Around the world, you’ll find relaxing bathing trails, such as the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, Switzerland’s Grand Tour Deluxe, or, if we’re looking closer to home, New Zealand’s Thermal Explorer Highway. And, as Victoria is blessed with an abundance of tranquil spas and geothermal waters, it’s no surprise that we’d have our own wellness route. The Great Victorian Bathing Trail is a project that will connect you with hot springs, mineral springs and sea baths across the southern coastline of Victoria. When it is complete, the 900km trail will invite you to bathe, as well as discover other nature-based wellbeing experiences, like nature walks. Most of these venues are already open for you to experience.
Great Victorian Bathing Trail
This serene trail is already making waves, earning Victoria a spot on National Geographic’s Cool List for 2024. We were the only Australian state to make it onto the list, with our expansive hot springs offering a lesser-known, cooler alternative to the country’s many beaches.
Here are all the places you can visit right now on the Great Victorian Bathing Trail:
1. Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs
Starting in the west, on the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs. This blissful sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Warrnambool, with a variety of open-air rock pools, sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls. Unwind in the geothermal waters, then check out the spa for more wellness experiences. There is a café serving up bites, as well as accommodation on site. See more here.
📍Worm Bay Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280
2. Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
Moving on to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, which are famous for their mineral waters, you’ll find Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Established in 1895, this historic venue has been a haven for weary travellers for over a century. Go bathing in the social area for all ages, for find tranquillity in the Sanctuary for guests over 16. There’s also spa experiences and accommodation packages for the ultimate escape. Find out more.
📍 Mineral Springs Reserve Rd, Daylesford VIC 3460
3. Geelong Eastern Beach Sea Baths
Take a stroll along the stunning waterfront in Geelong, then cool off within the Eastern Beach Sea Baths. This historic space has been a wonderful summer destination for families since the 1930s, and features a shark-proof sea bath, surrounded by an art-deco-style boardwalk. Within the water, you’ll find several floating islands and slides, as well as a large diving tower. There’s also a pool for the kids, complete with a sandy beach. Learn more here.
📍 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3219
4. Peninsula Hot Springs
Moving on from the west of Victoria to the east is perhaps one of the most popular day trip escapes for any stressed Melburnian. Located just 90 minutes away from the city, Peninsula Hot Springs boasts over 70 bathing and wellness experiences. Rejuvenate your senses with the geothermal waters, which flow from 637 metres below the ground into their many pools and private baths. There’s heaps of experiences for you to try, include moonlight bathing for relaxation under the stars. On top of the pools, you’ll find spa treatments, wellness activities and even glamping for overnight stays. See more here.
📍140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939
5. Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
Also along the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll discover the newer offering, Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. This tranquil space has over 30 pools for you to try, including geothermal pools, cold plunge pools and herbal-infused botanical pools. After taking a dip, indulge in one of their luxurious spa experiences. Then, grab a healthy bite to eat from their restaurant, Thyme. More info here.
📍282 Browns Rd, Fingal VIC 3939
6. Metung Hot Springs
Journey into East Gippsland, and soak in the waters at Metung Hot Springs. Run by the same team behind Peninsula Hot Springs, this picturesque haven has brought new life to the former Metung Hot Pools. Look out over the magnificent Gippsland Lakes from your own bathing barrel, or soak in the pools surrounded by native trees. Spa treatments and glamping is also available. This wellness destination is still quite new, and will continue to evolve and add new facilities in the future. See more here.
📍73 Storth Ryes Ave, Metung VIC 3904
Keen for more? There’s still some exciting venues that have yet to open along the Great Victorian Bathing Trail. Keep a lookout for the highly anticipated Phillip Island Hot Springs, which is currently under construction. Meanwhile, 12 Apostles Hot Springs & Resort will stretch out over 79 hectares of land, and feature plenty of bathing, as well as eco pods for you to stay overnight. The 12 Apostles venue will open in 2026.
For more details about the bathing trail, click here.