Daylesford’s historic Royal Hotel is set to undergo a significant refurbishment, with nine guest rooms in the adjoining guest house to be upgraded as part of an Accommodation Uplift Project supported by the Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024.

First established in the 1850s, the Royal Hotel has been a central part of Daylesford’s streetscape for more than 150 years. Known for its grand Victorian architecture and prominent corner location, the hotel has welcomed generations of travellers and remains a key feature of the town’s heritage. The planned upgrades aim to preserve the building’s historic charm while providing comfortable, modern accommodation for visitors.

Local Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the investment, saying, “The Royal Hotel is an important part of Daylesford’s history and charm. It’s great to see investment that not only supports local business but also helps preserve our town’s unique character.”

The project is one of several across the state to receive support through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, which provides grants for new and upgraded tourism infrastructure to help attract more visitors and encourage longer stays in regional areas.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said, “Daylesford has long been a destination for rest and rejuvenation. Projects like this one ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy all the region has to offer, with quality places to stay that reflect its rich history.”

A full list of funded projects is available at tourism.vic.gov.au.