Daylesford, Macedon Ranges

Travel through the charming villages dotted around Victoria's Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region and celebrate the enriching effects of water, from the luxury spas, the decadent food and wine, the lush environment, the thriving arts and crafts community, and the holistic therapies. Travel just an hour north-west of Melbourne to an area boasting the greatest concentration of naturally occurring mineral springs in Australia. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs were built up around these springs and you're spoiled for choice of spa and wellness centres, each using the water's mineral properties differently to ensure maximum relaxation and wellbeing. Head to these

Cobaw Ridge

The Macedon Ranges are hiding a delicious secret, writes Jane Faulkner, in The Age. Off an unsealed dirt road flanking the majestic Cobaw State Forest, just out of Kyneton, is an entrance to a natural amphitheatre surrounded by rows of vines and now-full dams. It''s a special place and home to Cobaw Ridge, which makes Australia''s finest lag rein. Owner-growers Alan and Nelly Cooper also produce excellent chardonnay, syrah and pinot noir but for more than a decade they have been championing this rare red. "This is one of those out-of-the-way gems that make Victorian vineyard touring so fascinating". Cobaw

Glen Erin at Lancefield

"The focus at Glen Erin is as much on accommodation, lunching and dining, and conferencing as it is on wine. But all these things ought go together anyway. Mystic Park Brut is the popular sparkler here; there is also Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Glen Erin is the perfect place for Weddings and other special functions. Being a member of IACC, Conference facilities at Glen Erin are second to none and the service standards are the benchmark of the Corporate Conference Industry. All sorts of special events are held here, ranging from astronomy nights to winemakers'' dinners." Ben

Hepburn Regional Park

Hepburn Regional Park is nestled around the famous mineral springs townships of Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs. The Park contains natural mineral springs and significant relics of the gold mining era, all set in delightful bush surroundings. Things to do Tipperary Walking Track Runs from picturesque Lake Daylesford to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, following Sailors Creek and Spring Creek through foothill forest for most of the way. The 16 kilometre track takes approximately five to six hours, is mostly level to gently undulating and is quite easy walking. When you arrive, try the fresh local mineral water from the