tours and activites in the Daylesford/Hepburn Springs area
Old Macaroni Factory
Guided tours of the Macaroni Factory (aka Lucini’s Historic Pasta Café) give a rare insight into the fascinating story of the Lucini family told through Giacomo Lucini’s unique frescoes that adorn the ceilings and walls. Much restoration has been done to reveal these colourful frescoes that are Australia’s oldest and preserve the family’s history.
They reflect complicated political statements and lives and scenes of their Italian homeland at beautiful Lake Maggiore. These tours start at 10.30am and last an hour on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost $10 per adult, children under 14 admitted free if accompanied by an adult. Location: 64 Main Road Hepburn Springs 3461
The Old Macaroni Factory is a short 5 minutes drive North from Daylesford and situated at 64 Main Road on the left as you enter the Hepburn Springs township. It is a ten minute walk to Hepburn Springs Spa complex. Email: mariaviola@bigpond.com Tel: 03 5348 4345
Cricket Willow
Cricket Willow is the only facility in the world where visitors can witness the fascinating process of cricket bat manufacture from start to finish. It encompasses a picturesque cricket oval amid the sweeping foothills….from strolling through the trees in the willow grove…to seeing a bat being crafted in the cricket gallery…to selecting a Jabaroo bat from the exclusive shop…to smashing runs in the middle of the field of dreams. Open daily for Group Bookings. Location: 355 Hepburn-Newstead Road , Shepherds Flat
Email: info@cricketwillow.com.au Tel: 03 5476 4277
Chocolate Mill
At Chocolate Mill all our chocolate is made on site and sold exclusively from here. We have a retail store in the front of our kitchen, with a viewing window to see the production as it happens. We also have a cafe where drinks & chocolate are served. The cafe includes two toilets, including one for disabled access. Our carpark holds 50+ cars and our cafe has enough seats for up to 80 chocoholics. All dogs must be on leads please. Free demos 11am & 2pm daily. Location: 5451 Midland Highway , Mount Franklin Tel: 03 5476 4208
Redbeard Historic Bakery
The Redbeard Bakery and behind the scenes bakery tours and sourdough baking workshops are a must for food lovers. They offer a seasonal cafe menu featuring local produce (modern Australian style). Tours are available 2pm Monday to Friday.
Bookings for workshops and tours are made through the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre. Sunday full day workshop $200 (adults only) Wednesday half day workshop $140 (adults only) Includes lunch and bread Tours $12 includes Devonshire tea/$20 includes lunch (per person) Minimum group tour charge $50. Location: 38A High St Trentham. Email: info@redbeardbakery.com.au Tel: 5424 1354
The Timber Benders
The Timber Benders are about the revival of an old craft that uses steam to soften and make pliable solid timber and then bend to shape using heritage machinery and very old and proven techniques. See a historical working timber bending business, factory shop and gallery. $5 per person to view working factory for large groups; $10 for view and accompanied guided tour.
Suitable for busloads, schools, groups, couples, families etc. Children free when accompanied by an adult. Groups welcome bookings essential. Location: Creswick Woollen Mill Precinct Railway Parade, Creswick Email: info@timberbenders.com.au Tel: 5345 1588
Threadneedle Craft Daylesford
Threadneedle Craft inspires you to create! They stock a large range of craft & art supplies for enthusiasts & beginners, including needlework, patchwork, beading, card-making & art supplies. They have patterns & kits to create fabulous home décor & accessories, as well a great selection of craft books, gift ideas for kids & workshops. Gift vouchers are also available. Open 7 days. Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm, Weekends (School & Public Hols): 10 am – 5 pm. Location: Shop 2/52A Vincent Street, Daylesford. Email: info@threadneedle.com.au Tel: 5348 4277
Eerie Tours
Eerie Tours presents a Daylesford murder and mystery tour. This is a walk through Daylesford at night, exploring various buildings while being told many of the murderous and mysterious stories from the gold rush era.
Tours run Fridays and Saturdays 8.00pm – 9.30pm. Email: info@eerietours.com.au
Tel: 1300 856 668 Mobile: 0423 653 512
Mill Markets
The Daylesford Mill Markets are a collectors dream! Australia’s largest mix of antiques and collectables. Over 4,000 square metres. Cafe on site. Free admission.
Centre open 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm. Location: 105 Central Springs Road, Daylesford Tel: 03 45348 4332
Avant Garden Bookshop – Daylesford
The Avant Garden Bookshop is housed in an elegant Georgian bank building in the picturesque town of Daylesford. It is a rambling maze of a bookshop. There are 14 rooms jam packed with new and second hand books, comics, magazines and ephemera, as well as second-hand records (33 rpm albums) compact discs, videos and D.V.D?s. When planning your next visit, give yourself plenty of time for a really good browse, or click search their online store. Member of the Australian Booksellers’ Association. Location: 46 Vincent Street
Daylesford VIC 3460 Tel: 03 5348 1288
