Did you know that Victoria is home to most of the mineral springs in Australia? There’s 39 publicly accessible springs across 19 different sites. These are mostly centred around the Hepburn Springs area, which is just 90 minutes away from Melbourne. And now, the Victorian government is keen to put these naturally occurring mineral springs on the map in an attempt to boost tourism in local communities. The Acting Minister for Environment Gayle Tierney has announced the Mineral Springs Master Plan (2025-2032), which will look at the long term planning and management of the mineral springs in Victoria.
“Naturally occurring mineral springs are a unique resource and we are making sure they are protected for all Victorians to enjoy,” said Tierney. “The Mineral Springs Master Plan will ensure that mineral springs in Victoria continue to support local communities, attract new visitors and involved Traditional Owners in their management.”
Mineral Springs in Victoria
Most of the mineral springs in Victoria are located in the Central Highlands area, around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, on Djaara, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurring Country. Over 100 mineral springs were identified across Victoria as early as 1912, and these springs were popular recreation and wellness spaces for Europeans. These waterways also formed a significant part of the culture for the Traditional Owners. Lots of the springs are located on private property, but there are still plenty of spots that are available to the public.
Today, the sites are currently operated by nine different land managers, including the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Hepburn Shire Council and Parks Victoria.
The Master Plan aims to make the mineral springs sites safe and accessible, meet local needs, recognise the heritage of these sites, attract tourists to regional Victoria and keep the water safe for human consumption. It also aims for Traditional Owners to determine their level of involvement in the management of these sites.
Where can you find the mineral springs?
There is a new website, Mineral Springs of Victoria, which acts as a guide to finding these natural springs. Popular locations include:
- Soda Spring – Located within the Hepburn Mineral Spring Reserve, this spot is just a short walk away from the iconic Hepburn Bathhouse. Keep going along the path to find other springs, such as Sulphur and Wyuna.
- Wombat Flat Spring – You’ll find this spring on the edge of Lake Daylesford. Nearby, you’ll find a walking trail which goes around the lake, as well as shady trees and grassy banks for picnics.
- Sailors Falls Mineral Springs – After admiring the 30-metre-tall Sailors Falls, grab a drink from one of the two pumps nearby. There’s a pump on the upper platform, complete with a push button for the tap, as well as a pump at the bottom down a steep staircase.
- Kyneton Mineral Springs – The mineral springs reserve in Kyneton features two pumps for you to choose from, as well as a historic rotunda, picnic tables, barbecue facilities and car parking.
- Vaughan Springs (Jim Paull and Lawson Springs) – This area in Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park has two springs for you to choose from. Located about 200 metres apart on the bank of the Loddon River, you’ll find amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas.
To find more mineral springs, click here.
Where does the water come from?
The springs are naturally occurring groundwater with high concentrations of carbon dioxide and other soluble matters, leading to a distinct taste. The water slowly flows into underground aquifers, and dissolves minerals and salts from the rock, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and lime. This mineral water is then brought to the surface with pipes or bores.
Trying the water
These springs are currently accessible via hand and electric pumps, pipe outlets and pit springs. Bring along your own cup or water bottle to try the water. If you’re using a hand pump, be sure to pump it well to get fresh, fully carbonated water. Just remember that the water from mineral springs is untreated. The water is regularly monitored for quality so you can drink it with mineral risk, but you shouldn’t consume it regularly. Please note that there may be naturally elevated lithium concentrations in the water, so if you’re taking medication that contains lithium, or undergoing lithium therapy, you shouldn’t drink the water.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Master Plan, click here.