Geelong to Daylesford road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

The Geelong to Daylesford drive covers a distance of 101km in a driving time of around 1h18m. Top road trip stops to add to the itinerary include Fairy Park and Sailors Falls.

The drive from Geelong to Daylesford connects the second largest city in Victoria to a handsome Goldfields spa town.

There are a few attractions along the way, should you wish to turn the Geelong to Daylesford drive into a road trip.

Geelong to Daylesford distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Geelong to Daylesford is 101km. This makes for a driving time of around one hour and 18 minutes.

The Geelong to Daylesford drive initially starts out along the Midland Highway from Geelong, but quickly turns up the C141. In these parts, this is known as the Geelong-Ballan Road.

3 Geelong experiences to book in advance

A water bike tour along the coast.
A sunrise balloon flight – see the bay, hills and river from above.
Rent an electric picnic boat on the Waterfront.

The best places to stay in Geelong

The top Geelong accommodation options are:

For an affordably-priced, good quality motel: Parkside Motel.
For fabulous apartments near the beach: Vue Apartments Geelong.
For a family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool and balconies in each room: Novotel Geelong.
For a facility-packed holiday park: Tasman Holiday Parks Geelong.

Geelong to Daylesford road trip attractions: Fairy Park

The route runs through Moorabul, then Anakie – home of Fairy Park. This quaint theme park of castles, dragons and model railways is aimed at younger children.

The road then runs east of the Brisbane Ranges National Park, through the Upper Stony Creek Reservoir and eventually west of Ballan.

There are a few parks in Ballan, but nothing to get you particularly excited. The Bostock Reservoir to the west of the town is arguably the prettiest photo stop.

Geelong to Daylesford drive: Ballan to Daylesford section

After Ballan, the C141 becomes the Ballan-Daylesford Road. You can make a short branch off for the Werribee River Picnic Area or the Korweinguboora Reservoir.

The Spargo Creek Mineral Spring Reserve is at the northern end of the reservoir, and provides an indication that you’re into natural springs territory.

Before entering Daylesford itself, you’ll go past the highly regarded Sault Restaurant and Sailors Falls. This 20 metre waterfall tends to run between winter and early summer. There’s a 1.4km walk to the base plus a lookout and picnic area next to the car park.

Top things to do in Daylesford include the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and one of regional Australia’s best art galleries – the Convent.

Daylesford also brings private winery tours and paddleboating on Lake Daylesford.

Daylesford accommodation options with personality include the Daylesford Art Motel and the Dudley Boutique Hotel.