Ballan Mineral Spring

From the car park bordered by three picnic tables, narrow walking tracks make their way down to the mineral spring tap, where more picnic tables, bench seating, and an undercover area is provided along the small, seasonal river.

Facilities

Facilities include shelter, table and seats.

History

"Hepburn Mineral Springs, near Daylesford, are likely to have serious rivalry if the Progress Association at Ballan succeeds in developing a similar spring..." So states an article titled "Rival to Hepburn" appearing in the Sun Pictorial on 5th May, 1923.

Curiously the Geological Survey of 1910 did not include this spring in its numbering system. Prior to 1920, all references to the "Ballan" springs meant the cluster of springs at Spargo Creek or Gunssers.

In the early 1900's the Ballan Spring was known as Gunssers Mineral Springs, named after the Gunsser Family who initially bottled mineral water from the spring and then went on to establish a cordial and soft-drink factory in Ballan. By 1932 the factory had closed, perhaps due to more automated factories being opened in Melbourne and elsewhere.

In December 1935, the mineral spring was included in a small 1 Ha reserve. The Ballan Progress Association purchased private land surrounding the reserve to enable public access from Shaws Road. This was transferred to Crown control in 1935.

How To Get There

Follow Shaws Road from the Geeelong-Ballan Road for 4kms, passing a minor road on the left, until you cross the Moorabool River and turn into the carpark on your left.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are permitted on leash.

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

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