Soak in hot spring water, sample the natural mineral water, or simply enjoy a blissful massage – you’re in spa country now.

Widely referred to as the spa region of Victoria, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs host over 80% of Australia’s natural mineral springs. And visiting them is arguably the best thing to do in the region.

The area’s spa culture developed throughout the gold rush era, thanks to European migrants who recognised the potential of the natural springs. These aren’t to be confused with hot springs, however. The mineral spring waters are cool and known for their unique tastes and mineral components. For a bathing experience, you’ll need to visit one of the area’s spas or bathhouses that manually heat the natural mineral water.

Whether you want to taste the famed mineral waters (don’t forget your water bottle) or experience their benefits through bathing, we’ve rounded up our top picks for spas and mineral springs in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.

In Short

If you only visit one “hot spring" in Daylesford, make it the newly renovated Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Not only is it in a beautiful setting, but it’s also located in the Hepburn mineral springs reserve, so you can taste the waters after your spa visit.  

Spas & Bathhouses

The Spa at Lake House Daylesford

Lake House Daylesford is an icon of the spa region and a destination in itself. Established in 1984 on the edge of Lake Daylesford, the hotel is home to a dreamy day spa that celebrates the area’s healing mineral waters, using its own luxury bath range, Daylesford Pure, which contains many locally sourced ingredients.

With its luxurious setting and surrounding natural beauty, you’ll feel your shoulders drop on arrival. The indulgent spa menu features signature rituals the likes of Sweet Dreams, designed to help ease a busy brain, inclusive of a mineral polish, full body massage, herbal body balm and facial therapy.

The spa also offers hydrotherapy experiences like the Tree Top Soak: a private tub filled with heated Daylesford mineral water, overlooking Lake Daylesford through the willow trees. Pure bliss.

While it’s a splurge, this spa is a must for wellness lovers. Take a look at the packages on their website, and book ahead.

Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

Established in 1895, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has a rich history and is recognised as Australia’s first formal bathhouse (the original bathhouse, now cafe, still showcases the original taps).

It underwent a stunning $1.7 million refurbishment in 2025, which was partly featured on Channel 9’s The Block. Come here to experience the healing mineral waters drawn directly from the source at the Bathhouse or Sanctuary bathing areas (there’s also private bathing available).

And once you’re here, why not add on a spa treatment? From body scrubs and wraps to facials, massages, and steam therapy, choose your own adventure or select a package for an indulgent day of relaxation. There’s also accommodation on site – check the website for packages, and for best value, consider a midweek stay. If you have mobility issues, there is some ramp access, but it’s best to enquire directly.

The Mineral Spa

This architecturally designed day spa is part of the 1930 Art Deco Mineral Springs Hotel in Hepburn Springs. With a focus on restoration, their bathing area – The Retreat – is a must do, featuring two 38°C mineral pools and a cooling plunge pool overlooking the gardens, plus saunas, a steam room and outdoor deck (unfortunately they don’t cater for those with special access needs). They also offer Social Hour on select days, where phones are permitted so you can capture that perfect shot for your socials.

Pair your visit with an indulgent spa treatment; the menu is packed with mineral rituals, massages, and facials. Afterwards, head to the hotel’s Argus Dining Room and Bar (because who knew relaxing could work up such an appetite?).

Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa

For a Japanese-inspired wellness experience, there’s no need to book a flight – just visit the Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa. The ryokan offers a traditional Japanese inn experience, and this extends to its spa offering.

Don’t miss the tranquil bathing ritual in a private hinoki timber bath, filled with magnesium-rich water heated to 39-40°C (in true Japanese style, swimwear is not allowed for this private experience).

Treatments include shiatsu massages, reflexology, and a signature Geisha facial that uses sterilised nightingale droppings, which contain precious natural enzymes that smooth and lighten the skin (when in Rome, we say). While you’re here, book into the restaurant for authentic Japanese seasonal cuisine.

Sauk Head Spa

Opened in 2025, Sauk Head Spa is the region’s only head spa. Inspired by Japanese culture, this specialised scalp treatment combines scalp massage, deep cleansing, water therapy and aromatherapy to promote relaxation, strengthen hair follicles and remove buildup of oil and impurities.

Expect a calming ambience, a personalised assessment to kick off the treatment, and even before-and-after results through a scalp microscope.

