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Welcome to Wombat Hill House...

What's New - Well received a coveted 3 stars in The Age Good Food (under$30) guide. Read the Review here.

Say hello! We don't take bookings but there is plenty of space inside at the communal tables, on the bar, by the fire on cooler days & in the garden when the sun is shining.

Check out our Enchanted Evenings
There are 3 coming up in May. Have a look at our Whats On Page.

Our Story
Having established Lake House in 1984 and with a stellar career of national and international acclaim and awards for our 'house on the lake', Alla Wolf Tasker and the team are delighted to present this new incarnation of our labors and passions - our 'house in the gardens'.

We offer simple seasonal food, sourced locally wherever possible and served in one of Daylesford's most beautiful locations. Pop in - find a table and order at the counter - no bookings required. Picnic, take home 'heat & eat' food, pantry provisions and gifts available from the store. Wine by the glass and bottle to enjoy on the premises.

Wombat Club

Wow - we've had a great response in our first months at Wombat!

It's now time to expand our team... we are currently looking for experienced bar staff, baristas, kitchenhands and chefs. Various hours available.

If you would like to spend 6 months in Daylesford - temporary positions are often also available.

If you would like to join our team please contact sayhello@wombathillhouse.com.au

Wombat Hill House : Garden

A Garden within a Garden

Wombat Hill House is situated on an ancient extinct volcano and amongst the beautiful Wombat Hill Gardens high above the village of Daylesford - 80 mins from Melbourne. An original (and very run down) 1940's garden caretaker's cottage has been completely gutted and resurrected as a cafe and store (thanks Tim & Chris Scanlen & the team).

A newly planted north facing kitchen garden will eventually supplement the kitchen's needs with fresh herbs, salad leaves, some vegetables and fruit (thanks John and Tom).

Established in the 1860s by Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller (also responsible for Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens) the remarkable surrounding 10.4 hectares Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens are regarded as one of Victoria's finest regional destination gardens. Many spots provide wonderful views over Daylesford and the surrounding countryside.

Prized for their beauty and tranquillity, the gardens retain their gracious 19th century character. Features include wide expanses of lawn, shaded picnic areas, driving and walking paths through tall avenues of giant conifers and stately elms. There's a panoramic view from the top of the Pioneers Lookout Tower. The gardens contain an outstanding collection of rare and notable specimens, many of which are included in the National Trust Register of Significant Trees.

During Autumn the Begonia House carries a magnificent display of prize blooms.
The Friends of Wombat Hill Gardens, is an organization of volunteers who help keep the gardens in peak condition and run fund raising activities. For more information on Friends of Wombat Hill - to volunteer or donate funds contact Patrice O'Shea patriceoshea68@gmail.com

Wombat Botanic Gardens, Daylesford
Ask us about private parties!
Thur - Mon from 9 'til 4
We hibernate Tues & Wed

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Wombat Hill House : Café

Alla Wolf-Tasker & team welcome you to Wombat Hill House for simple food, sourced locally wherever possible and served in one of Daylesford's most beautiful locations.

We are situated in the midst of wonderful gardens on an ancient extinct volcano.
It's a place of great enchantment where even a furry and ponderously slow wombat, might grow some wings and fly......

Thursday - Monday 9am 'til 4pm Breakfast & Lunch

Say hello and Join the Wombat Club for last minute updates.

Drop in for a great coffee, a glass of wine, a sweet or savoury snack or just a bit of warming comfort food.
Menus are seasonal and Specials change daily, but here are some samples of current offerings...

Breakfast

Brioche French Toast, saffron pears, Meredith yoghurt, Des' honey, walnut crumble

Throughout the day......

Huge lip smackingly delicious sandwiches, baguettes
Posh pies, pasties and pizza
Salads
A daily bake of sweet treats
Fresh juice
Gundowring ice cream
Wines by the glass or bottle

Wombat Hill House : Store

Come in and Shop For......

Daily picnic or take home "heat & eat" fare
A growing range of produce for your pantry
Gifts & Treasures

A Wolf in the Kitchen - a selection of produce by Alla Wolf-Tasker

There has always been a Wolf in our kitchen. My Russian parents were both great cooks and our kitchen was always the heart of the home. Preserving the bounty from our garden and orchard was a seasonal occupation. Jars of dill tomatoes and cucumbers, pickled mushrooms and sauerkraut were always in abundance, and pots of jam opened in the depth of winter reminded us of sunny days. When friends visited they were fed, regardless of the time of day. Those special memories inspired my becoming a chef and restaurateur and in 1984 we opened the Lake House in Daylesford. I've had the good fortune to share our place with so many guests over the years and to welcome them to our table. Now we're delighted to have selection of favourite recipes to enjoy at home. As we say "Priatnogo appetita"? enjoy! Alla

A Wolf in the kitchen is available for sale at Wombat Hill House and selected specialty stores.

Wholesale enquiries here.

Wombat Hill House : Say Hello

Find Us....

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens
(Car Entry off Central Spring Road)
Daylesford, Victoria, Australia
T: 4373 0099
sayhello@wombathillhouse.com.au

Walk or Drive....
We love puppies! If you bring your best friend - there is plenty of room in the back garden. But please keep them at your side for the comfort of our other guests.


If you're driving..... there are a handful of carparks to the left - as you enter the gardens. More parking is available if you drive to the right - and we're just a short & beautiful walk through the gardens. Disabled parking is available alongside Wombat Hill House - please keep left as you enter then veer right to Wombat Hill House.

We're open....

Thursday - Monday from 9am 'til 4pm
(We hibernate Tuesday & Wednesday)
Extended hours during School Holidays.
We're also open for - Some Enchanted Evenings..... join the Wombat Club for more info.

Read About Us.....

The Age Cheap East Guide ( 2013 Ahe God Food Under $30 Guide)
"Whimsical forest-themed murals, beautifully upholstered furnishings and a casual indoor - outdor vibe".
Read More.

The Advocate
Masterchef contestantAlice Zaslavsky joined Alla Wolf-Tasker & the Lake House team last week for an exploration into some of Daylesford's food scene and especially the Daylesford Primary School Kitchen Garden.
See Article.

Instyle Magazine
A few treasured recipes and our favorite things to do in Daylesford.....
See Full Spread

The Age Cheap Eats 2012
Winner - Country Cheap Eats Champ - "It's the Lake House of the Cheap Eats' world and it's fabulous."
Read Full Review

The Age Epicure
"...Stunning Botanic Gardens address & produce driven menu.....picnic produce to enjoy in surrounding gardens is local and luxurious, as are pizzas, pies, sandwhiches, salads & brekkies." See the Epicure spread.

Delicious
"....The alluring garden motif continues inside, where visitors can relax in a whimsical setting of winged wombats, garden murals, rustic wooden tables and comfy couches all presided over by a twinkling chandelier."
See the whole spread including recipes!

The Age, Epicure
"Wombat Hill House is the Wolf-Taskers' new venture, and it's nothing short of amazing."
View Article

The Age
"Daffodils are bobbing in the breeze as we follow a winding path through Daylesford's Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens which are flushed with Spring"
View Article

Hospitality Magazine
"Iconic Victorian chef and restaurateur Alla Wolf-Tasker has expanded her portfolio with the opening of her "cafe in the gardens" , Wombat Hill House. "
View Article. 

Delicious Magazine
To round off a perfect foodie weekend - Delicious Magazine readers were given a chance to preview Alla's gorgeous new cafe in Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens.
View spread.