Spargo Creek Mineral Spring
Spargo Creek has been a popular area for picnickers, and since the early 1870's sporting events have been held there on New Year's Day. In the early 1900's local residents proposed that this area be declared a public park. In 1909 the Korweinguboora Reservoir was constructed and in March 1912 the shire of Bungaree initiated the permanent reservation of about 20 hectares (50 acres) including the mineral springs. The Geelong Water Trust objected to the use of land so near to a watershed, and this argument continued for 20 years.
When in 1933 a survey was conducted it was found that the Jones brothers had illegally occupied the area for about 40 years, having fenced off 6 hectares, and earning their living from felling and selling firewood. They were granted a lease of 2 hectares, to be renewed annually. And in that same year a grant of 100 pounds was given to provide work for the unemployed to clean up the reserve, gravel the road and plant pine trees.
Later, in 1945, a grant of 500 pounds was provided for a tourist resort, and Mr Jones asked for a title to his property, as it now contained dwellings and outbuildings. He was granted permissive occupancy.
In 1948, 200 pounds was allocated for the construction of a toilet block. Surprisingly, this was the first mention of toilets, despite the heavy use of the reserve, especially on New Year's Day. By 1952, after many arguments between the Water Trust and Ballan Shire Council regarding possible water pollution from the toilet block, the Health Commission found that there were large amounts of litter, gates left open, the ground covered with cow droppings and that the toilets were used as cattle shelters. It was suggested that the reserve be closed to the public during drought years.
Nine years later control over the reserve had lapsed due to a lack of interest. The "Save Our Bushland Action Group" was established in 1977. It was concerned about the deterioration of the reserve which was in poor condition. The rotunda was gone, there was no roof on the toilet block, blackberries were spreading, cattle was grazing on the sports playing field, and a beautiful stand of pine trees was all that remained of the reserve's once scenic attractions.
How To Get There
From Melbourne/Ballan: From the Western Freeway turn right into the Daylesford Road (the 2nd Ballan turn-off). After 15.6km you will reach the Spargo Creek intersection, with the Mineral Springs Hotel on the right. Turn left into Spargo Creek Road (unmarked) and follow the directions below.
From Daylesford: Head south out of Daylesford on the Ballan Road for 17km until you reach Spargo Creek. At the intersection just past the Mineral Springs Hotel, turn right into Spargo Creek Road (unmarked).
After 3.8km, turn left through a gate and cattle grid. A sign "Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Reserve" is set above a wire fence. Within 700m you will reach a circular car park, from where a narrow track leads downstream along the left-hand bank of the Moorabool River to the mineral spring which has water coming out of a pipe in a rock wall. There is a roof shelter with seating and interpretative signage.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash.
Spargo Creek Mineral Spring Signage
“a paradise every Boxing Day...”
“Went to the opening of the Mineral Springs and, as I listened to the honourable gentlemen talking of this place being a paradise, my thoughts went back to the years of 1872-73, before and after when the place had been a paradise every Boxing Day for the employees of the sawmills, who, with their wives and families would gather in one big mob.”
Annie Betteridge (Daylesford Advocate, 1940)
From the outset, Spargo Creek was a popular picnic and recreational venue. By 1910 a small pavilion had been erected around the main spring.
Soda Water
The Korweinguboora Reservoir to the south of the spring was constructed by the Geelong Water Board in 1909. The Board discouraged development of facilities at the mineral spring reserve from that time.
The Shire of Bungaree however continued to add to the reserve and improve the facilities, culminating with the official opening in 1940 by one-time Premier of Victoria, Mr Ed Hogan, Minister for Agriculture.
Spargo's mineral water is of the sodium bicarbonate type – often referred to as a soda water. The water is particularly gassy and has a sweet seltzer taste.
For more information about mineral springs in Victoria, see "From The Spa Country, A Field Guide to 65 Mineral Springs of the Central Highlands, Victoria", published by Edward and Maura Wishart
Photos:
Location
Spargo Creek Road, Spargo Creek 3461 View Map
