Daylesford's Lake House, which not long ago celebrated its 40-year anniversary, just keeps getting better, says Traveller's content director, Trudi Jenkins.
"It's always been the epitome of European hospitality, where long-standing staff balance knowledge, expertise and professionalism with a warmth that makes you feel part of the extended family. But the purchase of nearby Dairy Flat Farm in 2018 (with owner Alla Wolf-Tasker's focus on regenerative practices) has taken the food to the next level.
"During our stay, 80 per cent of the fresh produce comes directly from the farm, with dishes showcasing everything from eggplant, heirloom zucchini and a multitude of herbs to rhubarb, berries and edible flowers. Dinner served nightly is a multi-course a la carte menu featuring Australia's best suppliers; maybe Dreaming Goat chevre, Mooloolaba swordfish, Gippsland rabbit or Sher waygu.
"The farm's onsite sourdough bakery supplies Lake House, Dairy Flat Lodge and the Botanic Gardens' Wombat Hill House cafe with slow-fermented breads and superlative pastries. Lake House's breakfast buffet is the antithesis of most; you'll find organic yoghurt, poached fruit, housemade frittata, and a wonderfully tart grapefruit marmalade.
"An infinity-edge pool, an award-winning spa and lakefront suites with every possible comfort complete the indulgence. Start the day with an early morning walk around the lake as the mist rises and end with sunset cocktails on the expansive deck.
"Lake House has always been my favourite country getaway; once you experience it, I guarantee you will return."
📷️: @lakehousedaylesford ; @trudijenkins_
Must be more than two decades of photo shoots I have shared with the wonderfully clever and super patient @markroperphotography .
And here is more in this lovely spread from the current issue of @deliciousaus for our 40th birthday thank you 🙏
And thank you @krysiabonkowski for ‘getting us’ and telling the story in such beautiful words 💐❤️
On the 1st of June, we’re proud to be hosting ‘Hospitality Now’ for @melbfoodandwine . This is a timely and critical forum for those working in hospitality with a focus on
the many issues that currently beset our industry.
Across the day, hear from industry voices exploring what it takes to succeed in 2026 . Tackling rising costs and staffing pressures, to managing changing consumer behaviour, and discussing where opportunities lie for those willing to adapt and persist- it should be a great day of learning and shared viewpoints for all of us .
Enjoy coffee from @st_ali , morning and afternoon tea and a seasonal working lunch featuring breads, baked goods and produce from our @dairyflatfarmdaylesford - all part of a day designed to nourish both conversation and connection.
Not many tickets remain.
Get your tickets in the link in bio @lakehousedaylesford
It was a beautiful autumn day brilliant with colour . A race to the registry office ensued -after I’d plaited my hair, finished dressing the tables in our little house , ironed flat the final stitches of my just finished outfit, glued on the final few puffs and completed the spun sugar on our wedding croquembouche.
We tied bows and ribbons on our trusty jeep ….
And we were off - to meet friends & family and exchange vows.
Little did we know the journey we’d be up for.But,we had optimism and love in spades .❤️
It would have been 47 years today ….
5pm . Threw away the walking stick . Let’s not celebrate yet 😅 BUT so lovely meeting so many guests on the walk also, enjoying the colours of this most beautiful season and on their way back to our house on the lake - for cocktails .. and dinner at our table ❤️💐
What better way to celebrate the gift of another birthday than at the beach with these rascals … Thank you to my immediate family for making it so very very special. And to my wonderful @lakehousedaylesford family for the time out 🙏🙏❤️❤️ for all of us .
PS that’s a Noosa ‘Best in theWorld ’ giant iced coffee that I’m clutching , from the man in the hot dog van . I may never be the same again 😎
Autumn abundance @dairyflatfarmdaylesford
Amazing work from our team led by Pedro 🙏❤️
Beautiful daily harvests delivered to our kitchen @lakehousedaylesford where a different kind of magic begins …
With the chaotic world outside - so grateful for this little bubble of ours . Wishing it could be so for everyone 🙏🙏
Johanna’s chatting with Alla about her enduring commitment to place and produce and to find out what she’s learned over 40 years running this iconic dining institution.
See it first tonight 7pm on @channel7
#food #foodie #cooking #homecooking #chef
Johanna’s heading to Daylesford to meet one of the greats of the Australian dining scene, renowned chef and restaurateur, Alla Wolf-Tasker. Johanna’s chatting with Alla about her enduring commitment to place and produce and to find out what she’s learned over 40 years running this iconic dining institution.
Catch this story on Friday at 7pm on @channel7 and @7twoau
#food #foodie #cooking #homecooking #chef
