Three Days to Rejuvenate in Hepburn Springs

DAY ONE Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, a site famous for its naturally occurring mineral springs. Established in the 1860s, this picturesque location preserves the region's rich spa heritage and is home to several mineral springs, where you can sample the refreshing mineral water straight from the source. The scenic surroundings include lush gardens, picnic areas, walking trails, and historic rotundas, along with the iconic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. If time allows, follow the 45-minute (2.9km) Argyle Walk through the Wombat Forest, which departs from and returns to the car park on Mineral Springs Road.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon drink at Hepburn Springs Brewing Co. A short drive (or walk) from Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, this family-owned and operated brewery serves up limited release craft beers and spirits. Enjoy options such as pilsner, pale ale, red ale and wheat beer or ‘Hefeweizen’, or choose from their range of gins or vodkas. All can be enjoyed within their Taproom, which boasts wonderful bush views.

Day 2 Start the day with breakfast at the Virgin Kitchen at Hotel Bellinzona. Located in the heart of Hepburn Springs, this contemporary space features stylish cane armchairs, a white pebble stone courtyard and lush garden. Feast on hearty breakfast favourites, with local ingredients the hero in all dishes. The Virgin Kitchen is also open for lunch and dinner.

Stop for lunch at the enchanting Lavandula Farm, where you can explore 100 acres of European-style gardens, historic Swiss Italian stone buildings, and lavender fields. Enjoy history tours of the original homestead, before being transported to the traditional trattorias of Italy at Maria's Trattoria, nestled at the heart of the farm. Here you can feast on simple, honest food made from scratch with ingredients grown on-site or sourced locally. Be sure to pick up lavender inspired goodies at their beautifully curated Farm Shop and Homestead Store on your way out. Lavandula Farm is located a short drive from Hepburn Springs in Shepherds Flat.

There’s no such thing as too many spa treatments! Treat yourself to a bathing experience, followed by a signature treatment at The Mineral Spa, located within Mineral Springs Hotel. Afterwards, dine at The Argus Dining Room, offering modern Australian cuisine, seasonal menus, and boutique wines from local, family-owned vineyards. You can also opt to stay overnight at this beautifully transformed 1930s hotel, where heritage charm blends seamlessly with modern luxury. For a truly special stay, check out Villa Parma; a beautiful example of Swiss Italian architecture suited to small groups.

Round out your day at the historic Hepburn Palais, a beautifully restored entertainment venue that has been bringing people together for 100 years. Hosting everything from jazz, blues and folk to rock, comedy, cabaret and live theatre, this beautifully restored venue is the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy a show.

A short five-minute drive north of Hepburn Springs, you can satisfy all of your chocolate cravings at The Chocolate Mill. Located with a straw-bale building and surrounded by forest, you can watch as they hand crafted chocolates using fair-trade Belgian Couverture chocolate, using traditional European techniques. Sip on a warming hot chocolate in the cafè or opt for an ice-cream sundae on warmer days. Arriving by foot or bike is another popular option, hikers or bikers can choose to follow the Dry Diggings Track from Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve to The Chocolate Mill (allow time for the relatively easy 11.5km return journey).