Hot Springs and Thermal Bathing Experiences in Victoria
Victoria is home to a wonderful range of hot springs, mineral bathing facilities and wellness retreats. From geothermal pools surrounded by native bushland to luxurious coastal spas overlooking the ocean, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy a soothing soak.
The most popular thermal bathing destinations are found on the Mornington Peninsula, around Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, in the Dandenong Ranges, along the Great Ocean Road and in East Gippsland. There is even a Japanese-inspired alpine onsen in Dinner Plain.
Some destinations welcome families with children, while others specialise in peaceful adults-only bathing experiences. Facilities vary between venues, with options including outdoor thermal pools, private mineral baths, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, spa treatments, dining and overnight accommodation.
Natural geothermal water is heated underground, while some mineral bathing experiences use naturally occurring mineral water that is heated for bathing.
Below is a guide to hot springs and thermal bathing experiences across Victoria, including information about which destinations are suitable for families with children.
Mornington Peninsula
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa (Fingal)
282 Browns Road, Fingal 3939
Approximately 100 km south of Melbourne.
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is a contemporary geothermal bathing destination set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens on the Mornington Peninsula.
The experience includes a collection of outdoor geothermal pools with varying temperatures, sizes and settings, including forest, botanical and rain pools.
There are also sauna and steam facilities, private bathing experiences and spa treatments. Thyme restaurant provides on-site dining.
Families: Children are welcome, although supervision and age-related conditions apply.
Peninsula Hot Springs (Fingal)
140 Springs Lane, Fingal 3939
Approximately 100 km south of Melbourne.
Peninsula Hot Springs is one of Victoria's best-known geothermal bathing destinations, featuring natural thermal mineral water in a range of outdoor pools surrounded by native bushland.
The Bath House offers a social bathing experience with cave pools, a hilltop pool, massaging mineral showers, a reflexology walk, saunas, steam bathing and cold plunge pools.
There are dedicated family bathing areas where children can enjoy the thermal waters under adult supervision. The Spa Dreaming Centre provides a more tranquil experience reserved for guests aged 16 years and over.
The property also offers spa treatments, dining and overnight glamping accommodation.
Families: Children are welcome in designated Bath House areas. Other pools and facilities have age restrictions.
Dandenong Ranges
Japanese Mountain Retreat (Montrose)
14 Mountain Crescent, Montrose 3765
Approximately 40 km east of Melbourne.
Japanese Mountain Retreat Mineral Springs & Spa is a luxury adults-only retreat nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.
Set on a landscaped five-acre property, the retreat offers private mineral bathing, spa treatments, Japanese-inspired dining and luxury accommodation.
The mineral water is sourced from approximately 80 metres underground and heated for bathing.
Couples can choose from completely private outdoor Japanese cedar hot tubs, secluded rock pools surrounded by Japanese-style gardens or indoor bathing in the Roman Bathhouse.
The Roman Bathhouse features marble, decorative mosaics and a domed ceiling, providing a different bathing atmosphere from the outdoor pools.
Experiences can include:
- Private outdoor mineral bathing
- Japanese cedar hot tubs
- Secluded outdoor rock pools
- Private indoor Roman Bathhouse
- Couples massages and spa treatments
- Japanese-inspired lunches and dinners
- Luxury Japanese-style accommodation
Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula
Lon Retreat & Spa (Point Lonsdale)
25 Gill Road, Point Lonsdale 3225
Approximately 110 km south-west of Melbourne.
Lon Retreat & Spa is a luxurious coastal wellness retreat set on a 250-acre property with views across the Bellarine Peninsula.
The spa uses naturally occurring mineral water sourced from beneath the property. Experiences include private mineral bathing, heated mineral pools, sauna, cold plunge experiences, massages, facials and body treatments.
An outdoor contrast therapy area features a Finnish sauna, magnesium-rich plunge pool, Swedish soak bucket, communal fire pit and outdoor relaxation lounges overlooking the surrounding farmland and coastline.
The retreat also has seven luxury accommodation suites, offering a peaceful overnight escape.
Day spa experiences can be booked without staying overnight.
Families: Spa guests must be aged 16 years or over. The retreat does not cater for young children.
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa (Hepburn Springs)
1 Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs 3461
Approximately 115 km north-west of Melbourne.
Established in 1895, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is one of Victoria's most historic mineral bathing destinations. Located within the picturesque Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, it combines traditional mineral bathing with modern wellness facilities.
Visitors can enjoy naturally mineral-rich bathing water, hydrotherapy experiences, steam rooms and spa treatments.
The Sanctuary Mineral Bathing experience offers additional facilities, including salt and magnesium pools, hammam, steam bathing and relaxation areas.
Private bathing experiences and spa treatments are also available.
