Australia’s best mineral springs

A soak in a mineral spring is more than a chance to simply relax and destress. Regular bathing in mineral springs is said to help increase metabolism, ease high blood pressure and stimulate your lymphatic system, accelerate the detoxing process, increase circulation and help you sleep well!

The Macedon Ranges, around a 90-minute drive north of Melbourne, was Australia’s first wellness destination, with many of its 140-plus mineral springs discovered in the 1800s. Here you’ll find plenty of spas taking advantage of the region’s bountiful mineral springs, mostly around the neighbouring villages of Hepburn Springs and Daylesford.

There are however mineral springs scattered all over the country, often in remote locations where the beauty of the setting is well worth the effort of getting there. So whether you want contemplative downtime in a peaceful outdoor setting or a nurturing and healing experience in a wellness retreat, here’s a round-up of the best spots for a soak around the country.

At Peninsula Hot Springs, a hot spring and day spa 90 minutes south of Melbourne, geothermal water rich in magnesium, boron, potassium and sodium is drawn from deep below the ground. The combination of these minerals is said to reduce blood pressure and aid in detoxification and muscle healing. There are over 70 globally inspired bathing and wellness experiences for you to explore.

Head to the public Bath House for a social dip, or book a private outdoor pool for solo or couples bathing (or for a group of up to five) and then gather with family and friends in one of the many relaxation spaces. Or experience the healing powers and cooling effects of clay with the signature body clay ritual.

You can also make the most of your visit by preparing for a treatment at the Spa Dreaming Centre with a long priming soak in the heated spring water. After a relaxing massage or facial, stay the night in one of 10 premium glamping tents with your own private deck, ensuite bathroom and luxury linen. You’ll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of nature.

A luxury day spa within the upmarket Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel in Hepburn Springs, this delightful place is great for couples. Bring your partner and be pampered in a dual therapy room before soaking together in a hydrotherapy bath for two – or get five of your girlfriends together for Girls’ Day Out package.

The star treatment here is a four-and-a-half-hour Ultimate Mineral Spa Indulgence, which includes a private bath, a long session in the mineral waters of the indoor/outdoor Retreat space and a healing cocoon wrap, as well as an hour-long massage followed by an hour-long mineral facial.

A picturesque retreat near Lithgow, around two hours west of Sydney, Japanese Bath House features indoor and outdoor onsen, with mineral waters drawn from around 300 metres underground. There are plenty of rest areas to chill out in, serene rock gardens overlooking a large man-made lake and striking Japanese-style guest rooms for a blissful post-soak slumber.

Set on a beautiful property overlooking the magnificent Gippsland Lakes, is Victoria’s newest wellness destination, Metung Hot Springs.

Metung’s geothermal water is sourced from deep beneath the earth’s surface and is infused with natural minerals and trace elements that detoxify the body and rejuvenate the soul. Imagine the benefits of seven hot spring pools of varying depths, two cold plunge pools, geothermal showers, saunas, a reflexology walk, plus relaxation lounges and domes.

Enjoy stunning views over the natural inland lagoon and spectacular Gippsland Lakes as you explore the trails around the 12-hectare site. For the ultimate couple’s getaway, you might like to add a glamping experience in one of 10 premium tents with a private bathroom and a geothermal barrel bath on the deck.

Dalhousie Springs is actually a series of 148 springs throughout South Australia’s remote north-east, bringing artesian water that’s millions of years old bubbling to the surface from deep underground. At the spring’s Main Pool in the vast Witjira National Park, the mineral-rich water is a pleasant 38° Celsius – perfect for a refreshing dip to wash off the desert dust.

Whether you stay in El Questro’s acclaimed luxury homestead or book a tent at one of its many private campsites across the 280,000-hectare wilderness park in the spectacular East Kimberley region, one highlight of your stay will be a visit to the property’s Zebedee Springs.

These permanent natural thermal pools are surrounded by lush cabbage-tree palms, pandanus trees and tropical foliage at the base of a sheer cliff, making a dip here a magical experience.

Less than three hour’s drive from Melbourne, in the coastal town of Warrnambool, you will find Victoria’s first hot springs hotel.

The Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs has 80 guest rooms including penthouse apartments boasting expansive ocean views. It’s surrounded by extensive walking & cycling trails and some of the Great Ocean Road’s best beaches.

There are fifteen bathing experiences to choose from, including hot spring rock pools, an aromatherapy pool, hydrotherapy pool, multiple sensory caves and cold plunge pools. Located within the Sanctuary there is a nourish dome with a full cafe menu of refreshing food and beverages.

Visit the Bath House & Day Spa to enjoy the indoor geothermal mineral pool, 4 private geothermal bathing boxes and the adjoining day spa that offers a range of specialty body treatments, signature facials, relaxation massage and beauty treatments.

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is the grand old lady of this scenic spa country – it’s been welcoming guests since 1895. Modelled on a traditional European hot springs resort, the main bathhouse has a large mineral relaxation bathing pool, heated to 34° Celsius, as well as a slightly warmer spa pool that’s designed to stimulate circulation.

Retreat to the resort’s more cosy – and child-free – Sanctuary and you can unwind in a steam room where the air is scented with aromatherapy oils. The heat and the humidity are said to soothe tired muscles, aid lymphatic detoxification and boost the immune system. There’s also a salt and magnesium therapy pool in the Sanctuary for relieving muscle aches, a Turkish-style mineral hammam and a cool-down pool.

You can also book a private bathing session, such as a Royal Moroccan milk mineral bath, which combines spring water with Moroccan minerals and milk enzymes for a memorable healing experience.