17 best natural spa baths around Australia

From mineral springs to mud baths, these are Australia’s best natural spa baths to put on your weekend bucket list.

1. Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

This lovely little retreat in Victoria is the real deal, having been voted ‘Best Luxury Mineral Spa’ in the 2014 World Luxury Hotel Awards. By all accounts, however, Peninsula Hot Springs – found on Victoria’s physically-blessed Mornington Peninsula – is something of a stand-out experience, located on a 17-hectare property offering not one, but 20 different styles of relaxation, including thermal mineral spring pools, an underground sauna, private outdoor baths, cave pools, Turkish steam baths and this verrrrry nice-looking hilltop retreat. Entry from $30 per adult.

Peninsula Hot Springs was voted ‘Best Luxury Mineral Spa’ in the 2014 World Luxury Hotel Awards. (Image: Peninsula Hot Springs)

2. Daylesford Region, Victoria

This is Australia’s premier destination for springs with seemingly mercurial properties. We like the truly lovely Hepburn Bathhouse, which has been rejuvenating visitors since 1895. Entry from $55 per adult.

The Daylesford Region has many good thermal baths, including Hepburn Springs. (Image: Visit Victoria)

3. Bitter Springs, Katherine, NT

The Katherine region is famous for its thermal pools but Bitter Springs, in Elsey National Park, is an area barely touched by man. Snorkel to observe the turtles as you drift with the current in the ethereal teal waters of this palm-fringed waterhole. Free entry.

Set amongst palms and tropical woodlands in the Elsey National Park, these spring-fed thermal pools are an ideal place to relax and unwind after a long drive, or while exploring the national park. (Image: Tourism NT and Helen Orr)

4. Japanese Bathhouse, Blue Mountains, NSW

This Japanese-inspired bathhouse heats local spring waters for use in its treatments, but this does not detract from the natural experience. The indoor and outdoor hot pools are complemented by herbal steams, massages, facials and a Japanese-style teahouse. $90 per person.

5. Innot Hot Springs, Queensland

Beware – these springs are so hot, rumour has it you can cook a chook in the hottest parts of Nettle Creek! You can burrow into the soft sands of the creek or pull up the caravan at the Innot Springs Leisure and Health Park, where several man-made pools have a regulated temperature. Free at Nettle Creek; from $27 a night at Leisure and Health Park.

The water at Innot Springs is extra hot so be careful not to fall asleep… (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland and Colyn Huber Lovegreen Photography)

6. Dalhousie Springs, SA

Stand on a wooden platform in Witjira National Park on the edge of the Simpson Desert and dive into the 36 degrees of bliss that is the long natural oasis of Dalhousie. The springs here are steeped in Aboriginal history and support unique aquatic life, including the strangely-named Lake Eyre hardy-head fish. Culture, ecology and location make this a must-do natural spa experience. $10 per vehicle.

There’s nothing but relaxation at Dalhousie Springs. (Image: Cathy Lu)

7. Moree Artesian Baths, NSW

Waters from Australia’s Great Artesian Basin have long been cherished for their health and healing benefits and the recently renovated Moree Artesian Aquatic Complex is the mecca for hot tub enthusiasts. With a range of pools at differing temperatures and a fantastic warm-water playground for kids (more hygienic than it sounds, we promise), this is one for all the family. $8 per adult; $25 per family.

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre is perfect for the whole family. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Clayton Station, SA

Clayton is a working cattle station at the end of the Birdsville Track, so chances are you’re going to get grubby before you soak. But when you’re sitting in a cattle trough, plonked in a paddock, with fresh-from-the-ground hot artesian water massaging tired muscles and the sunset colouring the sky, you won’t want to be anywhere else. $10 per vehicle.

9. Katherine Hot Springs

The natural hot springs are nestled within the Katherine riverbed, and the spring usually averages around 32 degrees. This temperature makes it a perfect destination all year round, but especially tempting during the cold months. The series of clear pools are framed by native vegetation, and the area is a place to relax, enjoy swimming in the pools, and take a stroll through the scenic walking tracks.

