Daylesford Hepburn - Resort Towns

 

Daylesford Advocate, Yandoit, Glenlyon and Eganstown Chronicle (Vic.: 1914 - 1918), Thursday 6 January 1916, page 3 

 CHRISTMAS AT "LOCARNO" 

 

As is usual at these times, Daylesford is again to the fore as a holiday resort, and the pretty and prosperous little township is once again ringing with the praises of those who are perhaps fortunate enough to be staying here. "Locarno" is well known as one oi the most popular houses to stay, and the visitors there at present are not lacking in praise for the able manner in which their comforts are catered for. One of the most pleasing features in connection with "Locarno" is that year after year one can always depend on meeting old friends again, for it seems that once a person visits the springs, he always seems to turn up again, and in this connection "Locarno" holds its own. The most popular walks about the springs are the Blowhole and Liberty and Argyle Springs. A drag drive to the Jubilee Lake took place on Wednesday, 29r.h ult. Four drags conveying the party left the springs at about 4 o'clock, and the lake was reached alter about one hour's pleasant driving. After tea had been provided by Mrs Nelms some of the folk played games, while those who preferred the water found pleasure in a quiet little row on the placid lake. A start was made for home at 8.30, and Hepburn was reached shortly after 9 o'clock. On Wednesday, the 27th, a successful euchre party was held in the dancing rooms, fully 60 persons occupying the tables, including a number of visitors from the town. Some interesting games were played, but at the finish "Locarno" held its own by carrying off the first and booby prizes, Mr Loughlan gaining the gentleman's prize. After the games. were finished a dance took place, excellent music being contributed by Miss Rollands. A number of musical items were also rendered during the evening. After partaking of supper, the party broke up at about 1 a.m. 

The annual fancy dress ball, which is always held at "Locarno" on New Year's Eve, is perhaps the most looked to event of the season, and this year Friday was the day set apart for the function. Soon after breakfast everybody was busy getting his or her costume in readiness, and as is generally the rule most of the costumes are made up on the premises. The time for the ball was 8.30, and when everybody was ready a procession, headed by Mr Jim Luttrill, marched up the street a short distance before entering the ball room, and the gay throng caused quite a stir. Miss Rollands again provided excellent dance music. During the evening a doll (presented by Miss May Mitchell) was raffled in aid of the Red Cross funds and was won by Mr McDonald. A number of musical items were generously given by Miss Vera McDonald, Mr Frank O'Brien, Miss May Mitchell, Mr Wally Jameson, Mr Will Perini, and others. The prize for the best character for the gentlemen was again carried off by Mr Frank O'Brien. This is the third time in succession on which Mr O'Brien has carried off the prize. Miss Alice O Day, as ''Australia,'' was easily first among the ladies. Mr Sampson, snr., with a few well-chosen words, presented the prizes to the winners. On the, stroke of 12 o'clock the company adjourned to the grounds and sang ''Auld Lang Syne," and exchanged greetings. After this ceremony dancing was again indulged in, and the merry party broke up a little after 2 a.m. Much credit is due to Mr Jim Luttrell, Mrs Walker, the management (Misses Perini) and the various I committees, who worked so hard j and so successfully. 

DAYLESFORD.  

Popular Tourist Centre.  

Attractions of Mineral Springs.  (the wonderful health benefits of radioactive water)

Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854 - 1954), Tuesday 2 November 1926, page 7 

DAYLESFORD, Monday-. — Situated on a spur of the Great Dividing Range, Daylesford is not a place of deep, precipitous gorges, but rather, as, its name implies a country of pleasant hills and dales. For the healthy it provides a variety the holidaymaker, seeks – a bracing atmosphere rarely more than 90 degrees in the shade in midsummer, and delightfully cool nights. And. the, curative properties contained in its mineral springs have earned it a high reputation throughout the Commonwealth. 