The surrounding reserve is worth exploring, with walking tracks, picnic facilities, a playground and historic mineral springs where visitors can sample naturally occurring mineral water.
Families: Check the minimum ages for the particular bathing experience being booked, as some areas and treatments have age restrictions.
Great Ocean Road and South-West Victoria
Deep Blue Hot Springs (Warrnambool)
Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool 3280
Approximately 260 km south-west of Melbourne.
Deep Blue Hot Springs is a geothermal bathing sanctuary located near Warrnambool's spectacular coastline.
Mineral-rich geothermal water is drawn from approximately 850 metres underground and used in a series of outdoor bathing pools set amongst rocks and landscaped gardens.
The bathing sanctuary includes a range of hot pools and sensory bathing experiences where visitors can relax and unwind.
The adjoining Deep Blue Hotel offers accommodation, dining and day spa treatments.
The location makes it an appealing relaxation stop when exploring Warrnambool and the Great Ocean Road.
Families: Check age restrictions for the geothermal bathing sanctuary and other pools before booking.
Gippsland
Metung Hot Springs (Metung)
73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung 3904
Approximately 310 km east of Melbourne.
Metung Hot Springs is a geothermal bathing destination overlooking the Gippsland Lakes.
The beautifully landscaped property has a collection of mineral pools, geothermal showers, saunas, cold plunges and barrel baths set amongst native vegetation.
The Bathing Ridge includes pools with different settings, a reflexology walk, relaxation areas and scenic viewing points.
For a special experience, visitors can relax in barrel baths overlooking the surrounding landscape or enjoy the stargazing pool.
On-site glamping accommodation features luxurious safari-style tents with private bathing barrels.
Families: Some bathing areas welcome younger visitors, while other experiences and glamping accommodation have minimum age requirements.
Alpine Victoria
Dinner Plain Onsen (Dinner Plain)
125 Big Muster Drive, Dinner Plain 3898
Approximately 380 km north-east of Melbourne.
Dinner Plain Onsen offers a Japanese-inspired alpine bathing experience in the picturesque village of Dinner Plain, close to Mount Hotham.
The bathing complex includes a heated outdoor mineral pool, indoor heated lap pool, sauna and cold plunge facilities.
The outdoor onsen provides a memorable experience during winter, when visitors can enjoy the warmth of the water surrounded by the cold alpine environment.
Facilities include:
- Outdoor mineral bathing pool heated to approximately 38°C
- Indoor heated lap pool
- Sauna
- Cold plunge pool
- Mixed-gender bathing facilities
Opening Status: Dinner Plain Onsen operates seasonally. It is closed for the remainder of 2026 and is expected to reopen for the King's Birthday weekend in June 2027.
Families: Check age restrictions and supervision requirements before booking.
Coming Soon - Hot Springs Developments in Victoria
Phillip Island Hot Springs (Newhaven)
1215 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven 3925
Approximately 125 km south-east of Melbourne.
Phillip Island Hot Springs is a major coastal thermal bathing development overlooking Western Port and Bass Strait.
The proposed facilities include large bathing pools, hot and cold bathing experiences, a reflexology walk and family-friendly and accessible bathing areas.
The development is expected to become a significant addition to Victoria's hot springs attractions.
Status: Under construction as of October 2026. An opening date has not been confirmed.
Phillip Island Hot Springs - Official project website
12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort (Princetown)
172 Booringa Road, Princetown 3269
Approximately 225 km south-west of Melbourne.
The proposed 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort is a major geothermal bathing and accommodation development near the famous Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road.
Plans for the approximately 79-hectare site include extensive geothermal bathing facilities, a wellness centre, dining experiences and luxury accommodation.
The development is intended to make the Great Ocean Road an important destination for thermal bathing and wellness tourism.
Status: Under development as of October 2026. No confirmed public opening date.
12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort - Project website
Tips for Visiting Hot Springs in Victoria
- Book ahead: Advance reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays
- Check age restrictions: Some venues are adults-only, while others have designated family bathing areas
- Allow enough time: Some bathing experiences have fixed session lengths, while others provide longer access
- Bring suitable swimwear: Check whether towels, robes and lockers are included in the booking
- Check accessibility: Some outdoor venues have steep paths, steps or uneven surfaces between pools
- Consider the weather: Outdoor thermal bathing can be particularly enjoyable in cooler weather, but facilities may close during severe weather
- Compare bathing packages: Private bathing, spa treatments, dining and accommodation may involve additional costs
- Check cancellation conditions: Some venues have strict booking and cancellation policies
- Check health advice: People who are pregnant or have medical conditions should consult the venue's bathing advice before using hot pools, saunas or cold plunges
- Stay hydrated: Take breaks between hot bathing sessions and follow the venue's recommended bathing times
