Best for
- Culinary travellers drawn to Australia's finest regional dining
- Couples wanting a romantic lakeside escape within easy reach of Melbourne
- Wellness seekers looking for spa treatments rooted in local mineral springs and botanicals
Lake House Daylesford
Victoria's iconic house on the lake, where garden, kitchen, and spa converge
Refined regional retreat rooted in the land and the seasons
- 2 Chef's Hats restaurant showcasing produce from the hotel's own 40-acre Dairy Flat Farm
- Solar-heated infinity pool overlooking Lake Daylesford, surrounded by six acres of country gardens
- Salus Spa offering hydrotherapy with natural mineral spring water and farm-sourced botanical treatments
Luxury Hotel · Daylesford
The luxury case for Lake House Daylesford.
A founding member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, Lake House sits on six acres of country gardens on the shores of Lake Daylesford. Since 1984, Alla Wolf-Tasker AM has built one of the country's most celebrated regional dining destinations, earning 2 Chef's Hats and multiple Gourmet Traveller accolades. With 35 individually appointed rooms, an infinity pool overlooking the lake, Salus Spa, and produce sourced from the hotel's own 40-acre Dairy Flat Farm, this is a place where food, nature, and restoration are woven into every detail.
The mood
Refined regional retreat rooted in the land and the seasons
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Why it earns the rate
The Sutton Suite is a standalone villa with its own living room, dining area, fireplace, and sweeping lake views. Combined with a multi-course dinner in the hatted restaurant and a morning at the spa, it makes for one of Australia's finest regional getaways.
Lake House offers 35 individually appointed rooms across five categories, each furnished with custom pieces from local artisans and hung with original artwork from the Wolf-Tasker family's private collection. The look is distinctly personal rather than cookie-cutter: William Morris-inspired wallpapers, velvet upholstery, handcrafted timber side tables, and views that shift from intimate garden pockets to sweeping lake panoramas.
The Sutton Suite sits at the top, a standalone villa with its own living room, fireplace, dining area, and wide-angle lake views. Waterfront Suites and Lodge Suites occupy the middle ground, offering generous space, separate living areas, and direct frontage onto the water. For a comfortable entry point, the Lodge Studios and Waterfront Pool Studios put you steps from the infinity pool and gardens without sacrificing the quality of bed, bath, or minibar (which includes complimentary beer, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks).
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All rooms include daily turndown, porterage, in-room movies, wifi, and that celebrated Lake House breakfast: a la carte and buffet, with freshly baked sourdough and pastries from the Bake House at Dairy Flat Farm.
Dining at Lake House is the reason many guests first make the drive from Melbourne, and it remains the beating heart of the property after 40 years. The restaurant holds 2 Chef's Hats from the Good Food Guide and has been listed among Gourmet Traveller's top destination restaurants year after year.
The kitchen's philosophy is simple but rare in execution: up to 90% of raw produce comes from the hotel's own Dairy Flat Farm, a 40-acre regenerative property just ten minutes down the road. Vegetables, herbs, flowers, olive oil, honey, orchard fruit, and estate wine all make the short journey from soil to plate. What the farm cannot supply is sourced from trusted local producers and makers. Seasonal a la carte menus are served at both lunch (Friday to Monday, $245pp) and dinner (nightly, $245pp), with beverage pairings available from $95 to $125.
Beyond the main dining room, Lake House offers several distinctive spaces. The Argyle Library Bar is a book-lined lounge for wines, cocktails, and bar snacks, while the Lagoon Deck provides an open-air perch above the water's edge for afternoon drinks. For private events, The Cellar surrounds you with 13,000 bottles from one of Australia's most awarded wine lists (Victoria's Wine List of the Year), and The Waterfront Pavilion delivers a glass-walled lakeside setting for group celebrations.
On Monday lunchtimes, a complimentary farm tour precedes the meal, making it one of the most rewarding dining experiences in regional Australia.
Lake House is not simply a hotel with a good restaurant attached. It is a 40-year project built by one family, rooted deeply in the land, the community, and the seasons. Alla Wolf-Tasker AM has created something that feels genuinely irreplaceable: a place where the garden, the kitchen, the spa, and the surrounding landscape are all in conversation.
The food alone justifies the visit. The connection between Dairy Flat Farm and the restaurant plate is not a marketing story; it is visible, tangible, and edible. But Lake House also excels at the quieter moments: a morning swim in the infinity pool with mist rising off the lake, an afternoon reading by the firepit as the light fades, a spa treatment made with herbs grown on the property.
Daylesford's mineral springs, walking trails, village galleries, and producers add depth to any stay. At just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Lake House sits in that rare sweet spot where accessibility meets genuine remoteness of feeling.
After four decades, the Wolf-Tasker family's house on the lake remains one of Australia's most complete luxury retreats.
