The Boathouse

The most prominent of Daylesford’s lakes is, appropriately, named Lake Daylesford. A leisurely circuit of its perimeter – which will take in secondhand store the Book Barn and plenty of waterfowl – takes half an hour, and there are paddle boards and paddle boats for hire from the Boathouse. Conveniently, that’s a great place to eat, too – either on the deck seating or in the light-streamed dining-room. They’ve got you covered for breakfast, brunch and lunch, with mains including garlic-steamed mussels and confit duck. The restaurant is licensed, with a generous selection of local drops.