These natural thermal springs are situated on the banks of the Katherine River. (Image: Tourism NT, Kyle Hunter and Hayley Anderson)

10. Zebedee Thermal Springs, WA

The naturally heated, underground waters of Zebedee Springs converge in multi-tiered rock pools amidst a forest of huge native palms at the Kimberley’s El Questro Station. You’ll need to stay at the El Questro Homestead for exclusive use (after 12pm), or else get there early so you can lie back in your own private pool, gaze at the canopy overhead, and listen to the water tumbling through the gorge and unwind in nature’s beauty. From $11 per person.

The multi-tiered rocks at Zebedee Springs are a must-see. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

11. Lightning Ridge Bore Baths, NSW

On the edge of this delightfully eccentric town is a popular spot for opal fossickers and visitors alike. A deep circular pool, standing open to an outback sky, is fed by hot waters from the Great Artesian Basin and is typical of similar baths you’ll find in western NSW and Queensland, such as at Burren Junction, Pilliga, Blackall and Bedourie. It is open 24 hours a day and also has free entry too.

Lightning Ridge Bore Baths are open 24 hours a day. Night swim anyone? (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Hastings Thermal Springs, Tasmania

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs is situated in the far south of Tasmania’s beautiful Huon Valley, a 90-minute drive from Hobart. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in an ancient yet ever-changing environment. The 28-degree thermal swimming pool gathers and circulates natural thermal spring water which is full of rich minerals (so good for your skin!)

Entry is $5 per adult, which includes the use of the thermal springs pool and amenities all day and access to the 5-10 minute Platypus and 20-minute Hot Springs forest walks.

Hastings Thermal Springs is filled with rich minerals. (Image: Osborne Images)

13. Artesian Mud Baths, Eulo, Queensland

Within a bough-lined enclosure, add this region’s mineral-rich, skin-conditioning mud to hot Artesian water and slip into one of the luxury baths. Listen to the gidyea fire crackling nearby as you relax under a velvet canvas of stars at Artesian Mud Baths.

The colourful baths are synonymous with relaxation. (Image: Artesian Mud Baths)

14. Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Discover the regenerative forces of nature at Alba Thermal Springs located in the Mornington Peninsula precinct of Fingal. With more than 30 natural pools to explore, from geothermal hot springs to herbal-infused botanical pools, you can unwind surrounded by coastal Moonah woodland. Come evening, you can opt for a night pass to soak up the tranquillity of the sunset or a starry sky while you bathe.

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is located in the stunning Mornington Peninsula.

15. Metung Hot Springs, Gippsland, Victoria

Geothermal water was discovered in Gippsland in the 1930s by a company drilling for oil. The legacy is Metung Hot Springs, which has become the region’s premier spot for bathing and relaxation. This clifftop spa is surrounded by lush vegetation and overlooks Lake King, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view from one of their iconic bathing barrels or massaging thermal showers.

Metung Hot Springs overlooks Lake King. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

16. Hot Artesian Bore Baths

The Artesian Baths are a signature feature of the Charlotte Plains Outback Station. Drawing up water from deep beneath the earth, visitors can soak their stresses away in the mineral-infused waters beneath the Outback skies. In the private baths, you can also order a cheese and wine platter to add the ultimate touch of bliss.

Kick back with a cheese and wine platter at Charlotte Plains Outback Station.

17. Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pools 

Enjoy a swim at Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pools, which are hidden deep within a valley and cossetted by abundant nature. After a short hike weaving through towering eucalyptus, you’ll be greeted by a 20m long, 2.5 m deep pool fed by a natural spring. Perfect for a post-hike dip!

Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool is perfect for a dip. (Image: Destination NSW)

Additional updates written by Elizabeth Whitehead