Vaughan Mineral Springs
Vaughan Mineral Springs features mineral springs, free electric barbecues, picnic tables, gazebo, free camping, mineral spring water taps and toilets. There are three springs in this immediate area: Vaughan, Lawson and Central Springs.
There is a giant metal slide, a miniature railway within a fenced area (great for little kids), scenic walking tracks, swimming spots, plenty of educational signs and a few great trees for climbing.
Mineral Springs
The main spring near the picnic area is named Vaughan Jim Paull Spring.
The gold rushes of the early 1850s attracted thousands of miners seeking their fortunes. This spring was discovered by Jim Paull who, along with six others, had been employed to remove the debris from a flooded sluicing plant. By 1878, an area of 1.5 ha (3.75 acres) surrounding the springs had been reserved for public purposes to protect the springs from mining and other activities. On Boxing Day 1939, the largest gathering at the Reserve was recorded - an estimated 3,000 attended the sporting and family day. It was not uncommon for up to 600-800 people to enjoy a day at the springs. Various Committees of Management have since overseen the development of the now 95 ha reserve.
In 1939, the Committee of Management claimed that the springs produced the "Best Sparkling Water by Government Analysis". The mineral springs at Vaughan are of the magnesium sodium bicarbonate type. Generally, the Vaughan mineral waters are more saline than those located closer to the crest of the Great Dividing Range (Hepburn and Daylesford). The Vaughan mineral waters also have higher sulphate and chloride concentrations than those at nearby Glen Luce and most of the other Victorian mineral springs. At 6.99, the mineral water at Jim Paull's is almost neutral in pH.
A little further along the river is the Vaughan Lawson mineral spring.
Various Committees of Management continued to develop Vaughan as a tourist destination. A kiosk, built sometime in the 1930s, and other activities generated income that was used to upgrade facilities. The greatest income earner was the kiosk, followed by the annual ball, concerts and community singing. (In 1952–53, the kiosk generated £819, whilst camping fees only generated £28.) Records from 1929 show a dance floor was rented at a cost of 10/- per week, allowing dancing from 9am–11pm daily, except Sunday. The 1940s saw the building of retaining walls, the bandstand, a running track, a miniature railway, giant slide and the first caretaker's house.
The Lawson Spring water is also of the magnesium sodium bicarbonate type, however it differs markedly from the Jim Paull Spring in its constituents and taste. Named after Sir Harry Lawson, a former State Premier (1918–1924) and local MLA, it has twice the total inorganic carbon and is fizzier than Jim Paull's.
Lawson Spring also contains twice the chloride of Jim Paull's, and higher levels of sulphate, magnesium, sodium, potassium and iron.
Miniature railway
The small miniature train that runs on the circular track is operated by volunteers and generally runs on selected Sundays and public holiday weekends, mainly during Easter, School holidays, some long weekends and special community events. There is no regular weekly timetable, and operating days depend on volunteer availability and weather conditions. See the Friends of Vaughan Springs Facebook page to check whether the train will be running.
Giant Slide
There is a wooden stair case to reach the slide as well as tyres to climb up the hill beside it. Please note that the slide is made of metal and can be very hot in summer, so if visiting in the hotter months be sure to bring a small blanket to sit on while sliding.
Swimming
The creek is excellent for swimming and there's a concreted area with a paddle pool (subject to season/water levels). There are a couple of swings hanging from trees.
Camping
Camping is available at the Upper Terrace Campground, which is a short walk up the hill from the day visitor area. No booking is required, there is no charge, and caravans can access the campground easily.
There are several walks you can take from the day visitor area. One short walk will bring you out high up on a rocky ledge, with spectacular views of the creek below - tread carefully and take care if you are afraid of heights!
Walking
Central Springs are a 1km (30 min) walk and Glenluce Springs are a 3km (1.5 hrs) walk. See the walk guide.
The Great Dividing Trail
The Dry Diggings Section of the Great Dividing Trail crosses the River Loddon at Vaughan Mineral Springs, just below the weir.
Walking south along the trail will take you to Daylesford; walking north leads to Castlemaine. The Great Dividing Trail, a network of walking tracks linking tourist destinations in central Victoria, goes through a variety of landscape settings and Gold Rush sites.
Chinese Burial Ground
At the entrance to Vaughan Mineral Springs is an evocative relic of the Gold Rush – a Chinese burial ground. It is located up at the entrance to the mineral springs, just follow the signs.
From 1854, gold brought many thousands of Chinese to the area. They favoured the Loddon River around Vaughan for gold mining and market gardening. The burial ground was only used for a short time, being abandoned after a few years.
