Things To Do In The Area
Peppers Springs Retreat

Peppers Springs Retreat & Spa is the ideal accommodation base from which to enjoy all the popular Daylesford and Macedon Ranges regional events including the Swiss Italian Festa, Lavendula’s harvest picnic, the largest regional gay and lesbian festival ChillOut, local markets and open gardens. There is always something to keep you coming back for.

Hepburn Springs also offers great shops, cafes, an 18 hole golf course, local bushwalks, live music, art galleries, horse riding, a lavender farm, wineries, and mineral springs offering taste tests. If you choose to venture further afield to Daylesford, just 3 kilometres down the road, you will find farmers markets, boutiques, puppet making, a historic railway, boating on the lake, bookshops and further dining options.

Previously known as Spring Creek, Hepburn Springs has had a strong Swiss-Italian influence which is reflected in its buildings and gardens. Grab a map from the nearby Daylesford Visitor Information Centre and head off on the Historic Village Walk which will take you to the Old Macaroni Factory and around the Victorian and Edwardian houses, hotels and cottages. Take some time out to explore the Hepburn Regional Park with its wide range of flora and fauna or if you’re feeling adventurous try the 16 kilometre Tipperary Track boasting plenty of natural sights.

Hold the Cheese

The old macaroni factory at 54 Main Street is the place to rediscover the 1860’s Swiss Italian heritage of the region with fascinating historic tours.

Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve

A short walk and you’re in tranquil bush surrounds with singing birdlife. Taste-test the mineral water from The Argyle and Golden Spring pumps.

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm

Famous for the plantation of lavender, olives, chestnuts and fruit, Lavandula offers regional produce and local charm. Its licensed café serves food from Ticino in Southern Switzerland and offers a sequence of seasonal special events featuring local produce, skills and talent.

Clip Clop Clip Clop

Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides offers a scenic alternative to discovering the region. How about a ride through the bush to the historic Swiss Mountain Hotel for lunch or ride to the Captain's Creek organic winery to enjoy fine wine and a meal overlooking the grape vines.

To market to market

The Talbot Farmers Market, 3rd Sunday of the month, with 60 stalls, it’s a foodie haven on Scandinavian Crescent Talbot.

Daylesford Market

The Sunday Market every week from 8am to 3 pm at Daylesford Station. Raglan Street, Daylesford. At the Daylesford Farmers market (first Saturday of the month) you’ll find stalls of local crafts and fresh local produce – don’t leave without a jar of Des O’Tooles Liquid Gold honey.

All Aboard

Every Sunday, the Daylesford Spa Country Railway operates train rides through the scenic countryside and forest of the Central Highlands. Take in the history and explore the rail museum as well.

Hepburn Springs Golf Course

The Hepburn Springs Golf Course is only a two-minute drive from Peppers Springs Retreat & Spa. Set in a peaceful bushland setting the Golf Course is available for use 7 days a week with the exception of Saturday (10.30am - 2.30pm) and Wednesday (9.30am - 11.30am). More info >

18 hole “nature “course

Enjoy golf with the local kangaroos while cockatoos play in the gum trees above. It is a very pleasant setting.

Beginners to pros

The 18 hole course is challenging enough for those with a golf handicap and flexible enough for those that just want to have fun.

Hire available

Forgot your gear? Golf cart, clubs and buggies are ready to hire and all at affordable prices
Licensed clubhouse
A great place for a long cold drink at the 19th. Also available; for functions and conferences.

For further information visit Hepburn Springs Golf Course website

Boomerang Ranch

Boomerang Ranch offers scenic horse riding throughout Hepburn Regional Park. With 1 Hour rides for beginners to advanced riders there is something to suit everybody. Riding times start at 10.30am and 1.00pm. Bookings are essential.

Bushwalking at Hepburn Regional Park

If you would like to explore the Hepburn Regional Park on foot, there are a number of bushwalking tracks available in the area. Walking times start from 20 minutes and extend right up to 1 hour and 30 minutes (See reception for starting points).

Fly Fishing

If fishing is your chosen leisure activity, then Tuki Trout Farm is the place to go. It is eight kilometres north of Smeaton towards Ballarat and an easy 20 minute drive. They are open 7 days and their contact number is (03) 5345 6233.

Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens

Located on Central Springs Road Daylesford, the Botanical Gardens is only a short trip away from Hepburn Springs. Take a stroll through this nine-hectare garden with its exotic flora and fauna. There is also a picnic pavilion, barbeque, lookout tower, kiosk and ample parking. This is an excellent activity for the family and friends.

Relax with a vino

For some cellar door therapy there is number of choices in the region. Choose from the secluded Ellender Estate winery at 260 Green Gully Road Glenlyon or Captains organic winery on Kangaroo Hills Rd, Blampied where you can sample individual handcrafted organic wines by the open fire, purchase in season farm fresh produce, locally made Goldfields Farmhoue Cheeses and other local organic tucker at the Captains Creek cellar door store, visit www.captainscreek.com .

