Hepburn Springs

Hepburn Springs Vic 3461 (Pop 1 080 together with Hepburn) 

Hepburn Springs is a pretty resort town in the heart of Victoria’s mineral springs country together with its twin town, Hepburn. It is located 118 km n-w of Melbourne in the Wombat State Forest between Mt Franklin and Wombat Hill, both extinct volcanoes. The area’s first settler was Capt John Hepburn (1838) who lent his name to the fledgling settlement. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, forests and several parks, Hepburn Springs, together with nearby Daylesford, is known as the ‘Spa Centre of Australia’ with half of the country’s mineral water outlets. Opera By The Lake (Feb), Chill Out (Mar), Begonia Festival (Mar) Swiss-Italian Festa (May), Midwinter Festival (July), Agricultural Show (Nov), Daylesford Highland Gathering (Dec).  

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Jacksons Lookout Tower, Forest Ave panoramic town & district views. The Blowhole, Blowhole Rd created when goldminers dynamited the area (1850s). Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve with four main springs, recreational facilities and abundant bird and wildlife. Walks (from reserve) include Hepburn Reservoir (5 km return), Jacksons Lookout Tower (2 km return), Argyle Spring (2.8 km return). Old Macaroni Factory, Main Rd (1985) northern Italian architecture hosting the annual Swiss-Italian Festa.

Accommodation:
Hepburn Springs has a motel, two hotels, almost a dozen B&B, holiday cottages/apartments and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Vincent St, Daylesford. Tel (03) 5348 1339.