Central Springs Daylesford

Lake Daylesford is one of the best places in Australia to experience natural mineral springs. Stroll around the lake and taste the water from the different springs which include Central Springs, Wombat Flat and Suttons. Bring a picnic blanket and some tasty takeaway snacks from the local cafes, and keep an eye out for wildlife like echidnas, turtles, wallabies, and ducklings.

Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, these springs offer a tranquil retreat and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Lake Daylesford.

The Goldfields Track connects Central Springs with other springs within the Daylesford, Hepburn and Castlemaine area.

The Central Springs are located in the valley of Wombat Creek downstream from Lake Daylesford and consist of three hand pumps. Nearby is the Hard Hill mineral spring trench, now closed, which is a great example of how the mineral springs were experienced 100 years ago where pipes were driven directly into the spring eyes with the mineral water simply free flowing out through a pipe.

The three pumps at Central Springs were first installed in 1929 by the Mines Department with each bore being 5 – 9 m deep. The bores were cleaned out in 1965 and hand pumps were installed. To address ongoing water quality issues a new bore was drilled in November 2023, to a depth of 60m, and opened to the public on 26 July 2024. Each hand pump now draws water from the same mineral spring bore.

The reserve these mineral springs are located within was established in 1881. The reserve was created to protect the banks of Wombat Creek. This was important as water races were constructed along the creek banks by gold miners. Sometimes several parallel races were constructed. They followed the contours of the valley at different elevations on each side of the valley, each belonging to a separate mining syndicate.

In October 1883, the Borough of Daylesford requested the reservation of land surrounding the Wombat Creek for the purpose of a lake. On 26th May 1885, an area (50 acres 3 rods and 22 perches) was reserved temporarily for an ornamental Lake and Public Recreation. On 22nd January 1889, the Borough of Daylesford requested the reservation of land around Sutton, Wagga, and Hard Hills springs to be reserved for the protection of the springs, with 36ha reserved. In December 1904, an additional area (14 acres) was reserved for the protection of the Mineral Springs. The Reserve now extends from Lake Daylesford to beyond Sutton Springs and the old water races have been developed as public pathways.

During the 1930s Central Springs Reserve was a favourite location for honeymooners and there was a bandstand pavilion/kiosk on the other side of Wombat Creek. The bandstand was used for picnics during the day and dancing at night.

Interesting facts:

During the construction of Lake Daylesford Wombat Creek was relocated. It now flows down a rocky cascade, 20-40 m south of its old position.

Over the years numerous proposals have been put forward to develop the springs eg a hotel and mineral baths were proposed in both 1934 and 1936, a hydrotherapy institute in the 1940’s and a spa therapy centre in 1965. The reserve status has protected the area from these developments occurring along with the low flow rates recorded at the springs.