When you picture a trip to Daylesford, you might think about its blissful spas and mineral waters. But, if you’d rather stay dry, there’s still plenty of ways for you to take it easy. For a pleasant day out, wander through a charming weekly market, then hop on a vintage train ride through the countryside. The Daylesford Railway has been running the Daylesford Sunday Market for over 45 years, and they have become a quintessential part of this small town. The market and train rides run every Sunday, and you’ll find them both on Ragland Street.
Daylesford Railway
Before or after you browse around the market stalls, treat yourself to a nostalgic adventure on a restored vintage train. Leave Daylesford behind and roll through the Central Highlands, looking out at open farmland, towering forests and restored train stations.
Journey through Wombat State Forest and pass by the historic Musk Station, which was built in 1882. Continue on to the Passing Clouds Station, which was built more recently in 2018, and connects to a winery. From there, go past towering trees and fern gullies to the final station in Bullarto. Located between Daylesford and Trentham, Bullarto is currently the highest railway station in Victoria, at 747.4 metres above sea level. From there, return to Daylesford back the way you came.
The return trip from Daylesford to Bullarto lasts for one hour. Dogs on a lead are welcome to come along!
Let the team know if you’d like to stop for a wine tasting at the Passing Clouds cellar door. Tickets include travel to Bullarto, and you’ll get off at Passing Clouds on the journey back. Spend some time at the winery, then hop on the next train to Daylesford.
Trains run every Sunday, except for Christmas Day. They also run on Wednesdays and select Saturdays during the Victorian school holidays, as well as Saturdays on long weekends. The first train leaves at 9:30am, and the last one leaves at 2:30pm.
Return tickets to Bullarto are $24 for adults, $20 for concession and children, and $60 for a family.
For more information, such as the timetable or details about the fleet, click here.
Daylesford Sunday Market
The lovely Daylesford Sunday Market is run by volunteers from the railway. There’s up to 130 stalls each week, and you can find plenty of fresh produce from local farmers. As you browse through the stalls, you’ll also find plants, clothes, antiques, jewellery, arts, crafts, hot food and various bric-a-brac.
The market runs every Sunday, and goes ahead even if it’s raining. The only time it’s closed is if Christmas Day is on a Sunday, or if there is a Catastrophic fire rating.
It opens bright and early at 8am, and begins to wind down from 1pm. Remember to bring cash with you, as not all stalls accept EFTPOS. Dogs are welcome to come along, as long as they’re on a lead.
For more details about the market, click here. To get an idea of what stalls you can expect, check out their social media.
What else can you do?
If you’d like to stay outdoors, take a lovely stroll around Lake Daylesford, or explore the beautiful Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. For something indoors, explore The Convent art gallery or chill out in one of the cafes and restaurants. Go out a little further to Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, relax in Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa or take a short drive to see Trentham Falls. For more ideas, click here.