Is It For You?
Is Lake House Daylesford right for you?
Less ideal if
- Families with young children looking for kids' activities and entertainment
- Travellers expecting a contemporary, design-led urban hotel experience
Atmosphere
Warm, personal, and deeply connected to its surroundings, with the unhurried rhythm of a country estate rather than a polished resort
Ideal stay
Weekend (2-3 nights)
Why splurge
The Sutton Suite is a standalone villa with its own living room, dining area, fireplace, and sweeping lake views. Combined with a multi-course dinner in the hatted restaurant and a morning at the spa, it makes for one of Australia's finest regional getaways.
Rooms
Rooms & suites
Editorial pickThe Sutton Suite for ultimate space and privacy; Waterfront Suites for the best lake views at a more accessible price point.
The Sutton Suite
The most generous accommodation at Lake House, this standalone villa features a separate living room with fireplace, private dining area, king bedroom, and expansive lake views. Original artwork from the Wolf-Tasker private collection throughout.
- View
- Lake Daylesford
- Sleeps
- 2 adults
- Best for
- Special occasions and couples wanting complete privacy
- Standalone villa with separate living and dining areas
- Fireplace and private terrace
- Original artwork from the Wolf-Tasker collection
- Lake views from multiple rooms
- Complimentary minibar including beer and cider
Waterfront Suites
Spacious suites with direct lake frontage, custom furnishings by local artisans, and a private balcony. The floral wallpapers and velvet textures give each room a distinctive character.
- View
- Lake Daylesford
- Sleeps
- 2 adults
- Best for
- Couples wanting lake views and generous space
- Direct lake views from private balcony
- Custom furnishings from local artisans
- King bed with premium linens
- In-room movies and complimentary minibar
- Daily turndown service
Lodge Suites
Generous suites with separate living areas, custom wallpapers, and views over the lake. Steps from the infinity pool and garden paths.
- View
- Lake Daylesford and gardens
- Sleeps
- 2 adults
- Best for
- Guests wanting suite-level comfort with lake access
- Separate living area
- Lake and garden views
- Original artwork throughout
- Access to infinity pool and hot tub
- Complimentary minibar
Lodge Studios
Well-appointed studios with custom furnishings, positioned near the pool and surrounded by the property's extensive gardens. A smart entry point to the Lake House experience.
- View
- Gardens and lake glimpses
- Sleeps
- 2 adults
- Best for
- Couples looking for a comfortable base with easy garden access
- Custom furnishings and local artwork
- Proximity to infinity pool
- Garden setting
- King bed and ensuite
- Complimentary minibar
Waterfront Pool Studios
Contemporary studios positioned along the waterfront near the infinity pool. Clean, comfortable rooms with easy access to the lake, pool deck, and Lido Deck.
- View
- Pool, gardens, and lake
- Sleeps
- 2 adults
- Best for
- Active guests who want to be near the pool and waterfront
- Direct pool and lake access
- Contemporary design
- King bed
- Complimentary minibar
- Steps to Lido Deck
Eat and Drink
Dining
The restaurants, bars, and rituals that shape how the hotel feels after the room itself.
Start here
Lake House Restaurant
The flagship 2 Chef's Hats dining room, consistently rated among Australia's finest regional restaurants. Seasonal a la carte menus at both lunch and dinner showcase produce from the hotel's own Dairy Flat Farm, with up to 90% of raw ingredients grown on site. The kitchen's philosophy is rooted in the land and the seasons, delivering modern Australian cuisine with genuine provenance.
- Go here for
- Multi-course seasonal menu featuring hyper-local produce from the 40-acre Dairy Flat Farm, paired with wines from one of Australia's most awarded cellars (13,000 bottles, Victoria's Wine List of the Year)
- Expect
- Elegant but relaxed, with dark walls, sculptural light fittings, and original Australian artwork. The dining room feels intimate rather than formal.
- Book ahead
- Book well in advance, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinner. Monday lunch includes a complimentary tour of Dairy Flat Farm beforehand.
For cocktails
The Argyle Library Bar
A book-lined bar and lounge where hotel guests can settle in with a glass of local pinot noir, bar snacks, and board games. A cosy retreat on cooler evenings with a fireplace and deep armchairs.
- Expect
- Warm, intimate, and bookish, with the feel of a private club library
For cocktails
Lagoon Deck
An outdoor terrace perched above the water's edge, serving seasonal cocktails and wines from the award-winning cellar. In warmer months, this becomes the social heart of the property with uninterrupted views across the lake.
- Expect
- Open-air and relaxed, with umbrella-shaded seating and sweeping lake views
For staying in
The Cellar
A private dining experience inside the hotel's award-winning wine cellar, housing over 13,000 bottles. Available for intimate dinners and special occasions, with curated wine pairings from the sommelier team.
