Most people who travel to New Zealand return home with stories about the fabulous natural hot springs, wishing that we had some here in Australia. Well, you might be happily surprised to learn that we do have a number of wonderful open air, hot springs in Australia and they aren’t that far away from you!
So, next time you pack up the car, 4WD or caravan for a day trip or a holiday in Australia, consider checking out these fabulous hot springs – which might not be too far from your home.
Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria
The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful part of our country, but not many people know about their natural hot springs. These award winning hot springs are just 90 minutes from Melbourne at Fingal and the spa where they are located boasts a stunning oasis of cascading pools with fabulous views.
Yarrongobilly Caves in NSW
These completely natural hot water springs are located in bushland not far from the car park at Yarrongobilly Caves. The pools are all concrete lined and the larger pool cascades down into a smaller child friendly wading pool. Summer bathing here is a real treat, but watching the steam rise from the warm springs in winter is simply delightful.
Zebedee Springs in WA
If you are driving through the Kimberly ranges in WA, do yourself a favour and stop off at Zebedee Springs in the El Questro Wilderness park. You will need a 4WD to navigate the final 16km, but the drive is well worth the trip. Day tours to the springs are organised by El Questro Station and they have a number of fabulous options that meander through gorges and rainforests, and even a cruise along the Chamberlain River.
Dalhousie Springs in SA
If you want a secluded spot for soaking away the rigours of a day on the road, then worry no more, because the Dalhousie Springs in Witjira National Park is an absolute delight. This series of natural thermal pools is a secret outback oasis and about 500lm south of Alice Springs. The trip isn’t for the faint hearted and is serious 4WD territory, but on a cold Aussie winter day, there is nothing quite like a hot thermal spring for washing the dust away.
Mataranka Springs in the NT
Easily accessible by non-4WD Aussies, these natural thermal springs flowing from the Rainbow Springs are located at Mataranka Homestead and offer crystal clear warm waters in a beautiful lush setting. Another option, Bitter Springs is not far away (just 2km) and these mineral rich thermal pools are perfect for a swim or a lazy afternoon with friends. Camping is available at the Homestead, as well as self-contained cabins and motel rooms.
Innot Hot Springs in QLD
Located in the Atherton Tablelands, between Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet, the Innot Hot Springs Leisure & Health Park has six public hot spring pools and offers both powered and unpowered camping sites. You can access these pools from public areas, but the water is extremely hot and people have been injured. The safest way is to pay an entry fee at the camp site and use their pools, because the temperature is tempered with the local cold water supply. You have been warned!
Bore Baths at Lightening Ridge in NSW
Whilst Lightening Ridge is famous for its opals, their artesian bore baths are much less well-known. Sunk by local grazers in the 1960s, these free community baths provide endless hours of relaxation for the locals. Open 24 hours a day (except 10am to 12noon for cleaning), you can’t go wrong with a relaxing swim in these thermal waters after a hard day fossicking in this iconic Aussie town.
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Image Source: Concrete Playground