The Chinese who stayed in the region became merchants, shopkeepers, gardeners and labourers. Their contribution to the development of Victoria was significant, and many descendants still live in the State.
Facilities
At Vaughan and Lawson Springs: Car parking, tables, seats, toilets, children's playground, camping, caravan park, kiosk, swimming pool
At Central Spring: None
Vaughan Mineral Springs - History & Heritage
Vaughan Mineral Springs has a layering of historical components including – Aboriginal heritage, gold mining relics, Chinese graveyard and remnants of market gardens, and recreational features (exotic trees, weir, rotunda, giant children's slide, and miniature railway) associated with the taking of mineral water.
Taking the waters of natural mineral springs is one of the earliest forms of tourism and recreation in Australia. According to the Victoria Mineral Water Committee mineral water offers one means for people to catch up with many of those missing minerals, with the added bonus of good tasting water. Rheumatism, arthritis and gout sufferers can find relief through taking of waters from mineral springs. Main minerals found in the water and their recommended health benefits are: Potassium – for overall mental health; Silica – for skin, hair and bone formation; Bicarbonate – balances the Ph in blood stream; Sodium – fluid mineral helping to prevent stomach disorders; Sulphate – purifies the liver; Magnesium – for nerves, muscles and kidneys; Calcium – for bone tissues and muscles function; and Chloride – for skin disorders, inflammation etc.
Gold miners found the first mineral springs along the Loddon at Vaughan in the early years of the Gold Rush. These springs were probably already known and used by the local Jaara Jaara Aboriginal people.
The Victorian Government recognised the value of the springs in 1878 and nearly four acres round one of the main springs was reserved for public purposes. This land was added to in 1881 and again in 1914, creating the Vaughan-Glenluce Mineral Springs Reserve.
JIM PAULL SPRING
Discovered in 1909–10, the Jim Paull Spring was the first at Vaughan to be developed for tourism.
Jim Paull was a teenager at the time, and was working for a gold mining company which was winning gold from the banks of the Loddon River. He wrote this account of his find:
I noticed bubbles coming from a small crevice about 4 inches by 1 inch deep approx. in the slate, as I was clearing the mud away I noticed clear water coming through around the bubbles in a small quantity. After clearing I drank from the crevice and what a surprise I got, my mate Bill Watson was next to me, he also drank and he being much older than I said, “It's a Spring”.
From 1925 the local community began to develop the Mineral Springs. Deciduous trees were planted and Vaughan's present character has evolved with their growth.
CENTRAL SPRINGS AND GLENLUCE
A short walking track connects Vaughan Mineral Springs and Central Springs. There are some exotic trees along the path, and near Central Springs is evidence of Chinese market gardens.
There is another spring at Glenluce. The water from this spring has an exceptionally high magnesium content and is highly recommended by local residents.
How To Get There
Take the Midland Highway (A300) north-east out of Daylesford towards Castlemaine for 28km. At Guildford, take the Vaughan turn-off to the right. Follow this road for approximately 5km to Vaughan. 300 metres past the Porcupine Ridge Rd turn-off , turn right into Vaughan Springs Reserve and park at the roundabout.
Vaughan Spring is near the centre of the roundabout.
About 200 metres upstream along the Loddon River, just below the road to the caravan park, is Lawson Spring.
To reach Central Spring, follow the road upstream through the caravan park to a signpost indicating Reeds Lookout, Central Springs and Glenluce. Take the Central Springs path, which ascends via steps to a junction with an old mining track. Turn right, passing through a grove of trees, continue over the hill and descend into a gully. Cross the creek over the rustic footbridge, then continue over the next hill and descend into the river flats. On your right you should see an old standpipe and cemented retaining on the river bank. This is Central Spring.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs not permitted at Vaughan Mineral Springs
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
Review:
This place is a real gem with something to offer in every season. Vaughan is one of the few places in Victoria where families can combine mineral water tasting, river swimming, a historic giant slide, free camping, goldfields history and scenic bushwalks in the one location.
It's a great location for a picnic with plenty of facilities beside the Loddon River. Near the first car park area is a grassy area with four unshaded tables while the main area next to the mineral spring has a shelter with octagonal table, unshaded BBQ, toilets and seven unshaded tables.
At the far end of the road is the swimming area, carpark, three more unshaded tables, a shaded table under a tree, BBQs, grassy area and water tap.
The slide on the side of the hill is a great addition for kids.
During Autumn the trees change colours into beautiful reds and golds.
Photos:
Location
Greville Street, Vaughan 3451 View Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/castlemaine-diggings-national-heritage-park/attractions/vaughan-springs-and-southern-castlemaine-diggings
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/central-spring
