Musk - Leitches Creek Mineral Spring
On 25 April 1881, two years after having been set aside for protection, Leitches Creek Spring was formally made a reservation. Mr John Harrington of Musk Creek was granted permission, in 1905, for the "extraction of mineral water", provided the public still had access to the spring, and that the mineral water extracted could not be sold within a radius of fifteen miles (24.2km) from the spring. The suggested rent 30 pounds for seven years was approximately 1/20th of the rent paid at Hepburn Springs. In 1929 the reserve was declared a tourist resort under a special act of parliament, and the Jenkins Brothers were given a permit for mineral water extraction, which continued until the mid 1950's.
Mineral water is delivered by a semi-rotary hand pump and a small piped trench.
Facilities include parking, tables and seats.
How To Get There
From Daylesford, head due east towards Trentham, past the old Daylesford railway station on the right (the locale of the Sunday Market and the Tourist Railway). Past the cemetery on the left, just as the main road starts to veer to the right, turn left into Leitches Creek Rd. After crossing Musk Creek, follow Leitches Creek Rd as it veers to the right. After approximately 2 km watch out for a signpost to Leitches Creek Mineral Spring on the left.
From Lyonville/Trentham: Approximately 4km past Bullarto General Store, turn into Leitches Creek Spring Rd on the right. After approximately 2 km the spring reserve is a signposted turn-off to the right. The spring is located in a little park with Leitches Creek flowing along one side of the reserve.
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
Location
Springs Road, Musk 3461 Map
