STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL, PHOTOS BY HEPBURN BATHHOUSE

In the middle of the largest concentration of mineral springs across Australia, on the traditional land of the Dja Dja Wurrung, the natural minerals of Hepburn Springs have become the crown jewel of our spa country. The indigenous owners of these lands recognised the area for its healing waters, a place of deep spiritual and ceremonial significance.

Hepburn Springs' only historic bathhouse, has been providing traditional social bathing since 1895. “It makes us a pivotal part of this community,” explains Robbie, our guide to the Bathhouse. “We have our Spring Creek running next to the facility. And in Summer, this means it’s slightly greener. We get lovely wildlife; kookaburras raising their young next to our creekside deck.”

The old bathhouse is a relaxing mosaic of timber, dimly lit colours and the sound of a bamboo flute. “We have maintained the original spa building, where we have our private baths, facials, massages and other therapeutic practices.” Robbie pours two glasses of tea; a blend of liquorice root, spearmint, hibiscus and juniper.

As we walk from door to door, each room caters to a different experience; there’s candles and rose petals in one room and a Royal Moroccan Milk Bath in the next. “In the private baths, our mineral water is so potent it’s constantly trying to build rock wherever it touches.” Illuminated by natural light, the textured brutalist baths are framed with monochrome tiles and slick chrome taps.

Robbie quips, “at the moment we are doing a water therapy package, offering a Vichy treatment.” Originating in France, the Vichy Showers stimulate the sensation of floating on water as water is pulsated onto the skin through a set of shower heads. The Vichy treatment improves and increases blood circulation around the body, reduces stress and improves the vitality and elasticity of the skin.

The northern-wing, designed by award-winning architect David Edelman, consists of two social mineral bathing experiences: mineral relaxation bathing and a spa bathing experience. The exclusive Sanctuary Bathing option offers a modern mineral bathing experience with a fusion of ancient cultural spa bathing traditions. “Balneotherapy, or mineral water bathing, draws mineral water from the original source for a healing and wellness experience.” A row of underwater spa couches offer a soothing hydro massage with a view of lush greenery that springs to mind the forests of Tom Roberts’ paintings.

Tucked into a dark adjacent corridor, the Salt and Magnesium Therapy Pool glows with natural light from a window to the sky. “The pool is an intimate space with concentrated salt water and magnesium wellness benefits.” The circular chamber echoes the sound of water, ebbing gently.

In the Aroma Steam Room , waves of heat bring your spirit to a stillness that is complemented with a subtle aromatic mist. “The steam room is great for stiff joints and helps with lymph detoxification, improves blood circulation, eases respiratory ailments and boosts the immune system.” On the opposite end, the Mineral Hammam evokes the ornate ambience of an Ottoman bath house, with humid heat radiating between the walls to the tones of dripping water bouncing into a ceramic bowl. “We also offer a complimentary magnesium salt scrub.” The coarse texture helps slough away dead skin cells, while the anti-inflammatory properties prevent irritation.

The crescendo of the experience is a door that breaks the fourth wall, we step outside to the Creekside Spa. As we dip into the steamy spa by the rocky creek, shrouded by the smell of gum and the music of the forest, the words of John of the Mountains come flowing in, “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”

Hepburn Bathhouse

5321 6000

hepburnbathhouse.com

Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Hepburn Springs