The warmer weather has finally arrived and is coaxing us out into the sunshine. Each year we greet it with excitement, a sense of marvel at nature and a desire to get out and enjoy her bounty. There are so many things to do in Hepburn Springs at this wonderful time of year. Lavandula, a ten minute drive from Hepburn Springs is worth allowing several hours to enjoy and is perfect for couples and families.

The Swiss Italians arrive in Hepburn Springs

The same cool climate and rocky terrain that produces the natural, mineral-rich spring waters that attract visitors to Hepburn Springs and Daylesford, also brought those in search of gold in the 1850s. A large population of Swiss-Italians arrived in the hills and developed a thriving community amongst the messmate, peppermint and manna gums.

Lavandula – Swiss Italian heritage garden

The Italian heritage can be seen in much of the architecture, and many families have remained for generations. Lavandula is a beautiful, rustic property, embodying the Swiss Italian influence and overflowing with charm and romance. The entrance to Lavandula is across a ford, over which Jim Crow creek continues its journey through the hills. By foot, visitors cross the tree lined creek via a swing bridge.

Several beautiful and original stone buildings, with nineteenth century low ceilings and slate roofs, make up the farm. The property is connected by a series of meandering paths, through European style gardens, with established trees, vegetable and herb gardens, espaliered fruit trees and and spring bulbs. Lavender is planted in undulating swathes on either side of the property, and bursts into a sea of purple in summertime. Cobbled pavements and expanses of sunny lawn, with grazing geese, perfect the rustic picture.

Lavandula is the sort of place you never grow tired of visiting. Like any garden, each season unfolds new experiences and sensations. In spring the garden emerges with bulbs and blossom, and is the perfect backdrop to the annual Swiss Italian Festa and La Primavera in October. In summer, the fields burst into soft swathes of purple. Each January Lavandula hosts the Lavender Harvest festival, with food, music, family entertainment and picnicking on the lawns. The annual Autumn festival at Lavandula is a time for celebrating the change of season and slowing down, with advice on preserving and jam making, chestnut roasting, and a produce market.

Lavandula is sure to impress at any time of the year. There are also a variety of lavender oils and lavender-based products made onsite, that can be purchased in the store.

How to get there – Melbourne to Hepburn Springs

Lavandula is a ten minute drive from Hepburn Springs on the Hepburn-Newstead Road. Exploring Lavandula will take a few hours to most of a day, particularly if combined with lunch at La Trattoria cafe. There are so many things to do in Hepburn Springs, we recommend staying a few days. If you have the time, we also suggest a walk through Hepburn Springs mineral reserve, and the Wombat State Forest, a wine tour, or just putting your feet up and enjoying dining in the many local restaurants.

Where to stay – Hepburn Springs Luxury Accommodation and spa

Because there are so many great things to do in Hepburn Springs, take a few days and book some local accommodation. There’s lots of luxury accommodation in Hepburn Springs.

Hepburn Spa Pavilions provides Hepburn Springs luxury accommodation, adjacent to the historic mineral springs reserve. Soothe your body in your own huge luxury hydro spa and enjoy all the beautifully appointed comforts you’d expect in an architect designed villa. For those inspired by the romance of a garden, Kookaburra Ridge, is perfect – a spacious farmhouse, with two acres of European gardens, filled with citrus, olives and herbs.