Wine is a 4 letter word is a wine store, wine bar and cellar door boasting a great selection of wines sourced from around Western Victoria, visit www.wineisa4letterword.com . Barcaldine House is also well worth a visit where you can wander around the formal gardens, enjoy free wine tastings and sample the delicious home cooked food in their cellar door cafe, visit www.barcaldinehouse.com.au .

Melting moments

Chocoholics unite at The Chocolate Mill on Midland Highway, Mt Franklin and Sweet Decadence on Vincent Street in Daylesford. At Sweet Decadence indulge in handmade chocolates at their chocolate shop, visit www.sweetdecadence.com.au .

Punch and Judy

Puppet making for the whole family or the kids can be dropped off to Puppet Adventures where step by step puppet making activities and school holiday programs are available. Shop 1/9 Howe St Daylesford.

Slightly Bent

Loaf around on comfy couches in front of a wood fire drooling over new and used books at Bent Books, your book haven at 49 Scandinavian Crescent Talbot.

Lolly lovers

The Hepburn General Store is a haven for mates, freckles, milk bottles, spearmint leaves and local chocolates and truffles at 102 Main Road Hepburn Springs or Widow Twankey’s Confectionary Emporium for chocolates and all things British like Frys cream bars, Thornton toffess and aniseed balls at Fraser Street Clunes.

From Bud to Bat

Discover the history of the Crockett brand of cricket bats, now a household name amongst cricketers at Cricket Willow. You will find them at 355 Hepburn – Newstead Rd Shepherds Flat.

Indulge in some retail therapy

The orientally themed arts and craft boutique, Purl’s Palace is a feast of colour and texture, a treasure to those who love beautiful things. Once you have discovered the eclectic delights on offer, the helpful and friendly staff can provide a gift wrapping service on request. You will find designer yarns and patterns, stylish hand knits, oriental patchwork, luxurious gifts, interior decorations, craft books and classes are also offered. Visit www.purlspalace.com .

Meanwhile at Alpaca Passion you will find yourself surrounded by a vast range of exclusive, fine alpaca garments, you will luxuriate in the naturally hypoallergenic, silky smooth texture of pure Alpaca. Styles range from the classically sophisticated to the cutting edge of designer fashion. Alpaca fashion is super warm, super soft and super easy to find at Alpaca Passion located 48 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

Creswick Woollen Mills is the home of luxurious natural fibre products, designed in Australia to suit Australian conditions. Creswick offers a wide range of Australian made and imported products utilising Alpaca, Cashmere, Merino, Cotton, silk and Bamboo. Your choice includes blankets, throws, billabong picnic rugs and Manchester as well as a range of accessories and knitwear for men, women and children. If you visit the Mill shop you can save up to 70% RRP on selected items. Visit www.creswickwool.com.au .

At Portal 108, don’t miss the great jewellery, gifts and clothing at affordable prices. You will find them just down the road at 108 Main Road, Hepburn Springs or for those green-thumbed gifts visit The Secret Garden Nursery on Howe Street in Daylesford.

Soap-up in Castlemaine

Don’t miss Drummond Body Care on Mostyn Street (near Saffs Cafe and the Restorers Barn) for gorgeous all natural soaps/body and face products.

Canoeing/Boating on Lake Daylesford and Jubilee Lake

Located only a five minute drive from Peppers Springs Retreat & Spa is Lake Daylesford. This popular tourist area offers canoes, boats and various paddling boats for hire. Drive about 3 minutes further and you will come to Jubilee Lake another area perfect for relaxing waterside and setting the kids loose.

Volcanic views

Mount Franklin is just 8 kilometre north of Daylesford on the Midland Highway with panoramic views along the walking track around the crater rim.

Organic and fresh

Harvest Cafe is your local organic grocery with a licensed cafe and selling:
• organic fair trade coffee
• a vast range of teas
• freshly squeezed orange juices
• organic wines, beers and spirits
• organic fresh fruit and vegetables including local items
• a range of gluten free products
• gluten free, vegan and traditional cakes and slices
• a range of certified organic, biodynamic and gourmet food lines
• health and skin care products
Visit www.harvestcafe.net.au .

Istra smallgoods

For all things prosciutto, pancetta and capocollo on High Street Musk and the Fernleigh Farm for the extraordinary Wessex saddle back pork and organic vegetables on Trentham Road, Bullarto.

Stony Creek Gallery

Visit Daylesford’s newest, contemporary art gallery. Set amongst the beautiful Australian bush surroundings of Daylesford’s spa country. Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles before exploring the stunning range of original artworks including paintings, sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, blown glass and timber. Featured paintings are by gallery owner and resident artist Michael Parker. Visit www.stonycreekgallery.com.au .