. This is a bright way to do Daylesford, where you don’t take yourself too seriously, and its decor is sure to bring out the childlike wonder in you.
The accommodation concept is thanks to the folks behind the Sugar Republic giant candy museum. Each of the rooms is inspired by classic Australian snacks, the two bathrooms are neon-lit, and there is a gorgeous garden for extra R & R and space. The minimum stay is two nights.
There’s no shortage of places to dine in Daylesford, but the modern Japanese restaurant Kadota is definitely a must. It is run by the owners, Daylesford local Aaron Schembri (formerly of the Press Club and Hajime Yoneda – a Michelin three-star restaurant in Osaka) and his Japanese-born wife, Risa Kadota, who met while working in Japan and fuse their love of slow dining with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
From sashimi to wagyu, oysters, pork belly dumplings and scallop ceviche, many of the herbs and vegetables that make the dishes are grown in their garden. There’s a seven-course set menu that takes all the guesswork. The emphasis at this 40-seat restaurant is on omotenashi – meaning honest service and honest food.
STAY
A modern take on retro living – where Australia’s favourite snack foods inform the colour palette here. A four-bedroom delight and suitable for families and couples.
From $300 per night off-peak; higher on weekends and at peak times.
EAT
Run by a husband-and-wife team who wear their passion for Japanese cuisine elegantly here. It’s all about seasonal and local produce, where slow dining is at the heart of their culinary message.
DRINK
This is your pitstop for all things cheese and wine – where 700 local and international wines are on offer. The focus is on natural, minimal intervention, organic and biodynamic varieties. There are baked treats, fresh baguettes, cheese towers and coffee, too.
DO
This new spot opened in time or the Easter holidays – where a taproom and bar brings the best of pale ales and more. A chance to enjoy the fresh air or cosy up inside.
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