A historic mineral spring near Daylesford on Dja Dja Wurrung Country is now much safer to visit and enjoy thanks to a joint Parks Victoria – Djaara project.

Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio joined Parks Victoria staff, Djaara Traditional Owner representatives and community members to officially open the new-look spring at a ceremony on 29 July 2022.

Deep Creek, near Eganstown, is one of more than 39 mineral springs open to the public in Victoria, each with its own unique taste and renowned qualities.

Until recently, to get to the spring visitors had to cross a creek and access a water pipe embedded in the bank. The area was often flooded.

But now, $200,000 works funded from the Victorian Government’s Mineral Spring Reserves Grants Program have created a new visitor area, drilled a new water bore and installed an easy-access pump to taste and collect the spring water.

Parks Victoria worked in partnership with Djaara on plans for the upgrade, including consultation with elders, to showcase the importance of spring water to culture.

Workers from Djaara’s contracting arm, Djandak, installed new rock wall seating, landscaping and welcome signage to create a more inclusive environment for people of all abilities and ages to enjoy the beautiful streamside setting.

Minister D'Ambrosio, Parks Victoria and Djaara representatives at the opening of the upgraded Deep Creek Mineral Springs. Credit: Parks Victoria