Where Is It? What Is It? #2

This Canon is located at the top of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Did you know that Wombat Hill is an extinct volcano cone and was set aside as a public garden in 1862. From 1865 the gardens were developed and extended. Attractions in the gardens include the restored Fernery and water feature which provides a tranquil place to sit and reflect. Take the scenic drive around the gardens or walk around to see the great views. Wombat Hill House is a place to have a meal or coffee with friends. It was originally the Head Gardiner’s residence. The Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens have been promoting and supporting these wonderful gardens since 1995 and you can see more of what they do at www.wombathill.org.au They regularly sell plants which they propagate.

Alpha Hall in Vincent Street, Daylesford, was Built around 1914 as the first silent film theatre in country Victoria (upstairs) . Downstairs has been occupied by the Clayfire Galleries for a number of years.

The Savoia Hotel in Hepburn was built in 1870 as the Spring Creek Hotel. The Hepburn Mineral Springs Committee met there and lobbied for the protection of Springs resulting in the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve being set aside and protected. Gold mining had interfered with some of the mineral spring aquifers causing springs to stop flowing. Merv Keating ran the Hotel for the past 28 years as a traditional country pub. It was a vital part of the local community with Merv often acting as a social worker. It was truly a place for locals. The Italian Reading Room at the hotel was destroyed in the 1906 bushfire which devastated a large portion of Hepburn Springs including the Belinzona guest house which was again burnt down in 2003 and fortunately rebuilt.

Photo 4: The former hydroelectric shed below Lake Daylesford. Water piped from the Lake generated power for lighting.  A new Master Plan has been adopted by Council for the Central Springs to enhance its use.