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Since the early 1900's Daylesford & Hepburn Springs, at
the heart of Victoria's famed Spa Country, have attracted visitors
in their thousands to relax and "take the waters".First
settled in the late 1800's the area's greatest influx of new
settlers were 20,000 Swiss-Italians who came to work goldmines
and forests and to farm the gently rolling hills
Gold gave the towns their initial wealth and distinctive
Italianate architecture. The Midland Highway, main route to
the area is still lined by the modest timber cottages of those
who hoped to strike it rich, and the large brick homes built
for those who did. When the elusive metal gave out, these
European settlers, recalling the resorts of home, saw potential
in the mineral-laden waters bubbling from the 70 or so springs
about them and the Spa Country was born.
Their many grand guest houses flourished into the halcyon
days of the 1920'2, 30's and 40's and set the style that continues
today. Situated at the heart of Victoria, Spa Country is but
a few hours from many of the State's other great attractions
- and a comfortable 90 minute's drive from the centre of Melbourne.
Tullamarine Airport is a little more than an hour away!
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