Ballan Mineral Springs,Ballan, Victoria

## Overview Ballan Mineral Springs is a naturally carbonated mineral spring located in the township of Ballan, a small rural community in Victoria, Australia, roughly 75 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. The spring is part of a broader network of mineral springs found throughout the Central Highlands and Hepburn regions of Victoria — an area renowned across Australia for its rich volcanic geology and abundance of naturally effervescent groundwater. Victoria's mineral spring region owes its unique water to ancient volcanic activity that laid down layers of basalt rock. Rainwater slowly percolates through these basalt layers, dissolving carbon dioxide and a range of minerals along the way, before emerging at the surface as naturally sparkling mineral water. Ballan Mineral Springs is one of many public access points where visitors can experience this geological phenomenon firsthand. The water has historically been valued by locals as a refreshing, naturally carbonated drinking source, though as with all natural springs, water quality can vary and independent testing is always advisable before consumption. The spring is classified as a public drinking spring and has long been a community gathering point for residents and travellers who come to fill bottles and enjoy the distinctive fizzy character of the water. ## Directions 1. From Melbourne, head northwest on the Western Freeway (M8) toward Ballarat. 2. Take the Ballan exit and follow the signs into the township of Ballan. 3. The mineral springs reserve is located within the town — look for signage directing you to the mineral springs or the local reserve area. 4. GPS coordinates: **-37.60705, 144.192574** — use these for precise navigation. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the spring's GPS location within Ballan township. It is recommended to confirm the exact access point locally, as signage and access arrangements may change.* ## What to Expect Visitors to Ballan Mineral Springs can expect a simple, community-style spring access point typical of Victoria's mineral spring reserves. The water is naturally carbonated — meaning it emerges from the ground with a gentle effervescence, giving it a distinctive sparkling quality that sets it apart from ordinary spring water. Many visitors describe the taste as crisp and mineral-rich, with a pleasant fizz. The spring is publicly accessible and is a popular spot for locals to fill water bottles. The surrounding area reflects the quiet, pastoral character of Ballan and the broader Moorabool Shire. The township itself offers basic amenities including cafés and public restrooms. For those exploring Victoria's famous mineral spring trail, Ballan makes a worthwhile stop — it sits south of the more well-known Hepburn Springs and Daylesford mineral spring precinct, offering a quieter, less crowded alternative. Seasonal conditions may affect water flow, so visiting after periods of rain can be ideal. As with all natural springs, the water has not been treated or tested to municipal standards — visitors who wish to drink the water do so at their own discretion.