DriveAway to Daylesford, Australia

Our DriveAway car at passing Clouds winery

Melbourne residents looking to take a break from the city or visitors to Victoria looking to see a little bit more than just the Melbourne CBD are re-discovering the ‘world away’ feeling of a driving holiday to Daylesford.

And the best part; No car? No problem! While DriveAway Holidays Australia has already become synonymous with motorhome hire around the globe, travellers can also grab a great deal on car hire for mini getaways to some of Victoria’s most scenic and relaxing destinations.

Packing a weekend bag, my partner and I decided to venture outside the city for a mini mid-week break!

Visitors flying into Melbourne Tullamarine can easily collect a hire car from DriveAway’s airport location or in the Melbourne CBD (which is what we did.) We were pleasantly surprised to find the process smooth and the car in great shape (freshly washed and ready to hit the road.)

Located about 100km from Melbourne’s CBD, Daylesford has become known for being a  ‘spa town’ offering plenty of options to relax and unwind with some great options for mineral baths, massage treatments, fresh local produce and a whole lot of pampering. What might seem like a quick 2 day trip is certain to feel like an extended break.

Stay in luxury at Frangos and FrangosWe checked into Frangos and Frangos, a boutique property located in the middle of the town of Daylesford. Offering just 12 rooms, each themed differently, and offering a sophisticated glamour and luxury amenities that make it popular with couples.  The onsite restaurant Jimmy’s Bar and Dining Room offers contemporary Australian fare with a bit of a twist.

The regional area, known for its quality local wine and produce is highlighted on the Jimmy’s menu in beautiful surroundings. So if you’re a wine enthusiast (and who isn’t?) you’re certain to find something that will please your palate.

With both a bar area and a semi-formal dining area, Jimmy’s is ideal for a variety of special events, casual dining options or events, and a romantic dinner.

While in town, wander around the local area and enjoy the variety of cafes and boutique shops including a wide assortment of unique gifts, antiques, and handmade items. Make sure to take a little time out to drive just a short distance to one of many local wineries as well.

We took our chances on finding a winery along the drive and stumbled upon Passing Clouds. Greeted by the official winery dog, we did a quick tasting, discovering a remarkable chardonnay before heading back into town.

As the area is known as a wellness destination, you’ll find plenty of options for looking after yourself with a bit of indulgence and we made sure to experience a treatment at Daylesford Day Spa. Located in the centre of town, it’s a short stroll from our accommodation. With six treatment rooms and a host of treatments available ranging from facials to massages to aromatherapy and everything in between. We tried out one of the spas signature treatments, an aromatic candle massage. By selecting the candle that suits your preference, it’s melted into warm oil that’s used to treat your skin with soybean and essential oils and leave your skin not only moisturised but feeling incredibly soft.

Poached eggs and hollandaise at the Piper St Food Co cooking schoolDay two we took our DriveAway car on another adventure into nearby Kyneton where, similar to Daylesford, you’ll find a variety of quirky shops and antiques as well as the Piper St Food Co. Here you’ll find a tasty little cafe and shop offering a variety of housemade and local treats from nearby producers as well as a cooking school.

Located on the main strip of Kyneton, these courses cover everything from basic cooking classes like creating the perfect picnic to pasta making to full day charcuterie classes- even a master-class on breaking down a full pig just like the butcher!

Class sizes are small so you’re certain to be able to see what’s happening and answer questions.

My session was the Cooking Basics: Eggs course which, in just two hours, had me preparing mayonnaise from scratch, learn how to create the perfect poached egg any time, make a hollandaise sauce and so much more.

Our two days felt like four and we drove back to Melbourne and returned our little car feeling like we’d had an interstate holiday.

While two days certainly wasn’t enough time to experience all there was to see and do, you can plan your own getaway using the Daylesford app offering plenty of ideas and inspiration regarding things to see and do in both Daylesford and nearby Hepburn Springs.

Alternatively, you’ll find more information on experiencing the best of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area by checking out dmrtourism.com.au for plenty of tips and ideas.

 

About the author

Gwen O’Toole is an accomplished writer focussing on travel, events management and food and wine. She also published a fiction novel while spending the past eight years as a magazine editor and travelling the globe before launching The Ideas Library, a creative services and event management company. She is regularly featured in a variety of travel and leisure publications and blogs.

10 of the best winter walks in Devon, UK

10 of the best winter walks in Devon, UK

Beautiful Devon – it’s not just for summer! Visit Devon has suggested these amazing spots that are ideal for a wander in winter (a great opportunity to walk off the pudding too).

best winter walks in Devon

 

Best winter walks in Devon, UKThe Middle Dart Valley Walk, Totnes

Distance: 5 miles

This route is perfect for winter as the trail follows surfaced paths and lanes, so if it’s snowy or been a little wet the going will still be easy, and there is just one gentle climb and no stiles – ideal for families and those looking for an easier stroll.

Beginning and ending at Totnes, the walk passes along the River Dart through the Dartington Hall Estate, where there are lovely views over the Middle Dart Valley. Walkers could stop off at Dartington Hall or the Dartington Press Centre nearby for refreshments and then the walk continues along lanes and through woodland, where walkers will pass by the working waterwheel before returning to Totnes.

