There’s a lot to attract the average lesbian to Daylesford and the ‘twin town’ of Hepburn Springs. As Australia’s ‘spa capital’, there’s the promise of hours of indulgent pampering. Think a nice long soak in a mineral spa, followed by a massage and facial. Bliss.

The area is the worst-kept secret for Melbourne’s gay travel set, attracting a large percentage of queer tourists all year round, and especially for the annual ChillOut weekend.

The attractions of the Daylesford region, including its hold on 80 per cent of Australia’s natural mineral water springs, has led to a boom in holiday accommodation. Visitors can choose a requisite cosy bed and breakfast style, a modern self-contained unit for couples and groups or luxury open plan hideaways in bush settings among many others. Daylesford is billed as a couple’s haven, a romantic getaway or a naughty weekend for indulgences of all kinds.

According to Patrick Baird from Daylesford Accommodation Booking Service, one of two booking services in town along with Daylesford Getaways which specialises in luxury accommodation, everybody wants a spa (did someone say naughty indulgence?). In fact finding accommodation without one is tricky. Filling a huge bath in the middle of a drought might not sound eco-friendly, but I am assured the town’s water supplies are plentiful thanks to its higher-than-average rainfall.

Owned by Renee Ludekens, Pendower House is an old fashioned bed and breakfast right in the centre of town. Built in the 1880s by a local timber merchant, the house is a pretty cottage with a wide front iron-lace trimmed verandah and a huge well-manicured front garden – one that you might find your Nanna toiling about it. There are three very large queen/twin rooms, each with ensuite and, of course, a spa suite with a huge tub as well as private courtyard.

The interior has been lovingly renovated to maintain its period features. Poster beds, antique furniture and historical posters combine to give it an inviting, nostalgic feel. There’s also a guest lounge, rear sitting room behind the kitchen and a rear garden with an outdoor setting.

Unlike other B&Bs, where you feel as though you are dossing in someone’s back room, Ludekens does not live in the original house, residing instead in a separate home at the rear. But she is close enough to serve her guests a four-course breakfast in the morning, including her speciality basil pesto muffins.

Like most of the ‘tree change’ gay and lesbian community in Daylesford, Ludekens is refreshingly cheerful, laid back and welcoming. It must be that fresh country air. Plan a weekend away and get a taste of it.

Cathy Anderson was a guest at Pendower House

Fast Facts
Daylesford is 1.5 hours north-west of Melbourne
Pendower House, (03) 5348 1535, www.pendowerhouse.com.au
Daylesford Accommodation Booking Service, www.dabs.com.au
Daylesford Getaways, www.dayget.com.au
More information: www.daylesfordspacountry.com.au

by CATHY ANDERSON