Hepburn Pool

Hepburn Pool is a historic swimming pool located in Hepburn Springs, Victoria.

It is situated within the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve and is known for its significance as a pre-Olympic swimming pool. The pool was built in the 1930s for Bellinzona Guest House and was included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

The pool was constructed by creating a concrete weir and drystone walling in Spring Creek. It was originally built to Olympic standards and hosted Victorian swimming championships in the 1930s. The pool features terraced drystone seating and an outlet valve that ensures environmental flows into the creek.

In 1969, the pool ceased operation when a new Olympic Pool was built in Daylesford. Over time, the pool filled with silt. In 1993-95, volunteers led by Merv Keating of the Savoia Hotel worked to conserve the pool. They used old photographs to replicate missing features, such as seating. The conservation efforts were successful and helped preserve the heritage of the site.

In 2004, Hepburn Pool was named Victoria's Favourite Built Place as part of the Victorian Government's involvement in the International Year of the Built Environment. The site's heritage status led to conflicts with council concerns over insurance coverage. In 2006, the Victorian Minister for Planning initiated a community consultation project to address these conflicts. Risk management works, funded by the Department of Sustainability and the Environment, began in 2007.

Hepburn Pool is located within the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, which is open to the public. Visitors can explore the reserve, which offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a mineral spring. While swimming in the pool is no longer recommended, visitors can still access