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Daylesford: Australias Spa Capital
Author: Gavin Wyatt Do you need a holiday that really refreshes your body and soul? One of complete physical indulgence, where every mental and bodily ailment is tended to and abolished, leaving a new person with a fresh outlook on life? It sounds slightly fictional doesnt it, like some kind of fanciful place out of an episode of 'Sex and the City'. But thats because everything about Daylesford and its twin town of Hepburn Springs is a little too good to be true. Known as the 'Spa Centre' of Australia, this fairy tale-esque spot is the ultimate destination for pampering of all kinds, a place where you can stay in boutique resorts, enjoy some fine dining and get your body back into shape with some luxury spas and massages.
Situated above ancient volcanic basins, Daylesford has the largest concentration of natural mineral springs in Australia- springs whose waters have leached minerals from the 450 million year old rocks. These healing powers of these minerals are now what the towns economy relies on, as visitors come from far and wide to drink the pure mineral water or to sit and splash in one of the 70 natural mineral springs in the region. The scenery is spectacular- built on a ridge 600 metres above sea level the town is surrounded by the mountainous views of the Macedon Ranges, and there are numerous forestry reserves, parks and recreation areas nearby. The rush of the city feels a million miles away, despite the skyscrapers and crowds of Melbourne being just an hour and a half drive south.
The curative powers of the mineral water here has led to a community of natural health practitioners establishing itself in Daylesford and the surrounding villages. Offering beauty products and holistic healing, these professionals are your key to turning over a new leaf in your life and feeling great about just being you. There are a number of spas in the region you can visit to help you in doing this, one of the most popular being the Hepburn Spa. Its wide range of relaxation therapy treatments and beauty treatments are unparalleled anywhere in Australia, and the spa has a long tradition of providing quality beauty therapy and has helped to shape the industry in the country.
Your visit to Daylesford does not just have to be restricted to the mineral springs and the spas, there are plenty of other activities and a beautiful natural environment to enjoy them in. Hiring a row boat and going for a paddle on a lake, surrounded by forests and with the Macedon Ranges as a backdrop is an activity that fits in with the fantasy like nature of your holiday! There are a couple of lakes you can choose from, the more commonly visited one being Lake Daylesford. Created in 1929, it is popular amongst fishermen and has picnic and barbeque facilities, and there is a bushwalk that runs around the perimeter of the lake known as the 'peace mile' walking track.
To further attune yourself into nature, pay a visit to the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens. Established in 1863, these sit high atop an extinct volcano and are reached by driving up Central Springs Road. The gardens have an enchanting nineteenth century feel, containing huge trees and a lush fernery. There is a lookout tower and a number of picnic areas, and if you are there in February or March then give the begonia display a look. Another special place to visit is the Lavendula Swiss Italian Farm in Shepherds Flat. Established in 1850, there are extensive lavender fields here which visitors are able to wander through, enjoying the restored European stone buildings as they go. There is a fully licensed restaurant here that serves hearty meals made from the natural produce of the region.
In fact fine dining will definitely be a feature of your visit to Daylesford, with the region being renowned for superb culinary and wine industries. Fertile soils and a perfect climate support two wineries and a number of farms whose produce finds its way into the numerous award winning restaurants. If you prefer to cook your own food, then on your travels keep an eye out for numerous roadside stalls where you can pick up some of this fresh produce and take it home for your own kitchen. There are a number of touring routes you can take that go through the farms, via places of interest and past some stunning lookouts, just enquire at the Visitor Information Centre at Daylesford.
Your holiday in Daylesford is all about indulgence- thats what this region specialises in! Its a great spot for couples to come and rekindle lost sparks, for a girls group to enjoy a serious pampering, or for a family to sample the sights and sounds of the region. There are any number of accommodation options, from the budget to the seriously luxurious, so whatever kind of holiday you want it will be catered for. Remember that a hire car will give you the freedom you require to explore the region to your hearts content. Enjoy!
Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Victorian Car Hire
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