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.
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.
The creek is excellent for swimming and there's a concreted area with a paddle pool (subject to season/water levels).
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!
Central Springs are a 1km (30 min) walk and Glenluce Springs are a 3km (1.5 hrs) walk.
Be sure to take a look through the historic Chinese Cemetery while you're there. It is located up at the entrance to the mineral springs, just follow the signs.
Formerly a large gold rush town called "The Junction", Vaughan Springs was a favoured alluvial gold and market gardening area for Chinese miners.
Today you can visit the mineral springs and take a stroll along the beautiful Loddon River, sample the mineral water from provided taps or go for a swim, all to the beautiful sound of birds singing in the trees.
Facilities
At Vaughan and Lawson Springs: Car parking, tables, seats, toilets, children's playground, camping, caravan park, kiosk, swimming pool
At Central Spring: None
History
It is thought the discovery of springs in the Loddon River occurred during intense alluvial gold mining.
A small reserve was created in 1878 and by 1881 all springs were protected. E.J. Dunn, the Director of the Geological Survey in 1912 wrote about a total of ten springs. Only 5 remain today, one of which is accessible only by 4WD, whilst another is seasonally flooded.
Even though the reserve was expanded, mining still continued along the river through the 1920's and 1930's, and during the Depression , around 1932, mining resulted in the release of carbon dioxide and the subsequent spoiling of the mineral water. By 1937 the dispute with mining interests was resolved and the springs were properly protected, with the addition to the reserve of 17 hectares.
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
Location
Greville Street, Vaughan 3451 Map
