Bathing in mineral waters for health and therapeutic reasons dates into deepest history. There is archaeological evidence of human activity around Bath's (Britian) hot springs as early as 8000BC¹ and the Greeks favoured baths as early as 500BC. The famed healing powers of mineral waters were reputed to cure everything from acne to leprosy, as well as providing a convivial gathering place for social interactions.

This tradition carries on strongly in Europe, in famous spa centres such as Vichy, Baden Baden and Bath in the UK.

The therapeutic reputation of spas and mineral springs was enhanced by the beautiful and tranquil surroundings in which they were sourced. Walking, drinking the waters, and taking fine food and wine are traditionally all part of a spa experience.

The Daylesford/Hepburn region is acknowledged as Australia's spa centre. Mineral springs were first discovered in 1836 in the area by Captain John S Hepburn, who had taken up a large holding in the area. While surveying his property, he found the first mineral spring, which was named The Pavilion Spring.

Gold was also discovered in the region in 1851, and many mineral springs were then uncovered during gold mining operations. Indeed, gold mining activity was so prolific that the springs were threatened, and the local community moved to protect the waters. A public meeting was called in 1865 and the Shire Council lobbied to prevent gold mining from damaging the springs. In 1867 the Mineral Springs Reserve was created, making it the first reserve of its type in Australia².

The original mineral springs Bathhouse was completed in 1894, and opened on December 22 of that year. Designed by the Swiss architect L Boldini, it started with just two baths. By 1912 the Bathhouse had expanded to include 4 baths.

In the 1920s it was clear that the current structure could no longer cater for the number of visitors, and a renovation was planned to extend the north wing and the waiting room. A competition was held to choose the designer, and the winning entry was by Mr Dalman, a Daylesford builder, whose work can also be seen in the Palais Café in Hepburn Springs, and the current Pavilion Café. ³

The sale of mineral water started in 1868, and bottling commenced in the late 1800s.

The Pavilion Café, near the Bathhouse in the Mineral Springs Reserve, was constructed in timber in 1897, and then replaced by the current structure in 1908. It was long a gathering place for local residents, and in the 1920s held dances which were wildly popular. In fact, the dances were seen with some suspicion by the local community who were concerned about the lascivious nature of the gatherings².

Daylesford lies at the intersection of three Aboriginal tribal areas: the Kurung, Wurundjeri and Jaara hordes⁷. Aborigines visited the springs before European settlement, and it has been suggested that a member of a local tribe guided Europeans to the Hepburn Springs⁴. However after a period of intense gold mining activity, by 1851 the local aboriginal population had dwindled to just 23.

A large Chinese population built up during the gold rush years, however they moved on after the 1906 fires. Many of the original inhabitants of the area were Swiss-Italian immigrants, and their impact on the region can still be seen. Their habit of taking the waters for health, as well as the outstanding produce, smallgoods, breads, wines and even chocolate produced locally speak of their passion for quality of life. Their history is celebrated during the Swiss-Italian Festival held every year in the area.

To quote from the Victorian Mineral Springs Resources Masterplan Review 2000:

"For Europeans especially, the springs have a special cultural place, arising from a different heritage when 'taking of the waters' has been considered profoundly health-giving. There has been a strong culture surrounding the practice: people are known to have travelled widely to seek the benefits of the waters. Entre townships have grown around their presence in Europe and entire industries have been founded in their presence and perceived health effect for both body and soul. To a large extent, this explains the history of a place like Hepburn Springs - it responds very clearly to the European tradition."

By the mid 1880, Cobb & Co were bringing visitors to imbibe mineral waters and take advantage of its curative properties. Daylesford was also connected to the Bendigo and Echuca rail lines early in 1806. There were 22 guest houses in the area servicing the needs of Melbourne tourists, who came to treat varying disorders such as rheumatism, nervous disorders, gout, sciatica, indigestion, anaemia, circulator disorders, digestive or liver dysfunctions, and nutritional and skin complaints.⁵.

Tourism peaked in the 1930s, when the advent of the motor car made day tours possible, and opened up travel to more far-flung and coastal destinations.

The Bathhouse has undergone several renovations since it first opened, including in the 1920s, the 1980s, and the 1990s, reflecting its importance to the local residents. The most recent, completed in 2008, has seen a large redevelopment and extension of the site and will cater for demand from the local community as well as the growing tourism market into the future.

Mineral water was defined in the 1980 Ground Water Mineral Water Act as 'ground water which in its natural state contains carbon dioxide and other soluble matter in sufficient concentration to cause effervescence and impart a distinctive taste'.

Around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs there are around 65 mineral springs2. The majority of these are sourced from sandstone, shale and silt which was laid down under the sea around 450 million years ago.

Typically, around 2.5g/l of total dissolved mineral salts are found in these springs, which is very similar to the famed European spas¹.

Bathing in mineral waters is reputed to be effective in treating a wide range of illnesses and diseases, both of the mind and the body. Testimonials from the 1930s tell some of the many stories of those who have been healed after bathing once or several times in the Bathhouse.

For example, The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases was founded in 1748 in Bath, England, to allow the poor access to the healing mineral waters nearby. The hospital still functions, and provides specialist clinics in connective tissue disease, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, and Pagets Disease.

A 'professional opinion' given in 1868, claimed that Victorian mineral water was beneficial "in diseases peculiar to young girls with general debility" and "for gentlemen who have lived rather too freely".⁴