PAY IT FORWARD
in Hepburn Springs Words by Madeleine Blake
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.
Villa Parma, 124 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs, 1300 737 444, peppers.com.au
STAY We begin our journey at Villa Parma. Built in 1864, this Hepburn Springs
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.
landmark is a visible reminder of the Swiss Italian heritage of the area. Sitting within Peppers Mineral Springs, this heritage listed, fourbedroom 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.
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.
DINNER "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, 3 Tenth St, Hepburn Springs, 03 5348 4628, thesurlygoat.com.au
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