The Best Hot Springs to Visit Near Melbourne

You know you're lucky when you have some of the world's greatest things right here in Victoria, and the mineral springs that are ours for the soaking are just some of those incredible places.

From the tip of the Mornington Peninsula to Hepburn Springs and Mt Hotham in the north, the mineral-rich spring water that bubbles up through the ground in these has been highly sought-after for plenty of therapeutic reasons for decades.

Pack your bathers, it's bath time but way more fun!

Peninsula Hot Springs

An hour's drive South of Melbourne on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula natural hot mineral waters are flowing from deep under ground and into the pools and private baths at Peninsula Hot Springs. Bathe, relax at the Spa Dreaming Centre and dine in the café at this tranquil coastal environment. 

The 50°C naturally hot mineral spring water flows from an underground aquifer 637 metres below the surface. The water runs untouched direct from the source to the pools, which range between 37°C and 43°C. Peninsula Hot Springs thermal mineral water contains a range of naturally occurring minerals including sulphur, calcium, magnesium, potassium and many others and is classified as a “Sodium Chloride Bicarbonate Spring” (Na-C1.HCO3).

Opening Hours: Bath House open 7:30 am – 10 pm daily. Spa Dreaming Centre open 8 am – 9 pm daily.

Go there: Springs Lane, Fingal

More info: peninsulahotsprings.com

Image Credit: Peninsula Hot Springs Facebook

Onsen Retreat and Spa, Hotham Ski Resort

Whether it's ski or soak time (or let's be honest, why not both?!), you cna head to the 39-degree outdoor heated onsen onsite at Hotham Ski Resort. 

After that you might want to indulge in the full range of spa services - massages, facials, body treatments, plunge pool, sauna or maybe even pilates if you're in the mood!

Go there: Big Muster Dr, Dinner Plain 

More info: hothamholidays.com.au

Deep Water Spa & Hot Springs

Or why not relax in an open geothermal mineral spa or one of the four private geothermal mineral baths? 

Deep beneath the bathhouse is an ancient water source known as the Dilwyn Aquifier, where salts and minerals infuse themselves along the water's journey from sand dunes to the underground spring. 

The cycle of rain water being drawn to this vast aquifiuer provides a continually replenishing source and has particularly high levels of iron and bicarbonate which contribute to its unique colour and taste.

The spa alson offers a full range massage and beauty treatments too - why not make a whole day of it?

Go there: 16 Pertobe Road Warrnambool

More info: www.qsdb.com.au

Japanese Mountain Retreat

Japanese Mountain Retreat Mineral Springs & Spa in the Dandenong Ranges just 45 minutes from Melbourne is a unique Japanese style Ryokana and Spa. 

Experience the true Japanese Ryokan and Onsen culture with both the springs and the hotel, or why not take in a traditional ceremony at the Japanese Tea House? A little something different for the day!

Go there: 14 Mountain Cres, Montrose

More info: japanesemountainretreat.com.au

Hepburn Springs

Historic Hepburn Springs is in the middle of Australia's largest concentration of mineral springs, which are full of health-giving minerals. Taste the different mineral formulations at old-fashioned pumps and pipes in Hepburn Springs Mineral Springs Reserve that you can wander around and explore and even fill your water bottles with.

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to soaking in a spring, or for hydrotherapy, massage and beauty treatments -  at the beautifully restored Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, The Mineral Spa or the Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa

More info: visitvictoria.com