For a lot of LGBTQIA+ Australians, feeling safe and celebrated wasn’t always part of their story. Too often, belonging was something hoped for rather than something experienced. And yet Daylesford – a small regional town in Victoria – has become renowned for turning history on its head and welcoming and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community like no other.
Every March, the Victorian town brings this spirit brought to life in full colour as it hosts ChillOut: Australia’s largest and longest running regional pride festival. Approaching its 30th year, the 2026 event, which ran 5–9 March was proudly supported once again by Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, a sanctuary which has been providing traditional wellness bathing since 1895.
About ChillOut festival
Held each Labour Day weekend, the town came alive with four days of music, theatre, drag, community celebrations and the best of local food and wine and for those who live and work here, ChillOut is a time of acceptance and celebration.
During the event, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa played host to a welcoming stall designed to give festival‑goers something invaluable: a moment to breathe and feel refreshed by a community that values them, year‑round. The stall donned inclusive pride banners, celebrated the diverse team and featured luxurious product giveaways in a spin-to-win and lucky dip activation.
Lucky visitors walked away with a Sanctuary gift pass for two, an Elemis skincare gift pack and a Highlander gift pack from the giveaway. The lucky dip activation also included luxe bath soaks from the venue’s Apothecary.
Richard Fanale, Guest Experience Manager at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, still remembers the first time he felt that spark of pride at ChillOut.
“When I moved to Victoria over 20 years ago, attending the festival for the first time was truly emotional. Walking through Daylesford and Hepburn Springs and seeing pride flags displayed so openly was something I had never experienced before.
“I grew up in a time when being gay didn’t always feel safe or accepted… to witness an entire community embracing inclusion and celebrating diversity gave people like me a sense of hope.
“ChillOut is not only a celebration of equality and pride, but it also plays a vital role in showing young people, especially those in regional and rural areas – that there are places where they can feel safe and free to be their authentic selves,” concluded Richard.
Andy Hughes, Customer Services Officer, shared: “I am attending my first ChillOut Festival and have been truly overwhelmed by the visible allyship across not only the entire community, but also within my workplace. As a proud gay person, this has made me feel deeply accepted, safe and genuinely at home here.”
General Manager of Wellness, SJ Tilbury, sees this commitment come to life in every interaction. She added: “ChillOut matters to me because inclusion lives in daily practice here… celebrating our diverse team members and ensuring our guests are relaxed, respected and safe, regardless of personal circumstance or characteristics, is wonderful. As part of this community, I’m proud to help create a place where everyone is genuinely welcomed and cared for.”
Spa and Retail Consultant Michael Lazarus, who moved to Daylesford just over a year ago, also shared that ChillOut has quickly become a treasured part of feeling at home.
“For me, the ChillOut Festival is a chance to celebrate being gay in a way that feels open, joyful and real. I’m especially excited to be part of the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa ChillOut experience; it makes me feel proud and grateful to belong to such a vibrant, welcoming community.”
As the venue welcomed another unforgettable ChillOut Festival, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa invited locals, visitors and allies to be part of something deeply human: relaxing into your authentic self.
Belgravia Leisure are committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ communities of Australia and New Zealand, by embracing diversity, inclusion, acceptance and equal opportunity for all genders and sexualities.
Plan your next visit to Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa here.
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