Acqua Viva Day Spa

This charming day spa has been operating since 2000, and is known for its warm, friendly service and blissful spa treatments. Their packages combine massages and facials with mineral spa and steam baths, body scrubs and masques.

For some mother-daughter bonding, try their package for two: over three and a half hours, be treated to a relaxation massage, foot facial, facial and double mineral water spa bath.

Daylesford Day Spa

The highly rated Daylesford Day Spa is located in a double-storey heritage building in the centre of town, perfect for popping into after brunch or before an afternoon drink.

They offer a range of therapeutic treatments that nurture the body and relax the mind – think classic and anti-ageing facials, a variety of massages, and packages such as Anti-Stress, Onsen & Shiatsu, and Mums to Be. Their facials and body treatments incorporate mostly natural and organic products, including Dr Babor, Jurlique and Ania Organics.

Nalini Retreat

The accommodation in Daylesford and its surrounds can be so gorgeous – think quaint cottages and charming bed and breakfasts – you may not want to leave. That’s where Nalini Retreat comes in.

They’re a local mobile wellness service specialising in bringing luxurious spa treatments directly to you. It’s a convenient option for retreats or a girl’s weekend, and their full range of services include massages, facials, body polish, ear candling and more.

Mineral Springs

Central Springs Reserve – Lake Daylesford

The Central Springs Reserve is a great place to get a taste of the region’s mineral springs (pardon the pun), as there are three springs in the area.

Central Springs, Wagga Spring and Sutton Spring are all located along the Dry Diggings Track, which connects to Lake Daylesford next to the spillway (there’s also a car park off Fulcher St). The three hand pumps at Central Springs were installed in the late 1920s, however they now draw from a new 60-metre bore, opened in 2024. The area around it has been recently redeveloped with a BBQ, picnic area, accessible walkways and Indigenous artworks.

Sutton Spring was named after two brothers from Cornwall who discovered it during alluvial gold mining in the 1850s; Wagga Spring was believed to be discovered around the same time, although it didn’t appear on early 1900s tourist maps.

Wombat Flat – Lake Daylesford

Wombat Flat is also located near Lake Daylesford, but on the eastern side of the lake, right near the Peace Mile Loop Walk. It has a bore depth of 78m; you might have to pump a few times if the tap hasn’t been used for a while. Surrounded by trees and grassy areas, it makes for a pretty picnic spot, and can easily be added on to a visit to the Central Springs Reserve.

Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve

This was Australia’s first mineral springs reserve, established in 1865. Many of the springs were discovered during the mining and gold rush period; while the springs weren’t a priority for the miners, Swiss Italian migrant Dr Rosetti and others recognised the significance of these springs, eventually leading to the creation of the reserve.

The reserve is also home to the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, and Pavilion Café. After you wander the reserve’s scenic trails, sampling the different spring water from the pumps, head to the bathhouse to soak in the heated mineral-rich water, said to soothe muscle tension, revitalise the skin and promote vitality. The main paths in the reserve are generally accessible, however check the local visitor centre for specific information.

Jubilee Mineral Spring

Originally called ‘Soda’ spring, the Jubilee Mineral Spring is a short stroll from the Jubilee Lake car park, on the banks of Wombat Creek. It was discovered around 1900, and in 1929, a bore was drilled and fitted with a hand pump; this was replaced with a new bore in 2002. The water is said to be sweeter than Hepburn springs, with less chloride, sulphur and iron.

While you’re here, enjoy the 1.2-kilometre walk around the lake, or on a warm day, hire a kayak or paddle boat to explore the calm waters.

Sailors Falls Mineral Spring

This spring is located next to the 30-metre Sailors Falls, within the Hepburn Regional Park. The 1.5-kilometre Mineral Springs Loop Walk, starting from the picnic area, takes you to the spring and waterfall vantage points. This is the only spring that features an electric pump.

Tipperary Mineral Spring

Tipperary Mineral Spring is located in a beautiful natural setting near the banks of Sailors Creek. The spring was discovered in the 1850s, and in 2001, a new 51-metre bore with a hand pump was installed. It’s a peaceful place to linger; there are picnic tables and toilets, and two walking trails, one to Bryces Flat and one to Twin Bridges.