Heartwarming Winter Favourites
Sure, it gets chilly up here in winter – and yes, everyone loves to talk about it.
But we say lean in! Embrace those frosty mornings, cosy up by a crackling fire with a glass of hearty red, dive into a juicy steak, treat yourself to a steamy spa session, or duck inside and discover some seriously good art. We’ve pulled together a list of activities to keep you warm this winter. Rug up and we’ll see you soon.
Sip on a hearty red
Nothing says winter like a hearty red and luckily we have plenty of excellent drops to choose from. Start with the Giovanni at Mount Towrong Vineyard – a co-fermented blend of pinot noir and nebbiolo. Or you can’t go past the Hesket Estate pinot noir – best enjoyed beside their double-sided fireplace at their cosy cellar door. Stop by Wombat Forest Wines and sip on their classic full-bodied cabernet sauvignon paired with a grazing platter, or pop into Hanging Rock Winery and be warmed by their robust Heathcote shiraz or elegant Jim Jim pinot noir.
Steaks that warm you up, literally!
Eating a hearty steak in winter warms you up from the inside out, thanks to the high protein and iron content, which help fuel your metabolism and generate body heat. Daylesford’s Bistro Terroir is a neighbourhood French bistro, famous for its steak frites – picture perfectly cooked steak paired with crisp, golden fries. Down the road, The Argus Dining Room at Mineral Springs Hotel serves European-inspired fare with a focus on local, seasonal produce. Their winter menu features a succulent Greenhills Farm rump with charred onion and chimichurri. At Tuki, pair your steak with sweeping panoramic views and tuck into a rich, tender Sher Wagyu. Or pair a scotch fillet with a tasting paddle at Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend – served with your choice of red wine jus or creamy mushroom sauce, it’s the perfect pick on a chilly day.
Treat yourself to a warming spa treatment
Escape the cold with a soothing spa treatment. Relax with a hot stone massage at Daylesford Healing Massage – a luxurious treatment that combines the healing benefits of massage with the penetrating warmth of heated stones. Samadhi Retreat in Glenlyon offers an incredible selection of immersive spa treatments and holistic wellness programs that blend massage, meditation, and healing therapies for deep rejuvenation and inner balance. Or soothe yourself by relaxing in the mineral waters at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, or at The Mineral Spa – both of which boast heated mineral baths.
Tuck into a wholesome brunch
Start the day right with a hearty brunch and warming coffee. In Daylesford, you can’t go past Cliffy’s, a spot popular with both locals and tourists. Feast on dishes such as their Turkish eggs or the Cliffy’s benedict. In Harcourt, start your day at the Harcourt Produce & General Store – think wholesome homemade goodies and flaky pastries paired with freshly brewed coffee. Or for the socially minded, The Social Foundry in Kyneton fills your belly and your soul – top dishes include the wow waffle or the big veggie breakfast.
Get out into the elements
Get the blood pumping and enjoy our many spectacular natural attractions along the way. A walk to the peak of Hanging Rock or a stroll (or run) around Lake Daylesford are two popular options. Further north, a wander through Castlemaine Diggings National Park is like taking a step back in time with many goldrush era relics to be found. Choose from the 1.5km loop or 4.5km loop trails. Or why not pack the clubs and try one of our many excellent golf courses. A top option is Hepburn Golf in Hepburn Springs. This 18-hole course is challenging without being intimidating, making it suitable for all playing abilities. And the views? Absolutely amazing. Just watch your swing and be careful not to hit one of the many resident kangaroos.