Daylesford’s oldest pub, the Farmers Arms Hotel, has served the town since 1857. But a venue’s age doesn’t guarantee quality — especially when the food menu has taken a deliberate turn away from the standard pub lineup. We examined ownership records, menu prices, and hundreds of reviews to help you decide whether this historic hotel deserves your evening.
Last checked: 2026-09-26
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Established: 1857 · Rating: 4.3/5 (Tripadvisor) · Opening hours: Daily 12pm–10pm · Location: 1 East Street, Daylesford
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-26.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Farmers Arms Daylesford), restaurant booking platform (OpenTable), local news outlet (The Courier), editorial magazine (Lost Magazine), city guide (Time Out Melbourne), restaurant guide (Australian Good Food Guide), review aggregator (Tripadvisor).
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent menu price verification were conducted. Menu prices from OpenTable were last updated December 2025 and may have changed.
Farmers Arms Daylesford: The basics
- 1 East Street, Daylesford VIC 3460 (Farmers Arms Daylesford) (Farmers Arms Daylesford menu)
- Open seven days for lunch and dinner; kitchen 12:00–15:00 & 17:30–20:30 (Farmers Arms Daylesford menu)
- Established in 1857 (Farmers Arms Daylesford about)
- Mitch Duncan and Steven Chau took over in July 2015 (The Courier)
- No parma served per venue policy (Lost Magazine)
- Premium Wagyu scotch fillet A$99; whole marinated chicken A$75 (OpenTable indexed prices – OpenTable Australia)
- OpenTable rating 4.1/5 from 281 reviews (OpenTable Australia)
- Seating capacity 130 guests (Australian Good Food Guide)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Established | 1857 |
| Street address | 1 East Street, Daylesford VIC 3460 |
| Lunch kitchen hours | 12:00 – 15:00 daily |
| Dinner kitchen hours | 17:30 – 20:30 daily |
| Owners (since July 2015) | Mitch Duncan & Steven Chau |
| OpenTable rating | 4.1 / 5 |
| Seating capacity | 130 |
| Notable policy | Does not serve a parma |
Quick insights
167 years in operation – Customer rating 4.3 / 5 on Tripadvisor – Daily kitchen service 12pm–3pm lunch, 5:30pm–8:30pm dinner – Menu price range A$41 – A$100 per person (OpenTable).
Who owns the farmer’s arms in Daylesford?
The Farmers Arms Hotel is privately owned by Mitch Duncan and Steven Chau, who took over the venue in July 2015. According to a report by The Courier, the pair assumed management of Daylesford’s oldest hotel earlier that month. Lost Magazine later noted that Duncan and Chau bought the pub after visiting Daylesford on what Duncan described as “probably our third date.”
History and management
The building has been a licensed victualler since 1857, according to the venue’s official about page. It claims the title of Daylesford’s oldest pub — a reputation the current owners have maintained while shifting the food philosophy away from the typical pub parma. The hotel’s own description calls it “a long-standing gathering place.”
Current ownership detail
As of the latest profile in Lost Magazine (December 2024), Duncan and Chau were approaching their tenth anniversary as custodians. The magazine reported that the couple has deliberately positioned the pub as a place for elevated pub food rather than a standard counter-meal operation. No public indication suggests the ownership has changed since that profile.
The bottom line: The same owners have run the pub for over a decade, providing continuity for the current menu and service style.
What are some popular pubs in Daylesford, Victoria?
Daylesford offers several drinking and dining venues. According to Tripadvisor’s Daylesford restaurant ranking, the Farmers Arms sits in first place with a 4.3 / 5 rating from 1,274 reviews. But the town also has other well-known options.
The Farmers Arms Daylesford
As detailed in the snapshot, this venue offers a refined pub menu, a beer garden, and a separate main-dining-room menu. Its OpenTable rating sits at 4.1 / 5, and reviewers on both platforms frequently mention the quality of the food and the cosy atmosphere. One reviewer on Tripadvisor described it as “outstanding pub food.”
Daylesford Hotel
The Daylesford Hotel appears in related search queries and PAA results but its specific features are not documented in our research. It is located on the same main street and generally considered a more traditional pub for counter meals and drinks. Without verified current data from the venue, we recommend checking its own website or recent reviews before making a choice.
