The Australian government state agency Tourism Victoria has highlighted the area's wellness offering by breaking the world record for the largest simultaneous massage.

The Massage en Masse took place on 30 March at Lavandula Lavender Farm in the town of Daylesford, which has an abundance of natural springs. In total, 263 qualified therapists and 263 volunteer 'massagees' took part in the event, eventually breaking the previous record - of 167 simultaneous massages, set in 2009 in Washington DC, US - by 26.

Chris Sheedy, adjudicator for Guinness World Records, said: "I've seen a lot of wonderful events, but during the past decade I've never seen such a beautiful record attempt."

Tourism Victoria's Don Richter added: "Now Daylesford is in the history books, its therapeutic credentials will be showcased around the world." Details: tourismvictoria.com, guinnessworldrecords.com