Story by Chev
Hidden Lane and Endless Magic
Adventure in Daylesford, Macedon Ranges, VIC, AU
Sometimes the best escapes are the ones hidden in plain sight. When we stumbled upon Piccolo Lane, tucked away in a quiet Daylesford laneway, it felt like uncovering a secret meant just for us.
From the outside, it’s a charming vintage caravan—but the moment we stepped inside, it was like entering another world: dark, moody, and full of character.
The highlight? An outdoor bathtub beneath the stars. There was something grounding about soaking in the cool night air, listening to the faint hum of the town nearby, yet feeling completely removed from it all. It was one of those moments where time slows, and you realise you don’t need much more than each other, a fire, and a glass of wine.
Piccolo Lane wasn’t just a stay—it was a reminder that intimacy and connection are often found in the simplest, most unexpected places.
From the outside, it’s a charming vintage caravan—but the moment we stepped inside, it was like entering another world: dark, moody, and full of character.
The highlight? An outdoor bathtub beneath the stars. There was something grounding about soaking in the cool night air, listening to the faint hum of the town nearby, yet feeling completely removed from it all. It was one of those moments where time slows, and you realise you don’t need much more than each other, a fire, and a glass of wine.
Piccolo Lane wasn’t just a stay—it was a reminder that intimacy and connection are often found in the simplest, most unexpected places.
Things We Did
- Walk
- Mountain
- Restaurant
There’s something magical about the calm at Lake Daylesford — the way the water mirrors the trees, the distant laughter of kids chasing ducks, and the soft crunch of gravel under your shoes as you wander the Peace Mile Walk.
Hunter and Khaleesi trotted happily ahead, stopping every few steps to watch the ducks glide by. We paused at the mineral springs, curious about the taste of the famous water — crisp, earthy, and refreshing. As the day went on, locals and travellers alike gathered by the boathouse, sharing quiet smiles that said, “Yes, this is exactly where we’re meant to be.”
Lake Daylesford isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. A reminder to slow down, reconnect, and find beauty in the stillness. 🌿💧
Hunter and Khaleesi trotted happily ahead, stopping every few steps to watch the ducks glide by. We paused at the mineral springs, curious about the taste of the famous water — crisp, earthy, and refreshing. As the day went on, locals and travellers alike gathered by the boathouse, sharing quiet smiles that said, “Yes, this is exactly where we’re meant to be.”
Lake Daylesford isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. A reminder to slow down, reconnect, and find beauty in the stillness. 🌿💧
The first time we wandered up Wombat Hill in Daylesford, we didn’t really know what to expect, but wow, it completely surprised us. The drive up through the greenery was already calming, like the town below was slowly disappearing behind the trees
Once we got to the top, we couldn’t resist climbing the 77 stairs of the Memorial Tower. When we finally reached the top, we just stood there for a minute, taking it all in
We spent the next hour just wandering, letting our pace match the rhythm of the gardens.
Even if you’re not a “gardener type,” there’s something about Wombat Hill that just slows you down. We left feeling lighter, like we’d stolen a few hours just for ourselves, surrounded by green and quiet and simple beauty.
Once we got to the top, we couldn’t resist climbing the 77 stairs of the Memorial Tower. When we finally reached the top, we just stood there for a minute, taking it all in
We spent the next hour just wandering, letting our pace match the rhythm of the gardens.
Even if you’re not a “gardener type,” there’s something about Wombat Hill that just slows you down. We left feeling lighter, like we’d stolen a few hours just for ourselves, surrounded by green and quiet and simple beauty.
After a peaceful afternoon wandering around Lake Daylesford, we found ourselves drawn to the cosy glow of Red Ginger Thai — the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home.
The air was filled with the scent of lemongrass, garlic, and that unmistakable Thai spice that promises comfort and excitement all at once.
We ordered our favourites — pad thai, panang curry, and crispy spring rolls — each dish bursting with colour and freshness. Every bite tasted like it came straight from the streets of Thailand, full of authentic flavours and made with so much care. You could tell they truly pride themselves on cooking food the traditional way, with heart and soul in every plate.
As the evening light faded through the windows, laughter filled the room, and it felt like the perfect ending to a perfect Daylesford day — simple, warm, and deeply satisfying.
The air was filled with the scent of lemongrass, garlic, and that unmistakable Thai spice that promises comfort and excitement all at once.
We ordered our favourites — pad thai, panang curry, and crispy spring rolls — each dish bursting with colour and freshness. Every bite tasted like it came straight from the streets of Thailand, full of authentic flavours and made with so much care. You could tell they truly pride themselves on cooking food the traditional way, with heart and soul in every plate.
As the evening light faded through the windows, laughter filled the room, and it felt like the perfect ending to a perfect Daylesford day — simple, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
We've plotted our adventure on the map below. Select the map icons to discover more details.
Share The Love
Add this story to your bucket list or gift it to someone you think deserves it!
Book Our Adventure
Book through this story to receive our itinerary and extra tips to help you live your adventure to the fullest.
What are Riparide Stories?
Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travellers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.