If you like health and wellness...
Daylesford
Many Melburnians love Daylesford and the nearby Hepburn Springs for a very simple reason: thanks to natural mineral springs, the area is the perfect destination for a relaxing escape in nature. Beautiful springs and colourful markets are the drawcards, but there are also contemplative art galleries, heritage train rides and a museum that tells the stories of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, who are the traditional owners of the land. At only 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, it’s probably the most relaxing spring vacay you can have this close to the city.
Eighty percent of Australia’s mineral springs are located in this region, so if you’re here to relax, begin your getaway with a soak at arguably the most famous spa in the region, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa ( Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Hepburn Springs 3461. 03 5321 6000. hepburnbathhouse.com. Mon-thu 9am-6.30pm; Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 8am-9pm; Sun 8am-6.30pm). Prefer a massage? Pamper yourself at Daylesford Day Spa and Beauty
( 25 Albert St, Daylesford 3460. 03 5348 2331. daylesforddayspa.com.au. Daily 9am-5.30pm) or be treated to traditional Japanese hospitality at Shizuka Ryokan ( 7 Lakeside Dr, Hepburn 3461. 03 5348 2030. shizuka.com.au).
Dandenong Ranges
Less than an hour east of Melbourne you’ll find the lush Dandenong Ranges. If relaxation is on the cards, veer off the main tourist track and dive deep into the mountainous region. Seek out the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens for some peace and quiet ( 1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke 3789. 131 963. visitdandenongranges. com.au). Take a walk through the park and see the canopy of mountain ash trees or take a picnic by the lake and boathouse. The park is home to Australian native flora, which changes all year round. Hidden between the trees and the mountains is the Japanese Mountain Retreat ( 14 Mountain Cr, Montrose 3765. 03 9737 0086. www.japanesemountainretreat. com.au). Here, the natural mineral waters are heated to 37-40°, and you can bathe privately in outdoor pools or in the Roman bathhouse.