 

The South West Coast Path, Bolberry Down

Distance: 7 miles

Bolberry Down has a network of paths running along the high cliff tops with wonderful views, providing a choice of walks which vary in length and course. In the autumn the heathland is vivid with gorse and heather, and the migrant birds gather ready to leave.

This section of coast is relatively flat and the National Trust have undertaken work to ensure that a network of paths can be used by people in wheelchairs, or with buggies, or for those who prefer a flatter terrain.

 

The Mamhead Sensory Trail, near Exeter

Distance: 1.5 miles

Beginning and ending in Haldon Forest Park, just minutes outside Exeter, the all-ability trail and takes walkers along flat, well surfaced tracks. It’s perfect for those with younger children, as it’s a ‘sensory trail’ with special markers along the way to encourage walkers to appreciate their whole surroundings, and plenty of resting points and picnic benches. It’s also pushchair friendly, with no steep inclines.

Starting at the car park in Mamhead, the route follows through the forest and a beech-lined avenue to the high viewpoint near the Obelisk. From there walkers can admire views across the whole of Exeter, and on a clear day across to Start Point and Dawlish. The route consists of two loops that both lead to and from the car park, and can be shortened to one mile.

 

The Tarka Trail, North Devon

Distance: 1.5 miles

The Tarka Trail is an accessible walking and cycling path that runs through 163 miles of North Devon coast and countryside beginning at Instow and encompassing the South West Coast Path. Walkers will pass through old railway tunnels, under bridges and through the village with the opportunity to follow the path ahead and round to the beach, walking through the dunes. When the tide’s in, walkers can continue along the cricket club driveway to join the path through the village where there’s a few nice pubs to warm up in after a cold winters walk.

 

The Ernest Bassett Walk, Dartmoor

Distance: up to 5 miles depending on route

Devised by a keen Dartmoor walker and founder member of the Dartmoor Rescue Group, this walk is intended as an easy introduction to the area’s natural attractions.

Beginning in Okehampton on the shoulder of Dartmoor, the walk covers the historic architecture and an old waterwheel before continuing along paths, fields and through woodlands, leading to the East Okement River.

The scenic route passes by small waterfalls and still pools, before continuing in a climb to East Hill where, on a clear day, walkers will see fantastic views across to Exmoor and an almost aerial view of Okehampton – before returning to the town.

Best winter walks in Devon

 

Windford Valley Walk, Arlington Court

Distance: Various

The Windford Valley Walk is part of the 2700 acre Arlington Estate. The wooded walk features fairly easy terrain with one section of steps and one steady climb, which will take walkers through a variety of lush, wooded walks.

Wellington’s are recommended as the public footpaths can be muddy. For those who enjoy long walks, Arlington House is a great stopping point of a nice cup of tea (walkers are advised to check Arlington House opening times prior to arrival).

 

Steeperton Tor from Belstone

Distance: 7 miles

For those walkers who like a more challenging route, Steeperton Tor walk, starting from the village of Belstone, near Okehampton, is an exhilarating route into the high ground with a few boulders along the way.

Walkers will climb past the waterfalls and rapids of the River Taw, Oketor and Belstone Tor, before heading back over Belstone Common and back to the village of Belstone.

 

Devils Point

Distance: 1 mile

Devils Point Park, part of the South West Coast Path, is a mile long park and coastal pathway that is now joined with the historic Royal William Yard.

Both steeped with naval history, Devils Point, used for centuries as a farewell and welcome home point as Royal Navy Warships arrive and depart, features spectacular views across Plymouth Sound and Cornwall.

Located adjacent to Plymouth’s Royal William Yard, an old walled naval yard built in 1826, the two are now joined by cantilevered stairs which link the two sites together, allowing walkers on the South West Coast path to walk through to the 19th Century walled yard through a concealed entrance.

The contemporary, purpose built stairs feature a glass viewing platform and panoramic views over the Tamar Estuary. Walkers can admire the coastal surroundings before finding refreshment in Royal William Yard’s many artisan restaurants and cafes.

 

Torquay’s Victorian Gardens and Lookouts

Distance: 3 miles

The 3 mile circular walk along the beautiful South West Coast Path from Daddyhole Plain, Torquay, passes what was once a Victorian rock garden, now preserved as a wildlife conservation area with some rare and beautiful plants.

With stunning views of Tor Bay and down through wooded cliffs walkers can catch a glimpse of crystal clear waters.

From viewpoints along the way walkers will see Torquay’s most dramatic rock formations such as the Devonian limestone arch, named London Bridge by the Victorians.

Towards the end of the coast path section lies Peaked Tor Cove where the Torbay Home Guard’s Second World War lookout post can be found offering panoramic view across the Bay. The spectacular walk and views demonstrates why the English Riviera is a UNESCO-recognised Global Ge-opark.

 

Plym Valley Trail

Distance: 5 miles

The Plym Valley Trail is a gentle route for walkers which heads towards Dartmoor.

The trail starts at Plym Bridge Woods and offers great views and the opportunity to spot wildlife. The walk passes the disused quarries of Cann and Bickleigh Vale, and many old viaducts and railway paths along the way, as well as rivers and woodland.

Devon’s also dog friendly, which we like! Drop by this site to plan your visit: visitdevon.co.uk

 

Keen for an another adventure that’s great for the body, mind and spirit? Have a read here