Victoria is quickly becoming an internationally-recognised spring spa destination, chasing the likes of our neighbours across the ditch in New Zealand, and even Iceland. The mineral spring spa and geothermal hot springs found in the Mornington Peninsula draw local and international visitors to its healing waters. The region’s faith in its wellness and bathing culture has brought to light the great Victorian bathing trail, a development plan for existing and emerging springs. Along the trail is the Mornington Peninsula, known for its famous Peninsula Hot Springs. Although one of the lesser-known hot springs in the area is the Hepburn Springs near Daylesford.
Healing Waters
The historic Hepburn Springs is in the middle of Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs. Swiss Italian immigrants founded it, so when you visit, you might feel like you’re in Locarno, Switzerland. The waters are rich in minerals, all used by local businesses for hydrotherapy, massages, beauty therapy, and more. Visitors can taste the different mineral formulations at old-fashioned pumps and pipes in Hepburn Springs Mineral Springs Reserve. Although, a visit to Hepburn Springs is never complete without a pampering and a soak.
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
The grandeur of Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is a nod to the Italian-Swiss style of bathhouses. Established in 1895, the bathhouse is an institution steeped in traditional wellness practices that you can experience. Inside, minimalist interiors keep guests calm and serene while the healing waters do all the work.
There are several options for mineral bathing, including a bathhouse, a sanctuary, and a private mineral bath—the purest form of mineral wellness. After a soak, opt for a spa treatment, spanning facials to body masks and massages. Treatments incorporate healing mineral waters to rejuvenate, balance, and revitalise the skin. There’s also a well-sought-after private steam therapy, which involves coating yourself with the beneficial minerals found in the Rotorua Thermal Mud.
Stay
While a day trip is well worth the drive, most people like to spend a few days in Hepburn Springs to experience the history and, most importantly, the bath. At Hepburn Bathhouse, you can book a luxury wellness villa to settle into for a few nights. Each villa features double spa baths, double showers, and the opportunity to focus on your own self-care journey.
Nearby
In Hepburn Springs, the charming spa town, you will find markets every Sunday, where you can pick up fresh produce and peruse stalls from local artisans. The Hepburn Springs Brewing Co. is a great place to grab a beer and enjoy the scenic country backdrop. You can explore the forest around the Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve or join a mindful hiking tour and let a guide take you on a rejuvenating journey, where you stop to meditate and connect with nature.
Related: Soak, Float, and Indulge In Mineral-Rich Hot Springs at This Private Day Spa
Related: A Peek Inside a New Spa Outside Melbourne Complete With Rooftop Pools and a Cave
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.