Australia’s best hot springs and bathhouses

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’. Also on the Peninsula, 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.

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. Their nearby sister property, Tank Farm, is a boutique bathhouse set on 40 acres with outdoor magnesium pools, sauna and steam room; and there are only 2 guests at a time, so you’ll have the whole place to yourself!

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.

The ‘sunshine state’ also 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.

When thinking about hot springs in South Australia, 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.

For something a little more adventurous, 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 those seeking a toxin-free soak in NSW’s home of wellness, The Byron Bathhouse at Byron Bay offers a heated magnesium plunge pool, cold plunge pool, and an infrared sauna. You can also indulge in their body work 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.

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.