Our History

Our History

Established in 1895, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has a rich history dating back to the early days of Daylesford. The original bathhouse, now the Hepburn Pavilion Café, stands as a testament to our heritage, showcasing the original taps that have witnessed the passage of time. Hepburn stands apart as the sole “Spa Country” destination where you can indulge in the unique experience of bathing in natural mineral waters. 

In 1864, the value of the mineral springs was acknowledged by the early residents of Daylesford, leading to the establishment of the first mineral springs reserve at Hepburn Springs. By the 1880s, the fame of Hepburn Springs mineral water spread across Australia, with bottling and transportation ensuring its wide reach. Throughout the years, Hepburn has served as a hub of rejuvenation, attracting visitors with promises of restoring youth, vitality, and relief from various ailments. 

The Waters

The allure of Hepburn lies in its mineral waters, renowned for their exceptional qualities and holding a cherished place in history. These ancient spring waters, on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, were at one time in danger of disruption from gold mining and timber logging. Thanks largely to the efforts of a group of Swiss-Italian immigrants, access to these therapeutic waters was preserved for future generations when the group’s advocacy resulted in the establishment of the Hepburn Springs Reserve. It’s quite remarkable that as far back as the 1860s, the government realised that the therapeutic mineral waters were more precious than gold.  

The age-old practice of “taking the waters” was a concept these immigrant settlers were very familiar with. Many of them hailed from the spa towns of Europe, where for centuries people have sought out the therapeutic waters to cure their ailments and restore robust health. 

Today, as people seek holistic wellbeing, the mineral springs of Hepburn offer a harmonious blend of fresh air, serene natural surroundings and opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Balneotherapy, which combines the benefits of mineral water therapies, has witnessed a resurgence, as today’s society values an approach to health that emphasises balance, contentment and a way to wash away the stress of modern living. 

Australia’s First Spa Resort

In many ways, the Hepburn and Daylesford area grew from the popularity of its precious mineral waters. Once the mineral reserve was established and word spread about the quality of its therapeutic waters, people came to “take the waters”. The 1880 railways construction made the area more accessible, and the area flourished as a fashionable spa holiday resort where people came to rest and recuperate.  

Australia’s first bathhouse opened here in 1895. The original bathhouse started with just two baths, but more baths were soon added to cope with public demand. It wasn’t long before Australia’s first spa resort town had grown such that visitors could stay in small guesthouses and luxury hotels, attend dances in ballrooms and pavilions, and dine on the region’s finest fare at formal dinners.  

With the influx of more tourists, the bathhouse was extended in the 1920s to add further baths and a waiting area. By the 1930s, a nurse with massage qualifications was employed so that resort guests could enjoy a massage alongside their hot and cold mineral baths.  

In the late 1980s, major renovations were undertaken to further extend the facilities. The Edwardian façade was retained but the interior was entirely remodelled to accommodate massage rooms and a relaxation lounge.  

The Hepburn Bathhouse was rebuilt in 1992, doubling in size to create Australia’s premier hydrotherapy centre. A later $13 million redevelopment was unveiled in September 2008 as the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. The original 1895 bathhouse remains, now home to the Hepburn Pavilion Café, making Hepburn Springs Australia’s only mineral bathing destination with a surviving, heritage-listed 19^th century bathhouse.