Founded in 1862, the Gardens were planted with fashionable and newly discovered conifers. In 1869 Baron von Mueller contributed another large collection of important plant material to the Daylesford Gardens.

Today, it grows some of the rarest, largest and finest conifers in Victoria, along with majestic, historic deciduous trees and an extensive collection of unusual cool climate garden plants. An impressive variety of choice Hellebores thrives in the Gardens.

The Gardens are a registered Victorian Heritage Site (VHR H2202).

At an elevation of 668 metres, it is uniquely located on a cool, volcanic hill with deep fertile soils, high rainfall and extensive views into the surrounding plains. It is also home to a moist fern gully and rustic cascade, part of later design developments in the 1880s by leading horticulturalists, Taylor and Sangster.

As a public garden this is a picturesque setting for walking, picnicking, photography, painting, sketching and tranquil contemplation of extensive views.

Dogs are welcomed on lead, with many shady and secluded paths to explore. Climb the Pioneer Lookout Tower, opened in 1938, and manned during WWII as an air-observation post. Find rustic sculptures by local artist Miriam Porter.