There are 26 known mineral springs in the Daylesford district, and probably many others not yet discovered. Hepburn springs have been developed to a much greater extent than any others in the district. It has the largest flow of any springs, there being at present an estimated flow of 20,000 gallons per 24 hours. The analysis of Mr. P. R. Scott, the Government Chemist of Agriculture affirms that the water contains lime, soda, magnesia, iron, potash, lithia, chloride and sulphate of soda, silicates, and natural radio-active gas. Sir D. O. Masson, of the Melbourne University, has confirmed the presence of radio-active gas. 

There are only two other springs in the world which have been proved to be radioactive. These are the Springs of Bath (England) and King Haakon's Springs in Norway. From analysis it is claimed that the water of Hepburn and other Daylesford springs is on iron tonic water, of great therapeutic value. The Hepburn Spa Company holds a long lease from the Hepburn Spring Park committee and the Board of Lands and Works, which gives them the right to bottle water and to surcharge bottles and cylinders with natural carbonic acid gas, which is caught in large gasometers as it escapes from the water. Upwards of 12,000 bottles and cylinders per day are putt into commercial use, and distributed all over Australia, South Africa and the East. The right of the company, however, cannot encroach on the freedom of the public to the waters.  There is an abundance of water for the public free of charge, and many thousands of gallons run to waste daily. 

Over the old spring a large brick pavilion was erected many years ago, the late Sir Thomas Bent, the then Premier, having granted £300 towards the building, which cost £1000. At present the pavilion is being used for dancing by the public three nights each week. The baths contain sixteen up-to-date brick bathrooms, and throughout the summer months the baths are continually occupied. Some of the busiest months of last year brought in up to £180 per month, and it is expected that this season will be even better. 

The Hard Hill and Sutton's Springs, which are only 15 minutes' walk from Daylesford post office, are visited by hundreds of people weekly during the tourist season.  Scores of people may be seen on their way to and from this delightful spot before breakfast. Prior to the commencement of the present season the members of Daylesford borough council, in company with Mr. J. M. Reid, chairman of the tourist committee, visited Hard Hill Springs and selected an ideal site on which to erect a kiosk. Mr. Reid promised £100 from the tourist vote towards the project. The building is now complete, costing £500. The balance of £400 is being provided by the Daylesford borough council. Mr. Keat, of Daylesford, has secured a three years' lease of the kiosk. The building is also large enough for dancing. 

About two miles further down the same creek there is Tipperary Springs, also under the control of the Daylesford borough council. This water is particularly palatable and is preferred by many to any other spring in the district.  Probably the most delightful walk in the district is between Hard Hill and Tipperary Springs, along the winding valleys of the Sailors' and Jim Crow Creeks. On a bright spring morning nothing could be more picturesque than this trip with its winding track, sometimes cut into the cliffs nearly 100 feet above the rippling waters of the creek.  A large rustic shelter shed has been recently erected at Tipperary Springs, towards which Mr. Reid granted £25 from the tourist vote. 

Another pretty spot within two miles of Daylesford is Jubilee Lake, of 23 acres in extent.  It is situated at the foot of a steep, wooded hill, and is a sanctuary for all classes of native game. Mr, R. Nelms, a retired sergeant of police, has been the lessee and caretaker of this popular picnic spot for more than than 20 years, and has transformed the place, with well-kept gardens. A fleet of rowing boats is available. 

 A pleasant and restful day can be spent in Wombat Hill gardens, which are practically in the heart of the town.  The summit of the hill is 2300 feet above sea level, and an excellent panoramic view can be obtained for a distance of nearly 50 miles particularly to the north and west. Mt. Franklin, Mt, Tarrengower, Mt. Alexander, Mt. Ida, near Heathcote, and even the Pyrenees can be seen with the naked eye, while in the foreground- are the peaks and hills of the Dividing Range 

 The next largest mineral spring to Hepburn is that at Deep Creek, Eganstown, about five miles to the west of Daylesford, and just about on the eastern boundary of Creswick Shire, and the eastern boundary of Glenlyon shire. The O.T. Company is bottling water from this spring: This spring has not yet properly come into prominence. With the advent of mineral baths and additional guest houses there appears to be nothing to stop this spot from becoming very popular. During the the past two or three years, all the available boarding houses at Eganstown have been well patronised by visitors. 

