Daylesford is my absolute favourite Australian country town. It has everything I look for in a weekend escape destination with quality food, interesting independent retail and a variety of activities in which to partake; you can see our guide to the best options here. One of its best features is that the town is situated half-way up Wombat Hill overlooking Lake Daylesford. The lake is home to an abundance of wildlife and features a 30-minute walking circuit from which to enjoy the areas glorious views. Depending upon the time of your visit, you will find the lake everything from bitterly cold to warm enough for a swim. There are paddleboats for hire, a children’s playground, undercover barbecues and the restored Boathouse eatery. The morning I took these photos was fresh and crisp without a breath of wind.