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Walks around Daylesford
Daylesford sits in the hills among forest, mineral springs, lakes and old volcanoes, and some of the best walking in central Victoria starts right in town. Here are our favourites, from a 45-minute lake loop to a day in the forest.
Easy walks in town
Lake Daylesford loop
The classic. The track loops right around Lake Daylesford, past the Central Springs, the swimming jetty and the cafés on the water. It’s about 2.5 km and takes around 45 minutes at an easy pace. Parts are quite steep, with handrails on the steepest section. Read our Lake Daylesford guide.
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
Wander the paths under huge old trees in the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, then climb the lookout tower for views across the district. It’s a short, steady climb from Vincent Street.
Jubilee Lake
Just south-east of town, Jubilee Lake has an easy loop through the bush, a mineral spring and picnic spots by the water. It’s quieter than Lake Daylesford, and lovely early in the morning.
Six walks to start with
Lake DaylesfordThe 2.5 km loop around the lake, past the springs and the cafés.
Tipperary TrackAlong Wombat Creek from the lake to Hepburn Springs.
Lalgambuk (Mount Franklin)Walk the rim of an old volcano, ten minutes north.
Jubilee Lake Walking TrackAn easy, quiet loop through the bush, south-east of town.
Wombat Hill Botanic GardensOld trees, garden paths and a lookout tower.
Trentham FallsA short walk to one of Victoria's longest single-drop falls.The Tipperary Track
The Tipperary Track is Daylesford’s best-known walk. It follows Wombat Creek from Lake Daylesford to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, through bushland and old gold diggings and past several mineral springs, including the Tipperary Springs picnic area.
Allow a few hours one way. Most people walk one way, have lunch or a soak in Hepburn Springs, and get a lift or a taxi back. Bring a bottle to fill at the springs on the way.
Mount Franklin (Lalgambuk)
Ten minutes north of town, Lalgambuk, also known as Mount Franklin, is an extinct volcano with a forest growing inside its crater. The Dja Dja Wurrung name is Lalgambuk.
The circuit walk loops around the rim, with views across the district, and a short climb takes you to the summit lookout. Down in the crater there’s a picnic ground in the trees. See the Mount Franklin Reserve.
Waterfalls
Trentham Falls
Trentham Falls, about 20 minutes east, is one of the longest single-drop waterfalls in Victoria. A short walk from the car park leads to the lookout over the Coliban River. It’s at its best after rain. Pair it with lunch in Trentham: see a weekend in Trentham.
Sailors Falls and Loddon Falls
Sailors Falls, just south of town, has a mineral spring and steps down to the falls. Near Glenlyon, a walk from the Loddon Falls car park leads into the gorge. Both are short but steep in places.
See every waterfall on the map.
Lookouts
Besides the Wombat Hill tower and Mount Franklin, try Jacksons Lookout above Hepburn Springs and Thomas Lookout. Both are short walks, best in the late afternoon light. See every lookout on the map.
Forest walks and longer trails
Wombat State Forest
South and east of Daylesford, the Wombat State Forest has quiet tracks, creeks and picnic grounds, from Nolans Creek to the headwaters of the Lerderderg River. Near Newbury, Clarries Track is a pretty forest walk.
The Goldfields Track
The Goldfields Track is a long-distance trail across the goldfields that passes through Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Walk a section, or ride it.
The Domino Trail
Near Trentham, the Domino Trail follows an old railway line through farmland and forest. It’s gentle and flat, and good for walking or cycling.
The Three Lost Children walk
This walking track remembers three young boys who were lost in the bush near Daylesford in 1867. It’s a quiet, moving walk.
Walking with the dog
Most of these walks welcome dogs on a lead, including the lake loop and the Tipperary Track. Check the signs at each start point, as rules differ in some reserves. Plenty of our homes welcome pets too: see pet-friendly stays.
Before you go
Wear proper shoes: many tracks have steep, rocky or muddy sections, especially after rain. Carry water, though you can top up at the mineral springs.
Mobile coverage is patchy in the forest, so download a map before you set off and tell someone where you’re going.
In summer, check the fire danger rating and VicEmergency before heading into the forest. Some parks close on days of extreme fire danger.
Stay close to the tracks
Stay by the lake and walk out the front door: see lakefront stays. For quiet bush around you, try a farm stay, or a home in Hepburn Springs, at the other end of the Tipperary Track. Afterwards, soak tired legs at a bathhouse or day spa, or in your own spa bath.
More ideas: things to do in Daylesford, and What’s On.
Stay by the lake
Lakefront holiday rentals, picked by us. Walk out the door and onto the lake loop.
Questions about walking in Daylesford
What is the best walk in Daylesford?
For a short walk, the Lake Daylesford loop. For a half-day, the Tipperary Track from Lake Daylesford to Hepburn Springs. For views, the rim of Mount Franklin (Lalgambuk).
How long is the walk around Lake Daylesford?
About 2.5 km. It takes around 45 minutes at an easy pace. Parts are quite steep, with handrails on the steepest section.
Where does the Tipperary Track start and finish?
It runs between Lake Daylesford and the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve in Hepburn Springs, along Wombat Creek. You can start at either end.
Are there waterfalls near Daylesford?
Yes. Sailors Falls is just south of town, Trentham Falls is about 20 minutes east, and Loddon Falls is near Glenlyon. All are best after rain.
Can I walk with my dog in Daylesford?
Yes, on a lead on most tracks, including the lake loop and the Tipperary Track. Check the signs at each start point.
Are there easy walks for kids?
The Lake Daylesford loop, Jubilee Lake, the Botanic Gardens with the lookout tower, and the picnic ground inside Mount Franklin’s crater are all good with children.