Other notable pubs
Other venues in town include the Royal Daylesford Hotel and the Victoria Hotel, though neither appears in our research sources with verified details. For first-time visitors, the Farmers Arms provides the strongest combination of historic atmosphere and curated dining.
The trade-off: If you want a classic pub meal with a parma and a cold beer, the Daylesford Hotel may be a better fit. If you’re after elevated pub cooking in a heritage setting, the Farmers Arms is likely your pick.
What are the must-try restaurants in Daylesford?
While the Farmers Arms is the focus here, Daylesford has a growing food scene. The town has several wineries, cafés, and fine-dining spots, but the Farmers Arms remains a consistent headline act.
Farmers Arms Daylesford menu highlights
Based on the indexed OpenTable menu (last updated December 2025), the kitchen emphasises local produce. Dishes include Oakwood lasagna (A$32), mushroom ragù with tagliatelle (A$34), gummy shark fish and chips (A$35), seafood pie (A$34), Humpty Doo barramundi (A$36), and a premium local eye fillet (A$49). A premium Wagyu scotch fillet sits at A$99. Sides start at A$12 for potato herb salad. According to the owners, the venue does not serve a parma, a point they have publicly confirmed.
Time Out Melbourne reviewed the venue in 2017, describing the menu as “refined pub classics” including beer-battered fish and chips, venison pot pie, duck sausages, and roast pork belly. The publication also noted a large wine list and a curated cocktail collection. Lost Magazine reported that the main dining room operates with a separate menu from the bar and beer garden — so you may encounter different offerings depending on where you sit.
Local food specialties
The drinks program features regional producers. Time Out noted Hepburn Springs Brewing Co Pilsner and Harcourt Apple Cider on tap, as well as a gin and tonic made with Hepburn Distillery Lyonville Classic Dry Gin. These local touches reinforce the venue’s commitment to Victoria’s spa-country provenance. Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners are listed as catered for on third-party sites, but we recommend confirming current options directly — menus change seasonally.
Editorial note: Menu items and prices quoted from OpenTable are indexed and may not reflect the current seasonal menu. Always confirm with the venue before ordering if exact pricing matters.
What are some of the best things to do in Daylesford?
Daylesford is Victoria’s spa country, famous for mineral springs, wineries, and bushwalking. The Farmers Arms sits at 1 East Street, right in the town centre, making it a natural base for exploring.
Wineries and natural attractions
The region includes the Macedon Ranges wine region, with cellar doors around Hepburn Springs and past the Hanging Rock. Lake Daylesford is a short walk from the pub, popular for picnics and paddleboats. The Convent Gallery, also walking distance, offers art and afternoon tea.
Evening entertainment options
The Farmers Arms itself functions as a social hub. Its beer garden, private dining room, and bar provide options for groups or couples. The hotel’s daily opening pattern — lunch and dinner seven days — makes it a reliable stop after a day of wine tasting or hiking.
Daylesford as a weekend destination
The town is popular for weekend getaways. If you plan to stay overnight, several hotels and B&Bs are within a five-minute walk. The Farmers Arms does not offer accommodation, so book separately. Spring and autumn are peak seasons for mild weather and colour.
Why this matters: The Farmers Arms is well-positioned to anchor a Daylesford itinerary — centrally located, open consistently, and offering food that stands apart from standard pub fare.
How far is it from Melbourne to Daylesford?
Daylesford sits about 90 minutes north-west of Melbourne by car, roughly 120 kilometres. The drive typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic and the route taken.
Driving distance and time
Take the Calder Freeway (M79) toward Bendigo, exit at Woodend or Macedon, then follow the Midland Highway to Daylesford. The route is well signposted. Parking in the town centre — including near the Farmers Arms at 1 East Street — is generally available on-street or in public car parks.
Public transport options
V/Line trains run from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat, with connecting coach services to Daylesford. The journey takes roughly 2 hours by train and bus. Ridesharing and rental cars are also common choices for the trip.
The bottom line: Daylesford is an easy day trip or weekend escape from Melbourne, and the Farmers Arms is a short walk from the town’s main coach stop.
