The Amazing Mill Markets, Daylesford

Wall to wall. Floor to ceiling. Every where you look in the Amazing Mill Markets, there is something that catches your eye. 

Lovely old things for sale. That's for sure -  I was like a kid in a lolly shop.

Beautiful old photographs and posters of Daylesford...

...some old school tunes on a juke box...

...even some carnival clowns. I was tempted to buy this to practise at home, so I can FINALLY win one of those giant soft toys I see other peeps winning all the time, while my prize is always a cheap plastic tiara that breaks in a day.

Luckily I got distracted by other shiny things and forgot about the clowns. Books, comics and a few toys were our bounty for the day, but there's so many stalls, with different items - there is really something for everyone here.

What: The Amazing Mill Markets

Where:105 Central Springs Rd, Daylesford (also Ballarat and Geelong)

When: Daily 10:00am - 6:00pm

Why: vintage goods

How Much: FREE entry
Nearby: Peace Mile Trail

Sanotorium Lake, Mt Macedon

Originally made to supply water to a sanotorium which was never built, this small lake in the forest looks like it is straight out of a Frederick  McCubbin painting.

Teeming with tadpoles which will one day become Banjo Frogs, I wouldn't advise dipping your toes in this water. But it is pretty to look at.

The walking trails are easy and a round trip takes about 15 minutes. There are other, longer trails.

Fungi and wildflowers are abundant.

Look for koalas in the tall gum trees and wallabies and echidnas amongst the towering Ash trees and soft ferns.

 

The picnic ground is a haven for birdlife, and I watched a bright Red-Breasted Robin? sitting on this picnic table for about 10 minutes. Bring a picnic lunch or have a BBQ and enjoy the fresh mountain air on your next day off.

What: Sanotorium Lake

Where: Lions Head Rd, Mt Macedon

When: Daily

Why: Lake, bird spotting,  bushland, walks, wildlife

How Much:FREE

*coffee tip: 3 Little Pigs, Gisborne

Peace Mile Trail, Lake Daylesford

Take an hour to stroll Peace Mile Trail on the edge of Lake Daylesford. On a crisp Autumn morning, the blue sky, the changing colours of the trees and the bright paddle boats all create a postcard perfect photo opportunity.

The bright red berries of the holly trees are bursting with colour right now.

Cross the road and continue around the Lake, past the Lakehouse and the local geese community.

Honk if you love geese. HONK!

Spend another hour (or two) at the Daylesford Bookbarn, where you'll find the shelves loaded with second hand books from all genres. I got myself these 3 beautiful old books, filled with fascinating old photos of Australian buildings.

What: Lake Daylesford

Where: Leggatt St, Daylesford

When: Daily

Why: Lake, bird spotting,  bushland, walks, wildlife

How Much:FREE
Nearby:  Wombat Hill

Hanging Rock, Woodend

*cue panflute music*

An hour from the city, Hanging Rock is a great destination for an outing on your day off.

The Discovery Centre is a good starting point,  with lots of information on the origins of the rocks and the local area.

Easy walking trails around the rock formations lead to picturesque views across the Macedon Ranges and valleys below. 

Look up for koalas and birdlife in the treetops along the trail, and the Hanging Rock itself  which hangs directly over the path.

 

At the picnic grounds, a 200 year old Manna Gum damaged by lightning, has been beautified with carvings depicting the lost school girls from the acclaimed film, as well as native flora and fauna and other local icons.

Pack a picnic lunch (a picnic at Hanging Rock is compulsory, in my book) and spend a few hours exploring the reserve.

Kangaroos and wallabies are plentiful and we also saw a couple of guys taking their llamas for a walk. Seriously.

 

 

What: Hanging Rock

Where: South Rock Road, Woodend

When: Daily 9am to 5pm

Why: Nature, walks, wildlife

How Much: $10

*coffee - 3 Little Pigs, Gisborne