Hepburn Springs gives you a strong indication of what you might find here. But this town is more than just the sixty plus natural mineral springs that await you. It is a wonderful blend of relaxation and cultural assimilation.
But add to this the history of the town and you find there are more than just warm springs to soak up. The town was settled by Swiss Italian immigrants. Coming here in the early nineteenth century they found gold was here and they wanted part of that.
The hot springs were a real draw and could be able to bring a fortune their way even more than finding gold would. Coming from the northern regions of Italy they were well acquainted with the benefits of mineral water.
The Romans had their bathhouses that used the mineral waters to heal and relax them this process was called terme. The Italians that landed here decided to bring this idea to Hepburn Springs. They also brought the culture and food of Italy as well. The first pasta ever made was here at the Macaroni Factory. Still standing today you can tour the factory and view the beautiful frescos painted on the ceiling.
Coming to the area means experiencing the springs. The Hepburn Bathhouse is the perfect place to do that. The building has been here since the middle of the nineteenth century but has recently been completely redone. Now you can come and sit in communal baths, have a massage or body treatment in one of the thirty rooms, or simply relax in the cafe sipping on a latte.
The Swiss Italian influence has permeated the town and Parma House is the biggest example of the architecture that is popular in Italy brought here. They also brought farming of lavender as seen at the Lavandula Lavender Farm with the charming cottages and cobbled squares. But the epitome is the Swiss Italia Festival where all things Italian are celebrated every October.
But the area offers more than just springs. Mount Franklin is an extinct volcano crater that is perfect for camping or enjoy for the day with a picnic. Walk to the summit to experience views of the entire region. Or find The Blowhole a tunnel created by those looking for gold. Dynamiting through quartz to defer the water it is best seen when the creek is full.
The ambiance of Italy is definitive with the individuals who made this location a bit of home in Australia. They brought their love of dining and cafes and the city still shows that hospitality today. Even the ever increasing and popular wine region of Victoria was founded by the Italian immigrants. But the springs are the focus so enjoy learning about how they are formed by visiting Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. You can walk through the volcanic rock that infuses the water with magnesium, calcium, silica and other nutrients and minerals.
Whatever way you choose to spend time in Hepburn Springs you will find relaxation and healing awaiting you. Spending time in the waters will be the highlight but enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area to make this a full vacation experience. When it comes to places to stay, there are some beautiful Hepburn Spring retreats on offer to make your stay even more perfect.
Filed under Nikon Camera Lenses by on Aug 26th, 2010. Comment.
Tunisia, a land of ancient history and modern hotels, restaurants and international airports offers a perfect destination for a weary holiday traveler. You will be entranced by its history, friendliness, fabulous restaurants and hotels.
The climate of Tunisia is superb and the coastline is lovely. Tunisia’s neighbors are Libya and Algeria. The Mediterranean is Tunisia’s northern, and most of its eastern border. Tunisia has been the visiting place and home of many civilizations over its long history. Today’s Tunisian culture is a colorful and fascinating mélange of the cultures of those that have gone before: the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French.
Tunisia’s long and colorful history is preserved in the many hundreds of historical sites and museums that dot the country. The enormous National Museum of Bardo (near Tunis) was a 13th century palace and has been expanded over time so that it’s now a an amazing example of 17th and 18th century Arab architecture and interior décor. It boasts vaulted ceilings, galleries and cupolas. It also houses the finest collection of mosaics in the world! he Carthage Museum is known for its extensive collection of Punic and Roman everyday artifacts. However, it would be a shame to miss its large jewelry collection and its very unusual collection of Punic masks that were fabricated of a paste made of colored glass.
The Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Traditional Arts and Customs, in Tunis, is housed on the bottom floor of the 18th century palace of the same name. It is the center of the old city of Tunis, the medina. This museum offers traditional Tunisian arts and exhibits traditional customs of the city of Tunis in a traditional setting. Keep in mind that most museums in Tunisia are closed on Mondays. There are many Tunisian festivals that could be the highlight of any holiday in Tunisia. Every village, no matter how small, has at least one festival and visitors are always welcome. The Saharian Festival is for those who are mesmerized by the vast Sahara. It takes place in Douz, considered to be the gateway to the Sahara. It is held during the second week in November. If you are a devotee of world class music, don’t miss the International Music Festival at the El Jem Coliseum from mid-July to mid-August. What could be lovelier than listening to world famous orchestras and artists on a warm Tunisian evening under the stars in a Roman coliseum?
Tunisians depend on bread, “the staff of life”, at every meal. In the city you will find breads from all over the world. In country villages bread is most often unleavened and baked in clay ovens called Tabounas. Every place you visit in Tunisia will offer its own bread specialties. The meat eaten most often in Tunisian homes is lamb. Seafood is abundant, due to Tunisia’s long Mediterranean coastline and Tunisia’s olive oil and produce is delicious. Tunisians use all sorts of herbs and spices for cooking, including cumin, coriander, parsley, dried peppers, and garlic. They prefer their food hot and spicy, but in deference to tourists’ tastes, usually serve their favorite spicy condiment, harissa, as a side dish.
Tunisia is a world-class destination for your world-class holiday!
Find Out More : Tunisia Holidays
Filed under Nikon Camera Lenses by on Aug 25th, 2010. Comment.