DAYLESFORD   Daylesford is another of the ‘gold rush ’towns. Daylesford is located in a valley not that far from Ballarat that means to a degree Daylesford is a somewhat commute town. Daylesford is also an historic town where heritage is clearly important but unfortunately is not communicated to the visitor Daylesford has two distinct shopping precincts; an upper and lower that makes the town interesting. Daylesford was founded in 1852 with the finding of gold in areas now occupied by Lake Daylesford. The area was initially called Wombat Flat. In 1854 Government Surveyor Fraser laid out a town site of 80 square chains and called it 'Wombat'. However it is believed that in 1855 the name changed from Wombat to Daylesford after a town in Worcester, England. Here are some great examples of heritage buildings in Daylesford. Due to it being located in mountains, formed by volcanic activity about five million years ago, the region contains as much as 80% of all the mineral springs in Victoria. Not long after settlement Daylesford had been noted for these mineral springs. Daylesford has some great examples of classic turn of the century Churches. The Catholic is a great example. The United and Anglican are undated but old. The old Presbyterian is in danger of being lost. The Hotels are really great old classic historic pubs, but most are undated. Great pubs though. The Daylesford War Memorial though a little modest has great profile in the division point of the two shopping precincts. The Daylesford Museum is included within the Visitor Centre. A visit is advised. There is a lot to delight in when visiting Daylesford and an overnight is recommended. Heritage diary