Places to discover in Country Victoria

When you're all shopped out you might consider taking time to relax and spoil yourself. Why not drive out to some of the many beautiful and hidden treasurers Country Victoria has to offer. Here are some ideas for a day out, an overnight stay or even a weekend away.

Hepburn Springs is a historic village located in the middle of the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia. The natural springs are full of health-giving minerals and every spring has a distinctive taste. The village enjoys a reputation as a very cosmopolitan community. Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes and restaurants along Main Road or a beer at the local historic country pub. You can catch some great live music at the Palais or look for gifts, local produce and art and craft in one of the many unique shops and small galleries.

Take the Historic Village Walk and discover the splendid architecture of many public buildings.
Hepburn Springs is becoming increasingly well-known for its resident masseurs and holistic therapists. Indulge in hydrotherapy, massage and beauty therapy at one of many day spas and wellness centres or book an in-house massage. The famous Hepburn Bathhouse is a mecca for the health-conscious and those who like to be pampered.

Hepburn Springs is just over one hour from Melbourne on the Western Freeway and Midland Highway, and three kilometres from Daylesford. V/Line has services from Melbourne via Woodend and Ballan.

Daylesford and it's rich mineral springs

Daylesford is a village in the center of Victoria's spa country. A stone's throw from Melbourne, it has long been a premier spa and rejuvenation Centre.
With a population of just 3000, Daylesford's numbers swell as visitors flock to discover its gourmet local produce, Victorian-era heritage, mineral springs and spas.
Visit the award-winning Convent Gallery and pick up high quality local art and craft, take the Tipperary Walking Track and explore Hepburn Regional Park. Enjoy fine dining at the famous Lake House Restaurant or one of the other quality restaurants and cafés. Take the whole family and travel through the Wombat State Forest on the vintage railway that operates from Daylesford Station on Sundays.

Daylesford is 108 kilometres north-west of Melbourne or about 90 minutes' by car on the Western Freeway or the Calder Freeway. V/Line operates regular, scheduled coach services to Daylesford.

Grampians National Park , Halls Gap

Renowned for rugged its mountain ranges and astounding wildflower displays, Grampians National Park is one of the State's most popular holiday destinations. Declared in 1984, the 167,000-hectare park is home to countless Invertebrate, Birds and almost a third of Victoria's plant species.

Hosting over 1 million visitors each year, popular activities include bush walking, camping, picnicking, nature study, rock-climbing, bike riding and fishing. The extensive network of roads makes car touring to surrounding villages another great way to explore.

The Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Heading up on the on Hume Highway lies one of the foremost celebrated wine regions of Victoria "The Yarra Valley", where cellar doors and vineyards flaunt a tranquil scene. Many wineries impart cellar-door discounts along with tastings of personalized wines,endowed with sensualist food and fine service.

Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest surviving steam railway,which is great for a ride through the mountains. Lean out the windows and smell the smoke of the locomotive as she pulls you to the top and stop off for a traditional Devonshire tea of scones and jam.