One of the prettiest drives to be obtained is the round trip from Daylesford, via Mt, Franklin and Hepburn Springs, and is decidedly the most popular, as it gives one a good idea of the scenic beauty of the district. Mt. Franklin is reached in seven miles, and here is a crater of an extinct volcano. Cars are able to climb the mountain side on a good Government-made road and enter the crater through the lip.  The summit can be reached on foot by graded tracks, and there is a walk of about a mile almost right around the top of the crater; From this mount a glorious view can be obtained. The trip is then continued through Franklinford and Shepherd's. Flat, and the famed Breakneck Gorge is reached. Few motorists pass without stopping to see this wonderful scene. 

Daylesford is not behind in providing sport for the tourist.  A nine-hole golf links is established at Victoria Park, one mile from the town, and situated on a beautiful tableland, which has been the property of the council for more than half' a century. Links have also, been recently established at Hepburn Springs. A company has been formed, and 125 acres purchased.  A course was laid out under the direction of Mr.Cates, of Ballarat, and. Mr.  Keating, of Woodend.  The sum of £5000 has been spent. The first nine holes are complete, with a total length of 2509 yards. This was opened last Saturday week, and preparations are being made to complete the 18 holes. Upwards of 60,000 visitors arrive yearly in Daylesford. The mineral water has given Daylesford a great impetus as a tourist resort.  

Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854 - 1954), Wednesday 23 April 1924, page 10 

HEPBURN SPRINGS. 

THE AUSTRALIAN LOURDES. 

Hepburn Springs, two miles and a half from Daylesford, said to contain the best medicinal mineral water in Australia, if not in the world, may aptly be compared with Lourdes, the French Mecca for in valid pilgrims. Both are patronised by many thousands of the sick and afflicted, 

