Hot springs you can soak in near Melbourne

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 geothermal pools within its perfectly manicured 15-hectare grounds. This relaxation destination has been meticulously curated to evoke calm and tranquility 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. 

Best for: a bougie day out with the gals. With fluffy robes aplenty, an Insta-worthy circular staircase and pool-side sun lounges, Alba is giving 'when the girls' trip makes it out of the group chat' vibes.

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 try swapping 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 offers moonlight bathing from 10pm-2am every Friday and Saturday night.

Best for: taking the family. There's nothing stuffy about the Peninsula Hot Springs, and with so many different bathing experiences to explore, you don't need to worry about anyone shushing your littlies.

Metung Hot Springs is the perfect spot to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. Located in Metung overlooking the Gippsland Lakes, the secluded, tranquil site was chosen for its natural warmth, breathtaking vistas and, of course, close proximity to geothermal waters. It is divided into two separate areas: the bathing valley and 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. 

Best for: the spectacular views. Nab one of the barrel baths and then sit back and soak up the sights.

In case you missed it, the Continental Sorrento (aka ‘the Conti’) recently underwent a multi-million dollar redevelopment, and now, the final element of this luxurious refurb is complete: a state-of-the-art spa, thermal bathhouse and wellness hub. The Aurora Spa and Bathhouse is i​​nspired by the healing powers of water and ancient European water therapies. Inside this soothing and serene oasis – which covers 1,000 square metres and fits 60 guests at a time – you’ll find four interconnecting hydrotherapy pools, an aromatherapy steam room, a halotherapy suite (which offers salt treatments), sensory showers and a glacial mist chamber. And then there’s the pièce de résistance: a timber-lined Nordic sauna – one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. 

Best for: an all-weather bathing experience. Its subterranean surrounds mean you won't ever have to worry about what conditions are like outside. 

Fun fact: 80 per cent of the country’s mineral springs are in the Daylesford region, which makes it perfect for spa treatments. You’re here to relax, so begin your getaway by visiting arguably the most famous spa in the region, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. Here you can enjoy a massage or simply slip into the warm mineral waters of the communal bathhouse and feel your body begin to unwind. For something even closer to nature, have a soak in the outdoor creekside spa. Aching muscles? The mineral salts of the circular mineral bath under a giant skylight is the ticket to relaxation. 

Best for: a traditional wellness experience. This is Victoria's OG hot springs and for good reason – it's got everything you could need for a good soak sesh.

Southwest Victoria is also home to some geothermal mineral springs thanks to an ancient water source called the Dilwyn Aquifer. The water passes through 850 metres of prehistoric rock and earth layers to reach the surface at Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs in Warrnambool. This open-air sanctuary sends you on a curated yet self-guided journey through rock pools, caves and cleansing waterfall. There’s even a special foot spa with heated seating and bubbling jets.

Best for: a twilight session. This adults-only experience allows you to unwind as the sun sets, with the pools illuminated using coloured therapy lights.

If you want complete privacy while you soak, this Montrose property might be for you. Swimwear is optional in each of the three bathing pools: traditional Japanese cedar hot tub in a Japanese garden, Japanese rock pool in a Japanese garden, and tropical garden pool. It's billed as a romantic couple's retreat, and each of the pools has its own private change room and shower, as well as complete privacy for bathing. There is also accommodation and spa treatments on-site, so if you want extra brownie points with your partner, book a package deal. Find out more at the website.

Best for: making your significant other swoon. With total privacy this is the place to dial up the romance.