
Victoria, Australia, is welcoming three brand new hot springs within the next few months – adding to the current nine facilities dotted across the state, which include hot springs, mineral springs, sea baths and river baths.
The three upcoming hot springs - Alba Thermal Springs & Spa; Metung Hot Springs; and Phillip Island and Saltwater Hot Springs – will be part of the Great Victorian Bathing Trail, a project aimed to build an iconic 560-mile tourism route across the southern coastline of Victoria, which connects hot springs, mineral springs, sea baths and river baths. With this massive expansion and investment in the wellness area, visitors looking for some indulgence and relaxation when in Australia should look no further than Victoria.
NEW HOT SPRINGS
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa (Mornington Peninsula) – Opened October 2022
Taking its cue from the Mornington Peninsula's iconic thermal springs, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa features 18 geo-thermal springs in its expansive 15-hectare space – including an indoor, open-air and outdoor luxury bathing experiences, plus a wide variety of spa treatments and wellness rituals. Alba Thermal Springs & Spa uses 100% geothermal water, containing naturally occurring minerals including sulphur, calcium, magnesium and potassium and it has been classified as a 'sodium chloride bicarbonate spring'. Sustainability is also embedded into Alba's DNA. As well as its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through the elimination of single use items, regenerating remnant native bushland and enhancing the existing coastal woodland is a key element of Alba's long-term vision. After an indulgent day, visitors can try the locally sourced, seasonal produce from Alba's restaurant, Thyme, led by renewed Melbourne chef, restaurateur and television presenter, Karen Martini.
Metung Hot Springs (Gippsland) – Opening 29 October 2022
Offering breath-taking views over the Gippsland Lakes – Australia's largest inland waterways - Metung Hot Springs will soon open its doors to the public, with seven geothermal pools with water drawn from over 500 metres beneath the earth's surface. Metung's geothermal water is infused with natural minerals and trace elements (potassium, boron, magnesium, chloride, sodium and calcium) with the aim of 'detoxifying the body and rejuvenating the soul.' Together with the geothermal pools, Metung will feature two cold plunge pools, geothermal showers, bathing barrels, a reflexology walk and relaxation lounges – plus ten luxurious safari-style glamping tents for guests who wish to extend their stay. Nestled in the natural surrounds of the Hot Springs, each tent features an en-suite bathroom, king-size four-poster bed and a private bathing barrel.
Phillip Island and Saltwater Hot Springs (Phillip Island) – Opening March 2023
Phillip Island, known for its world-famous Penguin Parade, will be welcoming its first hot springs in March 2023. Inspired by nature and the healing powers of the ocean, Phillip Island and Saltwater Hot Springs will involve over 45 bathing pools of varying sizes and types - from relaxation pools to cave pools. The 30-acre property will also feature small ankle-deep podiatry wading areas, day spas with salt treatments, family friendly areas, a reflexology walk and a swim-up wellness bar serving vitamin cocktails.
www.phillipislandhotsprings.com
EXISTING HOT SPRINGS
Peninsula Hot Springs (Mornington Peninsula) – a new glamping experience
Peninsula Hot Springs is the first natural hot springs and day spa centre in Victoria, located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, offering spa treatments, dining, wellness activities and relaxation spaces for visitors. Earlier this year, Peninsula Hot Springs launched 10 premium glamping tents for guests to extend their visit. Designed especially for two, the new glamping accommodation is nestled in the scenic surrounds of the hot springs and inspired by the natural environment, featuring private decks, en-suite bathrooms, king beds and thermally heated concrete floors. With the launch of onsite accommodation, Peninsula Hot Springs also launched the romantic 'moonlit bathing', where guests can bathe overnight under the stars between 11pm and 5am – included in the new overnight stay at the new tents.
For information on Melbourne and Victoria, please visit: www.visitmelbourne.com/uk