Clifton Springs Mineral Springs Walk (Clifton Springs)
A Mineral Springs and Spa Complex operated at Clifton Springs from around 1875-1920. It was the only 19th century seaside mineral springs resort in Victoria and was reached by a regular bay steamship service to the Springs from 1890.
At least seven springs of different types exist along the foreshore, mainly in a 50 metre area of beach between the remains of two jetties and includes the cove known as "The Dell". The first commercial bottling of the spring water began on the site in 1875 and the Clifton Springs Mineral Company was established in 1880 when over 5000 bottles were being sold annually. There was initially a bottling house, a roadway along the beach and a manager's cottage and later a pump station and bath house. Heated spring water was pumped to the bath house and to a grand hotel on top of the cliff behind the springs (which was destroyed by fire in 1921). By the second decade of the 20th century the springs were becoming polluted and were considered a health risk and eventually closed. The 19th century buildings on the site had disappeared or been demolished by 1925.
A visit to the area still shows remnants of the previous activities including springs, jetties, foundations, ceramic vessels and glass bottles. It is also fun to see bubbles percolating up through the sand and water.
To reach this area, go to the end of Springs Street and follow a steep track down to The Dell picnic area. From there follow the beach walking track to the east (right).
Location
Springs Street, Clifton Springs 3222 Map