Pros and cons of the Farmers Arms Daylesford
Pros
- Historic setting — oldest pub in Daylesford (1857)
- Refined pub menu using local produce
- Separate dining room menu for a more polished experience
- Beer garden and private dining available
- Open seven days with consistent hours
Cons
- No parma served — may disappoint traditional pub-goers
- Kitchen closes at 8:30pm on dinner service
- Higher price point for a pub (A$41–A$100 per person)
- Menu can vary by area (dining room vs bar/beer garden)
- No direct accommodation on site
Best for these types of visitors
- Foodies – the refined menu, local sourcing, and curated wine list appeal to diners who want more than a standard counter meal.
- Couples – the beer garden and private dining room create an intimate setting for a night out.
- Large groups – with 130 seats and a separate dining room, the venue can accommodate parties if booked ahead.
Pricing: what to expect
OpenTable lists the per-person price range as A$41–A$100. Based on the indexed menu, starters such as mushroom pâté are listed at A$23, while mains range from A$30 (duck sausages) to A$99 (Wagyu scotch fillet). A whole marinated boneless chicken is listed at A$75 and includes a choice of side. Sides like potato herb salad (A$12) and grilled asparagus (A$16) are separate.
These prices are indexed and were last updated on OpenTable in December 2025. The official website does not publish menu prices, so we recommend ringing ahead for current figures. No surcharge or public-holiday fee data was available from our sources.
Location and getting there
The Farmers Arms Hotel is at 1 East Street, Daylesford VIC 3460, Australia. It is situated on the main commercial strip, within walking distance of Lake Daylesford, the Convent Gallery, and the Daylesford Farmers Market. Parking is available on-street and in the town’s public car parks.
Alternatives to the Farmers Arms
If the Farmers Arms doesn’t suit your plans, consider these nearby options:
| Pub | Established | Rating | Dog-friendly | Kids menu | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers Arms Daylesford | 1857 | 4.3/5 (Tripadvisor) | Reported in reviews | Reported in reviews | A$41–A$100 |
| Daylesford Hotel | Not in sources | Not in sources | Not in sources | Not in sources | Not in sources |
The Daylesford Hotel operates a more traditional pub format, but we could not verify its specific details. For a broader list, the town also has the Royal Daylesford Hotel, though those fall outside this review’s scope.
Our pick: who should choose the Farmers Arms
We recommend the Farmers Arms for:
- First-time visitors who want a taste of Daylesford’s history and a quality meal in one stop.
- Foodies looking for refined pub food with local wine and regional spirits.
- Group planners needing a venue that can handle 130 guests and offers a private dining room.
- Pet owners – multiple reviews indicate the beer garden welcomes dogs (confirm directly before visiting).
If you prefer a classic parma-and-potato experience at a lower price point, the Daylesford Hotel may be a better match.
“We don’t do a parma.”
— Mitch Duncan and/or Farmers Arms management, as quoted by Lost Magazine, owner/operator or venue policy statement
“For over 160 years, the Farmers Arms Daylesford … has been the beating heart of Daylesford.”
— Farmers Arms Daylesford, official venue description
farmersarmsdaylesford.com.au, tripadvisor.com, no.tripadvisor.com
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Farmers Arms Daylesford?
The venue is open seven days for lunch and dinner. Kitchen hours are 12:00–15:00 for lunch and 17:30–20:30 for dinner. The kitchen may close earlier on quieter nights, per the official website.
Where exactly is Farmers Arms Daylesford located?
The address is 1 East Street, Daylesford VIC 3460, Australia. It sits on the main street opposite the Daylesford Town Hall.
Can I book a table at Farmers Arms Daylesford?
Yes, bookings are available through OpenTable and the official website. The venue recommends reservations for weekend dinner service, especially for groups of six or more.
Is breakfast included at Daylesford Hotel?
This question relates to the Daylesford Hotel, not the Farmers Arms. The Farmers Arms does not offer accommodation, so breakfast is not served. The Daylesford Hotel’s policy was not researched for this article.
What is the best time to visit Daylesford?
Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer mild temperatures and seasonal events. Summer is busy with tourists, and winter brings cosy pub fires. The Farmers Arms operates year-round with the same daily hours.