Destination Zen: The Australian town that's just been named the 4th best spa destination in the WORLD - and why it needs to be your next relaxing getaway

  • Hepburn Springs spa resort ranked 4th in the poll conducted by TripAdvisor
  • The Victoria region is overflowing with rich, health giving minerals
  • Bali, India and Thailand also featured in the top five wellness destinations
  • Hepburn Springs boasts bathhouses, spas, nature walks and a golf course 

While many Australians automatically think of exotic, faraway shores when searching for rest, relaxation and healing, it seems the ultimate wellness experience is closer to home than any of us expected.

Statistics obtained from the tourism giant TripAdvisor reveal that a popular getaway just 120km north of Melbourne, Victoria, has ranked 4th in the world for 'wellness travel' on earth.

And with rising demand for holistic holiday experiences, this means good news for Hepburn Springs, Victoria

A woman tests the water temperature before her treatment at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
A view from Spring Creek Cottages in the Hepburn Springs spa town region

Statistics obtained from the tourism giant TripAdvisor reveal that a popular getaway just 120km north of Melbourne, Victoria, has ranked 4th in the world for 'wellness travel' on earth 

Guests enjoying the healing waters at one of Hepburn Springs' mineral baths

Guests enjoying the healing waters at one of Hepburn Springs' mineral baths (left, also shown right)

Located at the centre of Australia's richest and largest concentration of natural spring water, Hepburn Springs offers rest and rejuvenation in a stunning natural setting, boasting an 18-hole golf course, a bathhouse and spa, historic eco-village and even an entire Regional Park.

Overflowing with health enriching and healing minerals, the Hepburn Springs spa resort was founded in the 1850s by Swiss Italian migrants during a gold rush in the Victorian region.

The Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, open since 1895, offers treatments including massage, mineral bathing, hydrotherapy and purifying magnesium scrubs.

The resort also offers bars, cafes and restaurants to indulge in, along with the Old Hepburn Hotel where you can spend a few nights for ultimate relaxation. 

Following a $13 million redevelopment in 2008, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is open every 364 days of the year (except Christmas)

Following a $13 million redevelopment in 2008, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is open every 364 days of the year (except Christmas)

Unwinding at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, a region which is enriched with Australia's largest concentration of mineral water

Unwinding at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, a region which is enriched with Australia's largest concentration of mineral water

Top 10 Wellness Destinations on Earth, according to TripAdvisor

1. Bali, Indonesia

2. Rishikesh, India

3. Sedona, Arizona, United States

4. Hepburn Springs, Australia

5. Koh Samui, Thailand

6. Costa Rica

7. Goa, India

8. Zermatt, Switzerland

9. The Maldives

10. Ibiza, Spain

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Following a $13 million redevelopment in 2008, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is open every 364 days of the year (excepting Christmas).

According to a recent TripAdvisor survey, 'wellness tourism' is becoming an increasingly popular trend as a growing number of travellers seek health and spiritual fulfilment on holiday.

An online poll held by the tourism giant confirmed this, with 25 per cent of travellers saying they will be taking a 'wellness trip' in the next 12 months.

Speaking to the Herald Sun in February, Visit Victoria CEO Peter Bingeman said that in addition to wellness experiences, 'nature-based tourism' was the next big thing.

Hepburn Springs is in good company in the top five of TripAdvisor's premium wellness list, alongside Bali, India's Rishikesh region and Koh Samui in Thailand 

Hepburn Springs is in good company in the top five of TripAdvisor's premium wellness list, alongside Bali, India's Rishikesh region and Koh Samui in Thailand 

A guest relaxes and reconnects with nature at Hepburn Springs
The water is said to possess rich, healing properties

A guest relaxes and reconnects with nature at Hepburn Springs (left); the water is said to possess rich, healing properties

Hepburn Springs is in good company in the top five of TripAdvisor's premium wellness list, alongside Bali, India's Rishikesh region and Koh Samui in Thailand.

TripAdvisor highly recommends visiting the Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat, The Surly Goat restaurant and the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve as part of your visit to this area of Victoria.

Visitors can bring their own bottles to sample the purity of the spring water from the Soda, Sulphur, Locano, Wyuna and Argyle springs in Hepburn spa town.