Home to Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs, Hepburn Springs has long been famed for its power healing mineral water.

However, these days it’s far more than just the mineral springs that draw visitors to this charming village, located only a few minutes’ drive from the heart of Daylesford.

You’ll find the pace slows down as you wind your way into town, which, thanks to its Swiss Italian heritage along with its location, perched atop a ridge, has a definite European Alps feel about it. Here you’ll find luxury accommodation sitting alongside rustic miners cottages, notable chefs in unassuming restaurants, boutique shops and quirky galleries. This is in addition to the many spa and wellness centres that offer a seemingly endless selection of massages and treatments.

We chatted with some of the locals and it’s evident that Hepburn Springs is home to a close-knit community, who are proud of the place they call home. Here a few of them ‘Pay it Forward’ and give you the inside word on the ideal day in Hepburn Springs.


STAY

Villa Parma, 124 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs
1300 737 444 peppers.com.au

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We begin our journey at Villa Parma. Built in 1864, this Hepburn Springs landmark is a visible reminder of the Swiss Italian heritage of the area. Sitting within Peppers Mineral Springs, this heritage listed, four-bedroom property provides a truly luxurious accommodation offering. Self-contained and suitable for groups of up to eight guests, Villa Parma has been meticulously refurbished in a contemporary manner, whilst retaining a classic 19th century Italian-style. The villa also offers a private garden and al fresco dining area – perfect for enjoying some locally sourced produce. From here, you can wander across the road and explore the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, where you can sip on mineral water from the old-fashioned pumps or take to the waters at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, established in 1895.

Villa Parma → The Surly Goat


DINNER

The Surly Goat, 3 Tenth St, Hepburn Springs
03 5348 4628 thesurlygoat.com.au

“Describing themselves as being located ‘in a dead-end backstreet of Hepburn Springs hidden from the main tourist strip’ are our favourite, humble, local culinary creators at The Surly Goat. Dave and his team have established a magnificent dining experience in an unassuming, intimate environment just a short meander from your accommodation at Villa Parma. A vital part of any visit to Hepburn Springs, your evening at The Surly Goat will be a culmination of passion, seasonality, sustainability, and a real focus toward regenerative local produce.” – Patrick Grant, Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel

The Surly Goat → Harry's Hepburn

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BRUNCH

Harry’s Hepburn, 115 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs
03 5348 2297 harryseatery.com.au

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“As someone that works nights, I don’t get to go out for breakfast very often, but when I do, there is no better place to sit in the sunshine and watch the comings and goings of our little town than Harry’s Hepburn. Skip the hustle of Daylesford’s Vincent Street and enjoy the more relaxed Hepburn air with Caliopi and Cara’s hospitality. Order a freshly squeezed juice, ripper coffee and a delicious breaky before taking a walk through the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. There is no better start to your weekend.” – David Willcocks, The Surly Goat

Harry's Hepburn → Spa + Beauty Hepburn Springs


INDULGE

Spa + Beauty Hepburn Springs, 106a Main Rd, Hepburn Springs
03 5377 3615 spaandbeautyhepburnsprings.com.au

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“A weekend in Hepburn Springs isn’t the same without a spa visit, and Spa + Beauty Hepburn Springs is a must. Alanna and her experienced team have created a beautiful and calming space. With a high attention to detail, you always feel very special in their care. We have spent many a day floating out of her salon after an amazing treatment. If you can manage some retail therapy after your spa treatment, Portal 108 and the Hepburn General Store are only a few steps away and are both well worth a visit.” – Cara Kunze & Caliopi Buck, Harry’s Hepburn

Hepburn Spa + Beauty → Palais-Hepburn


PLAY

Palais-Hepburn, 111 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs
03 5348 1000, palais-hepburn.com

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“For fun after the sun goes down, you can’t go past Palais-Hepburn, this is luxury night life at its best. It’s so good to see this magnificent, almost 100-year-old theatre refurbished and sparkling again. The Palais provides entertainment from all around the globe including cabaret, comedy and live bands. Wine and dine yourself with cocktails, a modern Australian menu, charcuterie and cheese boards or sit back and relax in the cosy salon bar with a glass of local wine or signature cocktail.” – Alanna Quinn, Spa + Beauty Hepburn Springs 

About the author

KREATE MadeleineBlake
Madeleine Blake
PR manager at | More Articles

Madeleine is the PR manager at Daylesford Macedon Tourism and the editor of Daylesford Macedon Life magazine. A Woodend local, she loves getting out and about meeting with tourism operators and helping to spread the word about the many amazing things to do in the region. On the weekends, Madeleine can be found exploring the region with her three young kids in tow.