With a vast and dry Northern Territory and an Iconic Outback, it may be difficult to believe that Australia has an extensive and complex world of hidden springs and underground water reserves nestled within the earth. These natural marvels have long been used by Indigenous tribes, who quickly learnt of their healing and therapeutic properties.

For anyone hoping to visit these stunning locations, the sheer size of Australia can make it feel like a daunting task, knowing where to begin. Thankfully, the Great Victorian Bathing Trail has been guiding local and international visitors for years. Simply pack your favourite women’s bikini top sets or swimming trunks and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.

The Great Victorian Bathing Trail

Created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, a complex system of hot springs weaves beneath the surface of the Australian continent, with waters enriched with minerals like boron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. For more than 40,000 years, Indigenous Australian tribes have bathed in and preserved these therapeutic waters, many of which remained untapped by European settlers until the 20th century.

Today, the Great Victorian Bathing Trail is an iconic 900km tourism route that connects the hot springs, sea baths, and mineral springs located along the southern coastline of Australia, stretching from Portland to New South Wales in the state of Victoria. This exceptional journey invites experience seekers to reconnect with the healing properties of Mother Nature by providing a combination of wellness activities, including baths, walking trails, yoga, First Nation experiences, delicious local food, and comfortable accommodations.

Plan Your Trip

With six exceptional stops along the way, you won’t be short of steamy pools, bubbling springs and unforgettable memories.

Peninsula Hot Springs

At the Peninsula Hot Springs, a 42-acre property situated beside the Tootgarook wetlands, bathing is the primary activity. These lands were once favoured hunting spots for the Indigenous Bunurong people but have since been transformed into a natural bathing wonderland.

Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor jacuzzis and mineral-rich subterranean pools and boost their circulation with the ‘Fire and Ice’ experience —a lengthy sauna session immediately followed by a cool dip and an ice plunge. Additionally, there is a bathing gully, hilltop tubs and an inviting, warm pool located next to a natural watering hole reserved for wildlife use only.

Hepburn Bathhouse

The Hepburn Bathhouse is one of the oldest mineral baths in Australia. These natural springs are formed by extensive formations of porous rock aquifers buried deep enough underground that the heat from the Earth’s core warms the water held within the rock.

Initially built by Swiss-Italian pioneers during the Victorian gold rush of the 19th century, the original bathhouse contained just two bathing areas. However, upgrades over the years now mean that guests can explore the Sanctuary, a high-end spa experience featuring magnesium and salt soaks, hammams and enticing cool plunges. However, the most prominent attraction for nearly all visitors is the open-air pool, situated alongside Spring Creek, where mineral-rich waters soothe tired bodies amid a chorus of native birdlife.

Metung Hot Springs

One visit to Metung will quickly reveal why it is an included stop along the Great Victorian Bathing Trail. With breathtaking views, access to geothermal waters and natural warmth, it may prove difficult to leave.

Visitors can indulge in a selection of features, including geothermal hot springs, massaging thermal showers, bathing barrels with picture-perfect cliff-top views and reflexology walks; there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is important to note that the relaxing and tranquil communal bathing experience is reserved for guests 16 years and older.

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

Plenty of time, effort and money has gone into turning Alba Thermals Springs into what it is today. This 37-acre plot was once dominated by blackberry bushes, rabbits, and land in terrible condition. However, thanks to a meticulous and dedicated team, Indigenous flora such as sheoaks, banksias, and pine-cushion hakeas have once again emerged, attracting native wildlife to the areas surrounding 22 geothermal, herb-infused pools.

Guests can retreat to the rooftop of the main building to indulge in private, open-air pools and enclosed baths abundant with nutrient-rich salts, renowned for their healing and restorative properties.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs

The Deep Blue Hot Springs is an open-air location nestled alongside the foreshore in the seaside town of Warrnambool, Great Ocean Road. It features 15 luxury bathing experiences, including sensory caves, cleansing waterfalls, geothermal rock pools, cold plunge pools, and an aromatherapy pool.

Morning and afternoon sessions are open to all, while the twilight bathing experience is reserved exclusively for adults. Enjoy a 45-minute salt therapy session in the modern Salt Room, or unwind in the soothing, peaceful and private waters of indoor hot springs and private bathing options.

Geelong Eastern Sea Baths

Located in the heart of Geelong is an architectural masterpiece, the Eastern Sea Baths. First opening in the 1930s, it is a popular destination for families hoping to experience the healing powers of nature. A large, double-platform wooden structure equipped with a shark gate creates a half-circle around roughly 8 ½ acres of seawater.

The enclosure features a diving board, slides and floating islands, large enough to accommodate thousands of swimmers, with a bonus sandy beach backing onto the children’s pool. Entry is free, and the entire property is patrolled by lifeguards during the busy summer months.