Australia’s Best Hot Springs and Bathhouses

What’s your favourite way to seek wellness with water? Do you feel energised by a cold dip in an ocean bath, relaxed by a soak in warm mineral-rich waters, or cleansed by a cascading waterfall?

Bathing in water has many benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing – from invigorating our circulation and getting oxygen to our cells, to supporting the nervous system, relaxing muscles and reducing stress. Traditionally, water therapy has strong cultural and social connections, too. So no matter how you do it, bathing can make you feel better!

And between tranquil coastlines and vast landscapes, Australia offers a wealth of opportunities to unwind and luxuriate in water. Natural springs, thermal pools and ocean baths – you name it, we’ve got it. We present our guide to the best places to bathe in Australia!

Victoria

A veritable mecca for bathing enthusiasts, Victoria is home to numerous bathhouses and hot springs destinations that could fill a lifetime of exploration. In Mornington Peninsula, the iconic Peninsula Hot Springs boasts over 70 globally inspired bathing and wellness experiences and was founded by Charles and Richard Davidson. They wanted to ‘create experiences where people can relax in nature and connect with the deep well of their being’.

Additionally, the subterranean Aurora Spa and Bathhouse, exuding luxury, and sophistication, offers ten different bathing experiences (we love ‘Bathhouse Calm’). Metung Hot Springs, located in East Gippsland, invites you to soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters while marvelling at the freshwater lagoon and picturesque 25-acre site. Along the coastline in Warrnambool, the award-winning Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs entices visitors with open-air rock pools, sensory caves, cleansing waterfalls, and warm therapeutic waters brimming with natural minerals. Inland, in the Daylesford region, the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa offers mineral-rich naturally warm waters and an array of spa treatments, plus there’s four brand-new luxury ‘Wellness Villas’ so you can extend your stay.

Queensland

The ‘sunshine state’ boasts the exceptional Talaroo Hot Springs, nestled within the Ewamian Country in North Queensland’s Gulf Country. Located approximately 4 ½ hours inland from Cairns, Talaroo stands as a living cultural landscape for the Ewamian people. A Discovery Tour grants access to the springs and private soaking pools, naturally heated by the earth, where you can immerse yourself in the culture, history, and healing powers of this unique geographical wonder. Although it may be off the beaten track, we think Talaroo is an unmissable stop along the Savannah Way—a renowned road trip linking Cairns to Broome.

Further south, when you’re ready to tear yourself away from South East Queensland’s turquoise waters and pristine beaches, a wealth of bathhouses awaits your indulgence. In Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, Tank Riviera offers an all-encompassing experience with its day club, waterfront restaurant and bar, river cruise, bathhouse, and day spa—a sanctuary of complete luxury. Venturing to the Gold Coast, you’ll discover Soak Bathhouse in Mermaid Beach and The Bathhouse at Ground in Currumbin’s Ecovillage. These enchanting destinations boast a plethora of warm and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms and blissful opportunities for spa treatments.

New South Wales

Mother Nature has created some amazing bathing experiences too, including the mesmerizing Figure Eight Pools, nestled within Sydney’s Royal National Park. They invite intrepid explorers willing to plan their visit around the receding tides that reveal these uncannily shaped pools. For those seeking a Palm Springs-inspired atmosphere, The Bathhouse at Douglas Park offers a heated magnesium plunge pool, three hydrotherapy spas with varying temperatures, a sauna, and a steam room. Indulge in their delectable snack and treatment menu for an unforgettable experience. For a rejuvenating escape in the Blue Mountains, the Japanese Bath House presents a traditional Onsen experience, featuring indoor and outdoor pools filled with water flowing from 300 meters underground and breathtaking views of the valley.

Northern Territory

For those venturing to the Northern Territory, the renowned Mataranka thermal pools in Elsey National Park beckon, just an hour south of Katherine. The crystal-clear Mataranka Thermal Pool, nestled amidst palms and paperbark trees, offers a serene oasis. Alternatively, the Bitter Springs, with its stronger current and tropical woodland ambiance, provides a more natural setting for relaxation.

South Australia

For a hot springs adventure in South Australia, pack the car and journey out to the outskirts of the Simpson Desert. Here you’ll find Dalhousie Springs in Witjira National Park – a collection of over 60 natural springs surrounded by wildflowers, which admittedly you’ll only be lucky to catch in bloom after it rains. For something a little closer to Adelaide, you cannot go past the artesian spring-fed pools at Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills. A signature experience at this luxury wellness destination, guests of this boutique accommodation can soak in ancient natural spring water that comes from deep within the mountain while looking out to the stunning Adelaide Hills.

Tasmania

Finally, nestled in Tasmania’s stunning Huon Valley, Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs offer a unique opportunity to unwind in the island’s mineral-rich geothermal waters. However, the true spectacle lies beneath the surface—a magnificent dolomite cave, waiting to be explored before or after your swim, amidst the scenic Tasmanian terrain.

Australia’s bathhouses, nature pools and hot springs are a testament to the nation’s commitment to wellness and indulgence and social connection. Join us as we celebrate World Bathing Day and the power of water, and its ability to connect us with the natural world.

Are you seeking even more water-based wellness? You may like these stories – The Great Ocean Road: An Unforgettable Wellness Trip and A Shoalhaven Wellness Trail.

Image credits: Peninsula Hot Springs, Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs, Sequoia Luxury Lodge