but the raisons d'etre differ widely. In the case of Lourdes, the healing value of the water of the famous grotto is said to have been conferred by a visit from the Virgin Mary, and doubtless the faith of the pilgrims has much to do with the miracles recorded there. The Hepburn Springs, on the other band, stand upon their medicinal properties alone — no divine tradition is associated with them, and they have not yet achieved the world-wide reputation that is attached to Lourdes. Nevertheless, there is remarkable evidence that they contain constituents that are of value in the treatment of many of the ills that rack the human frame. Hepburn, the original township of the gold-digging days, is about three miles north of Daylesford, but the central spring bearing the same name is half a mile to the south-east. Old Hepburn was formerly the scene of great mining activity, traces of which still remain, but the discovery of the medicinal value of the spring water resulted in the birth of a new township on a hill immediately above the springs, and it is there that the visitors, both healthy and sick, congregate. There are two hotels, quite a large number of boarding houses, stores, and a post office. The original post office at Old Hepburn is still in existence, and the fact that there are two bearing similar names within half a mile, of each other is confusing to the stranger— he usually addresses his letter to "Hepburn," though its correct destination is "Hepburn Springs," and vice versa. Hepburn Springs— there are about a dozen others within a comparatively short radius— is in a gully about 150 feet below the principal hotel, and a winding path has been cut in the steep hillside. A longer and circuitous road has also been provided for motors, but the grade is extremely steep in places, and its negotiation in wet weather provides more thrills than are quite enjoyable to the average motorist. Over this central spring a large and ornate rotunda has been erected, but, strangely enough, it is to another spring 50 yards away that the majority of the visitors go to drink the water and fill their bottles. Every pilgrim carries a bottle— sometimes three or four— in which to take a supply back to his room for intermediate use. The length of one's stay at Hepburn can be accurately estimated by the colour of his bottle — if it is clean and transparent it has been in use for only a short while, but if it is opaque and stained a deep brown inside it is safe to assume that its owner is an old "resident" in search of health. This colouring of the bottles is due to the action of the minerals in the water— just as a smoker "colours" his meer schaum by long use, so the seeker after health at Hepburn colours his bottle, and the browner it becomes the prouder is he of it. There is always a group around the principal spring. The water has been tapped in the hillside a short distance away and brought in pipes to a cavity in the rocks on the bank of a creek, where it can be conveniently reached. It is always "on tap," consequently an enormous quantity of it runs to waste. The daily pilgrimages down the steep hillside are an interesting, and at times affecting, sight. Those who are able to do so hobble along with the aid of sticks or crutches, hut there are others more sorely afflicted, who must depend upon the kindness of friends for the filling of their bottles. Needless to say, there is no lack of Good Samaritans in cases like these. It is on record that one man who was so badly afflicted that he could only move about with the aid of crutches was so greatly benefited by the water that he was able to dispense with the crutches in a fortnight. A woman, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for five years, and who had been told by Melbourne doctors that the case was hopeless, went to Hepburn Springs for a course of the water, and on her own statement was completely cured. Many other cases are quoted in which similar sufferers gained considerable relief, if not complete cures. It is beyond reasonable doubt that this spring water contains properties which are highly beneficial to sufferers from rheumatic, sciatic and dyspeptic disorders, especially if it is taken in the early stages of the com plaint. The other springs can be reached by short walks through delightful bush land. They are also of medicinal value, and their flavour is different from that of the main spring — possibly their properties are a specific for a still further range of diseases. There is room at Hepburn for the activities of a local progress or tourist association — if such an organisation ia already in existence it needs galvanising. Gome of the tracks to the springs and other beauty spots are not definitely marked; some are overgrown and rough to the foot of the invalid, and the stranger is liable to stray alongside and cross paths which seem to lead nowhere. Another matter, even more important to the safety of the visitor, is the presence of many open mine shafts in dangerous proximity to the tracks Years ago the district was an important mining field — several mines are still in active operation— and the abandoned shafts, some of them of considerable depth, have been left as death traps to the unwary. A particular case in point is the North Frenchman's shaft; -which with the poppet heads still standing, is only a few feet from the track to the local reservoir, a walk much favoured by tourists. A stone dropped into its open mouth indicated a depth (if at least 200 feet to the water, and there is absolutely nothing to prevent a child, for instance, running ahead of a party and attracted by the sight of the poppet heads, from falling in. Apart from the springs there are other attractions in the district for the visitor, including. Breakneck Gorge and the Blow Hole. The former, is a deep ravine, at the bottom of which a river dreams along over a rocky bed, forming here and there miniature rapids and sparkling cascades to delight the eye, on top of the gorge on the east side is a large plateau, accommodating the Hepburn cricket and football grounds. It is so large that in the early days was used as a racecourse, and tradition has it that on one occasion a horse bolted and plunged with its rider over the precipice— hence its name. The Blowhole, about two miles from Hepburn Springs, is really a tunnel driven by the miners through a wall of rock in order' to divert the waters of Sailor's Creek, so that the gold in its bed might be recovered. As an example of mining engineering, it is of much interest, and when the creek is in flood and the water thunders through the tunnel to fall in 

a beautiful cascade down the rocks on the other side of the hill, it is a sight which no visitor should miss. The tediously slow railway journey from Melbourne is the one disappointing feature of the Hepburn trip, unless, of course, one is fortunate enough to possess a motor car. It is astonishing that the Daylesford and Hepburn people and the residents of the district back to Carlsruhe are content to put up with the inconvenience of this so-called service. The Melbourne to Wood-end section of the trip is covered in the Bendigo express, but at Woodend one changes into a local "mixed" train for Daylesford. and the remainder of the journey, which occupies nearly two hours is an excruciating experience which rankles in one's memory. The return trip from Daylesford to Woodend is even worse. The train— two carriages and a long string of trucks— crawls along at snail's pace and stops at every wayside station for anything from ten minutes to half an hour. These unconscionable stops are necessary to pick up trucks of cattle, timber, &c. Seldom are the trucks for Melbourne in their proper order in the "string," with the result, that all are taken out of the siding, and "kicked'' off alternately on to the train or back to the siding, as may be necessary. A goods train two days a week would clear all this wayside traffic and enable the passenger train to cover the few miles between Daylesford and Carlsruhe in something like decent time. The popularity of Daylesford and Hepburn in the circumstances is astonishing. 

 

RESEARCHED AND COMPILED BY ANDREW PARKER 2020