The 15 best hot springs in Australia

Where: Elsey National Park, Mataranka, Katherine, NT

Arguably the most incredible natural hot spring in Australia,  Bitter Springs in the Northern Territory is something else. This spectacular place looks like some kind of AI simulation, but without any of the weird glitchy bits. When you float down the gentle current that feeds this long, spring-fed river in Katherine's Elsey National Park, you are getting turquoise crystal water, baby turtles and water lilies. The water here sits at a wild 34 degrees year-round and is crystal clear. Bring a snorkel and your togs and swim through what we think might be the greatest spa-adjacent experience of your life. 

Opening hours: Daily 24 hrs (but check if closed due to seasonal conditions)

Price: Free, but must have an NT parks pass ($10 for adults, $5 for kids)

Where: Elsey National Park, Mataranka, Katherine, NT

If ease of access is a priority for you, Mataranka is your girl. This natural hot spring is fed by the same heavenly waters of neighbouring Bitter Springs, but is contained within a semi-human-made structure. Surrounded by lush paperbark trees, the sparkling, bright blue pool stays at a spa-like 34 degrees all year round. The family-friendly waters are calm and clear, meaning you can float around on your back all day in the middle of a peaceful bush oasis. With a steel handrail and stairs, as well as an easy 20-minute wheelchair and pram-accessible path to get in, this incredible pool can be enjoyed by everyone. 

Opening hours: Daily, 24 hrs (but check if closed due to seasonal conditions)

Price: Free, but must have an NT parks pass ($10 for adults, $5 for kids)

Where: Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Heaven really is a place on Earth – and you’ll find it at this world-class wellness oasis on the Mornington Peninsula. Alba Thermal Springs is a sustainable, $90 million sanctuary that boasts a collection of geothermal pools within its perfectly manicured 15-hectare grounds. This relaxation destination has been meticulously curated to evoke calm and tranquillity from the moment you enter through its curved, concrete entranceway, complete with a moat-like water feature. There are 31 pools dotted among the undulating landscape – some intimate and private, others large and more social – and they range from geothermal pools and cold plunge pools to herbal-infused botanical pools and invigorating rain pools. 

Opening hours: Daily 7am-10pm

Price: From $95

Where: Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Peninsula Hot Springs is Victoria’s first geothermal mineral springs and day spa. It’s here you’ll find more than 70 bathing experiences, including shared thermal mineral pools, wet and dry saunas, a hydrotherapy pool, Turkish and Moroccan hammams, and the frequently Instagrammed hilltop pool, which boasts 360-degree views over the farmlands of Fingal. If you’re brave, you can also swap between the 60-degree hot sauna and the ice cave, which sits at a cool -17 degrees. Feeling like a midnight soak? The hot springs also offer moonlight bathing from 10pm to 2am every Friday and Saturday night.

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 7am-11pm, Fri 7am-2am, Sat 5am-2am, Sun 5am-11pm

Price: From $80

Where: Cunnamulla, QLD

Cunnamulla is a natural hot spring with an artisan twist. This is a private, spa-like complex that is powered by geothermal waters from deep below the Warrego River in Cunnamulla, south-west Queensland. These springs are natural, steaming and pulsing with minerals that assist with muscle aches, skin health and reducing anxiety. Plus, at Cunnamulla, the vibes are bougie. Seven open-air geothermal pools on site vary in temperature, with one cold plunge pool also thrown into the mix. You'll also get to move through a sauna and steam room, with this riverside spa experience pretty much guaranteed to make you feel like your best self.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-7pm

Price: $45 for adults

Where: El Questro, Durack, WA

Zebedee is a fun word to say, but you can best believe that these multi-tiered natural hot springs are even more fun to swim in. Only open during the dry season, Zebedee Springs is a series of limpid pools and waterfalls in Western Australia's El Questro Wilderness Park in the Kimberley. These steamy springs are fringed by prehistoric green livingston palm trees, flow with steamy waterfalls, and are a solid 28 to 32 degrees all year round. If you stay at the nearby Homestead, you get the springs to yourself in the afternoons, but otherwise, it's recommended you rock up as early as possible to avoid big crowds. PSA: You'll need a day pass to get in, which you can nab at reception. Entry starts at $11.

Opening hours: Daily 7am-12pm, from May to September

Price: Visitors require an El Questro Wilderness Park Permit, with day passes (from $15 per adult)

Where: Katherine, NT

Katherine is Australia's hot spring queen. Snuggled on the banks of the Katherine River, this one features a series of lush, crystal-clear pools that sit at a cosy 25 to 30 degrees no matter the season. The waters are warmed by hot rocks beneath the Earth's surface and have been used as a place of healing for centuries. The springs are comprised of six pools, a lazy river that you can float on and a tiny waterfall. There's a temperate pool long enough for laps, raised platforms for walking through the bush, and oodles of room for a day of laidback, floaty relaxation in bath-like water. Dreamy. 

Opening hours: Daily 7am-7pm

Price: Free

Where: Metung, East Gippsland, VIC 

Metung Hot Springs is the perfect spot to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. Overlooking the Gippsland Lakes, the secluded, tranquil site was chosen for its natural warmth, breathtaking vistas and, of course, close proximity to geothermal waters. The Springs is divided into two separate areas: the bathing valley and the hilltop escarpment. The former boasts seven pools of varying depths, massaging geothermal showers, relaxation lounges and a reflexology walk, while the latter (which is reserved for guests aged 16 years and older) offers a cold plunge tub, stargazing pool and individual bathing barrels.

Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm

Price: From $65 for adults

Where: Witjira National Park, Simpson Desert, SA

This one's pretty special. In a remote corner of the Simpson Desert in South Australia is Dalhousie, an ancient and sacred hot spring that is of great historical and spiritual significance to the Wangkangurru people of the Witjira National Park. It's also on the National Heritage List, making it one of the most remarkable places in Australia. This sacred pool sits at a wild 36 degrees year-round and is found after a long drive through the red sands of the Simpson Desert. These springs are recharged by water that is literally thousands of years old, with it estimated that water in the centre of the basin is a wild one million years of age. 

Opening hours: Daily 24 hrs

Price: Visitors must pay a national park fee ($10.90 per vehicle)

Where: Hastings, Huon Valley, TAS

In the deep south of Tasmania's ancient Huon Valley lies a very special secret – Hastings Thermal Springs. A 90-minute drive from Hobart's CBD, Hastings is a natural hot spring that pumps at a toasty 28-degree temp year-round. While this thermal spring has been turned into a very human-looking pool, it is still fed from an underground natural spring full of rich, healthy minerals that are meant to do wonders for your skin.  There are amenities on site, and you can do some gorgeous little day walks through the forest too. In the cold forests of Tassie, we reckon this soak will pack a particular punch. 

Opening hours: Daily 10am-4pm

Price: $8 for adults