Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, Daylesford

What: These beautiful botanical gardens in Daylesford are a must for your ‘to visit’ list. They are truly one of the most beautiful gardens I have walked around. There was a wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers; the grass was lush; and there were also picnic tables, rotundas and bench seats scattered throughout. 

Where: The gardens are situated on Wombat Hill Scenic Drive. This road comes off Central Springs Road and does a circuit of the Botanic Gardens. There are two carparks, one on the left as you come in, near the cafe, and the other higher up on the hill, if you turn right as you enter Wombat Hill Scenic Drive.

The best bit: We saw people of all ages enjoying the gardens. One person was reading a book in the shade of an obliging tree, others were walking their dogs, and children were exploring. 

Picnic or cafe: The Gardens are just the type of place you could happily bring your own picnic. With that said, there is also a cafe in the centre of the greenery, Wombat Hill House, which does amazing coffee and top shelf custard filled doughnuts.

Toilets: There are easily accessible public toilets a short stroll from the cafe.

Make a day of it: Incorporate a pit stop to Trentham Falls or Lake Daylesford. If you go on a Sunday you can visit the Daylesford Sunday Market at the Station. 

Dogs: You can walk your dogs on a leash in the Gardens.