How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Daylesford & the Macedon Ranges

And although is always a special treat to be recognised, no matter the day Valentine’s Day is a chance to say thank you and treat your loved one. So, we’ve brainstormed our top list of things to do, and because we’re the most romantic place in Victoria, you can schedule a visit for the 14th or redeem anytime.

Dinner for two

You may need a special occasion or date to enjoy the finer things in life, or then again, you may not! We are spoilt for choice for fine dining restaurants in the area; we have restaurants that will impress old loves or new. You will be sure to have a romantic, relaxing evening, with food and service that you will rave about for years to come. Here are some of the fine dining restaurants in Central Victoria, open on Valentine’s Day, to choose from:

• du Fermier, Trentham
• Source Dining, Kyneton
• Sault Restaurant, Daylesford
• Ma Cave – Midnight Startling, Kyneton
• Bistro Terroir, Daylesford
• Lake House, Daylesford

Outdoor Adventure

If your main squeeze happens to be adventurous, we’ve got some cool outdoor activities in the fresh, open air.

Giddy up with Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides who cater to all riders – beginners to experienced. Their horses are well cared for and have distinct personalities. Kieran and his staff are skilled at matching horse and rider, and participants will receive individual attention to ensure the day is unique and memorable.

Paddleboats and canoes can be found at Jubilee Lake Holiday Park. Splash about, watch the local wildlife or go fishing. When you have finished your water play, there is a kiosk, picnic area, BBQ and toilet nearby.

Victorian Quad Bike Tours are for real adventure seekers! No previous experience is required, as full instruction and tuition will be provided. It’s something different, challenging and fun.

Imagine riding through a towering forest, undulating country, and being off track.

In contrast, a more subdued outdoor activity would be a picnic. Piper Street Food Co has a range of picnics baskets ready for a nature romp. Their baskets are full of delicious products and best of all – they come in a delightful little picnic box that has a map of our region, helping you locate the perfect picnic spot together. Here are some of the best picnic spots around –

• Malmsbury Botanical Gardens
• Trentham Falls
• Wombat Hill
• Hepburn Springs Reserve
• Black Hill Reserve
• Vaughan Springs
• Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Out for Drinks

Not sure that dinner and daytime activities are for you? Well, there are some great spots for drinks:

Spoil the apple of your eye, kick back and relax at Daylesford Cider. Gaze across the rustic tabletop at your loved one, whilst sharing a delicious wood-fired pizza and cider tasting paddle. Or perhaps you get your own paddle to avoid arguments.

In Kyneton, Animus Distillery is the place to go. Ease into their luxurious couches sipping on your favourite G’n’T or cocktail. If you time your visit right, you can watch as they prepare the botanicals, charge the boiler and collect the precious distillate as it pours fresh from their still. Every step of the process is on display.

You could always blow the froth off a couple of beers in Woodend. Holgate Brewhouse will be open, serving locally made brews. Their taproom features 16 limited and special release beers. Visit their state-of-the-art brewery, where you can learn about beer and brewing while enjoying varieties you can’t try anywhere else.

Love is in the air

Let’s take your love to a new height. If your loved one likes a bit of a thrill, let them take to the sky and be the pilot with Airsports Flying School. Let them sit in the pilot seat and once airborne, take control of the aircraft. They will fly around Mount Macedon, over Hanging Rock and past the Romsey vineyards.

A hot air balloon ride with Picture This Ballooning is an unforgettable experience, it’s a beautiful morning of romance that you and your partner will remember forever. Take in the vibrant scenery, a landscape of rolling hills, rich red volcanic soils, beautiful blue waterways and green forests. This is hot air ballooning at its purest..

When it comes to stargazing, location is all-important. Whether you want romantic sunsets or remote natural beauty, you’ll find plenty of luxury romantic glampsites around here. Here are our top places enjoy our starlit sky –

• Cosy Tents
• Daylesford Glamping
• Garden of St Erth
• Lawson Lodge

Something sweet

Men and women alike love Valentine chocolates. Browse the chocolates and sweets available online or visit to halve your treats with your better half.

• The Chocolate Mill, Mt Franklin
• Herbal Lore Liqueur Chocolates, Daylesford
• Cabosse & Feve, Castlemaine
• Daylesford Collective, Daylesford
• Widow Twankeys, Clunes
• Sweet Decadence, Daylesford

Flowers

Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a beautiful floral creation, and flowers can play an essential role in any sweeping romantic gesture that you have planned. Right at your doorstep are some of the best slow flower growers in the country. Some of our favourites include:

• Crofters Fold, Kyneton
• Acre of Roses, Trentham – by appointment
• Fleurs de Lyonville
• Oak & Monkey Puzzle, Spargo Creek
• Belle âme, Glenlyon

Come for the weekend…or longer

If whisking your loved one away for one day isn’t feasible, give the gift of travel on Valentine’s day. There are plenty of ultra-romantic destinations right in our backyard—hunt for something that suits you best on this very website.

If you are still unsure and would like to take your date to a special event or occasion, check out all of our events here.

Featured image: Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa