Over the last few years, Victoria has become known for its hot springs. This is mostly thanks to photos of its best-known naturally heated pools, Peninsula Hot Springs, littered on Instagram. Countless snaps of steam rising above the baths and serene-looking folks soaking in them have been shared on the platform.
Unfortunately, the online popularity does translate to IRL crowds. Every weekend, you’ll find Peninsula Hot Springs packed with people. The good news is that it’s one of many hot springs like it in and around Melbourne.
Ahead, we’re sharing a handful of others. From a relatively new bathhouse with a similar setup to Peninsula Hot Springs in the Mornington Peninsula, to another just an hour-long drive from CBD, this is our edit of the best hot springs to visit in Melbourne this winter.
Alba Thermal Springs and Spa
You likely haven’t seen much of Alba Thermal Springs and Spa on social media as guests here are asked to put their phones away while inside. The spa has 31 pools, including cold plunge, warm geothermal and herbal-infused, spread across its 15 hectares. Each pool targets a different ailment. When you arrive and check in, you’ll be given a locker, towel and bathrobe that you wear over your swimwear as you head to the pools.
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
A 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa uses water from Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs. Choose from mineral bathing options bathhouse, sanctuary or private. Each session grants you 90 minutes, and entry includes the use of a robe, towel and locker. If you want to up the relaxation, book a body treatment, facial or massage.
Peninsula Hot Springs
A round-up of the best hot springs in Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Peninsula Hot Springs, which helped the city become known for its hot springs. Guests can get in for as little as $15 during off-peak bathing hours, but you’ll usually find it costs around $40 per adult for a session here. Natural thermal waters feed the pools and private baths. There’s an option to participate in Moonlit Bathing, which sees you soaking in the pools under the stars.
Metung Hot Springs
A four-hour drive from Melbourne, Metung Hot Springs requires a bit more of a trek, so is ideal to visit as part of an overnight stay in Gippsland Lakes. Conveniently, the hot springs offer glamping on their property, so, after a soak, you don’t have to travel too far for sleep. The hot springs’ areas Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment can be explored with an all-day pass.
Deep Blue Hot Springs
Deep Blue Hot Springs sits just over a three-hour drive west of Melbourne in Warrnambool. Make a weekend out of a visit here by booking a night or two at the property’s hotel. A 60-minute bathhouse session costs $25 on Mondays to Fridays and $35 on weekends. The spa also offers private bathing rooms that can be booked for 30 or 60 minutes. Book a spa treatment, infrared sauna or spray tan after your soak.
Aurora Spa and Bathhouse
Aurora Spa and Bathhouse sits a 90-minute drive south of Melbourne in Sorrento. The bathhouse entry includes the use of a towel, slides and a locker before a 90-minute bathing session. Follow a journey of hot-cold-rest-repeat in the pools or go with your own flow. After your session, prep yourself to return to the real world in change rooms with vanity areas and body and hair products by Aspar.
Japanese Mountain Retreat
A cruisey hour-long drive from Melbourne, Japanese Mountain Retreat is an easy choice for hot springs soaking when you don’t have much time to make a half-day or full day trip out of it. Book a bathing session for 50 or 80 minutes or two hours, or combine your experience with a spa treatment, or lunch or dinner at the retreat’s restaurant. Sessions are available in indoor or outdoor baths, during the day or under the stars.
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