Daylesford Botanical Gardens has reopened following a $500,000 upgrade to its heritage-listed grounds on Wombat Hill.
Dating back to the Gold Rush era, Daylesford Botanical Gardens sits in the heart of the Central Highlands as one of several locations developed during Victoria’s mining boom. Recent upgrades have reimagined the gardens with new accessible pathways, restored heritage features and a refurbished conservatory that now doubles as an art space.
Central water basin restoration has returned the venue’s original centrepiece to its former glory, while new pathways wind through Wombat Hill’s key spots, making it easier for everyone to explore. Whether you’re into heritage architecture or just need a peaceful wander through some seriously old trees, the upgrades make the whole experience more welcoming.
Daylesford Botanical Gardens
- Where: Wombat Hill, Daylesford
- Opened: 25 November
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Hepburn Shire’s visitor scene is levelling up across the board. Bullarto Station is getting the heritage treatment to recreate its historic charm, while the Djuwang Baring Creswick Mountain Bike Trails keep pulling riders from across Victoria and beyond with 60 kilometres of tracks through Dja Dja Wurrung Country. These projects tap into more than $47 billion in regional investment rolled out over the past decade.
Accessibility was a major focus of the garden upgrades, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can now navigate the site comfortably. Wombat Hill has been a drawcard for well over a century, and the latest improvements guarantee it’ll keep attracting visitors for generations to come.
Dating back to Victoria’s mining boom, the gardens showcase the region’s Gold Rush heritage while offering a genuine escape in the heart of Daylesford. With restored features and better access throughout, the site is positioned to draw even more people to the Central Highlands and boost the local visitor economy.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas represented Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes at the official opening on 25 November. The project supported 10 jobs across various development stages and marks a fresh chapter for one of regional Victoria’s most beloved botanical spots.
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