- Go here for
- Private dining surrounded by one of Australia's most decorated wine collections
For staying in
The Waterfront Pavilion
A lakeside pavilion available for private events, group dining, and celebrations. Glass walls frame views of the water and gardens, creating a memorable setting for larger gatherings.
- Expect
- Light-filled and celebratory, with panoramic lake views
Reset
Wellness
The parts of the property that slow the pace, restore energy, or justify spending more time on-site.
For recovery
The Spa at Lake House
Signature treatments harness herbs and flowers grown at Dairy Flat Farm, combined in small-batch scrubs, balms, and oils. Hydrotherapy sessions use naturally heated mineral water from the region's springs to boost circulation and promote deep relaxation. Therapeutic massage and Ayurvedic facials round out the offering.
- Best for
- Farm-to-spa treatments using botanicals grown on the hotel's own regenerative farm, paired with natural mineral spring hydrotherapy
For downtime
Infinity Pool
A solar-heated infinity pool overlooking Lake Daylesford, surrounded by mature eucalyptus trees and lush gardens. Open to hotel guests, with loungers and parasols on the surrounding deck.
- Best for
- The pool's edge appears to merge with the lake beyond, framed by towering gum trees
For reset
Hot Tub and Sauna
An outdoor hot tub and sauna tucked among the gardens, offering lake views and a peaceful setting for post-walk or post-spa relaxation.
What to Do
Signature Experiences
The on-property or destination moments that justify choosing this hotel over a generic luxury base.
Monday mornings before lunch for the combined farm tour and restaurant experience
Dairy Flat Farm Tour
An exclusive guided tour of Lake House's 40-acre regenerative farm, including productive vegetable gardens, polytunnels, olive grove, orchard, vineyard, bee hives, and sourdough bake house. Hotel guests are invited to join on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings.
Dusk in autumn and winter
Lagoon Foreshore Firepit
As evening falls, gather around the lakeside fire pit on stone paving at the water's edge. Adirondack chairs, a glass of local wine, and the gentle sounds of the lake create an unforgettable setting.
Check seasonal schedule on booking
Sourdough Baking and Beekeeping Classes
Hands-on classes at Dairy Flat Farm's bake house and apiary, where guests learn traditional sourdough techniques and the art of beekeeping from resident experts.
Location
Getting to Lake House Daylesford
Lake House is located at 4 King Street, Daylesford, an easy 80-90 minute drive from Melbourne via the Western Freeway. Self-drive is the most common approach, though helicopter and limousine transfers can be arranged through concierge. On-site parking is complimentary. The hotel team provides porterage, and check-in is a warm, personal experience in the main house.
Melbourne CBD
80-90 minutes
carMelbourne Airport (Tullamarine)
90 minutes
carDaylesford village
5 minutes
carBallarat
45 minutes
carDaylesford Village
villageEclectic mix of cafes, galleries, boutiques, and provedores in one of regional Victoria's most charming towns
5 min driveHepburn Bathhouse and Spa
wellnessHistoric public bathhouse fed by the region's natural mineral springs, offering communal and private bathing experiences
10 min driveWombat Hill Botanical Gardens
natureBeautiful elevated gardens with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, home to Wombat Hill House cafe
5 min driveMineral Springs Walks
natureNetwork of walking trails connecting natural mineral water springs throughout the region, each with its own distinct mineral profile
Various, from 5-15 min driveTrentham Falls
natureVictoria's highest single-drop waterfall (32 metres), set within lush fern gullies and easily accessible via a short forest walk
25 min driveDaylesford Cider Company
food-wineLocal cidery offering tastings and tours, producing small-batch ciders from regional apples and pears
10 min driveWhat to Know
Before you book
What is the check-in and check-out time?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Is breakfast included?
Packages typically include Lake House's celebrated a la carte breakfast and buffet, featuring freshly baked sourdough and viennoiserie from the Bake House at Dairy Flat Farm.
Is the restaurant open to non-hotel guests?
Yes. The restaurant serves lunch Friday to Monday and dinner every evening. Reservations are essential.
Are children welcome?
Lake House is primarily geared toward adult guests. Children are welcome but there are no dedicated kids' facilities or activities.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, complimentary on-site parking is available for all hotel guests.
Editorial Verdict
The verdict on Lake House Daylesford
Why book it
- One of Australia's most celebrated regional restaurants, with direct farm-to-table integrity via Dairy Flat Farm
- Stunning lakeside setting with infinity pool, firepits, and six acres of gardens
- Genuine sense of place, built over 40 years by the Wolf-Tasker family with deep community roots
Know the trade-offs
- Room sizes and finishes vary, with some studios feeling compact compared to the suites
- No dedicated children's facilities, making it less suited to family holidays
- Premium pricing means packages can add up quickly, especially with restaurant dining and spa treatments
Explore the Area
